Author: Jack Lankhorst

Jack Lankhorst d.Min.

Christ Part 2: Jesus Christ Our Baptizer in the Holy Spirit

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment

This is the second in a 4-part series on the Ministry of Jesus Christ as our Savior, Holy Spirit Baptizer, Healer and Soon Coming King.

We believe the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead, is Omnipotent and Omnipresent.  The Holy Spirit convicts of sin and righteousness, draws sinners to the Savior, rebukes, pleads and searches out the hearts of mankind.  He comforts, guides, teaches, baptizes and endues with power.  The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a promise from Jesus to endue believers with power, to glorify and exalt the Lord Jesus, to give inspired utterance in witnessing of Him, to foster the spirit of prayer and to equip the individual and the church for soul-winning. – From the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus Christ as the baptizer in the Holy Spirit is the second of the four aspects of Jesus’ ministry.  This issue is extremely crucial in connection with the spiritual life and service of every believer.  We must approach the study of the Holy Spirit with a sense of inability to grasp the full subject at hand!  In studying the Person and work of the Holy Spirit, we are touching that which is very close to the heart of God.  It is well to use caution in studying this subject, seeking to be guided by the Holy Spirit himself.  A few issues of caution might be in order:

1.   The Holy Spirit never becomes visible.  Because of this He can only be spiritually discerned.  Natural wisdom cannot comprehend Him.

2.   Much that we know in relation to the Holy Spirit has to do with our personal experiences, and experiences are never safe guides from which to arrive at doctrine. Because of that, we must keep close to the Word of God in our thinking concerning the work of the Spirit.

3.   Our reaction to the power of the Spirit may differ, but the revealed Truth of the Word never changes.

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

1.  The Person – The Holy Spirit is a Member of the Godhead, or Trinity.

A.  The three members of the Godhead include: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  All three persons of the Trinity are clearly seen in the following passage.

  • As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.  At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:16-17  (See also Genesis 1:26; 3:22; Isaiah 6:3)

B.  The Holy Spirit was sent to the world to remain with us forever after Jesus returned to Heaven.

  • And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–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.  John 14:16-17

C.  The Holy Spirit possess knowledge (Romans 8:27), feelings and emotions (Romans 15:30), a will (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), and power (Ephesians 1:18-20).

2.   The Comforter (Counselor) – This word comes from the Greek word “parakletos,” which means one called alongside to help.”

  • And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever… John 14:16

3.   The Teacher – The Holy Spirit is also referred to as One who teaches.

  • But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  John 14:26

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1.   The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin.

  • When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father,…  John 16:8-10

2.   The believer is born again by the Holy Spirit.

  • He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,… Titus 3:5-6

3.   The Holy Spirit bears witness to the believer’s sonship.

  • The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Romans 8:16  Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”  Galatians 4:6

4.   The Holy Spirit baptizes believers into the body of Christ.

  • For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body… 1 Corinthians 12:13

5.   The Holy Spirit places the seal of ownership upon the believer.

  • And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory.  Ephesians 1:13-14 (Ephesians 4:30)

6.   The Holy Spirit sanctifies the believer.

  • …because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (1 Peter 1:2)

7.   The Holy Spirit transforms the believer.

  • And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18

8.   The Holy Spirit bears fruit (God’s Character) in the believer’s life.

  • But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…. Galatians 5:22-23

9.   The Holy Spirit strengthens the believer for greater revelations of Christ.

  • I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,… to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge… Ephesians 3:16-19

10. The Holy Spirit leads the sons of God.

  • …because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:14 (John 16:13; Galatians 5:18; Ephesians 3:20)

11. The Holy Spirit gives power for service and to be a witness.

  • But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

12. The Holy Spirit reveals and gives understanding of the Word of God.

  • But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth…. John 16:13-14 (1 Corinthians 2:11-14; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

13. The Holy Spirit helps the believer to pray.

  • We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express… Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20)

14. The Holy Spirit gives power for preaching.

  • My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (1 Thessalonians 1:5)

15. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers.

  • …All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

16. We are to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

  • Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

1.   The baptism is the promise of the Father.

  • I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”  Luke 24:49 (John 14:16, 15:26; Acts 2:38, 5:32)

2.   The purpose of the baptism with the Holy Spirit is that the believer may have power:

  • For witness (Acts 1:8).
  • In personal life (John 16:13-15; Galatians 5:16-17).
  • For service (Luke 4:18-19; John 14:12; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
  • For spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:12; 1 John 4:4).
  • For God-given ability to accomplish God-given tasks.

3.   The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a gift AND a command of the Lord (Acts 1:4; Ephesians 5:18).

4.   The evidences of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit include speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6).  This is a gift to EVERY believer.  We do not seek tongues; we seek the Giver of gifts, Jesus.

  • Other evidences include: a greater passion for souls, a new power to pray, a greater power to witness of Christ, a love for the Word of God, functioning in our spiritual gifts, and Christ revealed as never before!

PURPOSE FOR THE PUBLIC GIFT OF TONGUES FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 14

  • Edification — 1 Corinthian 14
  • It is the fulfillment of Isaiah 28:11 and the words of Jesus in Mark 16:17
  • It is the evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; 19:6
  • Personal edification or strengthening – 1 Corinthians 14:4
  • Spiritual edification of the church – 1 Corinthians 14:5
  • Communication with God – 1 Corinthians 14:15
  • Holy Spirit intercedes through us – Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 14:14; Ephesians 6:18
  • Expression of spiritual joy – 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18-19

2.  Public Exhortation

  • Based upon 1 Corinthians 13 (Love)
  • This is the Apostle Paul’s correction of abuses of this gift in the public worship service
  • Public tongues, unless it is a congregational time of worship expressed in tongues, are only edifying when interpreted – 1 Corinthians 14:5, 28
  • The spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet – 1 Corinthians 14:23
  • Public tongues and prophecy must be judged by the leaders – 1 Corinthians 14:29
  • All the gifts are placed and displayed in the church for the mutual edification of the believers – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

3.  Note concerning 1 Corinthians 14:21-25 quoting Isaiah 28:11

  • Foreign invaders who spoke another language were a sign in Israel’s day when they mocked and scoffed at God’s warning to reject their idols and to return to Him.
  • Paul uses the same thinking that tongues would have the same effect on believers with a hard heart.  The word “unbelievers” is not referring  to non-Christian people as much as to believers who were unbelieving or had no faith.

IN CONCLUSION

The Baptism of and in the Holy Spirit is for today as it was for the believers in Bible times.  It is received by faith, just as salvation.  Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to baptize you and empower you for greater and more joyful service.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

  

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Re-igniting Our Passion For Christ

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment

Revelation 2:4-5  Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.  Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first,…”

Passion is that God-given desire that compels us to make a difference in a particular ministry or involvement. When you have a passion for a particular area of life, you are more enthusiastic and motivated.

What would you say is the greatest enemy of the Christian faith? Many of us would point to Satan, or to the moral decline of our nation, or to society’s influences that diminish the role of God. However, I believe that our most dangerous threat doesn’t come from outside the faith. Instead, our greatest enemy is complacency and apathy in the hearts of believers. Apathy is a destroyer.

Jesus stated it pointedly in Revelation 3:14-16 These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  Jesus desires us to be hot or cold (opposite of the spiritual climate or a refreshing to the world as a hot drink on a cold day and a cold drink on a hot day).  But half-hearted and apathetic is not something that pleases Him.

What is apathy? The dictionary defines apathy as a “lack of feeling or emotion; impassiveness; lack of interest or concern; indifference.”

Notice the zeal Jesus portrayed in John 4:34 (Psalm 69:9; Isaiah 59:17)

Notice how zeal affected the behavior and actions of the believers in Hebrews 11:30-40:

  • They were not afraid to stand alone.
  • They did not care if their motives were misinterpreted.
  • They considered everything a loss for the sake of the truth.
  • They were all passionate about the glory of God and to declare His truth in the world.
  • They were all “on fire,” and so they ignited others. They were wide awake, and so awakened others. They were always working, and so motivated others to work as well.
  • They carried a vision of purpose in their hearts and believed in the power of God to accomplish the impossible.
A SELF EVALUATION

The following questions are designed to evaluate our hearts and prevent ourselves from becoming insensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice. This evaluation is NOT intended for condemnation and must be done in honest prayer.

  • Is my delight in the Lord greater than my delight in someone or something else? (Mark 12:30; 1 John 2:15-16)
  • Do I long for times of fellowship in God’s Word, the Bible, or in prayer? (Psalm 42:1-2)
  • Do my thoughts often reflect upon the Lord and His goodness? (Mark 12:30; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-4)
  • Do I reject those things which I know displease the Lord? (John 14:15, 15:10; Titus 2:11-14)
  • Do I willingly and cheerfully give to God’s work and to the needs of others? (1 John 3:17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
  • Do I see the Commands of Christ as restrictions to happiness rather than expressions of His love? (John 14:21)
  • Do I inwardly strive for people’s recognition and acclaim rather than the Lord’s approval? (1 John 2:15-17)
  • Am I able to quickly forgive another person for offending me? (Matthew 18:1-35)
  • Have I become apathetic to the sinful conditions around me or do those things draw me closer to God? (Matthew 24:12-13)
  • Do I fear rejection when I share Christ and His love or am I excited about the things God has done and is doing in my life? (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:18-20)When we drift from our first love… (Revelations 2:1-7)

If any of the questions reflect a loss of passion, there IS a way back!

HOW DO WE LOSE OUR SPIRITUAL PASSION?

1. First, by saying ‘no” to the Holy Spirit.

  • Do not quench or put out the fire of the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
2. Second, we lose our spiritual passions through competing passions.
  • Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders (competing passions) and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
  • Name the things that are a weight and diminish our passion for Christ.

APPLICATION FROM REVELATION 2:1-7

Here Jesus literally tells the readers how they can re-ignite their passion (first love) for God. First of all, He states that they did not lose their first love, like we would lose our keys, they forsook it or exchanged it for spiritual activity. Here are the three steps:

IN OUR THOUGHTS: Remember when Jesus was very real in every area of our life. In the original language, the word is to exercise our memory, recollect, and rehearse.

  • Psalm 42:1-4 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

IN OUR EMOTIONS: Repent and turn to God. The word repent is the Greek word “metanoeo” meaning to change our current thinking and attitude with corresponding behavior.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
  • King Saul’s false or worldly repentance (1 Samuel 15:22-35) & King David’s Godly repentance (2 Samuel 12:1-15; Psalm 51)

IN OUR ACTIONS: Return to doing the things we used to do: Bible reading, intimate times of prayer and sharing the things God has done and is doing in our life.  This may require us to reorganize our life by “redeeming the time.”

REDEEMING THE TIME

You may need to re-prioritize your life and schedule to be able to give the Lord quality time and to allow Him to re-ignite a zeal for the things of God again. The Bible calls that “redeeming the time.

  • Ephesians 5:15-17 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

APPLICATION

To once again ignite your passion for Christ, go to a private place and pour out your heart to God and pray this type of a prayer…

Heavenly Father,
I realize that even though I have confessed the Lord Jesus as my
personal Savior and Lord, my life may not reflect the full surrender of a disciple.
I ask Your forgiveness for living by my own standards.
Ignite in me a passion for You and for the things You value.
Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to accomplish this. 
Amen.

The Ten Commandments

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment
EXODUS 20:1-21 | DEUTERONOMY 5:1-22

COMMANDMENT 1 – You shall have no other gods before me.

  • The first Hebrew letter is called Alef (The Ox), that which is first, most important, what gives strength, what will lead.
  • Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God. In every area He is to be the first and most important.
  • This Commandment declares who God is.

COMMANDMENT 2 – You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

  • The second Hebrew letter is called Bet (The House), meaning the second, a tent or a house, what is inside. “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
  • Inside our house (heart) we are to have no other gods, false idols.
  • This Commandment instructs us to never turn to idols.

COMMANDMENT 3 – You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.

  • The third Hebrew letter is called Gimel (The Camel) meaning the third, the head of a camel, to lift up, to exalt.
  • We are commanded not to take His Name in vain, lightly or without honor.
  • This Commandment instructs us to exalt His Name, Authority (Matthew 10:1-10).

COMMANDMENT 4 – Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you.

  • The fourth Hebrew letter is called Dalet (The Door) meaning a door, the path to travel. It is also symbol for rest (Isaiah 58; Hebrews 4:3).
  • This Commandment instructs us to walk through the door of His Covenant.

COMMANDMENT 5 – Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

  • The fifth Hebrew letter is called Hey (Behold!) meaning what is revealed as a direction. We are to honor (open the inner door, a window) our parents. This is where the blessing for our life begins.
  • This Commandment instructs to honor our parents (any type of “parent,” physical or spiritual).

COMMANDMENT 6 — You shall not murder.

  • The sixth Hebrew letter is called Vav (Nail, a Hook) meaning to secure, establish, join together. Murder or hatred breaks the bond. Murder comes when there is a wicked value or bonded to lust.
  • This Commandment is an expression of God’s heart to value others above our pride, possessions and power.

COMMANDMENT 7 — You shall not commit adultery.

  • The seventh Hebrew letter is called Aayin (A Weapon) which symbolizes to cut or to separate. A weapon protects the family or destroys.
  • This Commandment instructs us to be people who cut the covenant, people of covenant word (Matthew 5:24).

COMMANDMENT 8 – You shall not steal.

  • The eight Hebrew letter is Chet (A Fence, an inner chamber). The Biblical view of a fence is to protect, security, a brother.
  • This Commandment is more than an instruction not to steal. We should protect people and their property. We must determine to be a wall of protection (Genesis 4:9, our brother’s keeper).

COMMANDMENT 9 – You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

  • The ninth Hebrew letter is Tet (To surround, a snake). This is a good image for a false accusation. It also reveals to be surrounded in protection or to be surrounded by lies, slander & false accusation.
  • This Commandment teaches us to surround ourselves with goodness, not hatred, deception (Ephesians 4:15, speak the truth).

COMMANDMENT 10 – You shall not covet…

  • The tenth Hebrew letter is Yood (A hand closed, to work) and means to make with your hands and enjoy the fruit of our hands. This is the opposite of lazy.
  • The last commandment brings us back to God and teaches us to both work with our hands and to trust in the God’s bountiful supply.
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I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ!

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power.

The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line.
The love of God controls me.
The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down, or back away.
My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure.
I’m finished and done with low living, slight walking, small planning, smooth and ease, colorless dreams, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed roles.
I no longer need prosperity, position, promotion, pre-eminence, or popularity.
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk in patience, live by prayer, and labor with power.
My face is set. My gate is fast. My goal is the Kingdom of God.
My road is narrow. My way is rough. My companions few, My guide reliable, My mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversaries, negotiate at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I’ve stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, spoken up, for the cause of Christ.
I must go until He comes, give until I drop, teach until all know, run until He stops me.
I AM A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST
– Edwin Louis Cole

Reaching People For Christ

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment

1.  The Example in the book of Acts – “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47 (Acts 1:8)

2.  The focus – Reaching the lost was the primary focus of the early church, and an integral part of each believer’s life. People were saved, transformed and became active disciples. It is Biblical that we do the same.

SHARING THE GOSPEL MESSAGE
  • “…he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
  • “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. John 4:35-38

Many of us need simple tools to help us share the Gospel with someone who is open and willing to make the life-changing step of following Christ. Below are two ways that help us in presenting the basic Gospel message: “The Four Spiritual Laws” by Campus Crusade For Christ, and a method using your hand to share the elements of the Gospel.

THE FOUR SPIRITUAL LAWS (Campus Crusade For Christ)

1. God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life. (John 3:16; 10:10)

2. Man is sinful and separated from God. He cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

3. Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through Him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life. (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; John 14:6)

4. We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives. (John 1:12; 3:1-8; Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 3:20)

USING THE “GOSPEL HAND”

1. Thumb (Hitch hiking) – Heaven is a free gift of Grace from God to all who believe and receive.

(Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9)

2. Index finger (Pointing, conviction) – Because man has broken the Law of God, we are sinners separated from God. We cannot save ourselves.

(Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:23)

3. Middle finger (Tallest) God is Right and must judge sin but He is also Just and Merciful and does not want to punish anyone.

(Exodus 34:6-7; 1 John 4:10)

4. Ring finger (Wedding) – Therefore God sent Jesus, as God and man, to die for our sins by giving His life upon the cross in our place. He rose again from the dead and purchased a place in Heaven for us. (Isaiah 53:4-6; 1 John 4:9-10)

5. Little finger (Small) – Salvation requires little faith, trusting in Jesus Christ alone. (John 3:15; 6:47; Acts 2:21; 16:30-31)

A PERSONAL PRAYER OF SALVATION

“…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’” Romans 10:9-14

Use the following prayer when someone is ready to make the life changing decision to follow Christ. It is not the prayer that saves them but the sincerity of their decision. It helps if you lead them by praying it out loud. Then, after they have asked the Lord to come into their life, rejoice with them! (Luke 15:10)
________________________________________
Heavenly Father, I am a sinner and I’ve broken God’s Law. I confess and turn from my sins and I ask Your forgiveness. Jesus, I believe you died on the cross and took my place in judgment. I believe that You rose from the grave and that You sit at God’s right hand in Heaven. Come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit’s power and change me into the person that You want me to be. I accept You as my Lord and my Savior.  Thank You for giving me eternal life and give me a hunger for the Bible and for prayer. Amen
________________________________________

IMPORTANT STEPS AFTER SALVATION – Acts 2:42-47
Jesus commanded us to make disciples, not just win converts. If the Holy Spirit uses us to lead someone to Christ we are then responsible to help them grow in this new relationship. If it is not possible to do that ourselves then we must place them in the tender care of Christian Life Center people who will shepherd.
1. Assurance of salvation.
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” John 1:12
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

2. Lead them into the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:38-39; Romans 1:16). By faith we can receive the power of the Holy Spirit to live the life He wants us to live and to bring others to Christ.
3. Lead them into water baptism (Acts 2:38; 8:36).
This is a public statement that they have decided to follow Jesus as His disciple.
4. Teach them to talk to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 John 5:14) and read God’s Word, the Bible (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2).
A good beginning might be to read the Gospel of Luke and then the Book of Acts. This is the story of Jesus and the beginning of the church written by the same person, Luke.
5. Invite them to regularly attend church (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 10:25).
If you brought them to Christ it is important that they go to the same church with you and become involved in the Lord’s work.
6. Teach them the importance of serving Christ and His Church (Ephesians 4:16).
7. Teach them to share their new faith with friends and family (Matthew 28:18-20).
This is a great time to do that since most, if not all, their friends are non-Christians.

I’M PRAYING FOR MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Write the names of three people who you think are close to accepting Jesus Christ. Pray over this list as often as you can and watch the Lord do great things through you!

Discipleship Part 3: Mentoring

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment
MATURITY
1. Hebrews 5:12 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Also Job 17:9; Psalm 84:7, 92:12; Proverbs 4:18; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 3:12-15; 1 Timothy 4:15)
2. A few of the characteristics of maturity include…
  • Filled with the Spirit and wisdom.
  • A fruitful private prayer life with Power.
  • Being an example for others to follow.
  • A Biblical understanding of self.
  • Focused and wholehearted devotion to God.
  • Biblical convictions.
  • Moral excellence.
  • The heart of a servant.
  • Surrender and self sacrifice.
  • Self control.
  • A pursuit of excellence.
  • Endurance, perseverance and patience.
  • Courage.
  • Faithfulness.
  • A team player.
  • A contributing member of the Body of Christ.
  • Accountable.
  • The wisdom to deal with failure.
  • Others…

INSIGHT FROM THE LIFE OF MOSES

Exodus 33:12-14 Then Moses said to the LORD, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.”

1. The command to lead. (Exodus 3:9-10)

  • Fear and timidity in leading. (Joshua 1:6-9)
  • The leader is a shepherd (1 Peter 5:2-4), not a “hireling.” (John 10:12-13)
  • Question: What is hindering you from taking the leadership plunge?

2. Relationships of mentoring and partnership. (2 Timothy 2:2)

  • “Mentoring is a relational process between a mentor who knows or has experienced something, and transfers that something to a mentoree at an appropriate time and manner, so that it facilitates development and empowerment.” Robert Clinton
  • Question: How active are you in being mentored and mentoring others?

3. Desiring to know God and His ways. (Philippians 3:10-11)

  • Knowing His acts vs. knowing His ways. (Psalm 103:7-14)
  • Paul’s cry to know Him. (Philippians 3:10-11)
  • Question: What are you willing to do to know Him better?
4. Stewardship of God’s people (1 Peter 5:1-4)
  • Even though people may follow us, we must never see them as “our” people.
  • Our task is always develop people in their relationship with Him.
  • Question: How do you lead people God has placed in the care of another leader ?
MENTORING, THE ART OF MAKING DISCIPLES
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; …”
1. “Mentoring is a relational process between a mentor who knows or has experienced something, and transfers that something (resources of wisdom, information, experience, insight, relationships) to a mentoree at an appropriate time, so that it facilitates development and empowerment.” (“Connecting” by Robert Clinton)
2. We’ve all been mentored before. Write the names of the people who have had a significant impact on you during specific times of your life.
  • As a child
  • As a teenager
  • As a young adult
  • As an adult

STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MENTORING

1. Mutually establish the purpose and direction of the group.
2. Determine the frequency of interaction, how often?
3. Determine what level of accountability you both are to observe.
4. Mutually establish the life cycle (length of time) for the mentoring.
5. Honestly evaluate the purpose regularly.
6. Frequently modify expectations to fit the purpose.
7. When the life cycle is finished and expectations have been met, bring closure, or set a new life cycle.
8. Write down what you have learned and what steps you will take to accomplish this.
THE MENTORING CHART

Adapted from “Connecting, The Mentoring Relationships You Need to Succeed” by Paul D Stanley & Robert Clinton

Mentoring is not only an important ingredient to successful spiritual growth, but it is a command of the Lord as well as seen from Matthew 28:18-20.  Below is a chart that will assist you in identifying important relationships you need to be successful in the ministry and in life.

1.  On a sheet of paper, draw a large “plus sign.” You can also duplicate the chart above.  This illustrates a well rounded mentoring way of discipling and accountability and is an important activity in finishing well!  It consists of developing important relationships of accountability with more mature Christians (upward), with people our age and spiritual development (external in and out) and with emerging Christians (downward).

2. Write the names of people who might fit in the following categories.

  • Upward – A “Paul” is an older person who is willing to help you build character.  They have been “down the road of life,” and are willing to share their successes and failures. Hebrews 13:7
  • Downward – A “Timothy” is someone you are discipling and helping in their Christian life.  Your responsibility is to encourage, teach, gently   correct as needed, and pray for him.  1 Timothy 1:1-2
  • Lateral internal & external – A “Barnabas” is a someone who is a peer and who will hold you accountable and love you during difficult times.  It is good to have those involved in your church (internal) and those who work with you (external). Galatians 2:11At the top list people who are mentoring you. They can be contemporary (living) or historical (not living) models.

3.  If you lack names in any of the four categories, begin to pray and seek the Lord concerning people who can (and who are willing and able) assist you in the process of successful mentoring.  Remember to use the “Steps For Successful Mentoring” above.

Discipleship Part 2 – The Deeper Life

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment
THE ROOT
  • Galatians 5:16-18 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
  • James 1:13-15  When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
  • To accomplish any lasting victory in our lives we must always deal with root issues (good root, good fruit).  Read Matthew 3:7-12.

GAINING VICTORY OVER OUR OWN SIN – James 1:12-15

1. The three areas of spiritual warfare from James 4:1-7 are: the flesh (our old, sinful nature), the world and the demonic.

The world and the demonic really do not have authority in us when we are victorious over our old, flesh nature! Many of God’s people spend too much time rebuking the devil when we need to learn to have victory over our own sin nature.

2. Sin is the result of our the flesh. Sin is the flesh IN ACTION. (Galatians 5:17-21)

A definition of “flesh” is the self-centered distortion of the human nature which makes us want to be our own god. It is that proud ego, that uncircumcised self which is the seat of willful defiance and rebellion against authority. (Ray Stedman)

3. All our temptations and sin are the result of what is ALREADY in our heart. We must understand that we sin because of our choice to do so.

James 1:13-15 “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire (the flesh) he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

NOTE: One of the greatest challenges in gaining victory over our own sin is the inability to forgive ourselves.  Jesus’ blood shed for us was MORE than enough to forgive and cleanse ALL of our sin!  But we have difficulty in forgiving ourselves for various reasons.

LEARNING TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS – 1 John 1:1-10

1. Be CONVINCED that Christ’s blood forgives ALL sin!

Psalm 103:1-5, 8-14; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:12-14; 1 John 1:7-9

2. Learn how to walk in forgiveness from 1 John.

Never pretend to be sinless.

State the sin specifically to God and agree with God about the sin (“Confess” is homologeo, meaning to agree with).

Be expressive in thanking God and walk in the light of God’s Word and in fellowship with Him and others. Don’t isolate!

3. Deal with all SMALL sins.

Understand the “little foxes” principle from Song of Solomon 2:15.

Psalm 19:13-14 “Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.”

4. Be AGGRESSIVE in dealing with your thought life or the carnal nature.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “…We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

5. Force the steps above into a life HABIT!

1 Timothy 4:15 “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”

THE KEY TO REAL CHANGE

Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

1. We begin by offering our bodies as living sacrifices to His purposes. Live for Him in spite of shortcomings! This changes the direction of our life (Acts 2:37-41).

2. We are not to be CONFORMED to the pattern of this world. This literally means to not be connected to the fashion, behavior and priorities of this world. We must determine not to be shaped by the world and its system of thought and behavior. (1 John 2:15-17

3. Then we are to be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of our thinking. This is the same word used of Jesus’ transfiguration on the Mount in Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 9:2-3 and means to change from an earthly to a supernatural (spiritual) way of thinking. We must train our thought life to think the way God thinks – to love what He loves and hate what He hates. Our perception of reality must be based upon the Word of God.

PERSONAL CLEANSING

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart;…

The following areas are NOT intended to condemn (Romans 8:1) but to guide us through an honest evaluation and cleansing. Confess each area God reveals with the willingness to make it right or forsake it. Then praise God for His forgiveness and His ability through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. God’s Word – Psalm 119:97, 140

  • Do I love to read and meditate on God’s Word?
  • Do I apply what I read to everyday life?

2. Holy Spirit control – Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 5:18-21

  • Do I ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit each day?
  • Am I sensitive to the Spirit’s voice and do I allow Him to lead and control me?

3. First Love – Philippians 1:21-23; Revelation 2:4-5

  • Is Jesus Christ still the most important Person in my life?
  • Does my schedule, spending, etc. reveal that God is first in my life?

4. Prayer – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

  • Am I faithful to a consistent life of prayer?
  • Is my prayer life filled with joy and intimacy with the Father?

5. Submission – 1 Samuel 15:22; Hebrews 13:17

  • Do I obey God?
  • Do I genuinely obey human authorities that God has placed over my life?

6. Humility – Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 57:15; Luke 14:7-11

  • Am I quick to admit I am wrong?
  • Am I willing to take the “lower place”?

7. A pure heart – Matthew 5:8; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:9

  • Do I keep “short accounts” with God and do I search my heart for issues that displease Him?
  • Is repentance (a change of thinking accompanied with action) a part of my everyday life?

8. Moral purity – Matthew 5:27-30; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 5:3-5

  • Do I aggressively keep my mind free from immoral fantasizing?
  • Am I accountable to someone?

9. Priorities – Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:12-14

  • Do I love what God loves and hate what He hates?
  • Do I seek to do His Will each day?

10. Finances – Proverbs 19:17; Malachi 3:10-12

  • Do I Tithe the first portion of my earnings to God?
  • Am I a generous person?

11. Forgiveness – Acts 24:16; Colossians 3:12-14; Hebrews 12:14-15

  • Am I willing to release offenses and be reconciled to God and the person with whom I am offended?
  • Do I stop slander and not allow a destructive spirit of unforgiveness to divide my church?

12. Evangelism – Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8

  • Do I have a burden for people who do not know Christ?
  • How am I reaching the lost with the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ?

THE KEY TO SPIRITUAL VICTORY THROUGH GOD’S WORD

Read Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

The following section is designed to help us build strong convictions, the firm foundation against a life of continual defeat.

1. When the threats and lies come from our enemy we are to tear down that thought or fear as we read in 2 Corinthians 10:4-6. This “tearing down” is, in reality, placing God’s Word against and over the lies of the enemy and our own thoughts, fears, anger, etc.

2. An example is Jesus’ victory over the devil in the wilderness in Matthew 4:1-11 & Luke 4:1-13. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness area between Jericho & Jerusalem. After a 40-day fast, when Jesus was physically at His weakest, Satan came to tempt Him. Jesus’ only resource was the Word of God (Scripture). He doesn’t quote it as a “magical formula” but as a principle upon which He basis His actions. (Key)

3. The ultimate purpose of demonic attack, using our flesh nature, is to pull us away from a victorious relationship with God to an existence of depending upon our sin nature, weakness and daily defeat. Learn to do this EVERY TIME and do not allow fear and condemnation a place for very long! In time this will become a part of our natural behavior.

CONVICTIONS: FOUNDATIONAL STRENGTH FOR CHARACTER

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank;… (Also Daniel 3:16-18)

1. We are only as strong as our conviction or determination to serve God whole-heartedly!

2. A CONVICTION is a Biblical principle we determine to follow, NO MATTER WHAT.

  • Daniel 3:16-18 The Hebrew men determined not to bow, whether or not God delivered them from the fiery furnace!
  • Joshua 24:15, 25-28 “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

3. A PREFERENCE changes with the situation when a conviction is not convenient. It is not seen in daily living. We may talk it but do not live it.

4. Many of our weaknesses are simply the ABSENCE of Godly convictions. Spiritual strength is seen in those who have trained themselves to be resolute. In Hebrews 11:32-39, we see that the examples in the Bible of men and women who through faith triumphed and accomplished great things were people of strong convictions who would not flinch in the face of adversity or ridicule.

5. Consistent practice of Biblically based convictions develops us to be strong in challenging times.

CONVICTIONS BASED ON GOD’S WORD

1. Jesus Christ is Lord over every area of my life, and I am to build my goals around His priorities. (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 6:10; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians1:18)

2. The entire Bible is the inspired Word of God and the final authority for life. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

3. I am a member of the body of Christ and I must not forsake the assembling together of God’s people. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

4. I am a witness to others of the things God has done in my life and I am to make disciples of all nations as Jesus has commanded us. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)

5. Because my life begins with my thoughts, my thoughts must be set on the things of God. (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:34-35; Colossians 3:1-8)

6. My actions must never weaken the scriptural convictions or understanding of another Christian. (Romans 14:19-21)

7. My body is the living temple of God and must not be defiled by the lusts (sinful behavior) of the world. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

8. My finances and resources are a trust from God and must be managed according to Biblical principles. (Malachi 3:10-12; Luke 16:11)

9. My marriage is a lifelong commitment to God and to my marriage partner. (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:9; Ephesians 5:22-23)

10. My children belong to God, and it is my responsibility to impart to them Biblical principles and Godly character. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6)

Write down other convictions you have that are based upon God’s Word.  Believe God, in the Power of the Holy Spirit, to make those a very real part of everyday life!

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Discipleship Part 1: The Call

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment
THE CALL
 sillouette-larger
Luke 14:25-35; Matthew 9:36-10:1, 28:18-20; Acts 2:42-47, 6:1-7

1.  Reaching the lost was the primary goal of the early church in the book of Acts, and an integral part of each believer’s life. In the beginning, the early church in Acts grew not by addition but by multiplication and with power (Acts 2:42-47). The person was transformed and then became an active disciple. Decisions without discipleship causes us to think that we are obeying Jesus’ Command when, in reality, we are disobeying the full Command of Christ. If the primary activity of the church is to make disciples than it begins with the ability to effectively lead someone to Christ. (John 4:1-42; Acts 8:26-40)

2.  The word “disciple” means a DISCIPLINED LEARNER. In Bible times, teachers had disciples, not just students. Knowledge was not something sterile and separate, but a mixture of the teacher’s spirit and passion as well.

3.  The Apostle Paul was a devout disciple, brought up at the feet of Gamaliel to be “zealous toward God” (Acts 22:3) and when he became a follower of Jesus Christ, imparted this passion to others like Timothy. (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

4.  The first step in becoming a disciple is our SURRENDER to the Lordship of Jesus. Our will must bow to His Will in defined and open commitment. This requires a renewing of our way of thinking. (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-24)

JESUS TAUGHT DISCIPLESHIP IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Although many were present, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7) seems to have been taught primarily to His disciples. The central theme is summarized in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect (adult, full-grown, fully completed growth), therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Following is an overview of discipleship characteristics from that powerful sermon.

1. Jesus taught His disciples deeper Truth and accountability. (5:1-12)

2. As a representative of God’s Kingdom, a disciple has a Divine RESPONSIBILITY to influence our world. How we respond to that challenge affects the world around us. (5:13-16)

3. The Ten Commandments deal with OUTWARD BEHAVIOR, discipleship deals with the attitudes of the heart. (5:17-48)

4. Discipleship seeks to please God not the applause of men. (6:1-18)

5. Discipleship is having a correct attitude towards the wealth of this world. It plants towards eternity, it understands the destructive behavior of dual lordship (God and mammon) and fully trusts in the faithfulness of God to provide. (6:19-34)

6. A disciple first judges his OWN LIFE before he judges another’s life. (7:1-5)

7. A disciple treats others the way he expects others to treat him. (7:7-12)

8. A disciple understands the ROOT-FRUIT principle. (7:15-23)

9. Obedience to Christ’s Word brings blessing; disobedience or ignoring His Word brings destruction. (7:14-29)

A DISCIPLE’S COMMITMENT

The following are five areas of a disciple’s life in the form of a covenant. Realizing that these can only be accomplished in the power of the Holy Spirit we endeavor practice these principles in spite of our weakness.

THE DISCIPLESHIP COMITMENT
1. Love Christ first in my life.
  • Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple.” (Also Revelation 2:4-5)

2. Surrender my ways to Him and acknowledge His absolute Lordship in me.

  • Luke 14:27 “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
  • Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

3. Abide and be trained in His Word, the Bible, and to keep it as the standard of my life.

  • John 8:31 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”
  • John 17;17 “Your word is truth.”

4. Love my Christian brothers and sisters with God’s love.

  • John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
  • Matthew 22: 37-40 “… And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’…”
5. Make disciples who follow Christ with the same passion I follow and obey Christ.
  • Matthew 28:18-20 “… Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
  • Acts 1:88 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
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Three Phases of Sanctification

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment
Leviticus 20:7-8 “… I am the LORD, who makes you holy (sanctifies you).”
2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Hebrews 10:14 “… by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”

When Jesus saves us, He begins a work in us to ready us for Eternity. 

The first is His doing, He saved us as we responded to His call. Although we stand in His finished work of salvation at the cross, the second is our partnership with the Holy Spirit in changing us into His likeness.  The third step is when we enter into His Presence for all Eternity!

1.  I HAVE BEEN SAVED — The initial act of sanctification

This is our position in Christ established by our union with Him through our new birth (John 3:3).

Romans 10:8-13 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”… for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

1 Corinthians 6:11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2.  I AM BEING SAVED — The process of sanctification

This is based upon our position in Christ and carried out by His Word and our active faith. Here we are being changed and transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 12:1-2). As we yield to and obey God’s Word we literally begin to see our old habits leave and learn to walk in victory over the power of sin.

God always has to “tear down and uproot” us so that He can rebuild us.  When we plan to build a structure on raw land, much preparation is needed so that the building can even begin.  We see this in God’s command to Jeremiah the prophet.  Jeremiah 1:9-10 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

1 Thessalonians 5:13-14 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Romans 6:11-14 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

2 Timothy 2:20-21  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.  Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Philippians 6:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

3.  I WILL BE SAVED — The final step of sanctification

This is the complete conformity to Jesus Christ, our final glorification! It is at this time that we are delivered from the presence of sin.

1 John 3:2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Revelation 21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
… And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates.
…The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
… I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

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The Disciples’ Prayer Pattern

~ Jack Lankhorst ~ Leave a comment

Matthew 6:5-18 (Jesus said) “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
This, then, is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:5-7:12). Approximately 1 1/2 years later, when they asked Him how to pray (Luke 11:1-4), He brought them back to “the pattern.”

This is an outline He established for communicating with God. It’s our “model prayer pattern.” Each phrase reflects a basic area of human need and places us in the position to be able to receive those needs.

FIVE AREAS OF

1. BEGIN WITH PRAISE – Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,…
“To hallow” means to admire, respect, acknowledge as being set apart. The word “name” gives the meaning of character or authority.
Begin prayer by praising Him through the Old & New Testament Names of God (Exodus 3:13-15)…
  • Elohim (God, Genesis 1 and many other places) Praise Him as our Creator, covenant God.
  • (Found in many places and written as LORD) Praise Him as the God of Holiness, Righteousness and Love.
  • El-Shaddai (The Mighty God – Genesis 17:1-2, 28:3, 35:11. and more) Praise Him as our Source of Life.
  • El Elyon (The Most High God – Genesis 14:22; Daniel 4:34-35) Praise Him as our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
  • Adonai (Lord, Master – Genesis 15:1-8; Daniel 9:3-19; Malachi 1:6 ) Praise Him for being our Perfect Master.
  • El Olam (The Everlasting God – Genesis 21:33) Praise Him because He does not change.
  • Jehovah-Jireh (The LORD our Provider – Genesis 22:1-9) Praise Him because He sees and provides.
  • Jehovah-Rophe (The LORD our Healer – Genesis 15:22-27) Praise Him for His healing power.
  • Jehovah-Nissi (The LORD our Banner – Exodus 17:8-16) Praise Him for our victory over every work of the devil.
  • Jehovah-M’Kaddesh (The LORD our Sanctifier – Leviticus 20:8) Praise Him for changing us into His likeness.
  • Jehovah-Shalom (The LORD our Peace – Judges 6:1-24 Praise Him because He is the God of Peace.
  • Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The LORD our Righteousness – Jeremiah 23:5-6) Praise Him for making us right before Him.
  • Jehovah-Rohi (The LORD our Shepherd – Psalm 23) Praise Him for His tender, Shepherding care.
  • Jehovah-Shammah (The LORD is There – Ezekiel 48:35) Praise Him for His abiding and faithful Presence.
 2. ESTABLISH GOD’S PRIORITIES – Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

As our Savior, He is also our absolute Lord and Master and King of an eternal Kingdom and we are His Kingdom people with all the responsibilities and benefits.

  • Bring everything in our lives under His authority (Matthew 6:33).
  • Pray that His will be done in my life, family, church, nation and in the world.

3. RECEIVE DAILY PROVISION – Give us today our daily bread.

The greatest concerns to human beings include food, clothing and shelter. If we seek first His Kingdom that the Lord would provide what we need (Matthew 6:28-34). He wants us to ask so that our joy might be complete (John 16:24). Malachi 3:10-12 states that if I am faithful to the Tithe then He is faithful to provide for me, to destroy the devourer and to enlarge my ability to be generous.
  • Be in the will of God concerning my finances (Tithing, generous attitude).
  • Pray for provision for physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
  • Pray for a hunger for God’s Word in me and in the Church.

4. FORGIVE & RECEIVE FORGIVENESS (PARDON) – Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

So powerful is the aspect of forgiveness that Jesus places it in the middle of the prayer and then re-emphasizes it at the end! If we will not forgive others He cannot forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:1-34).
  • Ask God to forgive me of my sins and offenses (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:8-9).
  • Forgive and release those who have offended me (Matthew 6:14).
  • Set my will to forgive those who may offend me today. Pray for people who might offend us and overcome “evil” with good (Romans 12:21).

5. LIVE IN HOLY SPIRIT POWER – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Deep, unconfessed sin are areas in which the devil has authority. When we are unwilling to acknowledge those areas, God will allow us to be led into areas of temptation so that we can recognize those areas and can be cleansed (James 1:13-15).

  • Ask God to purify me and to cleanse me from secret sin (Song of Solomon 2:15; Psalm 19:12-13).
  • Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
  • Pray for the revival of the church (Hosea 6:2-3).
  • Pray for a harvest of souls to come into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 9:37).

NOW RETURN TO PRAISE & THANKSGIVING.