Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that we are to speak the truth one to another in love and that this is a very important key in growing up into Christ. What does this mean in practical terms? How do we do this without compromise and without breaking relationships? Right relationships are critical in the working of God, right relationship with God, and right relationships with others. To avoid conflicts, we often choose to be silent on important issues where God is not silent. Then sometimes we get stirred up on a particular issue and speak out in such a way that the main result is broken relationships which are very difficult to mend. Is there an answer to this dilemma?
When we come to God we choose to submit to Christ Jesus as our Lord. He gives the Holy Spirit to dwell within us to enable this to be true. Is our choice taken away from us at that point, or do we still have a choice to do the will of God in all things? Often times we do not realize our great responsibility in what God is doing in our time. We rejoice that we have been delivered from sin and brought into the family of God. That is a wonderful beginning and it is accomplished by a mighty working of God’s grace. But do we understand that from that point on we still have a choice, and our progress and usefulness to God depends on us making a conscience choice to do His will?
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. It was given in a small home Bible study about 1997. Our prayer is that we would all see clearly our responsibility to choose to do the will of God as He reveals that will to us, for it is in our obedience that God is pleased and the very love and nature of God is revealed in our community for His glory.
On the day of Pentecost we are told that Christ was exalted to the right hand of God, received the promise of the Spirit, and then poured out the Spirit for all who will come to Jesus and receive. Have we realized the greatness of God’s provision? Are we walking in that provision? I think most of us are very familiar with the many scriptures that speak of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. God’s answer to every question and every need we have is His Spirit. Who are the sons of God? Those who are led by the Spirit. How can we have victory over sin? By the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. How can we understand the scriptures? The Holy Spirit will teach us. How can we know truth? The Spirit will guide us into all truth. How can we know the power of God to do His will? The Holy Spirit will come upon us. How can the things of Jesus be real to us? The Holy Spirit will take of the things of Jesus and make them ours. The Holy Spirit is God, and has been given to abide in us to bring us into fellowship with the Father and the Son. Jesus did not leave us alone but sent “another” advocate just like Him to bring us into everything that God has for us.
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry given in a home fellowship in 1998 entitled “God’s Answer, His Spirit.” I pray that all of us will be greatly encouraged in God’s provision, leading to a fuller experience of the riches of God by His indwelling Spirit for the purpose and glory of God.
On the day of Pentecost we are told that Christ was exalted to the right hand of God, received the promise of the Spirit, and then poured out the Spirit for all who will come to Jesus and receive. Have we realized the greatness of God’s provision? Are we walking in that provision? I think most of us are very familiar with the many scriptures that speak of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. God’s answer to every question and every need we have is His Spirit. Who are the sons of God? Those who are led by the Spirit. How can we have victory over sin? By the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. How can we understand the scriptures? The Holy Spirit will teach us. How can we know truth? The Spirit will guide us into all truth. How can we know the power of God to do His will? The Holy Spirit will come upon us. How can the things of Jesus be real to us? The Holy Spirit will take of the things of Jesus and make them ours. The Holy Spirit is God, and has been given to abide in us to bring us into fellowship with the Father and the Son. Jesus did not leave us alone but sent “another” advocate just like Him to bring us into everything that God has for us.
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry given in a home fellowship in 1998 entitled “God’s Answer, His Spirit.” I pray that all of us will be greatly encouraged in God’s provision, leading to a fuller experience of the riches of God by His indwelling Spirit for the purpose and glory of God.
Episode 113 Body, Soul, and Spirit
The scriptures tell us that we were made in the image of God for God. Paul also prayed that we may be sanctified completely that our spirit, soul, and body may be preserved blameless at his coming. How does this happen? Is this happening to us? The Psalmist says that man is fearfully and wonderfully made. Man is a complicated being and not easy to understand or explain. But there is teaching in the scriptures that can give us some understanding of how we are made and what God is doing to bring us back from the effects of sin that we may enter fully into fellowship with Him both now and into eternity. God is conforming us to the image of Christ and preparing us to be wedded to Him for all eternity. As we mature we can understand more of how this is taking place that we may cooperate fully with the Holy Spirit who is working in us both to will and do for His good pleasure.
A good reference for further study on the makeup of man
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/what_is_man.html
The subject of end-times is often a point of strong disagreement among many sincere believers. Should we be expecting the Rapture or is this a false expectation. Is the church destined to go through the Great Tribulation? Why is there so much confusion surrounding this subject? I think that one the main reasons there is so much confusion on end-times events is that we do not go back far enough to get a good foundation of God’s purpose and plan. To just start reading the book of Revelation and try to understand the events without a foundation in other parts of the scripture leads to confusion. God has been moving with purpose from eternity past to eternity future. Our place is to understand His purpose as much as possible and then live in accordance with His purpose.
Additional teaching on End Times issues:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-end-times/
https://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Sealed-Book-An%C3%ADbal-V%C3%A9lez/dp/1490824170
How should Christians use the Law of Moses? This seems to be a major issue in our time. The law was given to Israel through Moses and takes a large place in the Old Testament. But most of us are not of Israel, so how should we use the Law? In our last program we introduced this subject but today we want to go farther. Most of us are very familiar with the teaching that the law came through Moses, but grace through Jesus Christ. But what does that mean to us in practical terms? Do we just completely discount the Law of Moses? What meaning does it have to us? How should we use the law in our personal lives, with our family, and in the church? How should we use it with those who are not in Christ? Many today are trying to go back and keep certain parts of the Law of Moses. Is this right?
Is the church Spiritual Israel? We know that God has used Israel in a very significant way in His working in the past. In our time the instrument of His choice is the church. Is the church an extension of Israel in a spiritual way, or is the church a completely new work of God? This question seems to be a very critical issue in our time. Perhaps because the nation of Israel is the focus of much attention in the Mid-East today, many are directing their attention to Israel. In so doing, many are also going back to the Old Testament and becoming convinced that we should be keeping the Law of Moses as much as possible. A key issue at the heart of this debate is whether the church is a completely new working of God begun at the day of Pentecost, or whether the church and the New Covenant are really just an extension of God’s working in Israel but in a spiritual way. Today we want to look at this subject, seeking to bring clarity that we may all walk in truth and love for God’s purpose and glory.
What does it mean to commune with God? What does it mean to hear God? What lifts us out of only an intellectual agreement with certain truths into a living relationship with the God of this universe? Is our heart hungry for that? So often we read scripture or hear certain truths proclaimed and agree with what we read or hear, but we lack the experience and spiritual reality that both we and God desires. Are we content where we are, or are our hearts hungry for God and everything that He has provided for us? If our heart is hungry for more, I believe we will find some help in this ministry by Gordon Gentry given in 1989. May the Lord give us ears to hear Him and eyes to see the pathway of faith into a deeper communion with God. Jesus opened the door for us. Let us go through that door for the purpose and glory of God.
Many of us have heard a lot about God and what He has done in the past for others. We know the scriptures, and we agree that God has made full provision for us. But often we find ourselves still lacking in our own experience of the supernatural God. What is the answer? It is one thing to follow, it is another thing to learn, but it is still another thing to launch out and experience God for ourselves. Elisha is an example of “crossing over Jordon” and experiencing God for Himself. Today we share with you some ministry by Gordon Gentry given in 1989. His strong encouragement to us is to “crossover” and experience the fullness of God, both individually and collectively with other believers. Our prayer is that God will shed light on our pathway that we may step out in faith into all that God is and has for us for His purpose and glory.
What is the basis of our gathering together as believers? I think most would agree that out gathering should be on the foundation of Christ and unto Him as Head of the body. But what does that mean in practical terms? The gathering together of Christians in unity seems to be one of the most difficult areas we face. There is so much division because of different doctrines and different types of ministry. We know this should not be but so often we don’t seem to able to achieve what God wants, namely that we may be one as the Father and Son are one as Jesus prayed in John 17. Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. It was given in a home meeting in 1998. It is our prayer that the truth Gordon shared will be helpful in seeing our way into a greater unity and experience of God in our gathering together unto Christ as our Lord.
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/audio/
What will move us from a place of passivity into a place of passion for Christ and His purpose? Will more Bible study, meetings, ministry, and prayer do the work? These all have their place, but by themselves they will not produce what both we and God desire. What will? I think that there is only one thing that will move us and that is fervent love for Jesus. How do we get that? There are two things I see that are essential: 1) A fresh revelation of Christ’s love for us, and 2) that same love deposited in our hearts by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Both require us to deal with God for that which comes only from Him.
Today we share some encouragement from T. Austin-Sparks on the object of Christ’s travail at Calvary. In doing so, it is our prayer that God will use this to reveal afresh to all of us the passion that Christ had to secure us for God.
Link to Austin-Sparks ministry in this podcast:
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/000899.html
In the Old Testament, when the sacrifice on the altar was prepared, God sent fire from heaven as a sign of His acceptance and approval. On the day of Pentecost the people saw tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each of the disciples in the upper room. We are also told that our God is a consuming fire. What does all of that mean to us today? Fire is used throughout the scripture as a sign of the presence of God. The tabernacle had a pillar of fire that burned above it. The priests were commanded to keep the fire inside the tabernacle burning day and night. Jesus said that He came to send fire on the earth. God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. The judgment of God is very often referred to in the context of fire. Ministers are described as a flame of fire. Jesus is described in Revelation as One who has eyes of fire. John said that Jesus would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire.
In November 1984, G.W. North, a minister from England, visited a gathering in West Palm Beach, Florida for a few days. One evening his subject was “Burning for God.” Those who were present in that meeting will never forget the ministry and the impact on their lives. Today we share a recording of that ministry with the prayer that you also may benefit and be strongly encouraged to “burn for God.”
When Adam sinned, he took himself and the human race that followed into death. When Christ came He conquered Satan and his host of evil forces and opened the door for us to partake of God’s life. But if the victory has been won, why is there still a battle in this world between God and Satan? I think this is a very real question to many of us. We hear that Christ won the victory at Calvary, but yet our experience is that we are in a warfare. And Paul says that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against a host of wickedness in heavenly places. If this is true, then what did happen at Calvary and how does that relate to our experience today?
A very good booklet that expands on the subject today
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/battle_for_life_the.html
After God had created Adam, He said it is not good for man to be alone so He created Eve as a suitable helper. God’s plan is for a husband and wife to function as one in the family for His purpose and glory. It is a perfect plan but requires each to take their place. Today we focus on the place of the wife. When God created woman, he took something out of the man. God views the husband and wife as one, so what was taken out of Adam is brought back together in a relationship. Thus the challenge in the marriage is to see a harmonious relationship where each member is able to contribute their part. Neither man nor woman is superior to the other, but there is a God-ordained place for each. To accept the place that God has created and function in that place is the key to a harmonious marriage and a fulfilment of God’s ordained purpose in the family.
Two good resources on this subject:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-godly-woman/
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/woman-an-honored-vessel/
The family unit is God’s basic structure for the human race. To achieve God’s purpose, the family must function as one. The Father is given the privilege and responsibility to lead in that purpose under the direction of God with His unlimited grace. To realize God’s great purpose in the family takes God. So many families, even Christian families, so often fall short of what they can be. Yet God has made full provision for the family to be the most precious place on earth for all the members. To experience the riches of love and achieve the end goals that we and God desire we must follow God’s order and draw upon the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Today we focus on the Father’s place in giving leadership in the family.
God’s plan in the family is under great attack today in the world. Along with that, God’s order concerning man and woman are equally under attack. When families depart from God’s original plan, the end result is failure in so many ways. God is the One who designed the family, and if we want to achieve God’s result then we must understand His design and order our family accordingly. With the pressures that are all around us to change as a result of our shifting culture, this is not easy. Today we go back to look at God’s plan that we may see more clearly how to walk in truth for His purpose and glory.
Christianity can be complicated. How many Bible Schools are there that seek to teach the proper doctrines, yet there are many differences that divide and often in a very deep way. Why is that? Is there an answer? Is unity in Christ Jesus possible? Jesus prayed that we may be one, even as the Father and He were one. Yet if we look around us at the general world of Christianity, oneness does not seem to be the characteristic. If it is, it is often on the surface level. The oneness of the Father and Son is not superficial. They are one in life, in very essence. Today I want to share some simple encouragement with us that I trust will be of help in our walk with Jesus.
In our world today, there is a great religious system called Christianity. It varies in many details, but the one common feature is Christ. However the big question is what is the place of Christ? Is He only a historical figure, or is He given His place as Lord of Lords? Religion is one of the enemy’s greatest tools today, and Christian religion is probably the most dangerous because it is so close to the truth. It is based on the Bible and embraces so many things that are very good. Yet at the core of so much that goes in the name of Christianity, there is serious error and mixture that leads men astray. It leaves them with a form of godliness, but not in union with God. Today we want to try to show the difference, not just to be critical, but to avoid the snare of the enemy and be found in union with Christ both now and for eternity. (Philippians chapter 3)
Paul admonishes us in one place to put on the whole armor of God that we may stand against the wiles (or schemes) of the devil. What are those schemes? Do we know? Are we aware of his crafty and deceptive ways? In warfare, military men study the enemy to know his tactics. Business men study their competition so they can know how to compete more effectively. God does not want us to be ignorant of our enemy’s ways either. We should not become “devil conscience” where we see a devil under every rock and behind every tree, but as wise stewards of the grace of God, we do need to know how the enemy is working against God and His purpose that we may not be taken unawares but rather stand unmoved in the full provision of God. (Eph. 6:10-20)
Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his days for not discerning properly. Paul encouraged the Philippian church to abound in discernment. How do we discern what is of God and what is not? How do we properly discern without becoming critical? To properly discern a situation that is confronting us and still maintain a proper attitude is challenging. Some have resolved the issue by taking the position of “judge not.” Others have erred to the other side by becoming very critical and judgmental of situations and people that leaves them isolated and useless as a channel of God’s grace and love. We must not go to either side in this matter, but rather allow God to give us His discernment, seeking to move in wisdom and love towards every person and situation we face. (Matt. 6:3, Luke 12:56, Phil. 1:9, Heb. 5:14)
We know that God is Spirit, and those who worship God must do so in spirit and truth. We are also are to be led by the Spirit. How can our spiritual sensitivity be increased so that we can be sure we are truly knowing God in the spirit? It seems at times that so much comes at us that brings confusion so we hardly know which way to turn. How do we know that we are really sensing God in the spirit? Are there some basic principles that can help us? This arises not only in our daily lives, but also in spiritual gifts, ministry, and host of related areas. I believe that there are some guidelines in scripture that can help us.
Some good ministry concerning man as body, soul, and spirit
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/what_is_man.html
Are you being tested? Does God test His children? If so, why does He test us and how? So often when we face trials and testing we lose sight of what God is doing, what He is after in our lives. God is working for eternity, and so often we are just looking at temporal things. But we are told that one day everything that we see around us will be burned up, and only what is of God will last. Today we review some accounts in the scriptures where men were being tested by God, asking God for light on our own pathway that we may see clearly what God wants to teach us in our own testing.
What is the way of life? How do we experience the fullness of God’s life in our daily lives? God’s way is the Cross of Christ. But that is not just what happened 2000 years ago. That is the foundation, but we need to know the application in our lives today. When we think about the Cross, I think most of us just try to think back to what happened 2000 years ago. We try to envision the suffering of Jesus for our sin and also how His suffering opened the way for our sin to be forgiven. But while all of that is good and right, the Cross and what God did there also has real application in our daily lives. Today we explore that subject further.
Some excellent ministry on this subject:
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/cross_and_the_way_of_life_the.html
Before a baby is born, all focus is on the birth date. But after the birthday, the attention shifts to growing up. It is the same in the spiritual. Our spiritual birthday is a wonderful day, but now we need to grow up. What is God’s way for this to take place? Growth (both physical and spiritual) takes time and effort. God has given us very clear instructions on how this is to take place. The majority of the New Testament is focused on this subject. In order to be successful, we must follow God’s way and not create our own way. He is perfect and has designed the perfect way for us to grow up and become full-grown mature sons and daughters, able to bear further responsibility in His kingdom both now and for eternity. Today we look again at God’s plan and ways for our spiritual growth.
Some additional resources regarding God’s plan in His family:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/growing-up-together-into-christ/
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-family-of-god/