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Tag: trinity

Acts of the HOLY SPIRIT
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.”
Gospel of John 3:8 – Jesus Christ teaching on the Holy Spirit
Introducing the Third Person of the Trinity:
Acts 1:
Ascension of the Lord Jesus
The Holy Ghost – In AWE of the Spirit!
The Holy Ghost in Acts – KJV
ACTS in the Spirit
Introducing the Third Person of the Trinity:

Acts 1:

Luke tells us that his first book, the Gospel, was about Jesus Christ and that this second account, Acts, will be about what Jesus accomplished through the Apostles AFTER His ascension into heaven.

We look for the actors (so to speak) who Luke records doing the crucial early works of the Church. Peter immediately comes to mind as well as Paul.

What most Christians may have missed in Luke’s chronicles of the first three decades of Church history is that mysterious Person we first met in the Gospels, the ungraspable Image of God in the Holy Spirit.

Luke tells us that during forty days after His resurrection Jesus appeared to many (in addition to the Apostles).

4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, …

Here, mentioning the Father and the Person of the Son, Luke records the words of Jesus to the Apostles as they must have testified to our author of Acts:

“Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water,

but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 1:4b NASB
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God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” – Gospel of John 4:24 ESV

Baptism

And I remind us that baptism [baptizō] ‘produces a permanent change.‘

The Apostles and others are about to be overwhelmed by a permanent change of the Spirit, a baptism receiving the third Person of God, the Holy Spirit. Luke records this cleansing baptism like no other, more that a baptism of water for repentance only.

Ascension of the Lord Jesus

The palpable tension of the Apostle’s encounters with the risen Christ, their beloved friend and Master which concluded Luke’s Gospel now builds once again. Luke records what happens next with this risen Jesus (who they could touch, who shared bread and wine with the Eleven), even the same Jesus who now continued to teach them more for the past forty days.

Christ Jesus again establishes the providence and authority of the Person of God the Father.

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.
Acts 1:7 CSB

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses^G3144 ..
Acts of the Apostles 1:8a NASB20

μάρτυς – Witness – (to the ACTS which Luke is about to unfold)
- martys [gk.] [Strong’s 3144] Definition:
- a witness
  1. in a legal sense
  2. an historical sense
    
    one who is a spectator of anything, e.g. of a contest
  3. in an ethical sense
    
    those who after his example have proved the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by undergoing a violent death
Luke is witness through the Apostles not only of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, but a convincing witness to the Holy Spirit as Luke records God’s great acts of power only possible by the Holy Spirit of Almighty God.
Roger@talkofJESUS.com

Jesus was taken up as the Apostles watched!

Luke records that this Son of Man, risen in flesh and blood from the grave, had been with them — forty days — and then powerfully and mysteriously Jesus rises into the clouds as they look on (actually, up) in awe!

The Holy Ghost – In AWE of the Spirit!

How would your have reacted to this powerful, yet unexplainable rising of the Lord Jesus into the clouds?

You may find Luke’s account from the King James Version of the Bible helpful in describing your FEAR and AWE of this historical event which also includes angels of God.

The Holy Ghost in Acts – KJV

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Luke records what fear and expectation Jesus planted in their hearts prior to the Lord’s ascension. Jesus compares this power with what they had received from John the Baptist.

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Acts 1:5 KJV – Jesus promising the Apostles a baptism of the Spirit of God (the Holy Ghost)

ἁγίου πνεύματος – hagios pneuma – the Holy Ghost

Unless you have a question for me by way of comment, we cannot get into some of the more mysterious depths of discussion about that which we cannot see and understand even less, the Person of the Holy Ghost. For to speak of the Spirit yields little fruit in the hearts of those ‘christians’ who have not yet received the Holy Spirit.

So allow me to define BOTH GREEK WORDS and you can take it from there.

hagios – HOLY
- from ἅγος hágos (an awful thing) (compare G53, G2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):—(most) holy (one, thing), saint.
pneuma – spirit

KJV translate this as:

GHOST
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(May I just add that our imagery of the Holy Spirit descending sometimes obscures the awesome power of the third Person of the Trinity, that is, the Holy Ghost.)

READ just some of these definitions from Strong's G4151 for Pneuma below:
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Outline of Biblical Usage
1. the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son
  1. sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his personality and character (the “Holy” Spirit)
  2. sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his work and power (the Spirit of “Truth”)
  3. never referred to as a depersonalised force
2. the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated
  1. the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides
  2. the soul
3. a spirit, i.e. a simple essence, devoid of all or at least all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting
  1. a life giving spirit
  2. a human soul that has left the body
  3. a spirit higher than man but lower than God, i.e. an angel
    
    used of demons, or evil spirits, who were conceived as inhabiting the bodies of men
    
    the spiritual nature of Christ, higher than the highest angels and equal to God, the divine nature of Christ
4. the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one
  1. the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.
5. a movement of air (a gentle blast)
  1. of the wind, hence the wind itself
  2. breath of nostrils or mouth
ACTS in the Spirit

Luke will have much more to say about this mysterious Person of the Trinity and crucial character in his historical account of Acts.
- And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
  - Acts 4:31
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Acts 5:32
- And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us
  - Acts 15:8
- And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
  - Acts 19:6
Although contemporary ‘christianity‘ characterizes the Holy Ghost less fearfully, in order to see his emphasis on the Person of the Holy Spirit let’s close Luke’s AWE–filled [awesome] introduction to ACTS from the KJV:
- Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. – Acts 2:38
to be continued..

Comment on Scripture + Share the Gospel
September 21, 2021
Creeds, Catechism, Confessions & Christ – What does your church teach?
Credo, meaning, “I believe.”

Catechism – Teaching Church Doctrine summarized by Questions & Answers, formal teaching of Doctrines to members of a Church utilizing verbal recitation of questions and answers.

Creed – I believe this.. Confession of Faith – We (the church) believe this.. & Catechism – Our church teaches these Doctrines: 1.. 2.. 3.. etc.

Last week in our series on Doctrine I defined and shared a brief look at Creeds. We discovered that a Creed is simply a brief statement of what you (supposedly) believe. And while some churches ritually repeat these as part of worship, every church has an underlying defined set of beliefs preached to the masses and taught to the uninitiated.

Creeds, Catechisms, Confessions & Christ – What do you believe?

Confession that Jesus is κύριος – Lord would have been a first Creed of the Way (Christians).

What does your church believe?

After glancing at a few Creeds and Confessions of faith do you now know more about what you believe and what your church believes and preaches?

New believers and children are far more likely to have heard the catechism of your church than a casual weekly ‘worshiper’ gathering for its music and preaching. YES, every church has a catechism (whether veiled, indoctrinated or responsibly taught to its members).

You likely have a few questions of your own (& please do not hesitate to share your question via a comment to this post).

Christian Catechism 100

Allow me to ask you just a few questions you might have heard and can answer from a catechism of your church.
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Some will recognize that a 100 series in teaching addresses pre-requisite knowledge; therefore your answers may come more readily to these selective catechism questions than from a 'Catechism 803'theology course. 

Note that your children may be taught more than these in their second or third year of 'Sunday School' or a Christian Academy you have chosen for them in lieu of a 'public' school indoctrinating ALL with world-class 'education.'
```
Do YOU know the answers to your children’s’ catechism questions?
1. What is the Trinity?
2. Who is the Holy Spirit?
3. What is the Law of God and what does it require?
4. What is sin?
5. What is idolatry?
6. What happens when we die?
7. Will all be saved to eternal life?
8. Who is Christ?
9. What is the resurrection?
10. How does Christ redeem me from sin?
Bonus Question: What makes the Bible Holy?

What do YOU believe?

Catechism? You get the idea from these sample questions above.

Catechism is teaching.

Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.

Preaching and Teaching

Christians hold to and teach a reasoned faith.

Through our study of the Holy Bible, Christians Creeds and Confessions of Faith we grow in our confidence in the Lord God and Jesus Christ, and by the Holy Spirit we continue in the confidence of our salvation God has predestined for those faithful followers of Christ Jesus.

But before we look at Catechisms, let’s briefly define preaching and teaching, comparing their distinct yet parallel roles in the lives of the Church.

Preaching

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim H7121 liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

To proclaim H7121 the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
KJV Strong’s H7121 matches the Hebrew קָרָא (qārā’). “preach*” AND “H7121“ Yeshaiya (Isaiah) 61:1-2 [WLC link]

Hebrew definition – to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim;
- preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
- from קָרָא qârâʼ, kaw-raw’; a primitive root (rather identical with H7122 through the idea of accosting a person (metaphor); to call out to
but we preach^G2784 Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness,
Strong’s G2784 – κηρύσσω kērýssō, kay-roos’-so; of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel):—preacher(-er), proclaim, publish. – 1 Corinthians 1:20 NASB20
- Greek definition used of the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it, made by John the Baptist, by Jesus, by the apostles and other Christian teachers
Teaching

Now note from this New Testament letter of Paul to Timothy (written in Greek) some particular similarities and differences between preachers and teachers. (We will not dig into the many doctrines covered in these few verses.)

2 Timothy

.. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.
2 Timothy 1:11 NASB20
- κῆρυξ – a preacher – a herald, i.e. of divine truth (especially of the gospel):—preacher.
- ἀπόστολος – an apostle – a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders
- διδάσκαλος – a teacher – in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man
  - From διδάσκω (G1321) – .. to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, to impart instruction,
    
    instill doctrine into one.. to explain or expound a thing, to teach one something
Catechism & Teaching Doctrine

The Creeds, Catechisms and Confessions are useful study tools to assist in understanding the Scriptures and in teaching Bible studies to others. These documents help to reaffirm the tenants of the traditional, historic Christian faith.
BlueLetterBible.org – source for most definitions of this post – RH

Why Catechisms MUST reflect Biblical Authority ABOVE all Church authority

The following article and resource originally ran on July 8, 2018. A few weeks later, Pope Francis announced a redaction of the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church..
RESOURCE: Traditional Catholic Catechisms [Updated]

Catechisms included here reflect the doctrines and teachings of traditional Christian Protestant Denominations. – RH

Luther’s Small Catechism of 1529

Luther wrote his little catechism for parents to instruct their children in the faith just as he wrote his larger catechism as remedial instruction for pastors. Catechism in its Latin form means “book of instruction.”

From its Greek roots, catechism means literally “sounding down in the ears” or, more pointedly, “indoctrination” in the Christian faith.
source: St Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

For Martin Luther, basic catechesis (doctrinal instruction) in the Christian faith refers to teaching children (and their parents!) the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the biblical basis for Baptism, Eucharist, and Confession.
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Although the complete Catechisms may be read on secure links, ONLY a few EXAMPLES of KEY DOCTRINAL TEACHING can be included in this brief post. - RH
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Heidelberg Catechism of 1563
- 128 questions & answers; later,129 questions and answers were divided into 52 “Lord’s Days” with a view to the Catechism’s being explained in one of the services on the Lord’s Day.
Here is the typical Q & A format with Scriptural references supporting the Authority of each answer:

Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
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PAUSE: IF you yourself have never heard this or considered this life and death question, 
NOW might be a good time to pray for an answer (prior to reading the Scripturally supported ANSWER below). - RH
```
Answer:

That I with body and soul, both in life and death,^a am not my own,^b but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ;^c who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins,^d and delivered me from all the power of the devil;^e and so preserves me^f that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head;^g yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation,^h and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life,ⁱ and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.^j
Answer to Question 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism – a-j notes to Scriptural references

Scripture References:

(a) Rom 14:7-8 (b) 1Co 6:19 (c) 1Co 3:23; Tts 2:14 (d) 1Pe 1:18-19; 1Jo 1:7; 1Jo 2:2; 1Jo 2:12 (e) Hbr 2:14; 1Jo 3:8; Jhn 8:34-36 (f) Jhn 6:39; Jhn 10:28; 2Th 3:3; 1Pe 1:5 (g) Mat 10:29-31; Luk 21:18 (h) Rom 8:28 (i) 2Co 1:20-22; 2Co 5:5; Eph 1:13-14; Rom 8:16; 1Jo 3:3 (j) Rom 8:14; 1Jo 3:3

Heidelberg Catechism of 1563: The First Part – Of the Misery of Man

Here is ANSWER to my combined QUESTION #3 above from Questions 3 & 4.

Trinity and True Faith

Let’s cut to the chase (so to speak). Scripture WARNS of false preaching and false teachers in the last days.

Again, from 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money.
- They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.
- They will consider nothing sacred.
- They will be unloving and unforgiving;
- they will slander others and have no self-control.
- They will be cruel and hate what is good.
- They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
- They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.
Stay away from people like that!

Heidelberg Catechism of 1563: The Second Part – Of Man’s Deliverance

Trinity and the true faith of Scripture as expressed in Creeds caution the church (or the saints {small ‘s’} in these life and death matters. For these are matters concerning ETERNAL LIFE with the Lord or the God-given punishment of Hell and Death deserved by ALL.
- Question 12: Answer: God will have his justice satisfied: and therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by another.
- Question 16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?
- Question 17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
Here (among other doctrines) is where false teachers DENY TRINITY & refuse to teach the Very Truth of Scripture.

If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Gospel of John 10: Question of the Jews as Jesus was walking in the temple area, in the portico of Solomon.

“I and the Father are one.”
The Word of Jesus Christ from the Gospel of John
- Question 22. What is then necessary for a christian to believe?
- Answer: All things promised us in the gospel,a which the articles of our catholic undoubted christian faith briefly teach us.
- References: (a) Jhn 20:31; Mat 28:19; Mar 1:15
What follows as the answer to Question 23 is THE APOSTLES CREED.
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
TRINITY, from the beginning – Father, begotten Son and Holy Ghost [or Holy Spirit].
- Question 25. Since there is but one only divine essence,(a) why speakest thou of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?
- Answer: Because God has so revealed himself in his word,(b) that these three distinct persons are the one only true and eternal God.
- References:
  - (a) Deu 6:4; Eph 4:6; Isa 44:6; Isa 45:5; 1Co 8:4; 1Co 8:6
  - (b) Isa 61:1; Luk 4:18; Gen 1:2; Gen 1:3; Psa 33:6; Isa 48:16; Psa 110:1; Mat 3:16; Mat 3:17; Mat 28:19; 1Jo 5:7; Isa 6:1; Isa 6:3; Jhn 14:26; John 15:26; 2Co 13:13; Gal 4:6; Eph 2:18; Tts 3:5; Tts 3:6
Heidelberg Catechism of 1563: The Second Part – Of God the Son

Question 29. Why is the Son of God called “Jesus”, that is a Saviour?

Answer: Because he saveth us, and delivereth us from our sins;(a) and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any other.(b)

References: (a) Mat 1:21; Hbr 7:24-25 (b) Act 4:12; Jhn 15:4-5; 1Ti 2:5; Isa 43:11; 1Jo 5:11

Now the birth of Jesus the [From Gr Christos, which means Messiah (Heb for Anointed One)] Messiah was as follows: .. an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph.. that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. “She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He himself will save His people from their sins.”
The Gospel of Matthew excerpt from 1:18a,20b,d,v.21

This section of the Heidelberg Catechism of the 16th century asks students of true faith a question still relevant to you, to me and to every 21st century Christian:
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(I'll paraphrase question 32 to update the translation from German into the King's English used in the KJV.)
[Time to PAUSE & think through your reasoned Christian faith before you answer the KEY QUESTION below.]
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- Do YOU, my 21st century brother (or sister) in Christ have an answer of your Christian witness?
- Is the Doctrine (teaching or catechism) from which you learned your answer based on Holy Scripture?
Why are you called a Christian?
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References: (a) Act 11:26 
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Because I am a member of Christ by faith;
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References: (b) 1Co 6:15
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therefore I share in His anointing
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References: (c) 1Jo 2:27; Act 2:17
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so that I may confess Jesus’ name
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References: (d) Mat 10:32; Rom 10:10; Mar 8:38
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and offer myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to him.
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References: (e) Rom 12:1; 1Pe 2:5; 1Pe 2:9; Rev 5:8; Rev 5:10; Rev 1:6
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As a Christian with a free and good conscience I may fight against sin and Satan in this life;
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References: (f) 1Pe 2:11 Rom 6:12-13; Gal 5:16-17; Eph 6:11; 1Ti 1:18-19 
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and after this mortal life, Christ may choose me to reign with him eternally, over all creatures.
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References: (g) 2Ti 2:12; Mat 24:34

*Complete Scripture will open in BlueLetterBible.org as you read each Question, Answer & Reference. I recommend it for your further prayer and study. RH
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The statement is trustworthy:
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we will deny Him, He will also deny us;
2 Timothy 2:11-12 NASB20

Are you a Christian?

Do you believe the teaching of the Holy Bible and the Word of God?

Let the one who does wrong still do wrong, and the one who is filthy still be filthy;

and let the one who is righteous still practice righteousness, and the one who is holy still keep himself holy.”

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to reward each one as his work deserves.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
The Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John 22:11-13 NASB

“It is written in the Prophets: ‘AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.
John 6:45 NASB – The Words and Good News of Jesus Christ

What does your church teach?

“Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who believes has eternal life.
John 6:47 – The Word of the Lord

AFFIRM this DOCTRINE

DENY this DOCTRINE
September 4, 2021
He will give you another Helper – the Holy Spirit
“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 4:23-24 NASB

The Messiah Jesus has been with His Apostles for three years. Now only John and ten others remain in the room after Judas left to betray the Lord.

Are the very lives of the Disciples not also at great risk in the Jerusalem which hates righteousness? How will they survive once Jesus is killed?

The Apostles must have wondered, ‘where will we find HELP after our Lord goes to His mortal death?’ It would be literally the day after tomorrow.

The Three Helpers

He will give you another Helper sets the scene from John 12 of Jesus and the Disciples returning to Jerusalem for Jesus’ triumphal entry.

After Judas left

Only the eleven chosen remain in the room with Jesus as the Lord reassures them concerning what must now take place to fulfill all righteousness.

Perhaps the comfort of Psalm 38 came to mind as Jesus tells them He will no longer be with them.

Psalm 38:
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And those who repay evil for good,
They oppose me, because I follow what is good.
Do not forsake me, O LORD;
O my God, do not be far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!
```
38:22 ח֥וּשָׁה לְעֶזְרָתִ֑י אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י תְּשׁוּעָתִֽי׃

The Lord God, from whom Jesus received all Authority and power is God the Father.

Because of the Lord Jesus, the Disciples now have a new relationship through their Master and Teacher to God the Father.

We continued with the scene of the Last Supper in He will give you another Helper – Jesus’ promise, observing how Jesus promised that He Himself, the Messiah of the Lord God, would return to HELP the Disciples.

Now we return to this same scene so full of promise. Listen closely as Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will help them.

John 13:

31 When he [Judas Iscariot] had left, Jesus said,

“Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 CSB – In case you missed it, Church..

John 14:

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commands.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth.

The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.

Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit

John has already witnessed the Power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus previously taught teachers of Israel about spirit (of man and living things) versus flesh, as well as of the Holy Spirit of the LORD.

We touched on this from early in John’s Gospel in Life in the Holy Spirit.

Although we could explore many mysteries of the Trinity in more detail our only purpose here is to introduce a NEW relationship of the Holy Spirit. J

Prior to His crucifixion, resurrection and later return to the Father, Jesus now assures the Disciples:

¹⁸“I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.

Do you feel like an orphan isolated from your brothers and sisters of your local church?

(I do. But Jesus assures His disciples of good counsel.)

25 “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

He will remind you

Even though Jesus returned to the Disciples in the flesh after His resurrection, He gave the Holy Spirit of God to those who loved Him in spirit and in truth.

The Holy Spirit, Who IS with us, reminds disciples of everything the Son of God has taught us.

Helper, Counselor, Comforter

26 “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me…

‘When the Helper comes’ or ‘When the Counselor comes,’ or from the KJV, “Comforter” — παράκλητος parakletos, the ‘summoned’ One, Jesus assures, will be called to your side to plead your case.

All point to the Holy Spirit, from the greek “πνεῦμα” pneuma – the Spirit of truth, defending you in truth.

Pilate will soon ask rhetorically, “What is truth?”

Jesus has already told them:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
John 14:6 – the words of Christ Jesus

Now the Lord Jesus guarantees this same comforting truth through the Holy Spirit.

—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 You also will testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

16:1 “I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling.

1 John: Comfort to the Church

Later the Apostle John will confirm this in letters to the Church read by saints who like us had never seen Jesus in the flesh and Spirit.

4: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (If true in the first century, certainly many more false prophets have gone into the world of the 21st century.)

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God;
1 John 2-3a

… this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

What comfort for Christians in the Spirit to have such help — discernment of truth to recognize antichrists and false prophets. By this the fellowship of believers lives in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

parakletos from the Father through the Lord Jesus.
παράκλητος, an intercessor, consoler:—advocate, comforter.

Help for the saints

John 16:

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
John 16:7 NASB

8 And He [the Holy Spirit], when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…

The saints of the church, having the Truth of the Spirit present, will know the Lord’s conviction of sin, failure to righteousness and judgment of transgression. (Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.)

9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.
John 16:13 CSB – the promise of Jesus to the believer

Behold, the hour cometh

One last encouragement from Jesus increasingly more comforting to a 21st century church.

32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home…

… each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone…

Think of it: Jesus tells the Eleven that they will be separated from each other in their own homes AND that his Disciples will leave their Lord and Master Jesus alone.

The Lord Jesus, alone at His trials; alone in His punishments by the world — yet what does Jesus assure us?

“… and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

Does it help to know by the Holy Spirit that the Father is in Him and He in the Father? Will the Holy Spirit sent to the one who believes not comfort, counsel and HELP you in your hour of need?

Jesus tells His disciples,

33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.

Do you in Him?

You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous!

Do you suffer for Jesus

Courage, beloved brother; hold to your faith, dear sister.

OR do you just suffer?

“I have conquered the world,” Jesus assures the saint.

For the sinner in death has only suffering.

But the church joined to Jesus though separated to our own homes has eternal hope, eternal life and a Helper in Christ Jesus.

‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John 3:3 to the messenger of the church of…
May 14, 2020