Most of us have trouble letting things go; things that have seemed to bring so much joy, pleasure, security, and even things that enable or even keep us ignorant. If the teacher could take the liberty to be transparent, one such “thing” in my life that at first brought great discomfort to let go was bodybuilding.  For the sake of time and space I will only but briefly expound upon this matter.  First I don’t believe in and of its self, bodybuilding is a sin, but I confess with experience that it is the temporal things that when left unchecked and unbalanced can become sinful. Paul exhorts us with these words of wisdom: “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”  It was only when I was willing to weigh the costly personal investment of bodybuilding’s demands, and the personal and specific paths I believed the sovereign Lord was leading me to, the conclusion I came to was it no longer profited me.  I still find great enjoyment in pounding the weights, but not only does it not have a prominent seat anymore, without any hesitation or reservation it is the first of my personal investments to suffer for the sake of others. Coming to the point of our study, let’s begin with a few observations to apply to our walk.

1. There can be no transformation in our lives without a willingness to “OMIT”
2. What we omit generally ( or collectively) is solely based upon the God’s word and the demands it places on us
3. What we omit personally is, just that personal. It comes not by force, nor by might, but the leading of the Spirit. Are there Christian bodybuilders? Absolutely, but for me “personally” it was a pursuit I need to forsake
4. Lastly, and hopefully what we will build upon in this study is we are challenged daily by God to omit. If this challenge is not heeded ,what we choose to hold on to can become a contaminate

Contamination is a serious issue; one that if avoided by foolish neglect can have a myriad of consequences, not only for us personally (choose to sin, choose to suffer), but all we find ourselves connected to (choose to sin, choose to bring suffering to others).  When we apply this to Bible study, our unwillingness to omit contamination (doubt, perspectives, the old man…etc.) is not only unwise, but also a grievous affront to God and His provided Christ. Omitting is tough mostly because it cost us to release parts of ourselves we have either grown to love or have tried to so hard to cover up. Omitting is also the process of bringing us to Holiness, or “Wholeness”. Leviticus (the most exciting book of the Bible) is the book of Holiness which means it is also the book of omitting applied. We find the context for our lesson in Chapters 13, and 14 hoping we can shake the dust off this often avoided text, seeking the application By the Holy Spirit.

Leviticus is a book of rich symbols: these symbols are deep illustrations that find their application in the New Testament. At first read it can seem dry and of no value to the modern unreligious Christian, but hopefully a fresh perspective and open curiosity for the whole counsel of God’s word we can extract these symbols for our modern edification.  Let’s begin with this thought; what we wear says a lot about who we are and what we value. This has always to some degree throughout history been true. What we wear is the message we are choosing to express. Often we make considerations to wear what is suitable for a given task. A solider comes prepared to fight, a teacher to teach, a judge to judge. These examples are endless but an observation we can make in everyday life is this; often the message we chose to convey by our attire is that  what we wear is in one respect an expression of our character, or the character that our profession wants us to put on display. The question then is, is what we wear a biblical symbol for one’s character also? I believe this to be true, but let us see if the scriptures make this claim.  Paul writes in Romans: “But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”  Here we see two characters in view, and a choice to choose wisely.  Later in the book of Colossians he declares: “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Again we are given insight that what is worn visibly is all about character. What then does this have to do with Leviticus and how can we attach these applications to Old Testament symbols.  Let’s begin by reading Leviticus 13:47-49,

⁴⁷ “When a garment(character) has a mark of leprosy(contamination) in it, whether it is a wool garment or a linen garment, ⁴⁸ whether in warp or woof, of linen or of wool, whether in leather or in any article made of leather, ⁴⁹ if the mark is greenish or reddish in the garment or in the leather, or in the warp or in the woof, or in any article of leather, it is a leprous mark and shall be shown to the priest.

We find on the surface that God is greatly concerned by things that contaminate. We also see in view that the garment (character) is important to preserve, and for the sake of preservation checking for symptoms of contamination is two-fold. On one side you have the personal responsibility of the one who wears the garment on the other you have accountability imposed by the one who inspects your garment. In the text the imposed accountability come from a priest, because he alone knows the mind of God (Think of our great high priest Jesus). A priest is the intercessor, or the one who stands between two for the benefit of man. What we may infer then is God is concerned about reconciling the blemishes that destroy holiness (wholeness) in our character. Another question that comes to mind might be what envelops the symbol of character? This question has an important answer because we want to be aware of what God is inspecting in us. I think it would be easier if we look at character as relational, and from that vantage point we see that it is our personalities, thoughts, motives, attitudes, behaviors, and interactions that are subject to contamination. Where the symptoms of contamination go unanswered they become destructive because they aggressively spread.

A Garment (character) may fit well and even be pleasing to the eye: it may have been fashioned with great concern and skill in mind, but in the end by neglect be ruined by a blemish in the area of our character mentioned above. I wonder if you caught the hasty judgment I just made. It is something we all commonly do, sometimes without even a thought. God doesn’t make the outright judgment that the garment is ruined. In fact he looks to reconcile the garment, preserve the garment.  God goes to great detail in how the priest working together with the owner of the garment can restore it, or better stated make whole again. It isn’t until all else fails the judgment comes, the burning of what is not fit is prescribed.

As we set our gaze to our approach to studying the Scriptures we see that God is concerned about making us whole. That wholeness comes by the inspection of the Spirit of God, working with us to reveal the symptoms of contamination and convince us that God has made away to reconcile us to Him. Remember these words from Romans 12,

”And do not be conformed to this world (contaminated), but be transformed (made whole) by the renewing of your mind (inspection. Instituting, omitting), so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

In the second installment of this lesson the teacher, Lord willing will commit to deal with the remedy giving to reconcile the garment back to wholeness, and seek to discuss the house that becomes contaminated. Until then pick up your sword… it the leather one. - Ryan

Gospel of Luke-Lesson28

Contenders Bible Studies
Theophilus Project: The Gospel of Luke: Lesson 28
 ( Ch. 6:20-26)
The Kingdom of Separation-Part 2

Introduction

With a failing boxing career and His locker soon to be cleaned out Rocky Takes a good look at his life of thirty years. Nothing in his life seems to be going anywhere, but one thing is worth revisiting every day. Across the street from Mick’s gym is a small pet shop, but the animals aren’t his interest. The object of promise is a shy hometown girl by the name of Adrian. You see, to Rocky he had “gaps” and she had “gaps” but together they would fill gaps. The Sermon on the Plain (Mount) has a similliar connection. Before our encounter with the overwhelming grace of God our lives seemed at best hopeless (or for some a beautified version of hopeless) But there was a recognition of our “gaps”. Jesus is presented as the ultimate gap filler (and so much more). It is something from outside ourselves that changes everything; this change has visibility and puts on display for all to see (especially the hopeless). How does this process take place, and what are the markers of the authentic. Today we hope to explore this in our lesson by extracting from the underlining message.

Transitional Outline

1. Challenging ones Possession
2. Confronting ones Perspective
3. Charging ones Position

Unnatural Application
The Sermon on the Plain is a call to true discipleship; a discipleship that transforms from within, and isn’t secretive but visible. The beatitudes are the visibility of an authentic citizen of the Kingdom of God . Citizens are on mission; A mission to bring others to the King, and making disciples of them. This is a mission of patience and acceptance to a process.  

1. We challenge their possessions
2. We confront their perspective
3. We charge them to change their position

Contenders: Institute Part 2

“I can't do it.” “What?” “I can't beat him.” “Apollo?” “Yeah.” “I been out there walkin' around, thinkin'.” “I mean, who am I kiddin'?” “I ain't even in the guy's league.”  “What are we gonna do?” “I don't know.” “You worked so hard.”  “Yeah, that don’t matter.”  'Cause I was nobody before.”  “ Don't say that.” “Ah come on, Adrian, its true. I was nobody. But that don't matter either, you know?” 'Cause I was thinkin', it really don't matter if I lose this fight. It really don't matter if this guy opens my head, either. 'Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood.”  

    This dialogue full of all its grammatical errors comes from arguable the greatest movie of all time (at least 1976’…just saying), Rocky. This conversation takes place the night before the unlikely event of a bum given the undeserved chance to fight the Champ.
As we look to continue where we left off in our previous lesson Contenders: Institute part 1; we may learn a few character points from the Italian Stallion to get our mind set on instituting Gods word. First to be plain we were all apart from Jesus “bums”, But God through grace has giving us the chance of a lifetime; a chance to get in the ring of life and go the distance. Second we must foster an attitude of a champ, against all odds, and against any punishment we may take along the way. Lastly the hope of a champ never fails; it sees the success of instituting sound and practical principles, and simply does it. Solomon repeatedly said

“ There is nothing new under the sun”, but lucky for us Contenders (champs) institute things from far above the sun" (the Highest Position)

There are three remaining areas of focus we want to draw our attention to in uncovering institute as an approach.

1. Hopeful Planting
2. Healthy Patterns
3. Helpful People

Hopeful planting- In the parable of the sower of seed a lot of attention is given to the four soils (as it should), but the often looked over principle is the sureness of the seed. The truth never compromises, or promises to conform to our soils. Jesus said to the always crafty religious leaders when they tried to twist the truth,

“you are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.

We have the promise that the word will transform us, and transformation is our hope (expected end). Transformation also means conformation; conformation to the perfect image of the Son. This transformation/conformation combo comes by instruction. Roman 15:4 states:

        ⁴ For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

It’s only by hopeful planting that we institute the framework of our expected end.

Healthy Patterns- Have you looked in the mirror lately, like what you see? When you want to transform your physique calling upon the professionals is a sure fire way to find the success you desire. This is not the case for transforming the spiritual woes we often see in the mirror of God’s Holy word. Calling in the professionals (leaders in the Church) is really only the tools and material used to transform us. What we really need is to be connected to the Builder; He is the one who makes sense of all the externals. Notice the teaching of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:13

^“ which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit,
combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.”

Paul is driving home the point that it is our reliance on the Spirit that institutes the teachings laid out throughout scripture. The Holy Spirit by His thoughts and words (often in our leaders) is the Institutor of healthy patterns in the lives of the redeemed. This process isn’t a cookie cutter factory spitting out model Christians. Jesus has sent the Helper to YOU to meet you where you are; The Helper is the One who comes along side us to transform us into the design of the Father.

Helpful People- As the cross draws closer we encounter a dramatic shift in intensity, we also become privy to a lengthy conversation between the Father and Son. In John 17 the heart of Jesus is put on display in His priestly prayer; This prayer closes with a focus on His chosen apostles to bring the sanctifying word to the world. The Transforming power of God’s word is first personal, but by design it germinates and pollenates in the world around those who have received it. If we can make this more practical look at Ephesians 5:25-28

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,
²⁶ so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
²⁷ that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. ²⁸ So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;

Just in the family dynamic we can see how the responsibility of transforming others lies in the hands of the sacrifice of one. Contender take on a faith that moves out from within for the sake of all. The Redeemed become helpful people.

   Today is the night before your big fight with the champ. He is scary. He is ready to prove that your worthless and that you in all your weakness can’t even stand in the same ring with him. The fact is this isn’t Rocky. When you step in the ring ready to go the distance it won’t be in your strength or will but in the grace that is sufficient to overcome even death. So stand, swing, slip the jab, and know that even if you take one on the chin you will be standing in the end. On the journey there pick up your sword…it’s the leather one. -Ryan

Gospel of Luke-lesson 27

Contenders Bible Studies
Theophilus Project: The Gospel of Luke: Lesson 27 ( Ch. 6:17-20)
The Kingdom of Separation
Introduction
When a business was discovered to not doing well the owner came to investigate the problem. After careful review the problem was determined to be a faulty facility. To leave the facility in its current condition guarantees its future struggle and ultimate demise. The facility must be re-constructed. The re-construction is an intentional process; it is not only concerned with salvaging (though that is important) the facility, but also recreating what is necessary for the company to be all it was originally intended to be.
On the “Mountain Of Change” Jesus received answers to his all night fellowship with the Father. Last week we saw one of those answers was to appoint his chosen leaders for the Kingdom of God. This week we find that the owner is finished making assessments and is now embarking on to re-constructing the facility (us). The sermon on the mount (plain) is a  message of reconstruction, a message of making us into all we were meant to be.

Transitional Outline

1. Separating Where People Stand
2. Separating To True Wholeness
3. Separating Complete Values

Unnatural Application
Living our lives out of the Mt. of Change

1. Set your gaze up
2. Set your gaze among
3. Set your gaze outside

Lesson 24

Contenders Bible Studies

Theophilus Project: The Gospel of Luke: Lesson 24

Jesus Takes Command Part 4 – Luke 5:30-39

" The Kingdom of Distinction"
Introduction

What if there was an administration that could prevent job-site illness, injuries, and even occupational fatalities. That administration was formed on December 29,1970, under the name OSHA; That is much easier to say in one breath than, Occupational Safety and Health Administration . If we put this administration under the microscope we find ( or at least in my experience) 3 distinct things. The first is their approach to upholding to what they are required to do by law seems to be enacting regulation after regulation , and enforcing those regulations by citations and pentalties. This creates a great burden not only on employers but also the employees who are subject to them. The second distinction is not so much the character of safety as much as the appearance of safety. As long as the men look the part , the part must be in action. This is why most experience OSHA by the authority over the people , than the authority to benefit the people. Lastly the distinction we observe is the lack of impact actually benefited in contrast not only the burden placed, but also the cost to enforce.
When we open to the Gospel of Luke (namely the 5^th chapter we are studying) we encounter the religious administration enacted by man to be the legal (righteous) enforcers. It seems maybe OSHA may have stolen from the Pharisee play book. They (Religious Leaders) found great fulfillment in adding sub-parts and sub-text to an already perfect law; increasing the burden and bondage to an already impossible goal. Because man has nothing good in him, the Pharisees became appearance based as opposed to character driven. The people under their rule and influence experience was that of “our authority” over you; instead of an overwhelming burden to serve for the benefit and salvation of their fellow man. What is the outcome of years of religious leaders control over the people….death for the people the wage earned for sinful labor. Jesus Takes Command part 5 is the teachers attempt to awaken not an administration movement, but a kingdom of distinction movement
Transitional Outline

1. He has a Prepared People
2. He has a Prized Possession
3. He has a Piercing Parable

Unnatural Application
Are you satisfied?... With Christ, His Authority, Who He Chooses, And His words and conduct that doesn't match with yours.
Consider this about satisfaction with Christ

• If you’re a sinner and know it ( clap your hands)... He has chosen you as a distinct person
• If you have been snatched from all you have known and transplanted with his attendants... you are His prized bride ( think of all that implies)
• If you have handed over your perishable worn out (self-righteousness) garment...you have been given an imperishable/eternal one
• if you’re a new creation(wine skin)... you have be fashioned as a depository of the new life of the Spirit
• if this isn't enough to be satisfied with Christ , being made distinct. May God Move upon your harden heart in love in mercy in Jesus whom satisfied all the wrath and justice He place in your account
  

Luke lesson23

Contenders Bible Studies

Theophilus Project: The Gospel of Luke: Lesson 23

Jesus Takes Command Part 3 – Luke 5:27-32

Introduction

Technology can be defined as the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life. Imagine the first fire made to produce heat, or the wheel and lever of a wheel barrow to make labor more efficient. According to our definition technology at its highest form makes use of God’s creation to benefit life. In today’s fast passed world we would be hard pressed to find anything lacking technology; but are we experiencing a more beneficial life? That is a question all of us may want to introspect on; however the topic at hand is more related to relationships that are beneficial and established in forgiveness.
Netflix is a modern service oriented technology. Their primary focus is on-demand Internet streaming media. I must admit my family has greatly enjoyed having complete control over our television. In short for those uninitiated; with remote in hand you can select the TV shows, movies, documentaries, and anything else available. The selection is totally in the control of you; the user. How beneficial is this module if we apply it to three arenas of being a Christian; relationship to God, relationship to God’s word, and relationship to people. Unfortunately a lot of Christians (self included) from time to time do. We chose a God that fits our specs, scripture that fits those parameters, and the people of like-mindedness. This self-centered world, if we are not careful can be a relationship of; the God of me. The scriptures of I, and the person of … well that’s singular.
Luke brings us in contact with a story that resonates with every person who has ever felt hopelessly obscure; who has encountered the rejection from those who say they know God. The tax collector Levi is a Jewish traitor. His name means “joined”, but instead of being joined to the God of his heritage and his people; Levi forsook all and joined himself to the gentile dog nation. Daring to go deeper into the interior of Luke’s story we are immediately introduced to yet again the grumbling Pharisees. They live in the world of their own making; a world of on-demand, demands. We cannot forget the bright shining light who brilliantly reveals that both are unforgiving and needing not only forgiveness, but to be brought back into fellowship. Jesus again with unmatched skill of authoritative words brings a message of hope to the sick; Jesus takes command
Transitional outline: Jesus Takes Command

1. Committing to the Obscure
2. Commemorating his Obedience
3. Censuring His Objectors

• Closing Unnatural application

• Levi and the tax booth represent the person and place of broken fellowship
• Standing up and leaving our tax booth by God choosing to forgive us is the place where we are reconciled not only to God but also to each other

Luke lesson 22

Contenders Bible Studies
Theophilus Project: The Gospel of Luke: Lesson 22
Jesus Takes Command Part 3 – Luke 5:16-26
Introduction

• Same Jesus( constantly teaching), same desperate crowds
• A new character group (antagonist) The not so desperate Pharisees (“separate Ones”)
• Wherever there is a conquest for the Kingdom of God there is always a skillful and subtle conflict to try and thwart it.
  • This creates an opportunity for God to present Himself as the superior solution to that conflict
    • The conflict is seen with the dark and prideful hearts of the religious
    • The Solution comes with an unlikely object lesson… the paralytic man carried not by his own righteousness but the strength of those who will bare the burden for him.
    • Jesus presents this fundamental solution to all men .Those who are in the house and outside the house alike are in need of what only a merciful God can give …FORGIVENESS
• Transitional Outline- Jesus Take Command
  • Training the Unaware (vs. 16)
  • Teaching with the Unable(vs. 17-19)
  • Treading over the Unthinkable(vs. 20-24)
  • Terrifying the Unchanged(vs.25-26)
• Closing Unnatural application
  • They (religious leaders) came without expectation.
    • What expectation do you have of God when you come to Him in Worship, prayer, study, your relationships…ect.
    • Are you expectations fit for the Kingdom of God , or for your kingdom of one
    • Do you come to God carrying yourself or as paralytic dependent on Him
  • They left without excuse
    
    • However you encounter the Lord this week , your services, devotions, the redemptive moments with your kids. That encounter demands a positive and obedient response (faith) from you (and myself).
    • As God Presents himself in Spirit and in Truth…beware you are of no excuse

Contender: Institute Part 1

It has been five years  six months now since the Lord saw fit to promote me as a husband of a wife of great worth to the heightened responsibility of a father to young arrows. As a team partnered together like a garden, we now embark on a cultivating journey .Gardens are to be full of life, fragrance, beauty, and harmony. The question many seek to find is how to make these descriptive words a reality. I am not a gardener, but one thing is for sure a successful garden comes by labor and toil. This labor is not haphazard or without carefully planning. A family like a garden needs much labor; this labor is put into action by instituting a thoughtful plan. No matter your season of life whether single, married, or married with children your decision to be a cultivator is of the upmost importance. Besides it being the first calling of man by God; there is one who is a destroyer who embarks to devour life, fragrance, beauty, and any and all harmony with the life of one or a family. Solomon tells a story of a man who made the shameful choice to be a sluggard with his home (garden). He said he observed this man’s land while he was out walking; no doubt taking in the beauty of other gardens. When he approached this sluggard’s property the effects of neglect were ever apparent.  The fence was torn down (first line of defense), rocks scattered (obstacles for plowing), weeds, thorns, and thistles overgrown (nutrient robbers, chokers of life). This man’s property was described as a shame. Why? Mainly because its condition with the right plan, commitment to labor, and a heart to bring glory to God was and still is for you and I avoidable. Another reason for shame for Solomon and others of his day is your garden makes visibly to all your view of the Creator Himself.

   Our previous lessons have been centered on Contenders taking A.C.T.I.O.N. This lesson has been more centered on the character and approach to our bible study; rather than trying to box it in with a rigid system. Gardeners have specific tools for their trade that enable them to be successful. In our attempt to Cultivate scripture these tools are our approach. If we open our gardener’s kit to see what we have at our disposal so far, we find inside three tools of preparation. Contenders A.ctivate, C.onfirm, and T.rust the scriptures that have been entrusted to them, and cost many their lives. These preparatory approaches are like the Gardner prepping the soil; though this is an action, it is a preparatory action. Our next approach is the planting of Gods seed (word) in to the soil that has been prepared. This approach I call I.nstitue, which is also a partner approach; meaning that it is never done alone. On one side we have Truth; that is what we institute. On the other side coming next is O.mit; which is to eliminate what truth uncovers to be false within us (this is like removing rocks and weeds from your garden). There are four areas of focus we want to draw our attention to in uncovering institute as an approach.

1. Highest Position
2. Hopeful Planting
3. Healthy Patterns
4. Helpful People

Highest position
   When we carefully begin supplying our hearts and minds with the truth of God we must first make a costly decision; this decision will mean the end of you and me as the ultimate authority. To make God’s truth (word) supreme is to appoint it to the highest position, even above our opinions and justifications. To Continue with Solomon as an example; He makes another observation that illustrates making the word of God’s truth supreme in the lives of those who have been graced with it.

Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 ⁵ There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like an error which goes forth from the ruler—

⁶ folly is set in many exalted places while rich men sit in humble places. ⁷ I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land.

   The main thrust to this observation is that the role of ruler and servant has become reversed. If we apply this to our relationship and responsibility to the word of truth, God intended His Word to have mastery over our lives not to serve us. Another way to look at this is to see that the gift of our heart and minds weren’t giving to us so that they may master us but be servants to the will and good pleasure of God. When we begin to institute the word of truth into our hearts and minds we are giving it reign, we are excepting it’s authority, we submit our rule, we get off the Masters horse and get back to walking in step with Him.

In the follow up lesson we will seek to make application of the remaining three bullet point to the Institute approach. Until then pick up your sword… it’s the leather one. -Ryan

Conders: Trust (truth) part 2

Occasionally my wife of great worth and I like to splurge and buy all the fixings to make incredible sub sandwiches. It all begins with the appropriate bread. It has to be soft on the inside, but have that crusty outside, the kind that has that slight crunch. Adoring a great sub is all the garden fresh veggies you can pack in, But the heart and soul hands down is the selection of choice meat and cheese. My selection is roast beef of the rare sort; it is the only way to go. I stumbled upon just this sort about a year ago with a flavor that could only have come from heaven; unfortunately, the 10.99 a lb (ouch) price surely was from the gates of Hades trying to prevail against my wallet. The last time I bought this high roller meat the butcher cut and weighed it back behind the counter out of view. Immediately I envisioned the butcher enjoying a sub at my expense (Hey I am broken too, Jesus is not finished with me yet). I asked him (in love of course) to weigh it on the front counter scale where I could see it. I later thought about why this was such an issue to me; my conclusion was that the game changer of truth only comes when there is a standard of measure by which we can weigh it against. In our last lesson, we proposed trust to be wise only when it is in the truth founded by integrity. The truth of God is the standard by which all things are measured. If we want to eliminate doubt, confusion, and self-imposed perspective God must reveal His standard towards us; this is a part of grace, the “door of faith”. The father has revealed this standard in three distinct, but inter-dependent ways. His standard in a Person (our Lord Jesus in flesh), in His written Word, and deposited inside the saints; the Holy Spirit of Promise
 Jesus proclaimed that the truth (appropriated) is what sets a man free. By contrast we infer that walking outside this truth is to be slaves. How do we get into this liberating truth? When we open to Johns gospel (14:15-17, 15:26-27, and 16:12-15) we see That God’s standard in Person is leaving, but He isn’t going to leave us as orphans. The overwhelming teaching we are to receive is that our relationship to the truth will come by our interaction with the Spirit of Truth. He is to abide, testify, guide, and disclose. Like Jesus, for a time the Spirit of God has left Heaven to minister to all whom the Father has given to the Lord. What we want to consider is how the Spirit ministers to us.  The three ministries (in View) of The Spirit of Truth (one of the many names applied to the Holy Spirit).

1. He is the expediter ( giver) of truth from the Son to man
2. He is the Teacher (interpreter)  of truth To man
3. He is mans divine enabler to live up to truth

 The Holy Spirit is an expediter of the Truth; What He expedites is not Himself but The Son. Notice John 14:6,  “Jesus said to him (Peter), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” Jesus is The Truth (whole, complete), and what He is in Person and practice proves the victory of truth for us. The Holy Spirit imputes, implants, and imparts Truth to us. Our understanding of this Truth is only the first step; Trust (attitude and action) is our right response (James 1:21-22) to the expedited Truth. Consider this ministry in three quick ways (needs of man met). One- we have a heart (spirit) to love; this heart by design must love something. The Holy Spirit leads us in love of  the Person of Jesus Christ, opposed to all others . Two- we have been giving a mind to think. As we learn the truth through the written word we not only grow in the knowledge of Jesus but our love for Him. This is the unity of heart and mind (Phil 2:2). Three- The Holy Spirit after He has control of our heart and mind, He can now control our will. If our hearts and minds unite, the will has no choice but  to submit to their demands; the motive in the end is love.
He is the Teacher (interpreter) of truth to man. Spiritual thoughts become combined with spiritual truths. For every doctrinal teaching we glean its counterpart illustration. Stated another way; When we read the O.T. the N.T explains it, when we read the N.T the O.T. illustrates it.  In John 7: 17 Jesus testifies, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself.” It is the Spirit who testifies (by teaching Truth), because he is the Spirit of Truth (1Jn 5:6). Consider three arenas of interpreted truth. One- the Holy Spirit of Truth convinces us of the Son of truth, whom is now seated on the throne in Heaven. Two- the Holy Spirit of truth inspired the holy scriptures of Truth we hold in our hands. Three- both these truths are applied to our hearts internally by the Spirit of truth, our seal of promise.
He is mans divine enabler to live up to truth. In Romans 8:14 we are told, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons (position of distinction, neither male nor female) of God.” Fatherhood implies authority. The Father commands and disposes; the initiative which he calls his son to exercise is the initiative of resolute obedience to the Father’s will. Second, fatherhood implies affection. “The Father loves the Son”. Third, fatherhood implies fellowship. Fourth, fatherhood implies honor. God wills to exalt his Son. All this extends to God’s adopted children. In, through and under Jesus Christ their Lord, they are ruled, loved companied with and honored by their heavenly Father (J.I. Packer). None of us without the assistance of the Holy Spirit can live up to our distinct position as adopted sons of God. The implication of sonship is one of endowment not merit. This is not only the endowment of grace onto salvation (justification), but also the impartation of salvation (sanctification). This is all by the ministry of the Holy Spirit; the One who has been sent to come along side to ensure and affirm the work of Christ.
As the teacher closes this lesson, I am burdened to write these last words, both for consideration (prayer) and warning. God has deposited the truth of His Son, His word, and His Spirit with His beloved Bride (Church); The pillar and support of the Truth (1 Tim3:15). We have been commissioned to keep the word of truth in this present world; A world that is hostile to God. When we fail to keep the truth the Church fails. How do Contenders faithfully “support the truth”? Walk it in the open by the Spirit of Truth For the Son of Truth, out of love for the glory of the Father of Truth. Until next time pick up your sword…it’s the leather one.-Ryan

Contenders: Trust (truth) Part 1

One of the things I love about my smart phone is all the simple ways I can stay connected to my wife of great worth throughout the day while I’m away. Sending a picture message of a smile can do wonders for lifting ones spirit. Something I have noticed about myself is I never send the first picture I take. Why? If I’m going to be honest, the truth is I don’t like the truth it reveals. In annoyance I continue to snap off photos until one portrays the truth I desire for someone to see. In one respect this is foolish because in relation to my wife she has seen me at my worst, and has observed me from every angle; those that are flattering and unflattering. The issue isn’t with my wife and her view of the pictures, but the animosity developed in me towards what they reveal (Truth).
   Contenders who take A.C.T.I.O.N. in their approach to handling and expediting of the Holy Scriptures will place great emphasis on our next subject-Truth. This is really the heart of the matter; truth is the foundation of all we are trying to accomplish. Our objective for this specific study is to consider three main arenas to the reality of truth. First, truth (objective reality) is the foundation laid in eternities past by God not man. It would be more accurate to say if God is truth (which He is) then it has always been laid. Second, trust is mans obligation to Gods truth that has been revealed. In the O.T. mans obligation came as God unraveled the mysteries of His truth through the fathers and the prophets. In the N.T. it was mans (and still is) obligation to trust the fulfillment of those mysteries in the person of His Son (Heb. 1).  Trust is what we build on the foundation of Truth. Trust is the manifestation in our lives (personally) of what God has imposed as truth. The gospel of Truth is a prime example; the gospel is a foundational (already laid) reality. When the truth of the gospel is trusted it manifests its benefit into the life of the one who has trusted it. This is also true of the promises of God (truth); they are realities waiting to be manifested by trust. Thirdly, Integrity is what authenticates both truth and trust. Integrity means whole (like integer- a whole #) and undivided. If the truth of God has integrity (it does) then it is proven to be sure, whole, and undivided. Likewise trust is shown to be wise because of the integrity of the truth. Jesus said that wisdom is vindicated by all her children ( Lk. 7:35 ). This is also true of our topic; trust is what vindicates truth. One last thing to consider about Truth, Trust, and Integrity we can see in everyday relationships; A loss of trust isn’t the hardest pill we swallow, it is finding out what we perceived to be truth to be void of integrity.
   In our next study (part 2) Holy Spirit willing the teacher will dig deeper into the subject of truth, Trust, and integrity using John 14 :16-17 as our main text .

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

Our objective is two- fold. One, to display the Trinitarian truth at work in man from Heaven (Father), In the word which is outside man (Son), and the word deposited (applied) inside man ( Holy Spirit). Two, The three ministries of The Spirit of Truth (one of the many names applied to the Holy Spirit).

1. He is the expediter ( giver) of truth from the Son to man
2. He is the Teacher (interpreter)  of truth To man
3. He is mans divine enabler to live up to truth

By the end of our study (part 1 and 2)  when asked about truth, may our response not be as Pontius Pilate " what is Truth?"; but may we say I  trust the Truth of Christ because of the integrity of God. Until then pick up your sword...it's the leather one. -Ryan

Contenders: Confirm

Gather up all your financial documents, it is tax time again. Will you get money back this year, or will you bite your nails in terror; while you tabulate the numbers and see what you owe continue to rise? Whichever position you may be in this year, how you get there is the same. Filing taxes is a three-step process with an intended and expected end. We begin this process by gathering (activate) all the obligatory information poignant to the task at hand.  Laid out before you now is all the necessary material  needed  to enter the specific , line by line information required by tax law. Every answer you give qualifies you entrance into a sweepstakes affectionately offered by the I.R.S.  Known as an audit. Unlike Publishers Clearing House, this is a sweepstakes none of us desire to win. To avoid becoming their (I.R.S.) next winner we spend the necessary time in the second process of filling; we confirm all the gathered information that we have entered is correct. It is at this point in confidence or gambling we finalize the process; whether by mail or electronically we must submit for the confirmation of another.
As contenders of the faith (principle) studious study of God’s scripture begins with activating; this is by making observations of the characters, times, locations, terms, commands, ECT. That we gather up an endless supply of God’s communication. Like filling our taxes, we must begin appropriating all this accumulated information and connect them properly as intended. The bible is uncontradictory in its entirety and in its presentation; our conviction here keeps our focus on confirming text with text and not placing our own presumptions on them. When we file our taxes we have been given the freedom to do so ourselves; the same is true of the scriptures once and for all handed down to us. It is of the upmost importance we handle it with care; confirming it with its self, before we submit it not only to our own lives, but also into the lives of others. It is by the fellowship and ministry of the Holy Spirit that Christians are able with confidence and assurance to rightly divide His inspired word. Confirming scripture authenticates or seriousness in taking God’s word in its entirety; proving  we can without any hesitation or grief accept the Holy Spirits constant audit of our minds, hearts, and conclusions; anticipating his ministry of cleansing, purifying, sanctifying, and conforming us  to the image of the One who sent him. ( 2 Tim 3:16)
Contenders who diligently submit to activating and confirming the word enter into a relationship. This relationship is one of a benefactor / benefiter nature. The scripture is like an abundant storehouse. We are the recipients (in full) of its benefits as we study, meditate, and pray it. The catch to receiving its full benefit (appropriate what is already ours) is accepting it as provided for by the Benefactor. Confirming the revealed word as intended is our responsibility to the Benefactor. If we check the wrong boxes, or enter insufficient data on our taxes, we cannot expect to receive what is already rightly ours. It’s important to note that we as citizens ( also of His Kingdom) have been held responsible to accurately and circumspectly file our own taxes( handle the word of that kingdom); errors and lack of integrity only disqualify and discredit us as accountable stewards to what has been afforded to us. If we  are committed to boldly approaching  The throne of God to benefit from His bountiful grace ; shouldn’t that boldness first come from the Contender who has activated and confirmed what  God has revealed           (substance)  His provisional supply for( 2 tim 2:15).  Lastly, unlike the process of tax season, I can guarantee those of us who contend for our faith through faithful bible study; we are assured to be blessed (happy) of the outcome ( Psalm 1). Until next time when we discuss TRUTH (trusted) from our acronym A.C.T.I.O.N., pick up your sword….it is the leather one

Contenders: Activate

Knowing the right approach for a giving job is the first step to being successful. Take plumbing for example. If a Job requires the use of P.V.C. materials, the specifications narrow down your approach. Once the appropriate materials match the specs we can begin moving forward in joining the material together according to the designer intentions.  Joining P.V.C together, though not difficult still has a specific approach so that the fusing of two similar pipes has a proficient seal.  The difficulty of a giving method of installation isn’t as critical as adhering to the specifics of the designer intended plan. P.V.C. is fused together by the activation (or reactivity) of two chemicals. It is the combining of these two chemicals that create a solvent weld. Without this process there is no integrity to the system, and it lacks any and all usefulness.
Contenders who take action through thoughtful and systematic Bible study are analogous to the professional plumber. You see the plumber has two main concerns. That the installation of any material (product made useable) is in accordance to manufactures specification. That the installation of any plumbing system (desired function) is according to the intent of the design giver. Example(s)
1. Potable water system is designed to supply us with clean and safe drinking water

•  The reading and applying of scripture is supplying( the bringing in) what is conducive to sustain life

2. Sanitary system is designed to eliminate waste away from a giving structure (i.e. house)

• The agreeing and submitting to scripture is an empting of self (waste)

A plumber though skilled is only credited with a satisfactory job when he has appropriately manifested what others have intended for him to accomplish. As we become mature students with the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints (Jude3), all our God has concealed in mysteries will be revealed in Christ. It is His plan. It is by His Design. It is His material that is usable only according to his specs.
The method of approach we are focusing in on is ACTIVATE. Like the two pieces of P.V.C. fused together, our aim here is to fuse the word of God that has been written on our hearts (in Christ 2Cor.3:3) with the same word that has been given in His book. This fusing By design comes by activating Spirit and Truth.
How does a contender activate scripture? Read it. Not just the text on the page, but the heart and mind of the One who penned it. Observe it. Connect it. Trace it .Most of all love it. To activate God’s word isn’t to conform to someone else’s prescribed method.  Embrace diversity, not of Truth (materials) but in approach. However you approach scripture study… annalistically, imaginatively, or worshipfully (hopefully all 3 and more) You’re a contender who takes action…take up your sword…it’s the leather one

Contenders ACTIVATE Scripture

Love him or hate him, at some point in the past few months you have found yourself in a conversation about Tim Tebow. Why are we so enamored by people like this?... why are we so opinionated? Negative or positive, I believe its because people like Tebow are seen as those who against any odds take action. If your not a person of action you enter into one of two groups. Group 1 we could call group optimists. The group that says "if he can take action ...so can I." Group 2, pessimists, this group says "why is action necessary, or this guy's action doesn't amount to anything."

Bible study, like rising to any occasion can be a daunting task. The real question comes down to what group you place yourself in. The "if others before me have done it", or "what's the point of all this". I pray that Christians reading this have placed themselves in group 1, and have determined like Tebow that no matter the fears, the circumstances or pressures (inside and outside), to take action.

I would like to encourage all who are frustrated or maybe even just plain bored with bible study, you...yes you can be a contender for the Scriptures as we all have been called to do. Read Jude 3 with fresh eyes.

3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.

We are admonished to take hold of what has been giving to us - to contend for it. Contenders take action. Over the next few weeks my goal is to establish bible study roots that can prove to be not only effective but also profitable. I want to lay these roots with the acronym A.C.T.I.O.N. It is not a closed system but rather a reasonable approach to bible study. Lets end this post by simply unpacking the acronym.

A. Activate

C. Confirm

T. Trust (truth)

I. Institute

O. Omit

N. Nurture

Next time we will begin to find out how each measure taken is its own individual approach. Until then, take up your sword ... it's the leather one.

-Ryan Teaching Pastor at Dayspring Churh http://www.dayspringknoxville.com/

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