Our God and Lord Jesus, by His divine power, gave us everything for life and godliness to help us escape the corruption that lust brought into the world and to partake of the divine nature. God gives us free will. We partake of the divine nature by our own will. In our partaking, we are … [Read more…]
Writing to believers, Peter urges: “Let yourselves be built as a spiritual temple” (1 Pe 2:5). He leads up to this beginning his letter by blessing God for His work of salvation that culminates with receiving the inheritance stored up for us in heaven (1 Pe 1:4; Mt 25:34). Peter continues with a call to … [Read more…]
Speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues and prophesy are the gifts of the Spirit Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 14. He begins by referring to what he taught in chapter 13—pursue love and in chapter 12—desire earnestly spiritual gifts, then urges, “but especially that you may prophesy.” Then he shows the purpose of the gifts—edify—edification, … [Read more…]
As strangers in the world, live a noble life Dear friends, I urge you, as guests and strangers in the world: Refuse to do what the body wants, because its appetites fight against the soul. Live a noble life among the people of the world, that instead of accusing you of doing wrong, they may … [Read more…]
Gifts of the Spirit I began functioning in the gifts of the Spirit back in 1974. I flow in several of the gifts of the Spirit and have seen them all in action. I have also seen and heard way to much weirdness and charismatic razzel dazzle. So, here, I present the solid wisdom and … [Read more…]
Gifts of the Spirit Paul began this teaching: “Fellow Christians, I want you to know about the gifts of the Spirit” (1 Cor 12:1). He concludes: “But try to have the better gifts. And now I’ll show you the best way of all (1 Cor 12:31 AAT). Cultivating love is the best way to function … [Read more…]
Gifts of the Spirit Paul introduces his teaching on the gifts of the Spirit: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant” (1 Cor 12:1 KJV). In order to understand what he meant by that, we need to consider several factors to get the big picture. In the opening of his letter … [Read more…]
For the Kingdom of God does not consist of eating and drinking, but of right conduct, peace and joy, through the Holy Spirit; and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him. Ro 14:17-18 WNT Every Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for convincing, … [Read more…]
What participation is The simple definition of participation is belonging to a group and sharing in it. We, who believe Jesus is the son of God, belong to the kingdom of God and are of the household of God. We are fellow citizens of the kingdom and children of God. Ye were at that time … [Read more…]
Let the Lord make you Strong Paul concludes his letter to the Ephesians beginning with the exhortation, “Finally, let the Lord and His mighty power make you strong.” He has urged the Ephesians and us to walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called and shown us how Christ—the Head of of … [Read more…]