“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” – Pr. 25:2

(Often, the most revealing question about things available to learn or experience from God is simply, “Are we really interested enough to seek them?”)

When I’m convinced I’ve learned everything there is to understand about a topic, it easily affixes a permanent filter through which any information must be viewed, automatically accepted or abruptly dismissed. It also greatly stifles my curiosity. I’m not sure this approach helps our faith to continue growing. Because truth is usually revealed by questioning and seeking. And believing there is always something else to learn can serve us very well. Our questions are great friends to this process. At least they should be. Even the tough ones.

Maybe especially the tough ones.

As someone who believes God is our Father because He created us, Who came to Earth as His Son in human form to redeem us, and gives His Holy Spirit to infill and lead us, I want to know what I can about Him, His identity/Godhead, and any other knowledge and experience He has for us.

Unapologetically.

This means I cannot stop being a student, or fall into the tempting trap of believing I already know everything there is to understand about a subject. Neither can I be fearful of questions which challenge me to learn more. Even those which might feel uncomfortable to consider.

Because I don’t believe truth is concerned with being comfortable. It is interested in being pursued and discovered.

Some more verses about God’s interest in our pursuit of truth to consider;

· This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, – 1 Tim. 2:3-5

· always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 2 Tim. 3:7

We can be assured, there is a “truth” God wants us to know. We can also be assured it is possible to learn and NEVER come to this knowledge. YIKES! (This especially happens in the last days per 2 Tim. 3.)

To help us along, God instructs us to considerately provoke each other to more;

· And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: – Heb. 10:24

I hope our discussion can be this kind of provocative. Let’s begin.

CAN THE GODHEAD BE UNDERSTOOD?

Many have said that the Godhead is a mystery that cannot really be fully understood. (I have heard some hard-to-understand teachings that might support this explanation. Maybe you have too.)

But the Bible provides an important clue about our ability to understand the Godhead;

· For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: – Rom. 1:20 KJV

If God’s word says the Godhead can be seen and understood, I want to pursue this knowledge.

SOME QUESTIONS I’M CONSIDERING FOR THIS EXPLORATION;

· What language does the Bible use to describe God? (one, two, three, trinity, spirit, body, person, being, entity, etc.)

· Where does the Bible make reference to the Godhead?

· Can we learn anything important from creation to help us?

· Are there three persons which make up the Godhead, as historical trinitarian teaching states? (3 coequal and coeternal persons who form 1 God)

· Is God a person, persons, Spirit, or some combination?

· Can God fulfill multiple roles and still be one (or more) at the same time?

· Should I simply rely on historical teachings or traditional interpretations to answer my questions when something might not be clear, or should I insist on biblical verification/sources when growing in understanding?

· Are there teachings of the Godhead which pre-date others?

· Are we safe to use exclusively biblical language when considering/describing the Godhead?

(I’m sure there are more to be asked, and realize this forum cannot be exhaustive. Again, I don’t believe that truth is threatened by any questions like these, but welcomes them – even in the presence of our formative teachings.)

MY APPROACH

I am attempting to use the following as I pursue answers about the Godhead;

· Biblical language/descriptions – I believe this is safe and reasonable, because words matter.

· If it is possible to understand the Godhead (Rom. 1:20), I believe God wants to show it to me.

· I am going to ask fair questions about teachings, especially if/when Bible passages seem to contradict them.

· I don’t anticipate knowing all there is to know about God in this life, and believe this can coexist with the “truth” God wants us to know as mentioned in 1 Tim. 2:4. (Because 1 Cor. 13:12 states; for now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known.)

· I choose to follow scripture above my denomination/tradition

· I will not be disrespectful to those who see things differently than me. Because we don’t need to agree on everything before we love one another.

DID JESUS SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE NATURE OF WHAT GOD IS/ISN’T?*

Yes, He did. When speaking with the woman at the well in John 4:24, Jesus importantly revealed that God is Spirit, and stated in Luke 24:39 that a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones;

· “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

· “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

*(Not an attempt to be exhaustive)

DOES THE BIBLE ASSIGN A NUMERICAL VALUE TO GOD?*

Many times. I found the phrase “one God” 7 times (KJV) in my search,

· “…hath not one God created us?” – Mal. 2:10

· “…there is one god; and there is none other but he:” – Mk. 12:32

· “Seeing it is one God, which shall justify…” – Rom. 3:30

· “But to us there is but one God, the Father…” – 1 Cor. 8:6

· “One God and Father of all…” – Eph. 4:6

· “For there is one God…” – 1 Tim. 2:5

· “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well…” – Jas. 2:19

.

And I found the phrase “one Lord” 5 times,

· “Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD:” – Deu. 6:4

· “…in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.” – Zech. 14:9

· “And Jesus answered… The Lord our God is one Lord:” – Mk. 12:29

· “…and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things…” – 1 Cor. 8:6

· “One Lord, one faith, one baptism,” – Eph. 4:5

*(Again, not an attempt to be exhaustive)

WHAT ABOUT THREE?

Where I find “three” mentioned revealed something very interesting;

The KJV (and NKJV) convey language in vs. 7 (underlined) NOT actually included in the Greek or other translations I’ve read (please check this out for yourself);

· ⁶This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. ⁷ For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. ⁸ And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. – 1 Jn. 5:6-8 KJV

Here is how the other English translations (and Greek) I’ve looked at record this passage;

· ⁶ This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. ⁷ For there are three that testify: ⁸ the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. – 1 Jn. 5:6-8 NASB

From what my research reveals, the original language (Greek) simply does not include, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

Asking “why is this?” seemed like a responsible thing to do.

Here is what that search provided;

“The inclusion of extra trinitarian language in 1 John 5:7 of the King James Version—known as the Comma Johanneum—happened because the KJV was translated from late Greek manuscripts containing a medieval Latin marginal addition that had entered the Greek tradition.” (Biblical Hermeneutics)

Again, don’t take my word for it. Investigate this for yourself.

But please don’t regret asking questions about it.

WHERE DOES THE BIBLE USE THE WORD “GODHEAD”? (Strongs definitions included)

· Col. 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Strongs 2320: Diety, Godhead. From theos; divinity)

· Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. (Strongs 2304: Divine, the Diety, From theos; godlike: - divine, godhead)

· Rom. 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Strongs 2305: Divinity, divine nature. From theos; divinity)

(I cannot help but notice that Colossians declares all the fulness of the Godhead dwells in Christ. This is significant, as it seems in direct conflict with my understanding of trinitarianism as I was taught, which declares Christ to be 1 person of 3 in the Godhead.)

Based on this passage, it seems fair to ask; “Is the Godhead in Jesus, or is Jesus in the Godhead?”

But let’s keep going…

DOES THE BIBLE SAY THERE ARE 2, 3, OR MORE, GODS/LORDS?

I found it does reveal many are called gods;

· For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) – 1 Cor. 8:5

· Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law: ‘I said, you are gods’? – Jn. 10:34 (from Ps. 82:6)

I can’t see where these descriptions are attributed to the Creator, though. Nor could I find numerical references to God being 2 or 3 (or anything more than 1).

PATERNITY QUESTION?

(This will probably sound like an unusual inquiry – initially); If the Father and the Holy Spirit are separate persons, then it appears the Holy Spirit conceived Christ, instead of the “Father” – at least according to this passage;

· Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. – Matt. 1:18

It is fair to wonder about this, and to seek an honest answer.

If God (Who is Spirit, and definitely holy) created us, wouldn’t the act of creating Christ in the womb of Mary simply be described as “fathering”? Is it really controversial that one God (Spirit) could’ve done this? It doesn’t seem to be.

However, if the Holy Spirit and the Father are 2 separate persons, then it appears Christ’s paternity is through the Holy Spirit, not the Father. (I’m finding this a much more difficult proposition to biblically reconcile.)

I know this might not be easy to think about for many, but I don’t think we should be afraid of these kinds of questions. Because truth isn’t threatened by them, neither should we be. Even in the presence of discomfort.

DOES THE CREATION OF MANKIND HELP US UNDERSTAND THE GODHEAD?

I’ve been considering something I’ve never really heard explored but am finding it helpful to a foundational understanding of God. Since we are made in God’s image, I believe it makes it worth thinking about, especially for this discussion;

· “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” – Gen. 1:27

Are humans made up of both body and spirit? Every indication I can find is yes, we are.

Then shouldn’t this be the same for God?

Does God (Who is Spirit according to Christ) have a body He lives in (like our spirit lives in our bodies)?

Is it true that our spirit is “headquartered” inside our mortal bodies? I believe we’re safe to say this is so. Since we share the image of God, shouldn’t this also be true for Him? It appears to be from what we’ve seen;

· “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” – Col. 2:8-10

(If our spirit is part of our identity, are we accurate to believe Jesus’ Spirit is part of His?)

· For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. – Jn. 3:34

I know it sounds simple, but as image bearers of God, I find it scriptural to believe we share His similar makeup of body and spirit.

Is there evidence that we do not?

IF GOD IS MULTIPLE PERSONS (AND SINCE WE ARE MADE IN HIS IMAGE) IS IT FAIR TO ASK IF THIS SHOULD BE TRUE FOR US AS WELL?

If God is multiple people, should the humans He made in His image expect to be multiple in nature also? (Yes, this might sound strange to ask, but it is a logical inquiry.)

I can’t believe God is afraid of questions like these. People doubtless might be. I am just trying not to be afraid to address this proverbial elephant in the room. I hope you are not either.

I think the answer is obvious. As humans, we are not multiple in number of persons. We are singular.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR GOD TO FUNCTION AS FATHER (creator), SON (sacrificial redeemer), AND HOLY SPIRIT (in-filler), AND BE NUMERICALLY ONE?

(Or is it scripturally evident that multiple functions = multiple people?)

Let’s start with a typically unconsidered example. Do we believe the devil is multiple people when described by multiple functions?

· Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; – Rev. 20:1-2

Of course, the devil functions as all of the above descriptions. He is also a thief, a destroyer, a liar, and a murderer. All while being one devil. (See Jn. 10:10, Jn. 8:44)

And what about humans? We can undeniably function in multiple ways and still be one. We can be a son, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, nephew, (insert job title), author, (insert hobby/sport participant), etc. while maintaining our singular personhood.

This simple exercise helps us entertain the possibility that if mere created beings are able to function in many capacities while being numerically one, God definitely can as well.

Easily.

If there is biblical evidence that God MUST be more than numerically one in order to function in multiple capacities, I am not finding it. If it exists, I am happy to gain that understanding.

DID JESUS CLAIM TO BE THE PHYSICAL REPRESENTATION OF (and one with) GOD?

· Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. – Jn. 12:44-45

· Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. – Jn. 14:8-11

· I and my Father are one. – Jn. 10:30

Jesus revealed that His Father (Spirit) was inside Him (as ours is inside us), and that He was one with God (just as we are one with our spirit – not two or more).

According to Jesus, this is how we can view the one God (that is Spirit) – by seeing Him.

Colossians 1:12-15, 19 also confirms this;

· Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: …For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

As does Hebrews 1:1-3;

· God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person…

IS THIS EXPLORATION POINTING US TO AN IMPORTANT TRUTH WHICH GOD WANTS US TO UNDERSTAND?

It seems the answer is that God is set up in the same way our spirit is – based in our physical bodies, because we are made in His image. (“Image” Strongs 6754; resemblance, representative figure)

This is portrayed in verses like 1 Tim. 2:3-5, which state there is one God (Spirit) and one “man” Christ Jesus, Who is our one singular mediator, and also Col. 2:8-10 which shows us God is headquartered in the body of Jesus Christ.

AN INTERESTING OBSERVATION ABOUT CHRIST’S RECEPTION OF WORSHIP

(I had to sit with this one for a bit, but found it fair to consider)

If it is sinful to worship something other than God, there must be an important reason Jesus received worship on multiple occasions (without correcting the worshipers). If He were NOT Emmanuel/God with us in the flesh, receiving worship would have disqualified Him from being a sinless sacrifice for our sins.

For example, Thomas worshiped Jesus, calling Him God. And Jesus did not correct him;

· And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. – Jn. 20: 28-29

I believe Jesus was qualified to receive worship as God with us because His Spirit IS God and is plainly part of Him, headquartered in His body. (Just like our spirit is part of us, and is headquartered in ours.)

SINCE JESUS CLAIMED TO BE ONE WITH GOD, IS THERE SCRIPTURAL EVIDENCE JESUS ALSO SHARES HIS NAME WITH HIS FATHER?

· I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not… – Jn. 5:43

· Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. – Heb. 1:4

· And now You, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world existed. “I have revealed Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world… – Jn. 17:5-6 NASB

· I am no longer going to be in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, so that they may be one just as We are. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name, which You have given Me… – Jn. 17:11-12 NASB

· “Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known… – Jn. 17:25-26 NASB

· For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. – Isa. 9:6

Isaiah revealed the NAME of the “child” born and “son” given to us is the name of the mighty God and the everlasting Father!

The discussion about what this means (and for instance, why the apostles consistently used Jesus’ name at baptism) is a fascinating one. I think they understood something that we might typically overlook today, that Jesus is one with His Father, which includes being one in name also.

WHAT ABOUT “ON THE RIGHT HAND” OF GOD?

I grew up envisioning Christ sitting beside His enthroned Father. I didn’t really think much about it. Verses like these helped paint this picture for me;

· Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; – Heb. 8:1

· So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. – Mk. 16:19

It simply sounded like a physical location to me. The Son seated next to His Father. I didn’t bother to look any further, because I had a conclusion already. (Why would I?) If this was the case, we should expect this to be consistently supported throughout scripture.

I was curious to see what else I might find, so I continued to explore other verses using “right hand” language for additional insights. There is a phrase repeated in three of the gospels that refers to Jesus on the “right hand of power” (the Greek language definition of power was consistent, with “Mighty One” included in the reference for Matt. 26:64);

· Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. – Matt. 26:64 (Greek: “dynameos” Strongs 1411: Mighty One, force; specially, miraculous power)

· And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. – Mk. 14:62 (Greek: “dynameos” Strongs 1411: force; specially miraculous power)

· Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. – Lk. 22:69 (Greek: “dynameos” Strongs 1411: force; specially miraculous power)

I also found this descriptive use of “right hand” language. Interestingly, it is also super-associated with power;

· Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. – Ex. 15:6

It looks like Jesus is securely on a place of the power of God, and this is definitely referred to as “on the right hand”. If this is a physical location, great. If there is more to understand about it, also great. I don’t believe we have to guess, because there seems to be a consistent answer, as explored in our next section.

THE THRONE OF GOD

I looked for additional verses describing Jesus as being “on” or “next to” the throne of God (or for whatever else scripture might provide). My hope was this could provide additional insights.

I was not disappointed.

In Hebrews, the Son is actually referred to as God, and the throne His;

· But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. – Heb. 1:8

Here are some of the many references to the throne in Revelation. I am hoping to see how it might refer to Christ’s placement, and if so, if there is a consistency which offers a clear picture.

First is a description of the Lamb of God (Jesus) in the middle of the throne;

· For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. – Rev. 7:17

Another states Christ is set down with His Father in the throne;

· To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. – Rev. 3:21

Another also refers to a singular throne, with one seated on it;

· And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. – Rev. 4:2

Here, the throne is again described in singular language, belonging to God and the Lamb;

· And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. – Rev. 22:1

Finally, another singular reference to the throne, also belonging to God and the Lamb;

· And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: – Rev. 22:3

Reading these descriptions brings up some questions for me. You might have some of the same ones;

· Do these consistent descriptions of Jesus seated with His Father in His throne this seem to conflict with the concept of Jesus being seated beside His Father? (It’s a yes for me)

· Are these verses aligned with others about there being “one body and one Spirit” and the fullness of the Godhead being stationed in the body of Jesus Christ? (Another yes for me)

· Must “right hand” language necessarily refer to physical location, or is it referring to a position of power? (Because I’m not finding physical/side location verses, but consistently seeing right hand language descriptive of power/authority.) Since Jesus is seated with His Father on the singular throne, it looks like the use of right hand language seems to refer to enthroned power, instead of a “right side”/ physical location.

· Are there verses that describe Jesus as being seated “beside” His Father? (While it can be easy to envision this because of habit/tradition, etc., I’m not finding any passages that describe it.)

WHAT I’M SEEING SO FAR

· God is consistently referred to in the Bible as numerically one

· I am not finding scriptural references to God being more than one

· He is Spirit according to Jesus

· There is one body and one Spirit, per Eph. 4:4

· God is headquartered in the body of Jesus Christ

· When we see Jesus Christ, we are looking at the bodily representation of God

· Jesus’ claim of oneness with His Father mirrors the way we consider ourselves one with our own spirit (because we are made in God’s image)

· Jesus’ claims of oneness with His Father also includes being one in name

· According to Matt. 1:18, the Holy Spirit actually “Fathered” Christ

· …there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, per 1 Tim. 2:5

· The resurrected/ascended Christ sits on the throne of God with His Father (Spirit) in a position of exalted power, often referred to in scripture as “on the right hand” of God/power

· I cannot find the doctrine of the trinity (as it is written) quoted or explained in scripture

· I can find descriptions of God as Father, the Son of God (not God the son, though), and Holy Spirit, and believe God functions in these (and many more mysterious) ways while being numerically one.

· If we function in many capacities while being one individual – it is easier for God to do the same

· The belief that God is numerically one is a foundational biblical teaching which predates others arrived at much later in history (Ex: trinitarianism was formulated centuries after the church began)

· Because words are important, I believe we are safe to refrain from using non-biblical language when referring to God.

· We do not have to accept teachings merely on the basis of “that’s what we’ve always been taught” and I strongly believe that if something is true it will not ever need to be blindly followed, because substantial scriptural evidence will be abundant.

LANGUAGE MATTERS

· If the Bible uses certain words to describe something, I believe we are safe to do the same.

· Likewise, if the Bible doesn’t use certain words to describe something/someone, I believe we are not obligated to either.

· What numeric words does scripture use to describe God? It consistently uses one.

· Does the Bible use the word trinity? While I cannot find it, I am happy to use it if it is there.

· Is there any passage that states God is 3 coequal, coeternal persons? If so, I am happy to use that description. But I cannot find it.

I don’t think we should be afraid of asking questions like the ones we’ve considered here. Or the answers we might find. Because searching out a matter is a glorious pursuit (Pr. 25:2).

SOME ENDING VERSES

· I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, – Isa. 45:5-6, 9

· For I am the LORD, I change not… – Mal. 3:6

· Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD – Deu. 6:4

· And Jesus answered… The Lord our God is one Lord: – Mk. 12:29

· Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. – Heb. 13:8

· Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; – Titus 2:13

BEFORE COMMENTING

Please allow the fruit of the Spirit to guide your response

I don’t claim to know everything there is to know about God – I’m still learning more

I believe questions are friends to truth (and us) and we can embrace them without fear

We are safe to challenge/investigate beliefs – because truth isn’t afraid of scrutiny

I genuinely hope this exploration has been provocative and encouraging for you

I pray you receive everything God has for your life

I speak blessings over you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!

PLEASE CONSIDER READING MY STUDY BOOKS (linked in the Profile)

THANKS!

Our faith in the available solution is revealed by simply acting to apply it.

Consider:

• Grace showed up when God made coats of skin to cover Adam and Eve’s exposed condition after their fall.

• Faith showed up when they put them on.

• Grace showed up at the exodus when a lamb was allowed to provide sacrificial blood to save the Israelites from destruction.

• Faith showed up as those who believed the blood could protect them applied it to their door posts and lintels as instructed.

Today, grace mercifully shows up for us through each portion of the gospel of Jesus Christ: Death, Burial and Resurrection.

Faith shows up by applying each part of this finished work.

Same pattern of grace/faith, different eras.

Just as God didn’t force Adam and Eve to abandon the insufficiency of their fig leaves for His covering, He won’t strong-arm us to reconsider any religious attempt to cover our sinfulness outside of applying the gospel message.

He merely offers it - and wants us to be interested in studying how to access more of it by faith.

And yes, the lamb’s blood in the basin was necessary to save the Israelites, but they had to be willing to apply it by faith according to Gods instructions to receive it’s intended protection.

Today, we are wise to pay very close attention to the instructions of gospel faith-application. Just like we are wise to carefully read and follow medicinal directions.

Here comes an uncomfortable part.

Saying a prayer to “accept” Christ as our savior is not a biblical practice of applying the gospel message. Not even close. The good news is we don’t have to settle for it when God has more for us to put on and enjoy.

But we have a responsibility to be interested enough to learn about it. Because God won’t force us.

So, He hopes for our curiosity.

The consistent, biblically practiced response to the gospel includes each element, and leaves nothing out. Here is a too-brief synopsis:

1. We apply His death for sin by faith through our death to sin at repentance (see Rom. 6:2)

2. We apply His burial by faith when we are buried with Him at baptism. This is where we “put on” Christ by faith and where our sins are washed away by faith (see Rom. 6:2-8, Gal. 3:24-27, Acts 22:16, Acts 2:38)

3. We identify with the resurrection of Christ by faith when we receive the same Spirit that raised Him from the dead (see Rom. 8:9-11, Acts 2:1-4)

We don’t have to settle for anything less today!

For a more thorough Bible study, please right click to see What Happened to Obeying the Gospel?

Thanks for being interested in more of the good news!

I don’t usually like “Right vs. Wrong” discussions

Not because there is an absence of right and wrong, but because once we believe we are right about something, it is easy to set up camp there – and stop learning anything else about it.

And it easily lends itself to debate, which isn’t usually helpful.

If I’m honest, there is only One who is truly right. And it definitely isn’t me.

I am trying to grow into a discipleship of, “Here is the truth of what God’s word says. What else can I learn about it, because I don’t know everything there is to understand about it.”

For this to happen, I must accept that I see in a mirror darkly while in this world, and that God wants to continue leading me into more of His knowledge, experience, and truth.

And that is a continuous process.

The danger of feeling like I’m “right” about something, is that then additional information about it can easily feel like a threat.

I don’t think God wants us to live in that kind of insecurity.

I believe we crave certainty because it feels safe – and settled. But I’ve certainly been wrong about things in life. Many times. And I’m not done yet.

We are allowed to be secure in being continuous learners. Perhaps we should actively resist the temptation to believe we’ve arrived at a state of “rightness” about anything – until we reach eternity with Jesus.

Are we really open to the more that God has for us?

Or do we just seek reassurance that what we already believe (and have experienced) is everything there is to know and have?

Remaining curious, open and interested might be some of the most valuable discipleship traits we can possess.

Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful. – Jn 14:27

The world’s peace is easy to define, but impossible to achieve: An absence of any pain or problems in life. The flaw with this expectation is that it falls like a house of cards the moment anything difficult touches it.

God wants better for us

Jesus’ version is one we can grow into: Peace even WHEN pain or problems happen.

BUT HOW?

He gave us an important task toward this end. It has to do with what we allow to happen in our hearts when difficulty arrives.

Do we accept that being troubled or fearful is how difficulty is supposed to affect us?

That is an important question.

Here is another one,

Does Jesus expect us to control what we allow to happen in our hearts? The text really looks like it.

Learning to handle what happens IN us when difficulty arises provides a better and more lasting version of peace than the world’s fragile one. Once learned, the things that used to control our peace lose their power to do so.

Doesn’t that sound like something worth having?

Not saying that it always easy, or becomes automatic. It takes practice. And all that practice needs is another opportunity. If we just keep living, there will always be something else to try to rob our peace.

And because Jesus doesn’t want that to happen, He gives us chances to learn.

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OUR CHALLENGE

The next time we are troubled or fearful,

1. STOP

2. Recognize what is happening inside our heart

3. Then practice saying things like,

“Father, thank You for trusting me with this opportunity to learn the peace You give. I recognize the fearfulness and trouble I’m experiencing right now, and believe You want better for me than this. Instead of asking you to simply remove this from my life, please teach me how to navigate this with Your peace, instead of being led by this reaction. I believe You want this for me so when future difficulties arrive, I can know how to handle them as You would want me to. Please help me learn how to win these battles.”

It might not feel familiar at first. And that is a good thing. New territory isn’t supposed to feel familiar.

SOME THINGS THAT HELP ME

Worship physically (hands raised, bowing, etc.) and audibly (words of thanksgiving and praise) until the presence of God arrives. I’ve found it is MUCH easier to win the peace battle when He is present. We are 100% allowed to invite Him into our fights!

Speak statements from God’s word like,

God hasn’t given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind!

The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

I cast all my cares upon You, Father, because I know You care for me!

I will not be afraid of sudden fear!

God is for me!

Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world!

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REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

1. It can be helpful to liken developing this skill to planting seeds. The day we plant the seed won’t be the day we eat the fruit.

2. Skills take time to develop and perfect. And learning the peace that Jesus gives is definitely a skill. (If you’ve ever golfed, for instance, you know that learning to do it well does NOT happen the first time you try!) But if we want to learn badly enough, we keep putting in the effort. Keep practicing to build up spiritual muscle memory.

3. Repentance is our friend: it definitely helps to stop inviting things that carry fear or trouble with them into our lives (horror movies, violent music or entertainment, for example).

We are modeling how to handle life to those around us – especially our children. Wouldn’t we want them to know how to have peace when the storms of life arrive? They are worth the effort of practicing and learning this vital skill.

Learning the version of peace Jesus gives is always worth the trip

When He uttered, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” Jesus accomplished more than dismissing a hypocritical lynch mob. It silenced a tidal wave of accusations condemning a woman caught in adultery.

And only after silence arrived did Jesus speak to her. Considering why is worthwhile.

Yes, this was absolutely a master class of how to offer mercy and rescue in the face of accusatory religious hypocrisy. But it shows us something vital we cannot afford to overlook.

It is VERY difficult to receive mercy, grace, and restoration when overwhelmed by the condemnation failure can bring.

Especially when a misaligned belief system is fueling it.

So, Jesus refused to meet the stone-bearers on their terms. He was silent. He stooped. And He wrote.

Jesus offered no accusations to the woman, or to the mob who wanted her dead.

He was modeling mercy to everyone there.

He stooped, demonstrating a non-threatening posture of vulnerability.

And only after the rage-filled group became silent, stoneless, and absent did He choose to speak to the woman.

THE SIMPLE REASON WHY?

Because mercy is so important, it waits for capacity to properly receive it.

And competing, contrary voices can greatly hinder that capacity.

So, Jesus waited…

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How can this help us today?

Unfortunately, we are often leading the charge of accusations against ourselves when we fail, supposing we only qualify for mercy when our performance re-aligns with God’s righteous standard.

So, we feel compelled to be our own accusatory mob.

But that isn’t when we need mercy.

We need it because we cannot align with God’s righteousness without Him.

When we’ve fallen short, and everything inside us is screaming “Failure!” – Jesus isn’t intimidated. Or uninterested.

Consider that maybe Jesus is patiently waiting for our silence, which can make the room necessary to receive something holy, loving and restorative – His mercy.

His patience can be a simple strategy to silence our accusers. Which usually includes us.

Because mercy is so important, it waits for capacity to properly receive it.

This is what Jesus waits for.

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PS: Even an accusatory religious system with no mercy can bring us to Jesus. Amazingly, He will even use the dysfunctional to lead us to where restoration and mercy is actually found – His presence.

When it becomes quiet enough

Is it virtuous to accuse ourselves if Jesus doesn’t?

Isn’t that what satan (def: “adversary”) does?

Let’s not become his assistant

Someone who heard the very first gospel message — including the vital instructions on how to respond by faith — decided it wasn’t important to follow that guidance and even told other hearers it didn’t really matter how they responded, as long as they “believed”.

What would we have said about that if we were there? (Yes, we’d probably defend the gospel preaching and how important it is to faithfully follow the response instructions.) Why wouldn’t we? An easy question.

But should we say the same thing today?

(When would it have become acceptable to simply abandon this for something else?)

Now the hard question (but one that could reveal a God-opportunity).

What if it became evident that how WE were told to respond to the gospel was different from the first (and consistent) New Testament practice that endured for centuries?

If that offered us a new chance to experience more of the Good News by simply acting in faith, how should we feel about that?

Interested? Dismissive? Offended? Excited? Ready to act on it?

I had this opportunity and decided to respond by faith, even though it wasn’t part of my believing tradition. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

If you’d be curious about the possibility of enjoying the same thing, but would (understandably) want a thorough Bible study first, please consider reading What Happened to Obeying the Gospel? (click for link).

Why write about this? Because contending carefully for what was once delivered to the church is important;

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” - Jude 1:3

Please never allow a good experience with God to ever stand in the way of more of them. (By the way, I’ve never met anyone who acted on this by faith that regretted it.)

More good news applied to our lives is always a good thing.

No, the sinner’s prayer isn’t a scripturally practiced method of being saved from our sins. Obeying the gospel is the repeated, biblical practice of applying the saving good news to the life of a believer.

All parts. Death. Burial. Resurrection.

There. I said it. (Bible-nerding, again)

When studying scripture, I can’t unsee some things, and this is definitely one of them.

I like to think of it like this: if Jesus had to experience a death, a burial, and a resurrection before He went to heaven (as our example), it’s safe to say we do also. This is definitely borne out in the examples of gospel responders in the biblical record.

Before allowing this fair (but possibly uncomfortable) observation to perhaps create offense, please pause to consider some reasonable questions about it. Like,

· Could this discussion reveal an opportunity to more completely apply good news to our lives? (And wouldn’t that be a good thing?)

· Would God want to keep any good thing from us? (Would we?)

· Is it safe territory to continue growing in our understanding and application of the good news? (Even if it may not seem familiar at first?)

· When do we get put up our hands to say “I’ve arrived! No more needed/wanted, Lord.” (Heaven, I believe :^)

· Should we permit our current, good experience with God to be more inviting than the (understandably) less comfortable opportunity to embrace more from God and His word? (I believe there is no avoiding the discomfort of growth. Even good growth.)

· (Get ready, here’s a tough one) should we present non-biblically practiced methods of responding to the gospel to those seeking salvation?

The point of this discussion isn’t to be “right” or better than someone who is a sinner’s prayer advocate, but to provoke us to love, sound teaching, and to pursue more from God. And to encourage us that we’re absolutely allowed to do this!

At least that is the goal. I hope it comes across that way.

I pray everyone experiences and enjoys as much of the good news as possible - and available!

All the best as you hunger and thirst for more of Him.

God bless!

(For a much more complete study of this topic, please consider reading “What Happened to Obeying the Gospel?” linked here (and in the bio). Available on Amazon.)

(We are allowed to experience exactly what Cornelius did in scripture. Today, we need as much of the Good News in our lives as possible!)

In Acts 10, God gives us a very important, foundational example of a sincere believer eagerly inviting gospel application into his life - and he already had an invested, faithful relationship with God when it happened. This is a biblical picture of what God wants us to enjoy today. Scripture indicates Cornelius’ sincerity was so profound that it produced a memorial before God which prompted this divine interruption of Good News empowerment.

Let’s look at Cornelius’ life before God sets this encounter in motion;

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, ² a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. ³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” ⁴ And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. ⁵ Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” – Acts 10:1-6 NKJV

Note that Cornelius:

· Was devout (devoted, sincere)

· Feared God

· Gave generously

· Prayed consistently

(As committed as he was, God knew Cornelius needed more. And He wanted him to have it.)

It might be tempting to believe his faithful devotion, prayers, giving or sincerity qualified him in God’s eyes. But those important parts of a relationship with God cannot replace what only applying the gospel by faith can provide.

Cornelius’ pursuit of God was irresistible to Him. We can be greatly profited by seeing what he needed to do – and by demonstrating the same kind of faith today. Because enjoying more of the Good News is a good thing.

Here is the encounter when Peter arrived;

³⁴ Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, ³⁵ but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him ³⁶ The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)— ³⁷ you yourselves know the thing that happened throughout Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. ³⁸ You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. ³⁹ We are witnesses of all the things that He did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. ⁴⁰ God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He be revealed, ⁴¹ not to all the people, but to witnesses who had been chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. ⁴² And He ordered us to preach to the people, and to testify solemnly that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ All the prophets testify of Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. ⁴⁵ All the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter responded, ⁴⁷ “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” ⁴⁸ And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.

Notice:

· Just like the Ephesians in Acts 19, the Samaritans in Acts 8, and the Jews in Acts 2, God supernaturally filled Cornelius and all that heard the message to overflowing with the Holy Spirit

· Also like the Ephesians, Jews and Samaritans, all were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ as part of the gospel-application God wanted for them

If you have never been filled to overflowing in this way, you absolutely can be! I grew up with a tradition that never taught about this gospel experience, but it happened for me in exactly the same way. God filled me with His Spirit until it supernaturally overflowed in other languages, just like it did for those in the Bible! Please don’t let anyone talk you out of this if you are hungry and thirsty for it.

Jesus said the following about receiving the Holy Spirit in Luke 11:13:

So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

I was never taught to ask in my tradition. Am I glad I did! Best thing that has ever happened to me!

Importantly, Cornelius and all that heard were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. We actually see Paul rebaptize an entire group of believers in Acts 19 (the Ephesians), which unlocked their same supernatural infilling. It is an amazing, scriptural experience!

I chose to be rebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ, because if it was important in the Bible, I wanted it too. (See examples in Acts chapters 2, 8, 10, 19, 22.)

Why wouldn’t we want to do this today?

Being baptized (or rebaptized) in the name of Jesus Christ wasn’t just a standard practice of the church for the first centuries of their history, it is an amazing opportunity for us now. As one who embraced this once I saw it was biblical, I can say it was wonderful! What would stop us from this now?

God’s Promise: Importantly, being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ unlocks a promise of being filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. This is revealed in Acts 2;

³⁸ Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” ⁴⁰ And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on urging them, saying, ”Be saved from this perverse generation!” ⁴¹ So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

We can bet Cornelius didn’t regret this decision. You won’t either!

(For a detailed study, please read What Happened to Obeying the Gospel? Linked in the profile and available on Amazon)

(We are allowed to experience exactly what Cornelius did in scripture. Today, we need as much of the Good News in our lives as possible!)

In Acts 10, God gives us a very important, foundational example of a sincere believer eagerly inviting gospel application into his life - and he already had an invested, faithful relationship with God when it happened. This is a biblical picture of what God wants us to enjoy today. Cornelius’ sincerity was so profound that it produced a memorial which prompted God’s divine interruption of Good News empowerment.

Look at Cornelius’ life before God sets this encounter in motion:

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, ² a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. ³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” ⁴ And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. ⁵ Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” – Acts 10:1-6 NKJV

Note that Cornelius:

· Was devout (devoted, sincere)

· Feared God

· Gave generously

· Prayed consistently

(As committed as he was, God knew Cornelius needed more. And He wanted him to have it.)

It might be tempting to believe his faithful devotion, prayers, giving or sincerity qualified him in God’s eyes. But those important parts of a relationship with God cannot replace what applying the gospel by faith can provide.

Cornelius’ pursuit of God was irresistible to Him. We can be greatly profited by seeing what he needed to do – and by demonstrating the same kind of faith today. Because enjoying more of the Good News is a very good thing.

Here is the encounter when Peter arrived;

³⁴ Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, ³⁵ but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him ³⁶ The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)— ³⁷ you yourselves know the thing that happened throughout Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. ³⁸ You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. ³⁹ We are witnesses of all the things that He did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. ⁴⁰ God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He be revealed, ⁴¹ not to all the people, but to witnesses who had been chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. ⁴² And He ordered us to preach to the people, and to testify solemnly that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ All the prophets testify of Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. ⁴⁵ All the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter responded, ⁴⁷ “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” ⁴⁸ And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.

Notice:

· Just like the Ephesians in Acts 19, the Samaritans in Acts 8, and the Jews in Acts 2, God supernaturally filled Cornelius and all that heard the message to overflowing with the Holy Spirit

· Also like the Ephesians, Jews and Samaritans, all were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ as part of the gospel-application God wanted for them

If you have never been filled to overflowing in this way, you absolutely can be! I grew up with a tradition that never taught about this gospel experience, but it happened for me in exactly the same way. God filled me with His Spirit until it supernaturally overflowed in other languages, just like it did for those in the Bible! Please don’t let anyone talk you out of this if you are hungry and thirsty for it.

Jesus said the following about receiving the Holy Spirit in Luke 11:13:

So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

I was never taught to ask in my tradition. Am I glad I did! Best thing that has ever happened to me!

Importantly, Cornelius and all that heard were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. We actually see Paul rebaptize an entire group of believers in Acts 19 (the Ephesians), which unlocked their same supernatural infilling. It is an amazing, scriptural experience!

I chose to be rebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ, because if it was important in the Bible, I wanted it too. (See examples in Acts chapters 2, 8, 10, 19, 22.)

Why wouldn’t we want to do this today?

Being baptized (or rebaptized) in the name of Jesus Christ wasn’t just a standard practice during the first centuries of church history, it is an amazing opportunity for us now. As one who embraced this once I saw it was the normal, biblical practice, I can testify it was wonderful! What would stop us from this now?

God’s Promise: being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ by faith actually unlocks a promise of being filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. This is revealed in Acts 2;

³⁸ Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” ⁴⁰ And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on urging them, saying, ”Be saved from this perverse generation!” ⁴¹ So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

We can bet Cornelius didn’t regret this decision. You won’t either!

(For a detailed study, please read What Happened to Obeying the Gospel? Linked in the profile and available on Amazon)

The believers at Ephesus enthusiastically embraced an opportunity to more completely apply the Good News message - when made aware of it. This example presents a great occasion for us to enjoy the same things by faith today. Theirs was what a secure, fervent relationship with God looked like in scripture. We read about it at the beginning of Acts 19:

Now it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. ² He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “On the contrary, we have not even heard if there is a Holy Spirit.” ³ And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” ⁴ Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” ⁵ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ And when Paul had laid hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.

Some things to notice:

· God clearly wanted these sincere believers to have these important experiences

· The Apostle Paul was sent to help the Ephesians receive them

· They were excited to embrace this opportunity by faith

· It’s a safe bet the devil didn’t want them to

· The Ephesians didn’t get offended or argue with what Paul instructed

· They jumped at the chance to apply more of the Gospel once they learned how significant it was

· This is a wonderful picture of New Testament faith in action

When I was made aware of this opportunity, I choose to exercise faith to experience the same things. It was the best decision I’ve ever made! So thankful I said yes!

I pray our faith and relationship with God always has the capacity to accept and apply more of His word - when He reveals it to us.

Can’t help but also notice:

· Paul didn’t diminish or doubt their current relationship with God (Neither should we)

· Paul definitely didn’t present this as an argumentative “right way vs wrong way” (It was simply about experiencing more of the Gospel by faith)

· Paul understood their sincerity was likely why God wanted them to more completely apply the Good News message

· When they simply obeyed the instructions to be rebaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus by faith, God supernaturally filled them to overflowing with the Holy Spirit!

· This was a simple and important exercise of faith – with amazing consequences!

(Anyone want to bet if the Ephesians regretted doing this?)

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Questions worth considering:

· Is it still a good idea to encourage believers to exercise the same faith by acting on these clear, biblical instructions today?

· Is it possible to allow a current, good experience with God to keep us from something more He wants us to have?

· Should we dismiss or cast doubts on Paul’s specific instructions for these believers to be rebaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus?

· What would childlike faith do today?

If you’re thinking I’m suggesting everyone experience what the Ephesians did, you would be 100% correct! (Why wouldn’t I?) Their simple response of faith unlocked a biblical, supernatural, overflowing Holy Spirit experience for them. It did for me also. So thankful this is STILL happening all over the world for hungry souls today!

You’ll never be sorry for inviting this into your life by acting with their same kind of faith!

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Shifting gears a bit, I can’t help but wonder what might be going on in your heart as you consider this information (especially if it seems new or unfamiliar). Some possibilities:

· Is it generating excitement for the opportunity to apply and enjoy more of the gospel message by faith?

· Is thinking about this possibly creating discomfort? (Understandable)

· Should we allow a different tradition to determine what we think about these scriptural instructions and experiences? (Was a definite question for me)

· Am I safe to exercise childlike faith that simply “goes for it”? (YES!!!)

· What would I have told a friend in Ephesus on that day: “Do what Paul is telling you by faith, this is a good thing!” or, “You don’t need that, you already believe.”?

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Following in the footsteps of the Ephesians’ example is a simple and powerful opportunity for believers today. Doing what the Apostle Paul did for an entire group of believers by being rebaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is an easy step of faith! (I know this might sound bold, but biblically bold isn’t a bad thing) It’s a safe bet that you’ll never regret it. If we could ask the Ephesians, I’m sure they would agree!

(In case you’re wondering if the Ephesians are an isolated example, it actually mirrors the consistent gospel response by believers in scripture: see Acts 2:37-41, 8:14-17, 10:44-48, 19:2-6, 22:7-16.)

(For a more complete Bible study about this New Testament experience, please read, “What Happened to Obeying the Gospel?” - available on Amazon.)

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PS: I hope the above (or the following) isn’t offensive. The last thing I’d want to do is make applying more of the Good News sound off-putting!

If you find yourself uncomfortable (or maybe even offended?) at the suggestion we should practice and experience the same things the Ephesians did by faith, please sincerely pray about it before allowing that reaction to have the last word.

We’re safe to believe that welcoming more of the Good News is always a good thing. And it doesn’t have to feel familiar to be good. It only has to be biblical. New spiritual territory is supposed to be a bit unfamiliar. That’s how we know we’re growing.

I pray you experience everything Jesus has for you!

God bless!