New Christian Handbook Part 2

Preface

I'll be posting a part each day, then when done will post a link to a downloadable pdf that is .

There are many other pamphlets and courses for new Christians that are much better than this, but perhaps this might help, encourage, stimulate, and ground someone in the faith. That is my only intent. This copy is Copyright © 2019 by Len Gane All rights reserved but the pdf download version 10 April 19 only is .

The New Christian's Handbook Part 2

Basic Doctrine

Reasonable or Not?

B1 The beginning (I don’t necessarily agree with all the presenters, but they give some reasons for a beginning).

C1 Videos

D1 God vs Atheism: Which is more rational? (Video link)

D2 Does Science Argue For or Against God? (Video link)

D3 Does God Exist? 4 New Arguments (Video link)

D4 Teleological Argument - Dr. William Lane Craig vs Dr. Sean Carroll (Video Link)

D5 Professor John Lennox | God DOES exist (Video link)

D6 What is the Kalam Cosmological Argument? - William Lane Craig (Video link) or The Kalam Cosmological Argument (Video link)

C2 Questions

D1 Are we Christians because of experience (“I feel God”) or because of evidence (“I believe, because it is most reasonable”)?

D2 Does science, properly understood as observation, refute Christianity?

D3 Which arguments seem best to you for explaining God’s existence that are most reasonable?

B2 The Gospels (Is it reasonable)?

C1 Videos

D1 Good Reasons to Trust the Gospels As Eyewitness Accounts (Video link)

D2 Are The New Testament Documents Historically Credible? (Video link)

D3 Compare these 2 videos

E1 Bart Ehrman: The Gospels Were Not Written by Eyewitnesses (Video link)

E2 Are the Gospels Eyewitness Accounts? From J. Warner Wallace at Cold Case Christianity (Video link)

D4 Eyewitnesses Never Agree (Video link)

C2 Questions

D1 Is it reasonable that the Gospels are eyewitness accounts (those titled Matthew and John) or journalists who had collaboration with eyewitnesses (Mark and Luke)? Support your answer.

D2 How does one evaluate if one is an eyewitness?

D3 Why don’t eyewitnesses tell exactly the same account?

The New Christian's Handbook Part 1

I'll be posting a part each day, then when done will post a link to a downloadable pdf that is .

There are many other pamphlets and courses for new Christians that are much better than this, but perhaps this might help, encourage, stimulate, and ground someone in the faith. That is my only intent. This copy is Copyright © 2019 by Len Gane All rights reserved but the pdf download version 10 April 19 only is .

The New Christian's Handbook Part 1

Pray at the start

Read the material

Answer the questions

Pray again

Basic Bible Interpretation

B1 This is based on the Principles of the Literal Bible Interpretation by Cooper Abrams III. 
B2 The 11 Rules given by by Dr. Abrams III.

1. Follow the Customary Usages of the language (Example: Revelation 20:6). This is the rule, "If the literal sense makes sense, seek no other sense." 
2. Commit no historical or cultural blunders. (Example: Deuteronomy 13:5. Israel was to stone to death false prophets, but we have no command for this today). 
3. Make Christ central in all interpretations. (Example: John 5:38) 
4. Be conscious of context. (Example: 1 Corinthians 15:32. Is Paul teaching that our life is to be spend as "let us eat, drink, for tomorrow we die?" No, we understand by the context that Paul is teaching the opposite). 
5. Interpret by the analogy of the faith. (Example: 2 Timothy 3:16. Scripture is not the words of religious leaders but God Himself. Also, Hosea 12:10 teaches that God spoke to the prophets and gave the visions that they wrote about). 
6. Recognize the progress of revelation. (Example: Genesis 3:15 is understood by most to be foretelling the coming of Messiah, but no details are given to recognize him. The details are revealed over thousands of years by the prophets). 
7. Grant one interpretation to each passage. (Example: Genesis 15:18. Abraham understood the passage to be a promise of a chunk of real estate from the river in Egypt to the Euphrates, so should we. We are not to surmise that the mention of the Euphrates means the Persian Gulf). 
8. Choose the simplest alternative. (Example: Judges 11:30-40. Did Jephthah really cut up and burn his daughter as a sacrifice? NO! God would have punished him, for God hates murder. His daughter took a vow of virginity. Read the context and choose the simplest alternative). 
9. Never invent explanations to silent areas of Scripture. (Example: Heaven is spoken up as being up. Where is up? To guess a certain area of the universe would be inventing an explanation). 
10. Never theorize to accommodate man's views or modern science. (Example: God spoke the knowledge of creation to Moses. Do we assume the higher authority of science or believe God? Is the "gap theory" of past generations the explanation because of science)? 
11. Never base a doctrine on one passage of Scripture. (Example: 1 Corinthians 15:29. Are we to baptize dead people like the Mormons? Since it is not taught anywhere else, it seems most reasonable that Paul is not giving a command but an example).

B3 Read and study the Bible in its plain, normal sense. For example: John 3:16 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Some interpret the word world not to mean all humans but only the elect. When they read this verse, they would understand that it means all humans. But, they think, this cannot be, for I know that God died and was sent only for the elect. So instead of understanding it correctly, they corrupt it by their theology. The same could be said for hell, second chance, soul sleep, rapture, and many others. We MUST make sure that we don’t put our theology over the Scriptures. 

B4 Assignment. Give the plain, normal sense to the following Scriptures.

1. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 GNB First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; 2 for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. 3 This is good and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth.
2. John 3:12-18 WEL "If I told you earthly things, and you won't believe, how will you believe, if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 "No one has gone up to heaven, except he who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven. 14 "As Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, even so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 “So that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that anyone believing in him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 "For God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 "The one who believes in him is not judged, but the one who does not believe is judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 
3. James 2:14-26 WEL What does it profit, my brothers, if a man says he has faith and not works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister becomes naked and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say to them, "Leave in peace, may you be warm and filled [with food]," yet you do not give them those things which they need for the body. What good [is it]? 17 And so, if faith does not have works, it is dead in itself. 18 Someone may say, "You have faith, and I have works. You show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." 19 You believe that God is one? You do well; the devils also believe and shudder. 20 But will you understand, you senseless man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Wasn't Abraham, our father, justified by works when he had offered Isaac, his son, on the altar? 22 See how faith worked together with his works, and [how] faith was made complete by works? 23 The Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness," and he was called the Friend of God. 24 You see then how a person is justified by works and not by faith only. 25 In the same way, wasn't Rahab, the harlot, justified by works when she had received the messengers and sent [them] out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

A Few Thoughts on Matthew 11:28

Matthew 11:28 NKJV Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 WEL Come to me, all who are exhausted and burdened, and I will give you rest.

This well known passage spoken by the Lord Jesus is still wonderful in its meaning and applications.

Matthew 11:25-30 is a prayer and message from the Lord Jesus.

Prayer

B1 He begins by praying. Prayer is not that difficult activity that many people make it out to be. Like my daughter states, “People have a way of making God’s ways complicated.” Prayer is simply talking to God, our Father.

B2 In His prayer, He thanks His Father that the Gospel is easy to understand. It is not complicated that it needs specially gifted intellects and thinkers to study, understand it, and then communicate it to us. It is easy enough for children to understand.

B3 Next, He mentions how good this is, which reminds me of God’s creation (before Adam’s sin) was judged to be good (Genesis 1:31).

Message

B1 The Lord Jesus then speaks of what Arminians label prevenient grace.

B2 God initiates salvation.

B3 No one can know God, Father or Son, unless God reveals it to all people (Romans 3:10-18 and John 16:8-10).

B4 It is simply impossible for humans to seek or know God, unless God reveals Himself but opening the heart and clearing the mind and understanding (Acts 16:14, John 1:9, and John 12:46, etc.).

Invitation

Come

C1 The word come is imperative; it is emphatic. Often, the Bible speaks of obeying or disobeying the Gospel. If we obey God’s, “Come,” we are wise, but the disobedient are foolish. Compare Romans 10:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, and 1 Peter 4:17.

C2 God does not give an invitation that is not genuine. He comes to seek and save the lost, and all people are lost (Luke 19:10).

C3 The word for labor (exhausted) is κοπιάω kopiáō Strong’s G2872. It means to work until one is worn out, exhausted. This word, for instance, is used by Peter in Luke 5:5 NIV Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” So, the burdened writer states in Psalm 38:4 WEB For my iniquities have gone over my head. As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

C4 The word for heavy ladened (burdened) is φορτίζω phortízō Strong’s G5412. It means be weighed down, overloaded with a burden too heavy to carry.

C5 The Holy Spirit opens our soul to the heavy burden of sin. We feel guilty. Examples:

D1 Genesis 42:21 NASB Then they said to one another, "Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.

D2 Psalm 51:2, 9 CSB Completely wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. ... Turn your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt.

C6 The word for rest is ἀναπαύω anapauō Strong’s G373 which means to lie down and relax, to be at ease, to rest. The heavy burden is not being carried any more. We cannot do this our self; it is the work of God who can.

C7 It is rest that we long for. If we come, he will give us rest. This is the rest from guilt. Life still will be tough. The world does not like the Jesus of the Bible. I read the other day that on the average 115 Christians die every day for the faith, but they still have rest in their souls.

Take

C1 The word take is also a command (imperative).

C2 God does not just forgive us but gives us a responsibility, too.

C3 Our former Master and slave owner is the devil. He is harsh and controlling. Beware of people and pastors like that.

D1 John 8:44 NLT For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

D2 The Lord Jesus came to destroy the devil’s work. 1 John 3:8 NLT But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.

C4 A yoke is referring to the yoke of animals to control and work. Instead of a heavy yoke and unbearable work, the Lord Jesus offers us a light yoke and work that we can bear.

D1 Luke 6:46 NLT So why do you keep calling me 'Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say?

D2 John 14:15, 23-24 NLT If you love me, obey my commandments. ... Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.

C5 Vincent (Vincent’s Word Studies) comments: ...though it is impossible to find an English word which combines them all. Christ's yoke is wholesome, serviceable, kindly. “Christ's yoke is like feathers to a bird; not loads, but helps to motion” (Jeremy Taylor).

C6 Matthew Henry comments: Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. Nor need we fear his yoke. His commandments are holy, just, and good. It requires self-denial, and exposes to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid, even in this world, by inward peace and joy. It is a yoke that is lined with love. So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so suitable the encouragements, and so strong the consolations to be found in the way of duty, that we may truly say, it is a yoke of pleasantness. The way of duty is the way of rest.

God bless!

Addictions An Evangelistic Message

Problems of addiction

Personal

Overwhelmed, isolated, out of control, anxiety (themselves and others), prone to other problems, fetal alcohol syndrome (as well as various drug damaged baby brains), cancer, impaired judgment, pain, injuries, won't deal with problems except more addiction, being taken advantage of, prison, loss of everything including job, family, self esteem, increased early death, loss of love, etc.

Family

Interpersonal problems, jealousy, arguments, all types of abuse, pulling apart, conflict with children, fear, conflict over money, loss of employment, health costs, emotional trauma, yelling, falling down, insults, manipulating, violence, cheating, other addictions (porn, internet sex, prostitution), risky behavior in family members, acting out, children more likely to follow your addiction, emotional problems in children, loss of love, loss of commitment, homelessness, etc.

Society

Health care, accidents, poor judgment, out of control character, stealing, etc (need for money), etc.

How many addictions are there?

B1 No one knows.

B2 Whatever is pleasurable, demanding, repetitive, a necessity.

B3 The 8 main ones are gambling, sex, internet, shopping, video games, plastic surgery, food, risky behavior.

B4 A quote from Everyday Health:

But alcohol, uppers, downers, and other commonly abused substances aren't the only things Americans abuse or think they're addicted to. In fact, just substitute the word "behavior" for "substance," and you open up the definition of addiction to all kinds of dependencies, some of which may surprise you. Whether it's sex, the Internet, or bungee jumping, the desire to experience a "high" becomes so strong that the so-called addict loses control and seeks the activity despite all negative consequences.

As serious, troubling, sorrowful, burdensome addiction is, there is one addiction that is the worst. It affects all of us.

That addiction is sin.

B1 Sin is pleasurable: Hebrews 11:24-25 GW When Moses grew up, faith led him to refuse to be known as a son of Pharaoh's daughter. 25 He chose to suffer with God's people rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a little while.

B2 It is the “natural” thing to do. It is what we want to do: Ephesians 2:3 GNB Actually all of us were like them and lived according to our natural desires, doing whatever suited the wishes of our own bodies and minds. In our natural condition we, like everyone else, were destined to suffer God's anger.

B3 Desires for pleasure: James 4:1-3 GNB Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? They come from your desires for pleasure, which are constantly fighting within you. 2 You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it. 3 And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures.

B4 Our own desires. We cannot blame anyone but ourself: James 1:14-15 GNB But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. 15 Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

What is sin?

B1 Lawlessness is rebellion against known law or a standard. 1 John 3:4 WEL Everyone doing sin, also is doing lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

B2 God has summarized His law in 10 precepts:

C1 You must not have any other Gods except me.

C2 You must not have any idols. (a physical representation of a god made of wood, stone, metal, etc.).

C3 You must not blaspheme God’s name or character.

C4 You must keep the Sabbath holy. (This one is for Israel, for it is not repeated in the New Testament. Christians celebrate Jesus’s resurrection. So, 1 Corinthians 16:2 NIV On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made).

C5 You must honor your father and mother.

C6 You must not murder.

C7 You must not commit adultery. (This includes porn).

C8 You must not steal. (This includes stealing of time).

C9 You must not bear false witness against your neighbor. (This includes any lying).

C10 You must not covet.

B3 These 10 must be kept perfectly in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. Compare:

C1 Thoughts and desires: Matthew 5:28 NIV But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

C2 Words: Revelation 16:11 WEL And blasphemed the God of heaven, because of their intense pain and ulcers, but they did not repent of their deeds.

B4 The penalty for breaking God’s laws is death.

C1 The penalty is compared to a paycheck: I work and my payment is death. Romans 6:23 WEL For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C2 The one who sins will die: Ezekiel 18:4 BSB Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

C3 The body dies and becomes compost: Genesis 3:19 NIV By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.

C4 The soul is punished for eternity: Matthew 25:46 NRSV And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

What is the solution?

B1 Truth. For any addiction, we must acknowledge that we are addicted. We must acknowledge the truth about us. We are addicted. Regarding sin, we have sinned.

B2 God sends light for us to understand that we have sinned. He shed this light, this understanding, over us by the Holy Spirit, who initiates salvation.

B3 We must confess, that is, agree with God’s opinion about us.

B4 Believe and trust into Jesus Christ.

B5 Live by His grace.

What Can We Learn?

B1 All of us have an addiction. This addiction is sin.

B2 Sin is breaking God’s law.

B3 Breaking God’s law requires punishment.

B4 Punishment is physical death, spiritual, and eternal death.

B5 Someone must be punished. It is either me for my sin, or a substitute.

B6 The only substitute is the Son of Man, Jesus Christ.

B7 He requires agreement that we are sinners, acknowledging He is the only savior, and trust in Him for forgiveness of sin.

B8 There is a Christian life to live.

B9 There is a hope for heaven after death and a sin free world coming in the future.

B10 Our only hope is Jesus Christ.

A Few Thoughts on Psalm 23

Introduction: Probably no Psalm is quoted from more than Psalm 23. It has been quoted at times from birth through death, from joy to sorrow, from comfort to praise.

King David knew sheep well, for he was the family shepherd for many years. The intensity of devotion and reverence for Yahweh is clearly seen in his writing. We must remember that this is inspired by the Holy Spirit. King David was King but also prophet.

There are two types of leadership. The best is a shepherd leader. The only other is evil; it is the hunter type.

The Shepherd is 

• Motivated by love 
• Acts with compassion  
• Alert to troubles 
• Awake to dangers  
• Guiding to safety and well-being

The Hunter is

• Motivated by self
• Acts to satisfy him/herself
• Alert to rebellion
• Awake to any movements for freedom
• Guides into greater and greater control

The example of the Shepherd is the Lord Jesus 
The example of the Hunter is Nimrod, the hunter

The idea of a Shepherd is

• Authority,
• Guiding,
• Safety,
• Compassion.
• He or she gives.
• The principle is to build up, maintain, increase health and well-being.
• Freedom within boundaries is encouraged and maintained.

The idea of the Controller is

• Power,
• Supremacy,
• Mastery,
• Make clear who is in Charge.
• He or she takes.
• The principle is to use them, and when done destroy.
• There is a lack of freedom.

Unfortunately, we see many, if not most, leaders, parents, pastors, husbands, etc. as controlling. There is Christian leadership, pastorship, or marriage. The opposite is a controlling leadership, pastorship, or marriage.

God makes sure we do not lack what is needed. What is wanted is not always granted.

There are 4 verbs here describing God’s leadership:

Makes

• To rest in green pastures
• The word makes appears to be controlling but the Hebrew word is רָבַץ râbats. In the Hiphil, it does not have the idea of forcing or driving them it, rather, it is encouraging. One could almost translate it as have them rest.
  • Song of Songs 1:7 NKJV (To Her Beloved) Tell me, O you whom I love, Where you feed your flock, Where you make it rest at noon. For why should I be as one who veils herself By the flocks of your companions?
  • Ezekiel 34:14 NIV I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

Leads

• The Hebrew word is נָהַל nâhal. It means, according to Strong’s, to lead or guide to a watering place, bring to a place of rest, refresh.
• Again, instead of driving them, the shepherd guides them to the best for well-being.
• Psalm 31:3 NLT You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.
• Isaiah 40:11 NLT He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Restores

• The Hebrew word is שׁוּב shûwb. In the Piel, it means to bring, to restore.
• The times might be hard, difficult, and tiring, but the shepherd wants the sheep to be restored.
• Isaiah 58:12 GNB Your people will rebuild what has long been in ruins, building again on the old foundations. You will be known as the people who rebuilt the walls, who restored the ruined houses.
• Psalms 60:1 NRSV To the leader: according to the Lily of the Covenant. A Miktam of David; for instruction; when he struggled with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab on his return killed twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; now restore us!

Leads

• The Hebrew word is נָחָה nâchâh. It means to guide and lead forth.
• Genesis 24:27 NRSV and said, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the way to the house of my master's kin.
• Psalm 73:24 NIV You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
• Isaiah 58:11 NIV The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. [All emphasis is mine].

The Shepherd leader makes sure the sheep’s needs are taken care of

• Food (green pastures) Our food is Scripture. Since God is both omniscient and omnisapient, He can communicate perfectly. The plain, normal sense of interpretation is best. Principles of the Literal Bible Interpretation by Cooper Adams III is very good if you need some principles of Bible Interpretation. God provides, but we must do the reading and the studying. We have no excuses to not do so.
• Water (quiet water)
  • Invitation: Revelation 22:17 NRSV The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come." And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.
  • Prophesied: Isaiah 55:1 CSB Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the water; and you without silver, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without silver and without cost!
  • The Lord Jesus in numerous places spoke of thirsty and God quenching water. John 4:10, 14 CSB Jesus answered, "If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would ask him, and he would give you living water." ... "But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.
• Satisfied soul
  • The soul is our emotions and being. It is the real person in the body. Psalms 107:8-9 NKJV Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
  • Jeremiah 31:25 ESV For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.
• Righteousness
  • He, the Savior, provides for salvation, not condemnation: Romans 5:17-19 ESV For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
  • Philippians 3:8-9 WEL Yes indeed, I consider everything loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of everything, and I consider them just worthless filth, so that I may gain Christ 9 And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is from The Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness, which is from God on [the basis of] faith.

A shepherd leader is one who will be with us in trials, temptations, sorrows, griefs, difficulties, sickness, death, hurt, etc.

• The rod and staff are for guiding, not punishment.
• Fear of the unknown and the uncomfortable are very real. Yet, when God is with us, we don’t have to be fear. He provides a comfort and strength to go through this valley.
• He is here to comfort: Isaiah 61:2 NRSV To proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.
• Even the hard things of life cannot stop His love: Romans 8:38-39 NRSV For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• He is ever present, even we do not know it. Psalms 46:1 GNB God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
• We are set free from the fear of death. At the moment of death and earlier, He will comfort. Hebrews 2:14-15 GNB Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, 15 and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death.
• We have hope in our death. Proverbs 14:32 NKJV The wicked is banished in his wickedness, But the righteous has a refuge in his death.

The Lord Jesus IS the shepherd, our shepherd, and hopefully, He is yours, too.

John 10:11-14 NKJV I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

Some final thoughts by Alexander MacLaren: So much for the earthly future. But higher than all that rises the confidence of the closing words, ‘I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.’ This should be at once the crown of all our hopes for the future, and the one great lesson taught us by all the vicissitudes of life. The sorrows and the joys, the journeying and the rest, the temporary repose and the frequent struggles, all these should make us sure that there is an end which will interpret them all, to which they all point, for which they may all prepare. We get the table in the wilderness here. It is as when the son of some great king comes back from foreign soil to his father’s dominions, and is welcomed at every stage in his journey to the capital with pomp of festival, and messengers from the throne, until he enters at last his palace home, where the travel-stained robe is laid aside, and he sits down with his father at his table. God provides for us here in the presence of our enemies; it is wilderness food we get, manna from heaven, and water from the rock. We eat in haste, staff in hand, and standing round the meal. But yonder we sit down with the Shepherd, the Master of the house, at His table in His kingdom. We put off the pilgrim-dress, and put on the royal robe; we lay aside the sword, and clasp the palm. Far off, and lost to sight, are all the enemies. We fear no change. We ‘go no more out.’

The sheep are led by many a way, sometimes through sweet meadows, sometimes limping along sharp-flinted, dusty highways, sometimes high up over rough, rocky mountain-passes, sometimes down through deep gorges, with no sunshine in their gloom; but they are ever being led to one place, and when the hot day is over they are gathered into one fold, and the sinking sun sees them safe, where no wolf can come, nor any robber climb up any more, but all shall rest for ever under the Shepherd’s eye.

Fruit of the 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.

Ephesians 5:9 WEL For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.

The Spirit

B1 This is the Holy Spirit. There is one God who is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. One God, not three. One in essence. Three in persons. The essence is the stuff of God, for God is spirit, not flesh.

B2 Some ministries of the Holy Spirit

C1 Convicts people of sin: John 16:8-9 NLT And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world's sin is that it refuses to believe in me.

C2 He is an advocate, helper, one who stands by us to assist and encourage: John 14:16 GNB I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever.

C3 He gives us a new heart when we trust in Jesus: John 3:5 NIV Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

C4 Lives in believers. He is the presence of God with us. John 14:17 NIV the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

C5 He helps our weakness and He assists us in our prayer: Romans 8:26 NIV In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

C6 He frees us from sin and hopelessness. He gives us hope. The devil works hard to take our hope away, but even if our discouragement is overwhelming, the Holy Spirit is still with us: Romans 8:15 NIV The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

C7 Adopted into God’s family. Those who believe are now sons and daughters. Galatians 4:6-7 NIV Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

C8 He plants a garden in our new life, the new heart, the new creation. There is one fruit of the Holy Spirit, and as one commentator wrote that there is one fruit with 9 flavors. The law refers to Mosaic Law. 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.

D1 Love is a choice and is seen in its actions public and private. How are we reaching out to those around us? We can listen; we can pray. The motivation for this is a spiritual fruit given by God to show those who are not Christian, what God’s love is like. 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, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.

D2 Joy is a deep seated happiness and gladness. Somehow in our darkest situations, the Holy Spirit helps us and doesn’t leave. This joy comes from the love God has shown us, and then we show to others. Joy for the Christian is marked by celebration and expectation of God’s ultimate victory over the powers of sin and darkness [Source]. From the same source, it is written: In contrast, in secular works, joy is defined as the emotion evoked by well-being, success and/or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. The world's definition of joy is virtually synonymous with the definition of “happiness”, for both of these "emotions" are dependent on what "happens." And again: C. S. Lewis got a bit closer to the Biblical meaning when he called joy an “unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction.” That statement is a bit obtuse but Lewis then goes on to add that joy "must be sharply distinguished both from happiness and from pleasure". Ultimately Lewis' experienced joy when he discovered that Jesus was the wellspring of all joy.

D3 Peace is a calmness. Even if we are restless and distraught, He can help us find a calm that no one can explain. God wants us to have peace, because He knows the lack of peace is not good for spiritual, mental, emotional, or physical health. No one on earth can be sinless. We still have storms and unrest, but a Christian faces these differently than a non-Christian. The opposite is anxiety. Anxiety is NOT a sin, and all of us have it from time to time some more than others. But, again, a Christian faces anxiety producing situations differently.

D4 Longsuffering is putting up with sorrow from many reasons. It is patience. This is a patience to make it through many sorrows, difficulties, and sufferings. God helps us through it, and hopefully from it. From the same source as above, William Barclay writes: "... as the Greeks used it, usually meant patience with people. It is the ability not to lose patience when people are foolish, not to grow irritable when they seem unteachable. It is the ability to accept the folly, the perversity, the blindness, the ingratitude of men and still to remain gracious, and still to toil on…”

D5 Gentleness is a tenderness opposite of someone who is rough and hurting. From the source listed above, it is written: Barnes writes that chrestotes "is opposed to a harsh, crabbed, crooked temper. It is a disposition to be pleased; it is mildness of temper, calmness of spirit, an unruffled disposition, and a disposition to treat all with urbanity and politeness.

D6 Goodness. Even in suffering, as the Lord Jesus did, He could find goodness in God, who does deliver. It is a special kindness given to others, when you or I are suffering ourselves.

D7 Faith is believing God. It is reasonable, not blind faith. There are reasons and facts that help us. Faithfulness here is the keeping of one’s word, devotion, finishes one’s obligations, being reliable, and trustworthiness.

D8 Meekness is a humble attitude in opposite someone who is an arrogant bastard. It is not weakness. It is not self promotion.

D9 Self-control is a calmness in a panic situation. I’ve not always experienced this, but I know after a situation is over God helped me through it. Aristotle reportedly said, “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self.” It is not done in our own ability or strength, but in the ability and strength God gives. So we pray, “God help me.” It is written: By temperance is meant self-control in the broadest and fullest sense of the term. We need to go into training for CHRIST and to keep ourselves spiritually fit at all times, for we never know when a critical test may come or a golden opportunity arise that will call upon our spiritual reserves. To this end we should be prepared to give up whatever mars our witness and hinders usefulness in the Master’s service. Attaining to the best may necessitate abstaining from the rest. The lesser must sometimes be sacrificed to the higher good [Source]

D10 There are no laws against these gifts. The law would be Mosaic Law.

B3 This fruit that we mentioned is completely good, righteous, and true. Ephesians 5:9 WEL For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Storms and Hope

Storms

The Bible has many verses about storms.

I want to look at a few verses about the storms of life. The difficulties, hurts, fears, memories, pain, sufferings of the present and past.

Job was well acquainted with grief from the storms of life.

B1 This is how Job felt: Job 9:17 GNB He sends storms to batter and bruise me without any reason at all.

B2 Job 27:20-23 GNB Terror will strike like a sudden flood; a wind in the night will blow them away; 21 the east wind will sweep them from their homes; 22 it will blow down on them without pity while they try their best to escape. 23 The wind howls at them as they run, frightening them with destructive power.

B3 Job 30:20-22 GNB I call to you, O God, but you never answer; and when I pray, you pay no attention. 21 You are treating me cruelly; you persecute me with all your power. 22 You let the wind blow me away; you toss me about in a raging storm.

Why Lord?

Psalms 13:1-6 GNB How much longer will you forget me, LORD? Forever? How much longer will you hide yourself from me? 2 How long must I endure trouble? How long will sorrow fill my heart day and night? How long will my enemies triumph over me? 3 Look at me, O LORD my God, and answer me. Restore my strength; don't let me die. 4 Don't let my enemies say, "We have defeated him." Don't let them gloat over my downfall. 5 I rely on your constant love; I will be glad, because you will rescue me. 6 I will sing to you, O LORD, because you have been good to me.

Comfort from the Psalms

Psalms 55:8 GNB I would hurry and find myself a shelter from the raging wind and the storm.

Lyrics: Praise You in This Storm

I was sure by now

God You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say, Amen and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands

And praise the God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands

For You are who You are no matter where I am

And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand

You never left my side and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry, You raised me up again

But my strength is almost gone

How can I carry on if I can't find You

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"

And as You mercy falls I raise my hands

And praise the God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands

For You are who You are no matter where I am

And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand

You never left my side and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands

For You are who You are no matter where I am

And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand

You never left my side and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

Hope

Difference between faith and hope

Faith is believing God. The words He has spoken and the words we read in the Bible are true.

A Story of Faith

Pete had become lost in the desert and had been chasing mirages He thought to himself, I'll follow this last one. It was a deserted town with a well in the very center His mouth parched from the intense heat, he ran to the well with his last ounce of energy.

He vigorously pumped the handle only to find that no water came forth Then, he looked up to a note nailed to the post It instructed its readers to "look behind the rock where a five-gallon container of water will be found" and warned against drinking or using it for anything besides priming the pump Every ounce was needed, and not even a drop could be spared, the note emphasized.

"After pouring the water down the pump, pump the handle vigorously and all the water you desire will come forth," the note said One last instruction was to please fill the water can and place it behind the rock for the next weary soul who might happen to come along.

How hard it is for people to give up a "sure thing" for something they cannot see at the time Pete had a sure thing in the bucket of water and yet was instructed to pour it "all" down the pump.

Hope is looking to a promise. We don’t know when it will be fulfilled, but it will be.

Faith, Hope, Love

One of the most memorable sermons was preached by the late Emil Brunner at the Fraumunster Kirche in Zurich, Switzerland. It was based on the phrase, "faith, hope, and love." The points were these: Every man has a past, a present, and a future. Every man has a problem in his past, a problem in his present, and a problem in his future. The problem in our past is sin, but God has an answer to that problem. The answer is faith-faith in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The problem in our future is death, but God has an answer to that problem also. The answer to that problem is hope-hope in Christ's return based on the fact of His historical resurrection and His promises. The problem in our present is hate, and God's answer to that problem is love. It is the love of Christ lived out in the lives of those who trust Him.

Bible words

B1 Hebrew

C1 מִקְוֶה miqveh. Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon has expectation, hope, and confidence. This would be the confidence that the answer, the deliverance, and the deliverer is just around the corner.

D1 Ezra 10:2 NIV Then Shekaniah son of Jehiel, one of the descendants of Elam, said to Ezra, "We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples around us. But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel.

D2 Jeremiah 14:8 NIV You who are the hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays only a night?

C2 תִּקְוָה tiqvâh. Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon has a rope, expectation, and hope. This would be an attachment, a safety.

D1 Job 6:8 NIV Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for.

D2 Psalm 62:5 NIV Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

C3 יָחַל yâchal. Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon has expectation, waiting, and hope. This would be patience, for example waiting for a cab, bus, or a friend who is coming. Lamentations 3:21, 24 NIV Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: ... I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

B2 Greek (similar ideas as in Hebrew). ἐλπίζω elpízō. Strong’s (G1680) has (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence.

C1 Luke 23:8 NIV When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort.

C2 Romans 8:25 NIV But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

C3 2 John 1:12 NIV I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

In the midst of the storms of life, why should we hope in God.

B1 He is faithful. He keeps His word. His promises will happen. He does not always tell us when or why, but we know from experience that He is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

B2 He is safe and secure. Psalm 25:3 NIV No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

B3 God cannot lie. Titus 1:1-2 CSB Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

B4 God is good. It is a character trait. Psalm 27:13-14 CSB I am certain that I will see the LORD's goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the LORD.

B5 He is a deliverer. Psalm 69:13-14 NLT But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mud; don't let me sink any deeper! Save me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters.

We can be secure in our hope in God.