Thoughts on Discipling Christian Life What It Is Part 2

B2 Why it is

C1 What we live in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds reflects what we really believe.

C2 We may say we believe something, but how we act, talk, do business, etc. reveals our true motivations and beliefs.

C3 We need a renewed mind, then study, fellowship, and application.

C4 Christians are in the Kingdom of God. This is where Jesus reigns. It is not on earth, yet. Today the enemy’s kingdom prevails. God is King of the Universe (and beyond). Believers are those who believe and are loyal to The King.

D1 King Jesus and His kingdom

E1 This was offered to Israel during Jesus’s 3+ years of ministry, but Israel rejected it. They only wanted a physical kingdom, if He did what they wanted—overthrow the Romans, give them plenty of food, let them define religion, and be the powers behind the throne. Jesus did not do this. His kingdom is a kingdom based on spiritual relationship to Him.

F1 John 6:15 MKJV Therefore when Jesus perceived that they would come and take Him by force, that they might make Him a king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain alone by Himself.

F2 Luke 19:14 MKJV But his citizens hated him. And they sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this one to reign over us.

F3 John 19:15 MKJV But they cried out, Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him! Pilate said to them, Shall I crucify your king? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

E2 The heart of Christians: Colossians 1:13-14 MKJV For He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins.

E3 Some characteristics: Galatians 5:22-26  WEL But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be longing for empty praise, irritating one another, and envying one another.

E4 A Kingdom of peace:

F1 Between nations: Isaiah 2:2-4 NIV In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

F2 Between animals, etc.: Isaiah 11:6-9 NIV The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra's den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper's nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

E5 The leadership style is different: Matthew 11:28-30 NIV Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

D2 The devil’s

E1 1 John 5:19 WEL We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in wickedness.

E2 The characteristics of satan’s kingdom: 1 John 2:15-17 NKJV Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

E3 satan blinds instead of gives sight: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NKJV But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

E4 More characteristics of his kingdom: Galatians 5:16-21  WEL I say, “Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another, so that you cannot do the things that you want to. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sin, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

E4 The Bible foretells the last days attitude: 1 Timothy 4:1-3 NIV The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.

E5 His leadership style is control: 3 John 1:9-11 GW I wrote a letter to the congregation. But Diotrephes, who loves to be in charge, won't accept us. 10 For this reason, when I come I will bring up what he's doing. He's not satisfied with saying malicious things about us. He also refuses to accept the believers we send as guests. He even tries to stop others who want to accept them and attempts to throw those people out of the congregation. 11 Dear friend, never imitate evil, but imitate good. The person who does good is from God. The person who does evil has never seen God.

D3 The contrast between God’s kingdom and satan’s

F1 Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others

F2 Matthew 12:26-28 NKJV If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

F3 Acts 26:17-18 NIV I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

F4 Romans 14:17 NIV For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

B3 Are you living a Christian life, the Kingdom of God??

C1 In thoughts, desires, words, and deeds

C2 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 WEL Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what does righteousness have in common with unrighteousness? What fellowship is there between light and darkness? 15 What harmony does Christ have with Satan? What does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What does the Temple of God have in agreement with idols? For you are the Temple of the Living God, just as God has said, “I will live in them and walk in them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 17 “So then come out from among them. Be separate,” says the Lord, “and do not touch [what is] unclean, then I will accept you, 18 “And I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty.

C3 Psalms 111:10 GW The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Good sense is shown by everyone who follows God's guiding principles. His praise continues forever.

Thoughts on Discipling Christian Life What It Is Part 1

B1 What it is

C1 God’s way of thinking

C2 God’s way of living

C3 God’s desire for creation, especially humans

C4 Titus 2:12 WEL Teaching us that by refusing ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live in this present world with self-restraint, righteously, and pleasingly to God.

C5 There are only 2 worldviews. Compare Proverbs 7-9 between the woman named folly and the one named wisdom. This is one article that teaches that contrast The Two Women: Madam Folly and Dame Wisdom (Proverbs 7-9)

D1 God’s view

E1 Some basic Scriptures

F1 We leave the old view to live the new: 2 Corinthians 5:17 WEB Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.

F2 We need to be conformed. To His death has the idea of we die too. We die to the old life, desires, actions, motivations, goals, etc. Philippians 3:10 WEB that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death.

F3 This is the fruit of the new worldview. If everyone alive had this fruit, this would be the culture and actions of the whole world. Sadly, we know what the whole world lives like. Galatians 5:22-26 WEB But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

F4 Real love, as God defines, would be the norm. The following list is the love of the Christian worldview. We don’t see this much, because Christians are most likely ignorant. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8a Love never ends,

F5 God’s worldview has His people doing good works, as He defines them. Ephesians 2:10 WEB For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

F6 The New man and woman have put off the old worldview to follow these rules: Colossians 3:9-11 WEB Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

F7 God’s worldview has us reading, studying, and applying the teaching of the New Testament. 1 Peter 2:2 WEB as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby,

F8 God’s worldview has us praying that God’s will be done, not any other will. Luke 11:2 WEB He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

F9 God’s worldview has priorities. If faced with a terrifying choice of family or God, the new worldview takes comfort in their new family. Luke 18:29-30 WEB He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the Kingdom of God’s sake, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life.”

E2 A few links

F1 Essential Christian Worldview

F2 The Christian Worldview is Supported by Evidence

F3 Seven Questions that Define a Christian Worldview

F4 What Is a Christian Worldview

D2 Not God’s view would be the opposite. This is the world we live in today. We see wars, conflicts, lies, deceit, theft, arguments, hate, name-calling, abuse, etc. This is not God’s way of life.

D3 The contrast between God’s worldview and any other worldview. In this passage, flesh refers to any other worldview and spirit refers to God’s worldview. This is pretty consistent in the New Testament. It doesn’t usually refer to the human flesh which God created. Context helps us to understand.

E1 The worldview labeled as flesh: Galatians 5:19-21 WEL Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sin, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

E2 The worldview labeled as spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 WEL But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Thoughts on Discipling Part 3 Doctrine Part N

E12 Transcendence

F1 Definition: beyond what we can conceive. He is greater and higher, with greater power and being than we can understand. It also deals with not being known and unknowable. But, God reaches out and reveals Himself in many ways.

F2 Unknown and beyond our comprehension

G1 Higher

H1 2 Chronicles 2:6 NLT But who can really build him a worthy home? Not even the highest heavens can contain him! So who am I to consider building a Temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices to him?

H2 Job 37:23 NIV The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.

G2 Unknown

H1 Amos 3:7 NLT Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.

H2 John 15:15 NLT I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

F3 Without God’s revealing Himself, we could not know Him or about Him. God revealing Himself

G1 Through creation: Romans 1:18-20 NIV The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

G2 Through revelation

H1 Directly: Deuteronomy 5:24 NIV And you said, "The LORD our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a person can live even if God speaks with them.

H2 Indirectly: Daniel 2:28 NIV but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these.

G3 Through Jesus: John 17:25-26 NIV Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

G4 Through provision: Acts 14:17 NIV Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.

F3 Even though He is transcendent, He is also immanent or close to all:

G1 Isaiah 57:15 NIV For this is what the high and exalted One says--he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

G2 Luke 19:10 NIV For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

E13 Uniqueness

F1 Definition: He is the only being who is God.

F2 He is the one and only.

F3 He is perfect in all His attributes. We have attributes as love, mercy, knowledge, etc. but only God has the highest amount possible, is perfect, is complete, and lacking nothing.

F3 Some verses:

G1 Isaiah 40:25 NIV To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

G2 Exodus 8:10 NIV "Tomorrow," Pharaoh said. Moses replied, "It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the LORD our God.

G3 1 Timothy 1:17 NIV Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

C2 God’s beliefs

(A few theology books that I align with are BIBLE DOCTRINES Beliefs That Matter by MARK G. CAMBRON, D.D. and Study of Theology from Grace Bible Church Gillette, WY, Torrey's Topical Textbook (look up a topic and the Bible verses are on popup), The Topical Concordance,  Great Doctrines of the Bible By Rev. William Evans, etc . I cannot vouch for the websites or books perfectly. I have found them helpful. There are others online for sale or free use. As always, be a Berean: Acts 17:11 NLT And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth).

D1 On Himself (What the Bible teaches about God)

D2 Angelology (What the Bible teaches about angels)

D3 Bibliology (What is taught about the Bible)

D4 Christology (What the Bible teaches about Jesus)

D5 Creation (What the Bible teaches about creation/origins)

D6 Ecclesiology (What the Bible teaches about the church)

D7 Eschatology (What the Bible teaches about the future)

D8 Evangelism (What the Bible teaches about preaching the Gospel)

D9 Hamartiology (What the Bible teaches about sin)

D10 Anthropology (What the Bible teaches about humans)

D11 Pneumology (What the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit)

D12 Soteriology (What the Bible teaches about salvation)

B2 Why it is

C1 Doctrine is important because

D1 Christianity has truths.

D2 We must know these truths

D3 We must be taught these truths

D4 It gives us identity

C2 Some basics (Source)

D1 Our faith is based on a specific message

D2 Gospel is a sacred trust given to us

D3 What we believe affects what we do

D4 We must ascertain truth in a world of falsehood

D5 The end of sound doctrine is life

D6 It encourages believers

B3 Do you believe it?

B4 Do you live it?

B5 Do you teach it?

Thoughts on Discipling Part 3 Doctrine Part M

E9 Self-existence

F1 Definition:

G1 This is also known as aseity.

G2 God has no beginning and no end, He is always. He has no needs. He is dependent on nothing; all are dependent on Him.

G3 Because He needs nothing and is dependent on nothing, His word is true. His promises are true. His doings are true.

F2 God existed before anything else existed. He created all things: Psalms 102:24-27 GNB O God, do not take me away now before I grow old. O LORD, you live forever; 25 long ago you created the earth, and with your own hands you made the heavens. 26 They will disappear, but you will remain; they will all wear out like clothes. You will discard them like clothes, and they will vanish. 27 But you are always the same, and your life never ends.

F3 He is dependent on nothing and no one, for everything is dependent on Him: Isaiah 40:28-31 GNB Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The LORD is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts. 29 He strengthens those who are weak and tired. 30 Even those who are young grow weak; young people can fall exhausted. 31 But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.

F4 God does not to be made alive, for He is the one who gives life: John 5:26 GNB Just as the Father is himself the source of life, in the same way he has made his Son to be the source of life.

F5 He is the giver, not the receiver: Acts 17:23 GNB For as I walked through your city and looked at the places where you worship, I found an altar on which is written, 'To an Unknown God.' That which you worship, then, even though you do not know it, is what I now proclaim to you.

F6 God needs nothing, ever. He gives, always. He does not get old, grow tired, run out of supplies, etc. Psalm 23:1 NET The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

E10 Self-sufficiency

F1 Definition: not dependent on anything or anyone to exist.

F2 He has no emotional needs, physical needs, spiritual needs, or financial needs. He has no need for worship or for worshippers.

F3 He has no need for a life giver, for He is the life itself.

F4 In the past, He needed nothing. In the present, He needs nothing. In the future, He will need nothing.

F5 Some verses:

G1 John 14:6 WEL Jesus explains to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

G2 Isaiah 40:28 BSB Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will never grow faint or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.

G3 John 1:3-4 WEL Everything was made through him, and without him was nothing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light for people.

G4 Isaiah 40:28-29 GNB Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The LORD is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts.  29  He strengthens those who are weak and tired.

E11 Sovereignty

F1 Definition: It is usually defined as complete freedom from any control. That would be any control in any area. Pain might control me. I cannot go without sleep, for that would control me. The same could be said about breathing. There is no superior being that can control God in any way.

G1 Jerry Walls defines it thusly:

H1 So what is the sovereignty of God? Simply put, it is the truth that God is in control, that he has supreme power. It is the truth that he is the Lord of the Universe and of everyone and everything it contains. He gives Nebuchadnezzar as an example of God’s sovereignty.

H2 In the same article, Walls states: ...the sovereignty of God is everlasting, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

H3 Finally, he contrasts the Calvinist view with the Wesleyan view: 

Now here is a good place to highlight the difference between the Calvinist view of God’s sovereignty and the Wesleyan view. According to classic Calvinism, God’s sovereignty means that he determines literally everything that happens in the sense that he specifically causes everything to happen exactly as it does.

This can sound like a very pious thing to say, and at first it might seem to glorify God. But on closer inspection, it has very troubling implications. On this view, God caused Nebuchadnezzar to be proud, caused him to boast, and then caused his downfall, as well as his subsequent repentance. This is a troubling view because it means God actually caused his sin as well as his punishment.

The Wesleyan strongly disagrees. In the Wesleyan view, God did not cause or will Nebuchadnezzar to be proud. Rather, he became that way by his own free choices, by taking undue pride in his accomplishments. God then punished him to bring the truth home to him in order to move him to repentance. When he acknowledged the truth about God, he was restored to his kingdom.

G2 Another article explaining the difference: Kevin RK David, “Does God Need Ultimate Control to be Ultimately Sovereign?”

F2 God can do anything He wants, at any time, in any way, and no one can stop Him.

F3 God is sovereign over His sovereignty. He is not like the kings of Media/Persia. God is totally free. Nothing stops or hinders His freedom.

G1 Daniel 6:8 CSB Therefore, Your Majesty, establish the edict and sign the document so that, as a law of the Medes and Persians, it is irrevocable and cannot be changed.

G2 Daniel 6:12, 15 CSB So they approached the king and asked about his edict: "Didn't you sign an edict that for thirty days any person who petitions any god or man except you, the king, will be thrown into the lions' den? " The king answered, "As a law of the Medes and Persians, the order stands and is irrevocable."  ... Then these men went together to the king and said to him, "You know, Your Majesty, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no edict or ordinance the king establishes can be changed.

F4 Other verses

G1 1 Timothy 6:14-16 BSB Keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ 15, which God will bring about in His own time—He who is blessed and the only Sovereign One, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

G2 Revelation 4:11 NRSV You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

Thoughts on Discipling Part 3 Doctrine Part L

E7 Omniscience—Knowledge (including foreknowledge and middle knowledge)

F1 Definition

G1 Knowledge

H1 The English word gives this as one definition:

1. a particular or specialized form of understanding or skill.

2. Webster’s Dictionary Unabridged 1828 has

a) A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement and repugnancy of our ideas.

b) We can have no knowledge of that which does not exist. God has a perfect knowledge of all his works. Human knowledge is very limited, and is mostly gained by observation and experience.

H2 An example of some Bible words

I1 One of the Hebrew words is דַּעַת daʻath. It means knowledge, perception, skill, discernment, understanding, wisdom. Referring to God, it would have the meaning of knowing everything.

1. God gives this knowledge when necessary: Exodus 31:3 NET and I have filled him with the Spirit of God in skill, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship.

2. The amount of God’s knowledge is impossible for us to understand: Psalm 139:6 NET Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.

3. Whatever knowledge and skill is needed for creation, God has: Proverbs 3:20 NLT By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

4. He knows everything about us: 1 Samuel 2:3 NRSV Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.

I2 One of the Greek words is γνῶσις gnōsis. It means general intelligence and understanding.

1. God’s knowledge is so vast that we cannot examine it or understand it: Romans 11:33 NET Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways! 

2. Note “all:” Colossians 2:2-3 PickNT That their hearts may be encouraged, being united in love and into a great wealth of confident understanding, into a real knowledge of the mystery of the God and Father and of the Christ, 3 in whom all the treasures of the wisdom and the knowledge are hidden.

G2 Foreknowledge= knowledge of the future. The English definition: knowledge or awareness of something before it occurs or exists. This is not a decreed action that is rendered certain. It is truly knowledge of the future. It seems to me that the Calvinist doesn’t believe that God truly knows the future. They believe that God exhaustively decrees the future and renders it certain. They believe the only way God knows the future is to decide what it will be, have a perfect memory, and ensure that it takes place. To me that makes God a superman but not one who truly knows the future without decreeing it. The following article might help to understand the Arminian view: Ed Jarrett, “Arminianism: Foreknowledge, Predestination and Election”

H1 Acts 2:23 NRSV This man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.

H2 1 Peter 1:2 ISV The people chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the sanctifying action of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus, the Messiah, and to be sprinkled with his blood. May grace and peace be yours in abundance!

G3 Natural knowledge= All that can happen. God knows all that can be known whether it will exist or not. The usual example given if God was going to make a universe, He would have to know everything, how they would interact, how they would respond to stimuli (both pleasurable and noxious), and if rebellion occurred, how it would occur and its results. Perfectly and exhaustively know math, chemistry, physics, decisions, etc.

G4 Middle knowledge= All that would happen. God knows exactly how a person will choose or respond in any given circumstances. The usual example is Peter choosing to deny that he knows Jesus. It is the middle between a person’s free will and God’s sovereignty.

G5 Free knowledge= All that will happen. This is not just what science and math know and predict. It is what is the unknown as well. God knows the future perfectly. He knows every response, every decision, every action, every word, and every thought.

F2 Bible verse

G1 Luke 10:13 CSB Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

G2 Matthew 26:24 CSB The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born.

G3 Exodus 9:14-15 NLT If you don't, I will send more plagues on you and your officials and your people. Then you will know that there is no one like me in all the earth. By now I could have lifted my hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the face of the earth.

G4 People making choices different from God’s choice.

H1 Matthew 23:37 CSB Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 

H2 2 Peter 3:9 CSB The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

H3 Isaiah 30:1 CSB Woe to the rebellious children! This is the LORD's declaration. They carry out a plan, but not mine; they make an alliance, but against my will, piling sin on top of sin.

E8 Perfect

F1 Definition: without any flaw.

F2 Words

G1 The Hebrew word is תָּמִים tâmîym. It means complete is various applications such as completely well, time as complete, morally complete (sinless), completely meeting the standard of truth and justice.

H1 God’s law is perfect: Psalm 19:7 NIV The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

H2 His lifestyle: Psalm 18:30 NIV As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

H3 All that He does: Psalm 111:7 NIV The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.

H Note the contrast with the devil: Ezekiel 28:15 NKJV You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.

G2 The Greek word is τέλειος téleios. It means much the same as the Hebrew word. It is complete, finished, not lacking anything, so morally, intellectually, spiritually, etc. perfect.

H1 God’s standard of life is perfect. It lacks nothing and meets the standard of perfection is every possible way: Matthew 5:48 NIV Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

H2 God’s will is perfect: Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform 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.

H3 The Law of Jesus is perfect (in contrast with Mosaic law. If one tried as hard as possible to obey the Mosaic law, it would not save from God’s wrath, but if one follows Messiah’s law, it does): James 1:25 CSB But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

H4 God’s love is perfect, and we should have this same type of love: 1 John 4:18 ESV There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

H5 God’s words are perfect, ours are not, but that is God’s standard: James 3:2 NIV We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

Thoughts on Discipling Part 3 Doctrine Part K

E6 Omnisapience

F1 Definition: Literally, this means all wisdom or complete wisdom. God’s wisdom is perfect. He cannot learn, for He knows all. He cannot learn wisdom, for He can apply knowledge perfectly and without any flaws. He knows every possibility.

F2 His communication is perfect. He knows how to word what He does, what He thinks, what He plans perfectly and without flaw. His decisions are perfect. His words and communication are perfect. Yet, so many will not interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense.

F3 Knowledge and wisdom are related, but they are separate. One can have knowledge but not be wise; likewise, someone may be wise but not have much knowledge. Knowing facts is something different then using knowing how to use them wisely. We see that in making decisions.

F4 Some of the difference can be seen from this verse: Proverbs 2:6 NLT For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

G1 Wisdom:

H1 Hebrew word for wisdom is חׇכְמָה chokmâh. It means skillful. This is seen in many ways from creative ability, to making decisions, to living life. It is practical and in many cases life saving.

H2 We see this in

I1 Contrast between pride and humility: Proverbs 11:2 NLT Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

I2 Contrast between bullying and fighting and receiving advice: Proverbs 13:10 NLT Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

I3 Contrast between “following my heart” and truth and God’s insight and advice: Proverbs 28:26 NLT Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

G2 Knowledge:

H1 The Hebrew word is דַּעַת daʻath. It means having facts on any subject or situation.

H2 God knows everything we do and think: Psalm 94:10 NLT He punishes the nations—won't he also punish you? He knows everything—doesn't he also know what you are doing?

H3 God knows everything about creation, how to make it, sustain it, and dissolve it: Proverbs 3:20 NLT By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

H4 We have to know something before we can make a decision: Proverbs 19:2 NLT Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.

H5 Knowing God is more important than human wisdom: Proverbs 30:3 NLT I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.

H6 God knows how to do this: Isaiah 44:25 NLT I expose the false prophets as liars and make fools of fortune-tellers. I cause the wise to give bad advice, thus proving them to be fools.

H7 God knows who is true and who is fake: Isaiah 58:2 NLT Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me.

G3 Understanding:

H1 The Hebrew word is תָּבוּן tâbûwn. It means knowing the “whys” of how something works, thinks, acts, etc.

H2 Proverbs 14:29 NLT People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

H3 Proverbs 18:2 NLT Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

H4 Speaking of wooden idols: Isaiah 44:19 NIV No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, "Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?"

F5 God gives wisdom to those otherwise impossible to have it: Exodus 31:3 NLT I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.

F6God is the source of great wisdom: 1 Kings 4:29-30 NLT God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt.

F7 God’s creative ability shows His great wisdom: Psalm 104:24 NLT O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.

F8 Wisdom is something that is to be coveted, asked for, and grateful when God grants it: Proverbs 23:23 NLT Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.

F9 An example: Ecclesiastes 9:13-15 NLT Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works. There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterwards, no one thought to thank him.

F10 Another example: Ecclesiastes 9:13-15 NLT Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works. There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterwards, no one thought to thank him.

F11 God has all power and understanding: Psalm 147:5 NLT How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!

F12 He has all wisdom. There is no one who can give wisdom, advice, counsel, what is right or what is just: Isaiah 40:13-14 NLT Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Has the LORD ever needed anyone's advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice?

F13 Jesus Christ is God, God the Son, and so has the same omniscience and omnisapience as the Father: 1 Corinthians 1:24 NLT But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

F14 God is so wise that we cannot understand: Romans 11:33 NLT Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

Thoughts on Discipling Part 3 Doctrine Part J

E4 Omnipotence

F1 This unlimited power relates to what God’s character is. Since He is a God who tells the truth, He cannot do illogical things as make a rock so huge that He cannot lift it, a square circle, 2+2=5, or make Himself not exist.

F2 Isaiah 43:12-13 NLT First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God," says the LORD. "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.

F3 Matthew 19:26 NLT Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible. (Vincent’s Word Studies notes: Not the salvation of rich men, but salvation in general. It is in answer to the question, who can be saved? Man cannot save himself nor his fellow. God only can save him).

F4 Some comments from other writers

G1 Adam Clarke on Exodus 4:21 regarding the revealing of God’s omnipotence:

Pharaoh made his own heart stubborn against God, Exo 9:34; and God gave him up to judicial blindness, so that he rushed on stubbornly to his own destruction. From the whole of Pharaoh’s conduct we learn that he was bold, haughty, and cruel; and God chose to permit these dispositions to have their full sway in his heart without check or restraint from Divine influence: the consequence was what God intended, he did not immediately comply with the requisition to let the people go; and this was done that God might have the fuller opportunity of manifesting his power by multiplying signs and miracles, and thus impress the hearts both of the Egyptians and Israelites with a due sense of his omnipotence and justice. The whole procedure was graciously calculated to do endless good to both nations. The Israelites must be satisfied that they had the true God for their protector; and thus their faith was strengthened. The Egyptians must see that their gods could do nothing against the God of Israel; and thus their dependence on them was necessarily shaken. These great ends could not have been answered had Pharaoh at once consented to let the people go.

G2 Precept Austin website on God’s omnipotence. An example: Seven Stages of God's Power

H1 In his commentary on Ephesians (God's New Society, pp. 139-140), John Stott shares a delightful analysis of Paul's famous benediction at the end of Ephesians 3:

H2 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20, 21)

H3 I am going to retrace his comments, with one or two slight changes. Let's call this the Seven Stages of God's Power.

1. He is able, for he is the true and living God.

2. He is able to do, for he is neither inactive, idle, nor dead.

3. He is able to do what we ask, for he hears and answers prayer.

4. He is able to do what we ask or imagine, for he reads our thoughts, and sometimes we imagine things for which we do not dare to ask. But he can do those things anyway.

5. He is able to do all that we ask or imagine, for he knows it all and can perform it all.

6. He is able to do more than all we ask or imagine, because his expectations are higher than ours.

7. He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, because his power is unlimited.

H4 As a simple summary statement we may say that there are no limits to what God can do because there are no limits to GOD.

E5 Omnipresence

F1 This is somewhat related to His trait of infinite. There is no place in the universe or outside it that He is not there. He knows our hearts and minds perfectly; we cannot hide. He knows every situation. He always knows where we are. Truly, He is the perfect leader, savior, comforter, source of all wisdom, knowledge, love, and assurance.

F2 Psalms 139:7-13 GW Where can I go to get away from your Spirit? Where can I run to get away from you?  8 If I go up to heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in hell, you are there. 9 If I climb upward on the rays of the morning sun or land on the most distant shore of the sea where the sun sets, 10 even there your hand would guide me and your right hand would hold on to me. 11 If I say, "Let the darkness hide me and let the light around me turn into night," 12 even the darkness is not too dark for you. Night is as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. 13 You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother.

F3 God lives in the most inner place of the believer’s being: 1 Corinthians 3:16 NRSV Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?

F4 A question arises, then, is God’s presence in hell?

G1 I believe hell, the place of eternal torment is a literal place.

H1 I read and interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense.

I1 Matthew 5:29 NRSV If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

J1 The body of unbelievers will be thrown into hell.

K1 What body is this?

K2 It is a resurrected body. It is resurrected, in this case, for punishment.

K3 Daniel 12:2 NLT Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.

K4 Revelation 20:12 NLT I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.

K5 John 5:28-29 NLT Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.

J2 We have a choice according to God’s decree. If we obey the Gospel, we go to heaven. If we disobey the Gospel, we go to hell.

I2 Matthew 10:28 NET Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

J1 Body and soul are distinct from one another.

J2 Destroy does not mean annihilation. The Greek word is ἀπόλλυμι apóllymi. It means lose, kill, mar, ruin, and even misery. Some interpret this word as destroy to mean annihilation, but what it really means is to render useless, and by application to kill, lose, mar, ruin, etc.

I3 Where God is there is light, love, warmth, etc. In hell, there is no light, love, comfort, etc.

J1 Light or darkness

K1 1 John 1:5 NET Now this is the gospel message we have heard from him and announce to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.

K2 2 Peter 2:17 NET These men are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm, for whom the utter depths of darkness have been reserved.

J2 Love, comfort, etc. versus no love, discomfort, etc.

K1 2 Thessalonians 2:16 NLT Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,

K2 Revelation 14:11 NIV And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name."

I4 There are Greek different words for presence.

J1 Revelation 14:10 CSB he will also drink the wine of God's wrath, which is poured full strength into the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb, [Emphasis is mine. It is the Greek word ἐνώπιον]

K1 The Greek word for presence is ἐνώπιον enṓpion. It means is sight of.

K2 Thus, God can see all, know all, etc.

J2 Revelation 22:4 NLT And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. [Emphasis is mine. It is the Greek word ]

K1 The Greek word for presence (see His face) is πρόσωπον prósōpon. It means the face.

K2 Thus, God’s face is there.

H2 So, there is a difference with God’s presence seeing and God’s presence being there. He is seeing hell and its inhabitants, but not physically present.

G2 God is in hell, in the sense of knowing, seeing, etc. but not in hell.