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Resurrection of the Dead

Sunday, 21 November 2010 5:11 PM

The Six Foundation Doctrines - Hebrews 6:1-2

Bible Study Series Part 5: Resurrection of the Dead 

Notes prepared by Pastor Bob Beverley

To listen to Pastor Bob presenting this Bible study click here.

Introduction

Philippians 3:11 'if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead'.

The apostle Paul here speaks of his confidence in life after death and an eternal future. Eternity is a concept that our natural minds find difficult, nevertheless resurrection and eternal life are fundamental to Christian belief.

Isaiah 57 speaks of the God 'who inhabits eternity'. In Exodus 3 God calls himself 'I AM', and Revelation 10 tells us that 'in eternity there should be time no longer'. For us there comes a moment when we step out of time into eternity.

Let us consider two things that are on the other side of time - resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.

1Corinthians 15 says that 'in Adam (natural man) all die, but in Christ (spiritual man) shall all be made alive' and we know this is only possible through the death and resurrection of Christ. Romans 14 tells us that 'Christ is the Lord of the dead and the living'.

1Corinthians 15 makes mention of those who will be alive when Christ returns (we shall not all sleep!). There are two others (Enoch and Elijah) that did not die but were taken - the Bible does not offer any further explanation.

Judgment is the sixth and final foundation doctrine, but briefly Romans 14, which was written to Christians, says 'everyone will give an account of themselves to God'. Hebrews 9 talks about 'dying once, then judgment', and 2Corinthians 5 says 'all will stand at the judgment seat of Christ'.

Resurrection of the Body

The next concept is the resurrection of the body. Hebrews 4 speaks of 'dividing soul and spirit', indicating the threefold nature of man - spirit, soul and body - and in Genesis 1 God says 'let us make man in our image, after our likeness' (God also has a threefold nature - father, son and spirit). When we die the spirit and soul are freed from the earthen vessel that was made from the dust of earth and that returns to it, until resurrection when God will make it again from the same elements.

So where do the spirit and the soul dwell after the death of the natural body? Ecclesiastes 3 talks of the 'spirit of man ascending, and the spirit of the beast going downwards', and Ecclesiastes 12 says 'the spirit shall return to God who gave it'.

Two questions are firstly, when will this happen, and secondly, what is the difference between those who are righteous and those who are unrighteous?

The Bible tells us that the righteous will sleep awaiting resurrection at the return of Christ (the first resurrection), and the unrighteous will sleep until the second resurrection 1000 years later. There are still the intriguing questions after resurrection - will we recognise one another, will there be communication, will there be personalities? Isaiah 14:9,10, Job 19:25-27, Isaiah 26:19 & Luke 24 seem to answer yes to these questions.

In Luke 16 the story of the rich man who died and went to hell, and the beggar Lazarus who died and went to Abraham's bosom, seems to describe events prior to the resurrection (this story is also a kingdom parable about Israel and Judah). Is Abraham's bosom a state of rest, faith and obedience marked out by Abrahams' life and testimony? Is hell a place of sleep or of torment or fearful anticipation? I believe it is a place of rest and sleep for the righteous but fearful anticipation for the unrighteous. Whether the rich man is asleep or in fearful anticipation, 'tormented in this flame' is a fearful warning of future ultimate judgment for some.

After death the body goes to the grave or tomb and the spirit and soul go to the place normally translated 'hell' (Hebrew 'Sheol', Greek 'Hades'). We should not necessarily think of 'hell' in the traditional terms of fiery torment. Psalm 16, a prophecy of Christ's death and resurrection, is quoted in Acts 2:25-28 as having come to pass and there are two distinct parts:
1. Christ's body was laid in the tomb but did not suffer corruption, and
2. His soul and spirit descended to hell (Sheol) but only for three days before resurrection.
Note that there is another place called the lake of fire where the devil, the beast and the false prophet will eventually be. (Revelation 20:10)

In Luke 23 Jesus said to the thief on the cross 'this day you will be with me in paradise', meaning the garden of Gethsemane where the bodies of Jesus and the thief were laid. But their spirits and souls were in hell - the thief's until the second resurrection. 1Peter 3 speaks of Jesus being put to death in the flesh but being made alive in the Spirit, and that he then preached to the spirits in prison or hell (the place of rest).

The Bible has some comment on the nature of the resurrected body. In Luke 24 Jesus, appearing to his disciples after his resurrection, said 'behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. A spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have'. So Jesus had a body, but one no longer subject to the normal limitations of a mortal body. In Luke 21 Jesus says that enemies would put some of his followers to death, but 'not a hair of your heads shall perish' - so the resurrected righteous will have a body, but not as we know it now.

Resurrection was foretold in the Old Testament. As well as the references in Job 19, Isaiah 26:19 and Psalm 16; Daniel 1:2,3 says that 'many who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to everlasting shame and contempt'. Verse 3 makes a possible future distinction between those who are wise, probably with regard to their own salvation, ('and shall shine like the brightness of the firmament') and those who turn many to righteousness, ('like the stars forever and ever').

Hosea 6 contains a prophecy of Christ and of a general resurrection, the resurrection of Christ closely followed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the former rain and latter rain.

The Firstfruits

1 Corinthians 15:22-24 says 'in Christ shall all be made alive, Jesus being the firstfruit, and afterwards those that are his at his coming'. See John 5:25, Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 5:14, John 5:28,29 ('the time is coming when all who are in the grave will hear his voice'). Note that as in Daniel 12, the resurrection of the righteous precedes the general resurrection (which includes the wicked).

Leviticus 23 contains the Lord's instructions to Moses about the Feast of Firstfruits and describes how the first complete fruit to rise up out of the seed that had been buried in the earth was to be waved as a sheaf before the Lord 'on the morrow after the Sabbath'. The Sabbath was the seventh or last day of the week and therefore the morrow was the first day (which is when Christ rose from the dead).

In Matthew 27 straight after Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying that a way into God's presence was open to all, and Old Testament 'saints' were raised from their graves and appeared to many. This was a fulfilment of the Old Testament pattern of waving the firstfruits before the people and a demonstration that God will raise everyone for judgment. What happened to these Old Testament 'saints' then? They returned to their graves and await the second resurrection, like all those who have not been filled with the Holy Spirit.

Those that are Christ's at his Coming

Ephesians 1 describes the redemption of the purchased possession - purchased, or redeemed, by the shed blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, at his sacrifice.

There are five main purposes for the return of Christ:
1. For the Church to be resurrected and to be with him
2. The start of salvation of national Israel (Romans 11 says 'all Israel shall be saved' ) - a process begins.
3. Overthrow of the antichrist system (2 Thessalonians 2)
4. The judgment of the gentile nations.
5. To establish God's millennial kingdom on earth (Isaiah 24 and Revelation 20)

There is an important sequence:
1. 'You don't know what hour your Lord will come' (Matthew 24)
2. 'We shall all be changed, the trumpet will sound and we shall be raised incorruptible' (1Corinthians 15)
3. 'The dead in Christ will rise first, then those who are alive shall be caught up with them to meet Jesus in the air' (1Thessalonians 4)
4. They will all immediately return with Christ to rule and reign with him (Revelation 20:4)

Then comes the End

Then comes the end, after the millennium - Jesus offers up his kingdom to God and voluntarily places himself in subjection to his father's rule and authority. (1 Corinthians 15:23-26). Revelation 20 says that 'blessed and holy are those who are part of the first resurrection, who reign with Christ a thousand years'. It goes on to say that Satan will be released from his prison for a time to deceive the nations, and will then be cast into the lake of fire. Then the dead (those who were not part of the first resurrection) will stand before God and be judged according to their works by the things written in the Book of Life (the second resurrection).

Isaiah 65 describes a new heaven and a new earth where the sound of weeping will no longer be heard - 'they shall no longer hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain'.

But there is a decision for all men and women to make NOW, and then for action to follow that decision. 'The Spirit and the bride say come! And let him who hears say come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take of the water of life freely' (Revelation 22).

And finally Philippians 3 again: 'that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death. If by any means, I may attain to the resurrection of the (righteous) dead.'

A PRAYER FOR EVERYONE.

 

Filed Under: Ministry Articles

Laying on of Hands

Tuesday, 7 September 2010 8:22 AM

The Six Foundation Doctrines - Hebrews 6:1-2

Bible Study Series Part 4: Laying on of Hands

 

Notes prepared by Pastor Bob Beverley

To listen to Pastor Bob presenting this Bible study click here.

Introduction

In our church, when someone places their hand on another person, it is with a definite spiritual purpose and normally takes place with prayer or a prophetic statement. It is usually to do one of three things:

• Publicly commit the person to God for a particular need, special task or ministry; 
• Convey spiritual blessing or authority, or 
• Acknowledge publicly a blessing on that person's authority already received from God.

In religion it is a natural extension of normal human behaviour to show comfort or affection.

In the Old Testament Genesis 48:14 records Israel (Jacob) laying hands on Ephraim and Mannasseh - the accepted practice to pass on a blessing or inheritance. In Numbers 27:18-20 and 22-23, Moses appointed Joshua to lead Israel, and Deuteronomy 34:9 describes the result. There were two main purposes - the first to transmit to Joshua a measure of the spiritual wisdom and honour that Moses had received from God, and the second to publicly acknowledge Joshua's appointment by God before all the people.

When King Joash visited Elisha on his death bed, Elisha laid his hands on Joash's hands, acknowledging by that action God's appointment of him as the leader who would bring deliverance to Israel (2 Kings 13:14-17). Note that Joshua and Joash were both appointed primarily as military commanders, giving us the example of physical warfare in the Old Testament - a pattern of spiritual warfare in the New Testament.

In the New Testament there are five distinct purposes for laying on of hands:

• To minister healing to the sick 
• To help in seeking the Holy Spirit 
• To impart spiritual gifts 
• To send out workers (such as apostles, evangelists) 
• To ordain deacons

To minister physical healing

In Mark 16:17,18 - physical healing is to be ministered to those who are sick. While there is no specific mention of prayer, it would be a natural action to accompany the laying on of hands. In James 5:14,15 the sick are directed to call for the elders of the church who would anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord and pray. There is no specific mention here of laying on of hands, but again this would be a natural action.

Is there any difference between these two ordinances, and if so, what are the scriptural principles? There are two lessons in James, a letter addressed to professing Christians. One is that God expects every sick Christian to seek him first before seeking human medical aid. If we do the reverse we disobey Bible directions and effectively say to God 'I don't need you and I don't really believe you can help'. Secondly, Christians are to be associated with a church and the leaders must be ready in faith to pray for the physical needs of its members.

The anointing oil is simply a type or pattern of the Holy Spirit. Its use is not mandatory, with no mention in Mark 16:18 for example, but by its use we exercise faith and obedience in the particular directive to 'call for the elders of the church'. We believe the Spirit of God will minister life and healing to the sick body. Romans 8:11 says 'he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you'. It is not anointing as preparation for death that the Roman Catholic Church practices.

Back to Mark 16:15-20 - it is intended to go together with preaching the gospel. Therefore the primary purpose of the five supernatural signs listed there is to confirm the truth of the gospel message to people who have not heard it before.

THE EXACT WAY THAT HEALING IS MANIFEST IS NOT DETAILED - there may be some feeling of power or no feeling of power; sometimes healing may be immediate, sometimes as a gradual process - and in this case continue holding on in faith until it is complete; thank God for what has already happened and express belief in the completed healing happening in due course.

To receive the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts

The Bible records five cases where believers received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4, Acts 8:14-20, Acts 9:17, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:1-6) and three of these mention laying on of hands. So it is normal and scriptural for believers to receive the Holy Spirit in this way. Note that Mark 16 says: 'and these signs shall follow them that believe . they shall lay hands on the sick .' 'They' means all believers.

In 1Timothy 5:22 the instruction is 'lay hands suddenly on no man' so it is obviously not to be done lightly or carelessly. There are three distinct warnings as well - it is 'not to be done suddenly', 'not partaking of other men's sins' and the third - 'keep yourself pure'. Because there is direct spiritual contact between the two believers and therefore the possibility of spiritual harm, there are four main safeguards for the one laying on hands:

• Not lightly or carelessly but in the spirit of prayer and humility. 
• Always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit - who, when, how? 
• Claiming the power and protection of the blood of Christ on himself. 
• Claiming authority over anything of the enemy in the person being prayed for.

To impart spiritual gifts

Spiritual gifts in the church today are as important as they were in the early church and the Bible gives direction and spiritual authority. In Romans 1:11-12 Paul longs to 'see them and impart some spiritual gift to establish them and to be comforted by their mutual faith'. 1Corinthians 1:4-8 says that God 'enriched them by utterance and knowledge, and that they were confirmed and strengthened in this way' ('behind in no gift' and 'blameless in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ').

So Paul teaches about how they are imparted - 1Timothy 4:14 'laying on of hands of the presbytery'; 2Timothy 1:6 'putting on of my hands'. See also 1Timothy 1:18 where Paul refers to the 'prophecies which went before'.
(Note: 'Presbytery' is simply a collective noun denoting the elders of a local church, probably those at Ephesus.) So in one case Paul himself laid hands, and in another case Paul and the elders laid hands. In both cases it was the means by which the revealed will of God for Timothy was actually made effective.

'Prophecies' are words inspired by the Holy Spirit - we can say these things to an individual first and then pray afterwards. The verse goes on to say that by them Timothy might wage a good warfare. Christian life (especially for the pastor and other leaders or elders) is a continual contest. For example Ephesians 6:12 says 'we wrestle against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places'.

The main weapons used against the saints are 'doubt and fear'. Therefore in 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul says that God has not 'given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind'. So stir up the Holy Spirit within AND recall the prophecies (inspired words, not necessarily about the future) that have gone before.

To commission ministers

In Acts 13:1-4 workers for the Lord were sent out from the local church, Antioch in Syria. There were prophets and teachers there - they all prayed and fasted as a group (see the examples in Joel 1:14, Joel 2:15 of coming together to seek God and the prophecy in Joel 2:28 of the birth of the church in Acts 2); and the 'Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabus & Saul'. This probably happened through one of them by means of the gift of prophecy or tongues with interpretation, or by inspired words in conversation or discussion.

Note: 'I have called them' - God had probably revealed his plans to Paul & Barnabus already. After this they prayed and fasted again and then sent them away. In Acts 14:4 and 14, they are called 'apostles', which means 'one sent forth', and in Acts 13:1 they are called 'prophets and teachers'.

So the laying on of hands here is open, public acknowledgement by the church leaders that God had chosen and called Paul and Barnabus to a special task and ministry. In addition, the leaders claimed for them the wisdom, grace and power they needed. Acts 14:26,27 gives us the outcome - they went back to Antioch and told them all that God had done through them amongst the gentiles.

To ordain deacons

Acts 6:1-6 records the appointment of seven men to administrative tasks (deacons), which was made effective by the laying on of hands of the church leaders. The basic structure of the local church was oversight and spiritual guidance by 'elders' with support from 'deacons'. The word episkopo, meaning overseer, is translated elder, bishop or overseer in scripture. (Acts 20:17 - elders; Acts 20:28 - overseers; Titus 1:5 - elders). We are instructed about qualifications in 1Timothy 3 and Titus 1:5-9.

The elders are to give spiritual direction and instruction to the church - 1Timothy 5:17 and deacons are to 'serve tables', Acts 6:2. There is no account in the early chapters of Acts of the way elders in Jerusalem were appointed, but later appointments by Paul and Barnabus tell us the apostles had this responsibility (for example Acts 14:23 and 16:4). There is no direct suggestion anywhere that elders were appointed with 'laying on of hands', but that would be a reasonable expectation based on other examples.

It is a privilege to lay hands on people in accordance with Gods word, confident of his blessing and ministry.

 

Filed Under: Ministry Articles

Prayer & Fast - Healing

Tuesday, 17 August 2010 9:27 PM

BLESSINGS FROM THE PRAYER & FAST - 14 August 2010

To listen to audio recordings the Prayer and Fast talks & testimonies, please visit the Southside ministry page by clicking here.

We had a wonderful time of prayer and fasting together last Saturday 14 August. Here are some of the highlights and blessings from the ministry and testimonies we shared:

• It's a great privilege, an honour and a joy when someone asks you to pray for them - a sign of hope believing together you can go hand in hand before the very throne of Grace and together bring a result. Remember who he is and who we are - we worship a merciful and gracious God who loves us, a father, a provider. It is a relationship and we can have confidence, nothing of ourselves, all of God. If we only grasp hold of the promises we have amazing faith within to encourage each other.

 

• The church, being a body, experiences pain, but it is the head that works it out for us and the more connected we are to the head the more able we are to show love. So all parts of the body can get messages from the head - if you have an urge to pray for someone that's from God. Heartfelt prayer for someone lead you to care, and do things for them, we can forget about ourselves and put others first.

 

• Psalm 107:20, 8, 15, 21, 31 'He sent his word and healed them' - the results of faith in God and belief in his word that tells us it will do something. Look at what God is continuing to do for us and continually thank him and praise him. But we have to work at our faith - read the scripture, meditate so the word of God is one with us. The carnal mind is the enemy of God. Change our thoughts to the truth of the scripture.

 

• Phil.4:4 - Its easy to rejoice when things are going well but hard in adversity 'adversity: a state of serious or continued difficulty'. Job lost everything but still praised God, and most of the OT leaders went through adversity - different examples, but all there for a reason. Moses escaped to Midian, a desert, and learned to care for the sheep there - a lesson for his future role. Count it all joy, you will learn patience and come out with a reward at the end. After you have suffered a while, make you perfect; rejoice, the benefits of the Lord are bigger than the problem and God goes through it with us. Be content, trust with all your heart.

Some blessings shared:

• Johanna: remembered one of the gifts about trusting God - one night John woke up having trouble breathing, pale, sweating, shaking - instead of calling the ambulance she prayed and soon his breathing was normal and he went to sleep.
• Ainsley: Brian had pain in his leg and back when he first came to the Lord and was booked in for surgery. The leg pain disappeared and he said to God, 'if you don't want me to have the operation you'll need to stop it'. Several hours later in the operating room at the very last minute, they decided not to do it. He has no pain in his leg, some in his back they are praying about.
• Roger: We prayed for a lady who was diagnosed with an inoperable tumour pressing on the pituary gland. Only chance gamma surgery in Sydney. After prayer another MRI scan in preparation for surgery showed it was gone.
  Another time while in Sydney for a conference, got talking to a woman handing out leaflets at the quay. She asked him to pray for her, so right there in peak hour crowd wearing a pin striped suit he found the courage to lay hands on her and pray.
  At the end of his recent 3 week trip to China, had continuous coughing and asked the Lord to heal him before he caught the plane, and he did.
• Peter: When he was 2 weeks in the Lord playing football at Carackalinga camp he got a knee in the shoulder. Everyone prayed and the pain went away so he kept playing. The pain came back and xray showed his shoulder was broken. But after the second xray preparatory to surgery, the doctor came out looking confused and said he could go home. Peter said Praise the Lord he healed me, and the doc said 'well someone did'.
  In Vanuatu playing cricket and twisted his knee - was prayed for and within a few weeks it was better, now he can get on his knees to pray.
• Joan: Had a very painful shoulder and often went to the prayer line. At the ladies weekend she confessed to the Lord that in her heart she knew she didn't really believe it would happen, and as she was praying she moved her shoulder and found it was healed.
• Patricia: The Lord moves us where he needs to like chess pieces - while in Cairns was able to encourage and help a sister who was going through a similar difficulty to what she had come through.
• Pauline: Relative of her neice had cancer in the liver and the Monday group kept praying for him - he is a young man with children. Next time she heard he had put on weight and the smaller tumours had disappeared. A week ago she rang her neice and asked after him and she said 'you wouldn't know he was sick - no longer terminal, the tumour has shrunk, and he has put on weight he lost - 30 kgs and is back working full time.
  
  If we only understood how much God loves us we would never fear again.

Filed Under: Southside Talks

Walking after the Spirit - What, Why and How?

Monday, 16 August 2010 8:10 PM

Ps. Bob Beverley
Talk Series presented Wednesday July, August and September 2010
Talk 1 - What is it to Walk after the Spirit?  download MP3 now
Talk 2 - Why do we Walk after the Spirit?   download MP3
Talk 3 - How do we Walk after the Spirit?  download MP3

You may browse MP3 recordings of ministry delivered recently at Southside Revival Fellowship here.

 

WHAT IS IT TO WALK AFTER THE SPIRIT?

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (who walk (not run) not after the flesh, but after (following) the Spirit)

The Spirit is the revealer of truth about - God, life, the universe, and everything. John14:18, 16:13.

It is:
John 4:34; ".to do the will of him that sent me and finish his work"
To seek God's will and not our own ...to do always those things that please him and thereby glorify Jesus.

It is not:
Walking after (in) the flesh.  Rom.8:4,8.

It is nothing of ourselves.
John5:19-30; " I can of myself do nothing .....I seek not my own will but the will of the Father"
Therefore it is actively seeking his will before we do anything.

Knowing that;
John 8:28,29; ".he that sent me is with me" God with Jesus - Jesus with us.

If we believe and do this; "of myself I can do nothing" the consequence will be that
we will be walking after the Spirit, following the Spirit (and the word) because they are inseparable.

WE ARE WHAT WE DO!

Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart (by Psychiatrist Gordon Livingston)
'30 true things you need to know now'.
He says:
"we people always talk about what we think, what we intend, what we should ..we are not what we think, or want, or say, or how we feel ...we are what we do"
The Bible says: Matt. 7:16. "you shall know them by their fruits"
And he also says:
"the three components of happiness are something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to"

That's a wise statement, so let's describe what it is to walk after the Spirit in these terms.

SOMETHING TO DO
Live the life, be the gospel, preach the gospel.
Matthew 10:6-8; "Preach.kingdom of heaven is at hand .heal the sick, cleanse the lepers .raise the dead .cast out devils .freely give".
Gal:6:2; "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ".

SOMEONE TO LOVE
Jesus, God, family, brethren, mankind.
Matthew 22:37,38; ".love the Lord thy God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.and love your neighbour as yourself"

SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Blessings, healings, peace, joy, salvation, eternal life ... having done then reap.
So:
Matthew 7:16; "you shall know them by their fruits"
John15:8; "that you bear much fruit"
John15:16; "chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit"
Galatians 5:22,23; ".the fruit of the spirit..".

And ultimately:

Revelation 21:4; "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things have passed away....I make all things new."

WHY WALK AFTER THE SPIRIT?

Romans 8
Because:
8;1; no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus
8:4; the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us
8:5; to mind the things of the Spirit
8:13; to live eternally
8:26,27; to have our needs, weaknesses, conveyed to God

The Holy Spirit reveals Gods' nature and his intentions - his will, and gives us the opportunity to follow and see his will fulfilled in us.
And
John 16:7-15
He (the Holy Spirit) will reprove / convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment, and will guide us into all truth and glorify Jesus. Expound / discuss.

Because as Jesus said he could do nothing of himself and that he sought not to do his own will but the will of his Father, we can do nothing of ourselves and therefore must seek the fathers will at all times which is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.

John 5:19 and 30;
".The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do". What has Jesus seen God do?
" I can of myself do nothing ..I seek not my own will, but the will of the father who has sent me".

If Jesus of himself can do nothing then what do you think you can do of yourself?

Give the children of Israel example - God leading them, the Spirit with them (though they didn't know it).
Hebrews 11:6; "Without faith it is impossible to please Him...".
God is leading us by the Holy Spirit who is now in and not just with, provided we consult / converse) with him.

To glorify God.

HOW WALK AFTER THE SPIRIT?

1 Corinthians 1 and 2 are about not understanding or learning naturally but learning by the Spirit.

IF THE NATURAL MIND COULD DO IT THEN NO NEED FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT

It is important to note that Paul does not mention the Holy Spirit till chapter 2:4 and then 10-16.
He said he wanted to "know nothing among them except Jesus and him crucified".

Why was this?
So that they would totally deal with any natural wisdom and understanding about their state as humans and their place in the church, so that they realize it is all through Jesus.

When we appreciate this then we listen to and walk after the Spirit - we will not be deceived by our own conceit / wisdom / carnal nature.

Examples:
Acts 8:26; The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip.

Acts 9:10; The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision.

Acts 10;1-6; An angel of God spoke to Cornelius.

Acts 10:0-16; Peter had a vision and teaching from God.

Acts 10:19- 20; The Spirit spoke to Peter.

Acts 11:28; The prophet Agabus spoke by the Spirit.

Contrast with the natural thinking problem, viz:
Acts 12:1-16; the church was praying diligently for Peter but not really believing!
And:
Galatians:1:10; It is not seeking to please men (including ourselves).

So what should we expect and how?

First: Hebrews 4:9-11. We cease from our own works and rest in the perfect work of God.
Galatians 5:16; We choose to walk in the Spirit so we do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Second: We give God opportunity seeking his will in prayer about everything that we do.
Galatians 5:22; We expect the fruit of the Spirit to grow strongly so that both we and others may eat.

Third: We listen and act when the Spirit gives us ideas, thoughts, directions.
Ephesians 6:17; We rejoice in using the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.

How identify the leading and directing of the Holy Spirit?

He always is consistent with the principles and teaching of God's word.
He performs things that only God can do.
The results always glorify God and Jesus (and no-one else).
He reveals his secrets to his prophets (servants) before they occur. Amos 3:7.
He leads us into all truth. John 16:13.
He will take us into the centre of God's will and work as long as we allow him to lead.
We do not quench the Spirit. Anybody ever done this?

How? It is in the doing of his will.

Which raises the next question. How do we know what his will is?

We read and pray.

Matt. 10:19,20;
"..it is not you that speaks but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you"

We live as spiritual people not just as natural people.

1Cor. 2: 13-16;
".not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.. ..the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned. ..but we have the mind of Christ."

We are active doers of his will in the body of Christ. (our particular fellowship).

The Holy Spirit has made us a new creation with the mind of Christ to DO, to LOVE, and to LOOK FORWARD.

So what is it to be?
The nature of Adam, carnal mind etc.
OR
The nature of Jesus, doing the will of his father, walking after (with / in) the Spirit?

Mark 16:20;
"...the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following". So we have to work - exercise faith in action.

John 4:34; ".finish his work"
Which means that we are to be involved in finishing God's work in and through us.

1Cor.10:5;
"Casting down imaginations (reasonings) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ"

Trust - learn to work with him, Ephesians 1:11; "...according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will".

Matthew 26:39;
"..not as I will but as you will".
and
Revelation 1:10;
We seek to be in the Spirit on the Lord's day - everyday!

Filed Under: Southside Talks

Baptisms

Sunday, 23 May 2010 6:28 PM

The Six Foundation Doctrines - Hebrews 6:1-2

 

Bible Study Series Part 3: Doctrines of Baptisms

 

Notes prepared by Pastor Bob Beverley

To listen to Pastor Bob presenting this Bible study click here.

Introduction

Baptism is not unique to Christianity and was a symbol of purification in many religions, for example the river Ganges in India, the Euphrates in Babylon and the Nile in Egypt were used for sacred baths. Moses and the children of Israel passed through the Red Sea, and in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 15:5,7) it was required for cleansing after contact with unclean bodily issue. The prophet Elisha commanded Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan seven times to be cleansed of leprosy (a physical type for sin) 2Kings 5.

The Word baptism is translated from the Greek 'baptizo' and 'bapto', meaning to dip. The definition in Strong's Concordance is 'to cover wholly with fluid'. So in Luke 16:24 we read 'send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water.', in John 13:26 Jesus, speaking of the one who would betray him, said 'he it is to whom I shall give a sop when I have dipped it', and Revelation 19:13, speaking of Jesus, says the Word of God is clothed with a vesture dipped in blood.

Four types of baptisms mentioned in the Bible:

 

• John's baptism, which was baptism in water, and a response to a call to repentance by John the Baptist at the river Jordan. 
• The baptism Jesus went through. In Luke 12:50 Jesus says 'I have a baptism to be baptised with' and in Mark 10:38 he asks Zebedee's sons, 'are you able to be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with'. This probably refers to the baptism of suffering - the spiritual and physical suffering to come, and the surrender of spirit, soul and body to the will of the Father. 
• Christian baptism, which is separate from John's baptism because it is carried out in the full name and authority of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This was not the case with John's baptism. 
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 says 'baptised with' but the Greek is actually 'in' - so baptised 'in' the Holy Ghost.

 

John's Baptism

In Acts 19, we read that Paul met twelve believers when he visited Ephesus, and at first thought they were disciples of Christ. However they were disciples of John the Baptist - they heard what John said about repentance and baptism but did not know about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus or baptism connected with it. Therefore after they heard and believed Paul they were baptised again and received the Holy Spirit.

 

John's baptism and Christian baptism are distinct and different. John's baptism (a brief and temporary ministry) was to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, and to provide a link between the Law and the prophets, and the gospel which came about three years later (after the death and resurrection of Jesus).

Mark 1:3-5 - John the Baptist was a voice crying in the wilderness and preaching repentance for the remission of sins. In Matthew 3:11 John says 'I indeed baptise you with water unto repentance', and here the Greek word translated 'unto' means 'with a view to'. In verses 7 and 8 the Pharisees and Sadducees were told to 'bring forth fruits meet for repentance', meaning 'let me see evidence in your lives that there has been a real change'. The whole purpose was to prepare people for the gospel. John the Baptist's calling, as prophesied in Isaiah, was 'prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight'.

The baptism of Jesus

When Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:16), it was not for repentance because he had no sins to repent of, but to fulfill (or complete) all righteousness. He was establishing a pattern of behaviour and obedience for all believing disciples to follow (a pattern of baptism). He included believers yet to come by saying it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness. Therefore he fulfilled his inward righteousness by an outward act of obedience to his heavenly Father. Acts 10:35 speaks of believers in every nation who fear God and work righteousness (BUT NOT YET RIGHTEOUS, as this is only possible through being filled with the Holy Spirit).

 

 

Conditions for Christian baptism

The last directions of Jesus to his disciples in Matthew 28:19,20 were 'teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you .' There was a need for teaching before baptism so they would understand what they were doing, and teaching after baptism so they would know how to live a Christian life.

 

Acts 2:37,38 tells how, on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was first poured out on the disciples of Jesus, Peter preached to the crowd 'repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost'.

Mark 16:15,16 says 'he who believes . AND is baptised'. Read the story in Acts 8:26-39 where Phillip met a eunuch from the court of Queen Candace of Ethiopia and expounded the scripture. The eunuch said 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God', and so Philip baptised him.

So what has baptism accomplished and what is its significance? It symbolises death, then burial, then resurrection. Romans 6:3-11 talks about being dead to sin (verse 4 'we are buried with him by baptism into his death', verse 6 'knowing our old nature is crucified with him', and verse 11 'reckon yourselves dead to sin but alive to God').
Baptism itself is 'death unto sin', but it is also an outward sign or seal that the person understands that he is no longer bound by sin and determines to live accordingly and to put faith in God to live that way.

 

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

In John 3:5-8 Jesus tells Nicodemus that people must be born of water and the spirit to enter into the kingdom of God, and in John 14:17,18 he tells his disciples that 'the Spirit is with them, but shall be in them', and then goes on to teach them about the Holy Ghost (the Comforter).

 

In Christianity generally there are various opinions about when people are saved and when sins are remitted. Our doctrine is that repentance, baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit are all required, (Acts 2:38), and THEN holiness - living a holy life till Jesus comes, is also required. The story of Cornelius in Acts 10 and 11 is the example for us of a God-fearing man who still needs to receive the Holy Spirit to be saved. Ephesians 1:13,14 makes it clear that the covenant written by God is not valid until he seals it with the Holy Ghost (refer back to Acts 19 also). Hebrews 12:14 tells us that without holiness, no man will see the Lord, and 2Corinthians 7:1 says that we are to perfect holiness in the fear of God.

UNDERSTANDING THE FOUNDATION DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS - ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION

Filed Under: Ministry Articles

Re-Acts Website

Wednesday, 19 May 2010 7:12 PM

Visit the Adelaide Revival Fellowship's new Re-Acts website to download talks and order resources from their bookshop.

Check it out - its a great site!

http://www.re-acts.com/index.htm

Filed Under: Latest News

Faith towards God

Monday, 25 January 2010 11:56 AM

The Six Foundation Doctrines - Hebrews 6:1-2

Bible Study Series Part 2: Faith Toward God

Notes prepared by Pastor Bob Beverley

To listen to Pastor Bob presenting this Bible study click here.

Introduction
Hebrews 6 mentions 'faith toward God' as the second foundation doctrine, without which we will not grow into spiritual maturity. A dictionary definition of faith is 'the belief or hope that a certain statement is true' - if something is true it is worthy of trust, and so the primary principle of faith is our trust in God.

Hebrews 11 says that 'faith is the evidence of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen'. We need to see the distinction between faith and hope - hope is directed towards the future, while faith is established in the present. Hope is in the mind, but faith is in the heart!

1Thessalonians 5 tells us to 'put on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation'. Romans 10 says that 'with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation', so 'believes' becomes an action. In John 6, Jesus says 'he that believes on me has everlasting life'. True scriptural faith in action produces everlasting life here and now within the believer.

We do not base our faith on what we see or experience. If we did it would not be faith. We base our faith on what the Word of God says - 'we walk by faith not by sight' (2Corinthians 5:7). We believe first, and then we see the results of our faith. Nevertheless our own past experiences and the testimony and experiences of others can greatly encourage us.

The experience of Abraham
As soon as God said 'I have made you a father of many nations' Abraham believed that him. Romans 4:18 says that Abraham, against hope, believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations. He had both faith and hope - hope for the future and faith in the present. His hope for the future was the outcome of his faith in the present. In Romans 4:11 he is called 'the father of all them that believe'.

So our Christian faith must follow Abraham's example, rather than the testimony of our senses, feelings and emotions which can be variable, subjective and unreliable. We must have complete confidence that what the Bible says is true. In John 17 Jesus says to his Father 'thy Word is truth'.

In Romans 10:10 we read that 'with the mouth confession is made unto salvation'. There is a basic principle here of the connection between the heart and the mouth - faith and belief in the heart and confession with the mouth.
In Hebrews 1 we are told that Christ is the apostle and high priest of our profession (confession). If we fail to confess our faith on earth we don't give Christ the opportunity to act on our behalf in heaven.

So in summary, scriptural faith is a condition of the heart, not the mind, and it is in the present, not just hope for the future. It produces a positive change in our behaviour and experience. It is based solely on God's word and accepts the testimony of the senses only when this agrees with the testimony of God's word. It is expressed by confession with the mouth.

The scripture in Habakkuk 2 'the just (righteous) shall live by his faith', is also quoted in Romans 1, Galatians 3 and Hebrews 10, and is the basic scriptural authority for the gospel message preached by the apostolic church in the first three centuries and ever since. The word 'live' covers all human experience - spiritual, mental, physical and material. Everything we do must be motivated and controlled by this one great basic principle of faith.

For instance, what does the scripture in Romans 14:23 mean? 'He that doubts is condemned if he eats, because he eats not from faith'. We acknowledge that God has been the provider, we therefore thank him for it, and we appreciate that the health and strength we receive through our food belong to God and use them accordingly. Compare this to Ecclesiastes 5 'all his days he eats in darkness and has much sorrow and sickness and anger' - a statement about natural man.

Faith is united with Humility
We must acknowledge our own limitations. True faith understands those things which can be done by man and those which can be done by God. We do the simple, small, possible thing and God will do the complicated, great, impossible thing. Matthew 19 says that 'with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible', and in Mark 9, Jesus said 'if you believe, all things are possible'. Through faith, God's possibilities become ours.

For example in Joshua 1 God says to Joshua 'every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that I have given unto you.' Joshua leading his people accordingly is an example of active, personal, appropriating faith!

The promises of God are true. Even though we may not see all things come to pass in our physical lives as we might have hoped, we rest assured and we have the evidence in our hearts of the things we cannot see. The most important promise and evidence is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, he lives inside us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, and gives us eternal life through our continued belief in him.

What is 'the evidence of things not seen''?
In Galatians 2 Paul talks about having 'the faith OF the Son of God', (as opposed to his own faith). The evidence of things not seen is Jesus Christ living inside us, and the major change this has brought about in our lives. The more we allow our own spirit to be in submission to the Holy Spirit, to the 'faith of the Son of God', the more fruitful we will be and the more evidence we will show of our faith.

Faith is directly linked to the Word of Truth, and is an integral part of salvation.

How do we obtain Faith?
Ephesians 2 tells us 'by grace you are saved through faith and that not of yourselves lest anyone should boast'. We are saved by having faith. When God first calls us by his grace, we have the chance to respond with confidence believing that his promises are true (this is faith), and by beginning to believe in Jesus and the opportunity to be saved.

Romans 10:14-17 asks: 'how then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? . so then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God'.

Faith is the result of teaching, and of hearing the Word of God preached. Once the word has been heard and understood we are confronted with a choice - believe it or reject it. By believing it, and by believing those things that cannot be seen, we putting faith in God. A mustard seed of belief from within us brings the faith of Jesus Christ through the gift of the Holy Spirit, and this is the only way we can receive the faith of Christ. We are therefore sent to preach, so that others that hear can believe and come to him and be saved.

Who is eligible for Faith?
Romans 3 says that all those who believe are justified freely by his grace, which means that when we believe Jesus took our sin, and are born of water and the Holy Spirit we are washed clean and not judged guilty. We are declared 'righteous'. Romans 5 says that we have peace with God, and access by faith into the 'grace in which we stand' - faith brings peace with God and access into his grace.

If we are 'declared righteous' by being justified, does anything else makes us righteous? 'To him who works, the reward is not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him who does not work but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness, even as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness without works.' (Romans 4:4-8).

So if faith makes us righteous - can works make us righteous? See Galatians 2:16-21 '..Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me'. No amount of good works can make us righteous and Isaiah tells us that all our righteous deeds are as filthy rags. That is why we must be born again and have the righteousness of Christ imputed to us. But having been made righteous and received His faith we are then to work the works of faith. James 2:17&18 says: 'faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say "you have faith, and I have works". Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.'

Saving Faith
As we recognize that it is only by the grace of God that we have received the faith to be saved, we then 'cease from our own works' (Hebrews 4:10) and rest upon him alone for salvation at the day that he returns.

Belief is the specific continuing act of faith by which a sinner is justified before God, and this trust, this reliance, this hope, is the essence of Christian faith.

Other important characteristics of faith

• Faith allows us to discern spiritually. 1Corinthians 2:14-16 says that things that come from the spirit of God are spiritually discerned and that the natural man cannot understand them - but we have the mind of Christ, by the Holy Spirit. 
• Faith allows us to become enlightened. John 6:44 - we can only come to Jesus if God the father draws us. 2 Corinthians 4:6 'God commanded light to shine out of darkness, giving knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ'. 
• Faith gives us wisdom and understanding. In Ephesians 1:17-19 Paul prays that God would give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. 
• Faith depends on the attitude 'thus says the Lord'. Read 1John 5:9-15 which ends with a statement of faith - 'if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us and if we know that he hears us we know we have the petitions we desired of him'. 
• We are to live by faith. Romans 1:16-17 says that 'the gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation . the righteousness of God is revealed . the just shall live by faith' (a quote from Habakkuk 2:4) 
• We can overcome the world (sin) by faith. 1John 5:4 'whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith'. 
• Knowledge and obedience are essential ingredients of faith. See 1John 2:3 'now by this we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments'. 
• Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 says that 'he who comes to God must believe that he is (exists) and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him'. 
• Faith without love is useless. 1Corinthians 13:13 'and now abides faith, hope, charity (love of God), these three; but the greatest of these is love'. 
• It is possible to move mountains with faith. See Mark 11:21-26 - Jesus said 'have faith in God . whatever you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them'. The mountain you are trying to move - will it bring glory to God? 1 John 5:14,15 'according to his will'. 
• Great things can be accomplished with faith. Hebrews 11:32-40 'Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, Samuel and the prophets . who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong . had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, bonds and imprisonment .'. The world was not worthy of them, they were all commended for their faith yet none of them received what had been promised. 'God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us (outside the Holy Spirit ministry) should not be made perfect'.

It can be difficult, but it is critical to understand that we should not be discouraged if our faith does not reap all the rewards of the promises of God as we understand them while we are on this earth. Most of the Old Testament men and women of faith never received what had been promised them - but they had real faith. Remember the original definition 'faith is the evidence of things not seen'. They had trust in what cannot be seen - in the promises of God and eternal life. Lack of understanding on our part must not be allowed to bring condemnation. Romans 8:1 encourages us: 'there is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus ..'

John 20:27-29 'then he (Jesus) said to Thomas, reach your finger here and behold my hands; and reach your hand here and thrust it into my side; and do not be unbelieving but believing. And Thomas answered and said to Him, "my Lord and my God". Jesus said to him "Thomas, because you have seen me you have believed: blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed".

THIS IS FAITH!

Filed Under: Ministry Articles

Reach Week

Tuesday, 13 January 2009 1:03 PM

Don't miss joining us each night at Chandler St Church Wednesday 28 Jan - Sun 01 Feb, as we Reach together.  If we want to reach our true potential in the Lord we need to Reflect, Expect, Appreciate, Consider our Commission, and develop Healthy Habits.

Bring the whole family, a sleep creche will be provided for the young ones.

Wed - Fri    7pm 
Sat            6:30pm  (Bring some dinner to share)

Everything worth having or being, is worth reaching for!

For an introductory message you can download here

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Forgiveness

Sunday, 4 January 2009 3:53 PM

When Peter denied the lord three times, he locked eyes with Jesus Christ across the room.  What did he see?  Was it the eyes of satan the accuser condemning him? Or the eyes of Jesus, filled with love, grace and compassion? 

To understand Jesus we need to be able to forgive ourselves and others.  Forgiveness is not about judging ourselves or others, it is about discerning what is wrong and realising that our saviour has forgiven us.  In order for us to recognise this forgiveness in our life we need to remind ourselves about the character of the one who initially forgave us - our saviour Jesus Christ. 

Jesus' character is one of love, compassion and forebearance as demonstrated in his ministry on earth and his desire for us.  Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail.  Jesus doesn't want our faith to fail either.

Be encouraged by this message of forgiveness from Paul available to download here.

If you would like to browse other talks delivered at Chandler St Church, or order copies on CD, please click here.

Filed Under: Chandler St Talks

New Beginning

Sunday, 28 September 2008 3:12 PM

Paul Wright shares with us the secrets to the new beginning we can have with Jesus Christ.  You may download the message here.

 

Everyone wants a new beginning.  A chance to: start again and not make the same mistakes, a chance to break habits and to change ourselves.

 

We try all sorts of things to get this.  We buy the 3-minute-a-day Ab machine to enable us to reach the trim, taut, terrific physique we desire.  We enlist the help of a life coach to motivate and challenge us.  Our goals and efforts are often short lived because we try in our own strength. Most people only persevere with what is quick and easy.

 

However, true change must first occur spiritually.  Change happens internally and then manifests itself externally.  The resurrection of Lazarus, in John 11, is a great example of the new beginning that God can give us.

 

Some parallels we can draw about our new beginnings, through the resurrection of Lazarus, are:

1. A new beginning is only possible because Jesus loves us.
   Jesus was willing to return to a place of persecution in order to raise Lazarus from the dead.  Likewise he loves us too in order to go to the place that no one else can go.  We are like a naughty footballer who keeps making the same mistakes - Jesus has given us the chance for a fresh start.

 

2. We must die - Just as Lazarus died. 
   We must lay to rest our 'good intentions' and striving.  We need to put it all in God's hands.
   
   
3. We know God's power and are filled with Hope
   Martha knew the power of Christ. (v21)  She knew what he stood for, and what he could do, she had hope in the resurrection.  We must possess the same hope - not a hope to be ashamed of, but a hope that rests in the knowledge of the power of Jesus Christ.
   
   
4. We speak words of Faith
   "You are the Christ" Martha said (v27).  Do we believe the position and power that Jesus has in our life?  Unless we believe we cannot make permanent changes, everything we change will be superficial and temporary.
   
   
5. Jesus weeps for us (v34)
   Jesus loves us.  He wants us to be set free, and to experience the change and freedom that only he can offer.
   
   
6. We let go of the feelings/things that surround us - the stench of death (v38).
   As we hold onto things a stench accumulates around us.  Some things that we can unknowingly hold onto include bitterness, fear, anxiety, depression.  These things surround us and can overcome us. 
   
   
7. We lift up our eyes and look to Jesus.
   This is where Jesus steps in, he looses our bonds and sets us free (v43).  We take on the fragrance of Christ (II Corin 2:15) and walk as a new man (Eph 4:21) , with a new beginning.

 

If you would like to browse other talks delivered at Chandler St Church, or order copies on CD, please click here.

Filed Under: Chandler St Talks