Blessed Me

Q3. (Ephesians 3:16, 19) What does it mean to be "filled with the Spirit" (verse 16)? It means to be strengthened daily by allowing the Holy Spirit work on our inner man. 2 Cor. 4:16 the inward man needs to be renewed day by day. To be "filled" means there is no more room, growth is complete. This is why Paul prayed this prayer "to be empowered with miraculous power, that is being filled with the Spirit" for it is by this power the process has begun, we can be changed. Is this a one-time experience or a continual reality? No, I do not believe it is a one time experience. We receive the Holy Spirit when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Just like Jesus said, "the Spirit is with you, but He shall be in you. When? John 20 - following Jesus Resurrection, Jesus breathed on His disciples and said "receive the Holy Ghost." Then He said, "Now that the Holy Spirit is in you, go to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Ghost to come upon you, for that is when you shall receive power" Acts 1:8 What can we do to be filled with the Spirit? By not quenching the Holy Spirit. 1Thes 5:20, Despise not prophesying. People quench the Spirit whenever they say, "The gifts of prophecy, tongues, healing, word of knowledge, and discernment of spiits are all irrelevant." For a person to be filled with the Spirit they must have "faith," deeply desire the power of the Spirit to come upon ones life. I will not quench the Spirit, I want to be filled, for it is by this power I will be able to become the person God desires me to be. I cannot do it on my own. If it were a one time thing, why are our churches filled with the weak? Is it different or the same as being "filled with all the fullness of God" (verse 19)? Matt 5:48 Be ye perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect. I would say this is for sure a process, allowing the Holy Spirit to do His empowing work on our lives, will bring us closer to being filled with the fullness of God.

Q2. (3:18-19) What kinds of things prevent us from comprehending the far reaches of Christ's love? I would say lack of "faith" would be a major preventive in Christ's love touching our being. Another preventive would not being in the Word; The Word teaches us about "love" and as we read the Word, the Holy Spirit touches our beings with love. What happens in the way we live when we do comprehend, know, and experience this love? Salvation happens the moment we comprehend this love that went to the cross to save mankind. There is no better experience to be had then the day we comprehend, know, and experience this love; what a wonderful gift God has given to us, wrapped in love, sent to Calvary, a gift of God's grace and mercy for us, found in one word, "Love", who is Jesus. What would be different about your life if you could grasp this? I grasped this awesome love the day Christ's love came into my heart and I am different because of it. I am reminded when God said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Following after Him is how Love has made my life different. There are no words to describe this love that lives within me. God's love enables me to look beyond the faults of others, when in the flesh I would like to hang onto them. God's love enables me not to see this person who at times speaks out of anger, or does not always love those who are not loving. When I look through the eyes of "Love" I see this person God loved so much that He gave His only Son, to die on the cross for her, I see that new creation, a new person being transformed, it is because of this great "Love" that I can love myself and can love those around me.

Q1. (Ephesians 3:16-17) Do the concepts of (a) strengthened by the Spirit in the inner person, and ( Christ dwelling in our hearts say the same thing, or are they separate and distinct ideas? What do you think? (John 14:17) Jesus told His disciples, the Holy Spirit is with us, but He shall be in you. It is by the Spirit we are drawn to salvation. It is by our "faith" our will to believe in Christ Jesus that we are saved. Once we opened our heart to Jesus, the Holy Spirit came into us, He indwelled in us, we are born again. Jesus instructed the disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father. They will need the power of the Holy Spirit, for they are to be a light to the world. Acts 1:4-8 The Spirit is in you, but when the Spirit comes upon you, you will be empowered for unique ministry and service, and then you will be My witnesses. The Spirit draws us to salvation, and once our heart is opened we are empowered to serve Him. The Holy Spirit is a person, He can be grieved. Ephesians 4:30 Paul writes "Grieve not the Holy Spirit whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Christ has come to change our "hearts" for it is there He would like to dwell, feel at home. It is not in our head, not in our traditions but in our hearts He is able to perform His wonders on our lives.

Q4. What does Ephesians 3:12 teach us about the manner of approaching God? I am to approach God with boldness, not being afraid. How? my high priest "Jesus" has gone before me, He is speaking on my behalf. Father God desires to have a relationship with me, and by the work of the cross, Jesus opened the door for me, I can walk right in, I can have fellowship with the Father who sits on the trhone. What happens if we try to pray without these qualities? In Hebrews 4:16 Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. The word "may" simply means "will" -- Jesus has made a way for us to come before the Father, the price has been paid, the work has been done, so I "will" go boldly, boldly with a thankful heart to Jesus, for He opened the door, invited me to come in.

Q3. (Ephesians 3:7-9) Why is Paul so careful to be humble about his call and apostleship? Paul was humble because God's grace was on him, he was aware of who he was before he met Jesus, the least of the apostles; but God's power, His riches were felt in the heart of Paul, and it was because of this he could go forth and be that light to the Gentiles. How can his example help us remain as humble servants? It is Christ's example that reminds me, I am a servant of the Almighty God, my life must be that light to the world, so they can see God's glory shine through me, not because of anything I have done, but because of the power of Christ working in me.

Q2. (Ephesians 3:6) Just what is the "mystery" that Paul is talking about? The mystery revealed is, the Gentiles also can be partakers of the Covenant with God, through Christ Jesus. Why was it important to the Gentile Christians in Paul's day? This was not revealed before, can it be true, the unclean Gentiles are to included in the church of believers? The Gentiles were unclean because they worshipped other gods. They were not included in the covenant with God, the true God, the only God. It was unlawful for a Jewish man to keep company with one of another nation, but God showed Peter in a vision, not to call any man unclean. An angel came to Cornelius to let him know his prayers were answered, he was to go to Peter. God already prepared Peter, and Peter preached to the Gentile Cornelius, and his household, whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him; The word which God sent to the children of Israel. Preaching peace through Jesus Christ, He is Lord of all. The Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles. I see Isaiah 42:6 coming alive, I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand' I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people as a light to the Gentiles. Jesus is the glory of Israel, through Him God's promises are fulfilled. Through Christ, we Gentiles are part of the covenant, part of the family of God.

Q4. (Ephesians 2:22) What is the significance that your congregation was made to be "a dwelling place for God in the Spirit"? The significance is the same today as it was for the first church. In the early Hebrew history, Gentiles were treated cordially by the Israelites. The period after the captivity in Babylon, the separation between Jews and Gentiles became more strict. During the New Testament period, great hostility was felt among the people. The Jews were killed and persecuted by the Greeks and Romans, and the wall between the two grew strong. The Jews wanted nothing to do with the Gentiles, the dogs. -- Jesus came to bring the two together. He set the perfect example and His teachings were to love one another. This was a struggle for the early church. Today, here we are still struggling to get along with each other in the church; And among many of the denominations, we still see that wall of anti-Semitism. Jesus who fulfilled the law, He never set the law aside, He never rejected the righteous standards God wants us to live by. We were given the Holy Spirit to give us power to be overcomers, to be a holy people. The church was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone with the Gentile believers being fitted in, together we would be a holy temple, a place God in the Spirit can dwell. This is what Jesus wants the church to be, a temple He can be proud of, a place where the Spirit can shine and do its work. What hinders that from being fully experienced? The wall of separation that Christ tore down, man under the name of (religion) built that wall back up. Church history shows great enmity from the Gentile believers, the church, to God's chosen people, the jews. Hatred filled the church, when Love is what the church was to be built on. In our local churches we still see walls of seperation, walls relating to race, social levels, jealousy, etc. How can the Spirit dwell in such a temple? What can you do to help that become more fully experienced and appreciated? We can do it only by truly being saved! Grace is given freely because God is love, grace was not given so we can continue to live in our sin. Christ came so we can walk in righteousness, walk in love one for another. When one is truly saved, they will attend church, they will have set aside time for prayer and worship. Christ working in us takes time, it is a process, but during that process there should be seen a change, Christ working on the temple, a beautiful temple being built, the church. A temple where God in the Spirit can dwell, where His light will be seen in the world. A place where His Word will be preached.

Q3. (Ephesians 2:17) What does it mean to have "access to the Father"? Genesis 17:1-14 Father God is the God of Israel, He made a covenant with Abraham and Abraham's descendants, it is an everlasting covenant. God promised He would be God to Abraham and his descendants. God promised in the covevnant with Abraham, all the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession; and He would be their God. This is My Covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you, and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. The Gentile beleivers have had their hearts circumcised by the blood of Jesus Christ, this covenant tore the temple veil, allowing the believer to boldly enter the throne room of God; For Jesus gave the believer righteous garments to wear. God is not only the God of Abraham, but the Gentiles God also. Thank you Jesus for loving us so much that you made a way for us to come to the Father. In what way does the Holy Spirit facilitate this access? In what way does Jesus enable this access? The Holy Spirit convicts us, He touches our hearts with the truth of the Word, He keeps drawing us and opening our eyes to the true condition of our soul without God. It is our will to either follow after His lead or to say no. Jesus is the only way we can come to God, to be adopted into the family. Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness, we too must believe God when He said," Jesus is the only way for us to come into the covenant with Him." We believed God and it was counted onto us as righteousness.

Q2. (Ephesians 2:14-15) In what sense did Jesus as Messiah "fulfill" the Mosaic Law? The law is both temporary and eternal. Jesus followed the law and taught us the meaning of it, Matthew 5:19 whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus sacrifice of Himself on the cross met the requirements of the law. He fulfilled the law so we can walk in them. Scripture tells us to "love" God first, then love your neighbor" therefore, as we do this we will be keeping His Commanments. What is the significance of that for Jewish people? For us Gentiles? Simeon the Jewish prophet tells us the purpose for Jesus' life was to be a "light to the Gentiles"Isa 42:6 We Gentiles, Pagans, did not have the promise of God on our lives, the covenant was with the seed of Abraham, an everlasting covenant. However, the blood of Jesus brought us into the covenant, brought us into the blessings of Abraham. By His blood, the law was fulfilled. The church both Jews and Gentiles are both in God's covenant, we are one. The Gentiles have been circumcised by the blood of the Lamb. The church was mostly Jews who brought the word to the Gentiles and for that I am thankful. The consequence of those who did not believe and God's grace offered to the Gentiles; God's grace will bring the whole body of the Jews to the faith of the Gospel! The Jews have not so stumbled as to be finally irrecoverable.

Q1. (Ephesians 2:11-12) Why does being out of touch with what it means to be "lost" impede our willingness to witness? The Spirit filled Christian should never be out of touch with what it means to be "lost." We knew very well that feeling of no hope, we also knew how it felt when we were "found." The Holy Spirit filled my soul and I will never forget that day when I was welcomed into the family, they were all so happy to have me home, even the angels were shouting for joy. If a door is opened, I will walk in and be that witness, the Lord has opened doors for me and I was able to plant some seeds. I also have opened some doors myself, and found things did not go so well; I learned to let the Holy Spirit lead the way. In your own words, what is the spiritual condition of a friend or co-worker who doesn't know Christ? He is not only "lost" he is "dead." I have found it to be very frustrating at times being around people of the world, for most of them seem to be content with being "lost" They are not interested in what you have to say. I also find frustration in talking to some so called Christians, they go to church, they work in the church, but Christ does not seem to be real in their life. They appear as dead men walking, there is no real joy in conversing about the wonders of the Almighty God. When I remininsce about how lucky we were the day Christ found us, how lucky for us He did not give up on us, and they in turn are talking about the next dinner. My heart is very burdened for the "lost" I wish they were as burdened to be found.

Q4. What exactly is faith? When I think of FAITH my mind goes back to Abraham. He was 75 years of age when he was told to leave his home and go to a new land he didn't know. God told him one day he would be a great nation. Abraham believed God, even though he and Sarah had no children. The important part of FAITH is, God did not bring this promise to Abraham in the near future, in fact it took 25 years, he would be 100 years of age. and Sarah would be way past child bearing. Abraham's FAITH was still strong when God told him this child of promise would come from him and Sarah. Talk about faith, this would take a maracle! Rom 4:19 And being not weak in FAITH, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in FAITH, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; Rom 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. FAITH I SEE IS COMPLETE TRUST IN THE LORD! Can we take credit for having it? It is a gift from God, so even there we are not to brag about the faith we have. The credit we get is, when we use this faith that was given to us. God does want us to build ourselves up in His faith, we do that when we use this measure of faith He has given to us, when we read and study the Word, when we give praise to Him, and when we spend time with Him in prayer. Even here the gredit we get is found in our desire, and effort, to build ourselves up in God's faith. As this FAITH grows in us it continues to come from Him, and not from ourselves. Keep giving it away and see what happens. Can we be condemned for lacking it? I would say no, for each of us have been given a measure of faith to believe, an awesome gift indeed. We are condemned if we have not used this faith in Christ Jesus, bringing us to salvation. Define "faith" in terms a 10-year-old could understand. Because this is so important, we must be honest, and clear, as we explain FAITH to a 10 year old. The gospel is simple, easy to understand even a child can understand its meaning, that is why Christ said "let the little children come after Me." God loves you even though you are disobedient, however, because of your disobedience (sin) there is a gulf between you and God. Where did this gulf come from? It originated in Satan, he loves it when you are disobedient. Satan would like you to follow him, and does not want you to love God. But God has the best in mind for you, God would like to be a Father to you, God would love to hear you call Him Daddy. There is only one way for this to happen, Father God would have to send His only Son Jesus to earth as a man. He knew Jesus would have to die on the cross, your disobedience (sin) would be taken on Jesus body. Sin is so bad that God could not look upon the Son as He died on the cross. Here is the good news, Jesus was raised from the dead, and at that moment sin was forgiven, you can be part of God's family. You can be free from the hold Satan has on you. It gets even better, Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for His family, Jesus would speak on your behalf to the Father and Jesus would even pray for you. What is your part in this, how can you receive this gift from God? It is simple, God has already given to you faith enough to believe, to understand why Jesus died for your sins, and rose from the dead. Jesus did this for who? For you. This faith to believe is in your heart, not in your head, as you feel it in your heart you are to confess it to all your friends, the faith in your heart will say, "Jesus is Lord." Just think, you will be on your way to a new life, found in Christ Jesus, received by the FAITH God has given to you, and you confessed with your mouth.

Q3. According to Ephesians 2:10, what were we created to do? God is creating us to be a new creation, why? so we may go forth and do good works. Works has a meaning of toil, labour. For Christ to do His work in us, we must be willing to have Him do it. Our works, what we will toil at, has a great purpose, that God's glory would be shinning through us, to be a light to those who are lost, to those who don't have a light to shine ahead of them. As Christ is filling us with His love, changing our person, it is important we understand this is a process, and we must be that willing vessel for God. I may not always be in a mood to have my light shine, it is hard work, I would rather watch TV, when I should be in the word, I am too tired to get up for church. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit who convicts me, He is there to remind me, You are being changed for a reason, there are many peoples out there who are walking in darkness, go, be that light, it is Christ's light, it is Christ creating work in me. What is the difference between these works and the works Paul discredits in verse 9? There is a difference between works originating from the flesh, and good works God is creating us to do. Jesus was careful to follow the law, for He was a true Jew, He knew the Father gave the law for Israel's good; It was when man added to these laws, so they may appear as religeous before men, so they can receive praise from man, this kind of works leads to a heart of pride in self. God's light cannot shine in a heart full of pride. The good works that Christ is preparing us for, are not our works, but they are the goodness found in us, Christ Jesus.

Q2. "Saved" has become Christian jargon. How can you "translate" this word into modern speech so people can understand what it really means and why they need it? I would say the word is "REVIVED" us. Why and what does it mean? All mankind is spiritually dead, and worse yet, enemies of God. We had drowned in a bed of miry clay. As we were sinking deeper, and deeper, we tried to climb out - how aweful it was when we realized there was no way for us to climb out, there was nothing we could do!! BUT, God's love for us, His creation, was so strong that that He was determined to "REVIVE" us, He was determined we sit with Him in the heavenlies. Inside of the spiritually dead is a spark of "FAITH" that God put there! There is a way for mankind to be "REVIVED" there is hope for the dead. God sent a current of love, joy, and life ever lasting to earth in the form of the Son, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. How do we recieve this current that would "REVIVE" this soul? It was that day I realized that death has come to my soul, it was that day I realized there was nothing I could do, it was that day I came to understand - it is by this channel of "FAITH" that the current of the Living God could flow through and "REVIVE" my soul that was dead. Come flow through me, "REVIVE" me, that is what my soul cried out, "REVIVE ME" Thank you Father for the Life living in me!

Q1. Why is it so hard for us to understand grace? Much of mankind thinks more highly of themselves than they really are. How? they do good works, go to church, give to the poor, they are good people and so they think they are going to heaven. Therefore it is more difficult for them to understand the works they do, even if they appear to be good works, God see's them clothed in rags, filthy rags at that. There is nothing man can do to be in God's family; But, because of God's great mercy and grace, he sent His Son to die for all of mankind. His favor was shone upon mankind, even though they do not understand such grace, He sent His Son, for in Him we would be able to come to the true understanding of what grace really is. What commonly held life principle does it demolish? It demolishes the pride of mankind, and in its place we find true "love" "mercy" and "grace," found in Christ Jesus. Translate the word "grace" into language a 10-year-old child would understand. You have been so bad and should be punished, like, grounded for life! But, because of God's great love for you, God decided to do you a favor, instead of grounding you for life, He asked Jesus if He would come to earth as a man. (Jesus is God's beloved Son, whom He loves dearly) He asked Jesus if He would do this favor for you, instead of you being grounded for life, (something you deserved) you would have life everlasting. Jesus knew by doing this favor for you, He would have to die on the cross, but by His resurrection, Jesus knew it would be worth it all to see you have life eternal. BUT, for you to receive this favor from God, you must have "faith" What is this faith? It is understanding how much God loves you and it is only by this love, this great favor God did for you, that you can receive this gift of life, instead of the punishment you so deserved! Don't ever take this favor this friend of yours did for you, for granted!!!

Q4. (Ephesians 2:6) What does it mean that we are seated with Christ in "the heavenly realms"? Christ who is seated at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realms, has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places. Christ is our Representative Head. We have been joined together in Christ. Our blessings are spiritual, the battle we fight is a spiritual battle against principalities and powers, but because of the redeeming blood shed for us, we too are overcomers, we have the blessings of God upon us! What does this say about God's grace? It is because of God's grace founded on His love for us, that we have received this blessing through the Son, Jesus Christ. What does this say about our spiritual authority? Our victory over death and sin was provided by the death of Christ. We know, that we know, according to (Rom.16:20) The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet! BUT, that victory depends on our will to offer resistance to Satan and the temptations he sends our way. (Eph. 4:25) How do we get this power? 1. There is power in the blood of Jesus. We must understand this truth, and when we do, we will be living victorious lives, because of the power found in the blood of Jesus. 2. The leading of the Holy Spirit in each of the believers lives, we must be ready to hear His conviction upon our hearts, or we will only hear the condeming words spoken to us by Satan. Satan is in the heavens today speaking condemnation to the Father about us, but we know that because of the blood of Jesus, Satan is under our feet. Follow daily the Holy Spirits lead, the road is narrow, but there is power found on that road. 3. God has given to us weapons for us to put on, they are weapons to fight this spiritual warfare that Satan has issued. He decieved Adam and Eve and took over the rule of the world for himself, and he gained the power of death, but! thanks to the power of Christ, He broke through and took those keys of hell and Death; How? through His crucifixion and resurrection!! Lets put on our weapons daily, so we will be aware of his works for he is out to tempt man, he is out to decieve man, to kill, and destroy. REMEMBER, "GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN US THEN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD!" How should this knowledge affect our prayers and our boldness? Now we can come boldly to the throne!!!! (Heb.7:25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Christ who is in heaven is always praying for us. How can we not love God with all our hearts? He has done so much for us! What a wonderful gift we received when we received the gift of salvation, we received love, joy, peace, power to overcome, life everlasting with each other and the best part of all, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.