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In a word play, Jesus said that just as the wind is mysterious and you don't know where it comes from or where it goes, so it is with those born of the Spirit (Jn 3:8). The same Greek word pneuma is used for both "Spirit" and "wind". So this leads us to the question: is the Spirit of God an impersonal it, or a personhood of God? The earliest Christians wrestled with the triune nature of God, that God was three unified, but distinct, persons in one, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. Of course these concepts are difficult for our finite minds to comprehend, but would we expect anything less when pondering the creator of the universe (Isa 55:8; 1 Cor 1:18-25)? The Spirit of God, while certainly mysterious and difficult to understand at times, is a person, a personhood of the triune God. So the Spirit of God is referred to as a person, and not an impersonal "it". This can have profound meaning and impact for Christians as they are to be filled with the Spirit and to walk with the Spirit (Gal 5:16), as the Spirit is their counselor , comforter , advocate (Jn 14-16), and guarantor (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:14) of the eternal promises of God. This is to be a personal and intimate relationship with God the Father (and mother) as we interact and surrender to God's personal Spirit that lives in us. So, perhaps one of our first steps toward this kind of intimate relationship is to believe and understand the personal nature of God's Spirit, and that the Spirit is not an impersonal "it." Even this small change of nomenclature can help us as we walk with the Spirit, experiencing the personal nature of God's Spirit as the Spirit interacts, leads, and guides us on the journey toward the new creation, and helps us transform more into the likeness of Jesus. Memory Scripture: "The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us." - 1 John 3:24 Meditation/Reflection/Prayer: Lord, help me to know, believe, understand, and experience, your personal presence that is in me through your Spirit. Action Item: If you have a tendency to refer to the Spirit as an "it", try to begin changing your language to refer to the Spirit as a person. See how this simple shift can make a difference in your relationship with God. Study Questions: If you refer to the Spirit as an "it", why do you think you do so? Where do you think that originated? Try having a conversation with another Christian about the personal nature of the Spirit in their lives.

I built a fire pit once around an old tree stump that had been chopped down close to the ground but the roots were never excavated. I simply stacked some wood on top of it and lit a fire, it ended up burning really well. The stump of that old tree heated up, and the warmth of the fire went deep into the ground. A full 24 hours after the fire had died out that stump was still smoldering, burning deep beneath the ground. It took several days for the fire to be fully extinguished from that stump. This is the language that the apostle Paul uses in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 where the NIV translates not to ‘quench’ the spirit, literally meaning not to extinguish Him. Just like a fire that roars in blazing heat and dances with beautiful but dangerous colors of red, orange, and blue, amongst the black backdrop of the night, so the Holy Spirit can be ablaze in our hearts, minds and lives, yet become fully extinguished if not tended. Quenched to the point that there is nothing left, no heat, no flame … just the remains of white ash. This is why Paul reminds his protege and partner in the gospel, Timothy, to fan into flame the gift of God that he had given him (2 Tim 1:6), literally to rekindle afresh; to rekindle the fire that is smoldering where the flames have grown small and dim. It can be difficult for many of us to relate in the developed western hemisphere, where the need to constantly make fire is no longer a part of our daily lives as it was to our great grandparents. Now with the advantages of central heating and air systems, not to mention the ambiance setting flick of a switch that turns on a gas powered fire with crystals or wood that don’t burn up only to be turned off just as effortlessly as it was turned on, we often don’t connect with the real struggle and diligent attention it takes to keep a fire going strong over time. In ancient times nomadic peoples, like the native Americans, when they needed to travel due to running out of local resources or water sources drying up, would carry a hot ember from a fire carefully wrapped in heat resistant vegetation so as to keep it warm during their travels, so they would be able to use the ember later that day to start another fire more easily than starting from scratch. And so it is with the Christian as they walk with the Holy Spirit. It is something that requires constant attention and care in order that the Spirit’s is not quenched and extinguished in our hearts and minds. Just as fire takes ignition, oxygen, and fuel (such as wood, gas, or some other flammable substance) in order to produce flame, so it is with the Christian life. Peter tells us that the ignition of the Holy Spirit’s fire in our life and His residence in us is when we believe the message about Christ, repent and are baptized in his name (Acts 2:25-40). The oxygen and fuel that it takes to keep the Spirit’s fire and presence strong in our lives comes through our adherence to the spiritual disciplines of daily reading and study of God’s word, prayer in and through His Spirit, meditation on God’s precepts, confession of our sins to God and others (1 Jn 1:9-11), fellowship and consistent meaningful relationships with other believers (Heb 4) and daily putting what God teaches us into practice (James 1). Through daily spiritual disciplines such as these we supply the oxygen and fuel that the Holy Spirit needs to continue to burn brightly in and through us to the glory of the Father. Without this oxygen and fuel, even after proper ignition, the Holy Spirit can indeed be extinguished. And any of us who have been walking with him for more than a short time have seen this happen to others around us; who beginning with strong ignition in the Holy Spirit and walking boldly with him, only to see the Spirit’s fire quietly burn out until He is fully quenched (Gal 3:3). Some of us might have even experienced that phenomena in our lives personally. “You can have all your doctrines right - yet still not have the presence of God.” ~ Lenard Ravenhill I believe it is important to mention at this point the concept of “falling away” from the Lord (Heb 6:4-8), which is contrary to the understanding that it means simply to leave a particular church. The concept of “falling away” presented in Hebrews 6 is a state in which it is impossible for someone to come back to repentance (and presumably, thus salvation itself). When exactly someone gets to this state of having “fallen away” and unable to be brought back to repentance is ultimately unknowable by any human being, even perhaps the individual themselves, because every human being is bound by time and none of us know the future. It is only God, from his eternal non-time-bound perspective, that can ultimately know if someone has “fallen away”. It is at this point as well that I would advise the reader to adapt their language appropriately if needed, to more accurately represent God’s word when referring to others. Technically we can never say for sure if someone has “fallen away” biblically. We can can use language that is perhaps more accurate, such as they no longer believe in Jesus (especially if that’s what they are communicating), or have wandered away or stopped following Jesus, or have left our fellowship, etc.. Just before Paul tells the Christians in Thessolonica to not quench the Spirit, he gives them some insight into how not to do this. He tells them to rejoice always , to pray continually , and to give thanks in all circumstances, for that is God’s will for them in Christ Jesus (1 This 5:16-18). It is so easy to not be thankful during difficult times. It is so easy to not be joyful, but rather sullen, faithless, and cower in the face of adversity. It is so easy not to pray, but instead lean on our own wisdom and understanding to lead us forward in life during difficult circumstances. These are the types of things that can quench the Holy Spirit of God within us. Memory Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Meditation/Reflection/Prayer: Lord, let me fan into flame the gift of your Spirit that you have given to me. Help me to prioritize in the midst of chaotic daily life to give attention to not letting your Spirit be quenched within me. Action Item: Plan a personal spiritual retreat (at least half a day, longer if you can) in which you will specifically fan into flame (fuel and oxygen) to the Spirit’s fire in your life. Study Questions: Have you received biblical “ignition” of the Holy Spirit? How can you know? What scriptures from God’s word give you evidence of this? Has the Spirit’s fire begun to be quenched and extinguished in your life? How so? In what ways are you providing the Holy Spirit with “fuel” and “oxygen” in your life to continue to burn brightly? In what ways do you need to add “fuel” and “oxygen”?

One Another in the New Testament There are several passages in the New Testament (this is not an exhaustive list) where God teaches us the types of relationships that we are to have with one another in Christ. Perhaps one of the best passages that frames this idea is found in 1 John 4:21 - “And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” Assembly with one another: Eph 5:19 - speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, Col 3:16 - Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Concern for one another: 1 Cor 12:25 - so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. Gal 6:2 - Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 1 Thes 4:18 - Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thes 5:15 - Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Correction of one another: Rom 15:14 - I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Col 3:16 - Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Different functions in the body: 1 Pet 4:10 - Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Encouraging one another: Rom 1:12 - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Rom 14:19 - Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 1 Thes 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Heb 3:13 - But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Heb 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Unity with one another: Rom 12:5 - so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Rom 12:16 - Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Rom 15:5-7 - May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 1 Cor 11:33 - So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. Eph 4:25 - Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. #oneanother #biblestudy

Learn about church history in an overview of the first 1500 years and why it matters to you today in your faith. Experience Level Videos Total Time Beginner 2 98 mins Course ​Description This course is designed for beginner Bible students that are seeking to better understand the heritage and history of the Christian faith. From the time of the early church in the New Testament to the Protestant reformation, take a look at why understanding more about church history can not only deepen and enrich your faith, but also help you walk more faithfully with the Lord today. To help provide a brief overview of the first 1500 years of church history why it matters to your faith today. ​ What you will learn: ✓  Class 1. Persecution to Legalized (1st - 4th centuries) Take a look at the beginnings of the church after the New Testament until the time of Roman Emperor Constantine. ✓  Class 2. The Medieval Church​​​​ (4th - 15th centuries) Take a look at the development of the church after Constantine up to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Persecuted to Legalized (Early Church Era 1-4th centuries) Medieval Church Period (5-15th centuries)

The practice of fasting permeates the Scriptures, but is something that is rather counter to our American culture of " dreaming thin and living fat ". There are no direct instructions given in the New Testament on how to fast, but we see that the practice was consistent amongst people in both Testaments (c.f. Ex 34:28; 2 Sam 12:15-22; 2 Chrn 20; Est 4; Daniel 9; Neh 1; Matt 4:2; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:13-24). What is fasting? Fasting is primarily associated with voluntary abstinence from food (not some crash diet to lose weight) in order to draw near to God and spiritual purposes. And while you can fast from other things than food for the same purpose (movies, television, cell phones, Internet, some specific foods, sports, hobbies, etc.) this is what is most common in the Scriptures. Fasts in the scriptures usually abstained from food anywhere from 1-40 days, and occasionally refrained from all liquids as well (c.f. Ez 10:6; Est 4:16; Act 9:9) and could be done privately (Mat 6:16-18) or corporately (Joel 2:15-16; Acts 13:2). The most common fasts amongst Christians today is probably abstaining from food but drinking water privately, and occasional fasts (when a special need arises - c.f. Mat 9:15) Why do we fast? Fasting is a spiritual discipline in which one undergoes self- discipline (through the power of the Holy Spirit, not one's own will power however - c.f. Luke 4:1-14) for the purposes of seeking God, for God's own sake , not for what you want God to do for you. Fasting is not some spiritual rubbing of the genie's bottle in which we bargain with God for something; I will give up x , if you give me y (unless "y" is to become more like Jesus) . This is never the purpose of fasting in the Scriptures, and such an understanding of the God of the bible is incorrect and even blasphemous (c.f. Isa 42:8; 48:11). Fasting is to draw near to God, and to ultimately become more like His Son Jesus, which in and of itself will bring much to us; surrender, peace, insight, wisdom, repentance, love, compassion, etc. Here are some possible reasons we fast: To humble ourselves before God and to show our dependence on him To devote more time and focus to our spiritual lives. The time we would've spent eating or preparing food can be used in prayer and Bible study To ask for God's guidance as we face important decisions Task for God's help in a crisis To ask for God's help in overcoming spiritual dullness, lukewarmness, and numbness To help us rebuild our relationship with God if we have wandered away or have sinned grievously To have a special focus time of prayer weekly or monthly To pray about some particular need in the church or as a means of group repentance To express gratitude in Thanksgiving for a remarkable blessing, answered prayer, or spiritual victory To ask God for breakthrough or for the change of heart Why don't we fast? Fasting is a very difficult thing emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It places our most utter dependence upon God, and brings our frailty and weakness front and center. And we don't like being weak. I don't know about you, but fasting for me is quite difficult and I can find many excuses to not discipline myself to eat no food for the purposes of seeking God. The act of fasting is humbling, but who likes to be humble? Yet if we humble ourselves, God will lift us up (1 Pet 5:6). Fasting Resources : Fasting: Opening the door to a deeper, mor intimate, more powerful relationship with God - Franklin ​ Matching 21 day Journal Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life - Whitney Be Still My Soul: a pracitcal guide to a deeper relationship with God - Laing #biblestudy #discipline

One of the greatest challenges we'll face in life is perseverance. In almost everything we do in life that we wish to do well and that we wish to do for any length of time takes a great measure of perseverance and consistency. This is true in our careers, relationships, hobbies, and our walk with God. I have trained many people in the gym and I coach them that in the long run consistency is always greater than intensity. Many people get highly motivated for a short period of time and want to push themselves intensely in the gym (this typically happens when someone's health and fitness has gotten to an all time low and they are in the worse shape of their life - the wrong time to try to be intense) but I tell them that the key to success in achieving their fitness goals is to commit to being consistent. But of course going hard one time is a lot easier then going all the time. (This is also why "dieting" doesn't really work because it's not something that is sustained over the long haul). Start by implementing some small change in your life consistently for 3 weeks I tell them. Like limiting yourself to no more than one soda for 3 weeks for example. "Long term consistency trumps short term intensity." Bruce Lee God wants to be close to us at all times, not just during special occasions. Jesus said, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Mat 28:20) and Paul reminds us to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Don't just confine your relationship with God with some specific set time in the morning but rather learn how to walk with God throughout all of your day and in every circumstance (for a great resource on this concept see The Practice of the Prescence of God ). Is having a specific set time to read and pray and try to connect with God a bad thing? Of course not, much of this practicing of the presence of God is built upon the foundation of time with him every day, so remain committed to the practice of "daily quiet times". But don't let it stop there, learn how to be in continual conscious fellowship with God, learn to pray in the moment as life happens as we see Nehemiah doing before the king (Neh 2:4-5), learn to meditate on and allow scripture to dwell in your heart throughout the day (Ps 119:10-11), and learn to recognize that God is with you, even when you might not be aware of Him (1 Ki 19:12). Of course the key to consistency and perseverance (in any arena) really comes down to self-control and self discipline. The incredible news is that no matter how much self-discipline we have right now or whether or not we have cultivated self-discipline from our childhood, God has given us his own Spirit which is a Spirit of self-control (2 Tim 1:7)! So you CAN grow in your self-discipline because it is already there in you! This self-discipline does not come however from your own "white-knuckling" effort, your straining and striving, but more from humbly submitting to, and being in step with God's Spirit! #biblestudy #discipline