There have always been many voices saying “This is the way to know God.” Today’s media explosion has created more voices and more confusion. Why then another? Personal connection with other believers cannot be replaced by the mass media. It is much more satisfying to have a deep spiritual relationship with ten believers than to be in a crowd of ten thousand. Every individual is important to God, and His plan involves each one in a very real way. There are things that are important to God that can only take place in close personal relationships. Our purpose is to share truth to help strengthen your relationship with God and with other believers in your locality. The goal of God is to build a family of His children together in love, walking in truth. Personal submission and obedience to Christ will bring conformity of each member to Christ, and a growing expression of the nature of God in a local gathering. The testimony going out to the world around will be as a “light set on a hill that cannot be hidden” and “the pillar and ground of the truth.”
141 The Anointing John said that we all have an “anointing” and that the anointing will teach us. What is this anointing? How do we get this anointing? How important is to us to know this anointing in our hearts? To speak of this anointing seems to some to be so mysterious that we tend just to put the subject aside and go on to other things. Yet John said that this anointing is what will teach us of spiritual things. It is critical to know this anointing if we are going to be led by the Holy Spirit in all things. This is God’s provision for each one of us. Today we share some encouragement on this subject by Gordon Gentry. The ministry was given in a gathering of a local assembly in 1990.
Episode 140 God in our Midst The promise of God is that He will dwell in us and walk among us. A company of believers as the Temple of God is the fulfillment of the promise of God and cost Calvary to make it possible. What should be taking place if the Holy Spirit is given His rightful place? Today we want to continue on the subject of our last program on what we should expect when God is dwelling in our midst and the Holy Spirit is given free control. It is so important that we carefully consider this lest we be caught in simply a religious form that has no meaning to God.
The ministry on our program today is by Gordon Gentry and was given in a small home setting in 1996. Our prayer is that you may find encouragement in this in your own situation and experience the riches of God dwelling in your midst.
(As a side note, the setting was with a few brothers and sisters where questions were encouraged, and one brother was struggling with sleep apnea.)
Episode 139 Meeting with God Jesus said where two or three are gathered together in His name, He would be in the midst of them. What does it mean to gather in His name? Why do we do that? What are the evidences that He is present? What should we expect? To gather in the name of Jesus is more than just having a meeting, singing some songs, and hearing an encouraging message. That activity can all be done without God’s presence or leading. God is looking for something more than that. I believe He is looking for us to meet with Him, commune with Him, worship Him, and hear Him speak to us. It is possible for us to just go through a form of meeting, but miss the real purpose of meeting together. Today we want to look at some of the key elements that need to be present in order for a meeting to be meaningful to God and us.
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/meeting-with-god/
Episode 138 The spiritual war in our time Paul says that our warfare is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers of wickedness in heavenly places. But we are also told that Christ won the victory against the enemy at Calvary. If this is so then why is there still a war? To understand clearly what God did in Christ Jesus at Calvary is critical to being able to view the conflict that we face properly and live in the power of His endless life. We are called to live as overcomers, and the resources to do that are as we abide in Christ’s victory. If we try to live out of our resources, we will be defeated. We are no match for the devil on our own. But as we abide in Christ, we are more than overcomers. Is that our experience today? It should be, and if not it can be.
Physical death is not a defeat but only graduation if we die in faith
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 137 God’s Order concerning men and women Probably the greatest war in the world today is the war between men and women. Yet God created the first man and woman and His creation was perfect. Why should there be such conflict, and why should it be such an issue among Christians? In the Genesis account of creation, we see that the enemy is his cunning way brought division between Adam and Eve and that division and conflict has continued down to our present day. What God intended to be the most beautiful and fulfilling relationship has become the subject of great conflict and confusion, even among Christians. There is an answer to this conflict, and the solution is to come back to God’s original design and let that control every relationship, especially in the church and family. Today we look at some of the key issues with the prayer that God will make the way clear for each one of us to walk in truth and glorify God.
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/husbands-love-your-wives/
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/they-two-shall-be-one/
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/woman-an-honored-vessel/
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-godly-woman/
Episode 136 The Message of the Cross Paul said that the message of the Cross is the power of God to those who are being saved. What is this message of the Cross? In what way is it the power of God? How do we avail of this power to be delivered from this world of sin and enter fully into what God is doing today? Many relegate the “message of the Cross” to our initial deliverance from sin. While that is included, the message of the Cross ( or logos of the Cross) is much more than that. God has provided much more for us at Calvary than just forgiveness of sin. We need that and we never want to diminish the significance of that in any way. But that is just the beginning. Today we want to explore some of the broader meaning of what Jesus did at Calvary and how we enter into that in our experience.
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-message-of-the-cross/
Episode 135 Growing up into Christ Jesus told the early apostles to go and make disciples. He also said that it is enough that a disciple be as his master. The goal of God is mature sons and daughters, able to bear responsibility in His family. How is this goal of God to be realized? I think that every sincere Christian believes that God wants maturity in His children, but there is not always agreement on how that maturity is to be accomplished. I believe the truth presented by Paul in Ephesians chapter 4 is the way in which God has designed for the maturity to be realized. We are not at liberty to design our own way, but rather we are to let the Holy Spirit reveal God’s way through the scriptures. There are reasons that God has structured His family this way. Today we seek to examine some of those reasons.
Perfection or maturity in love
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 134 The Mystery Revealed Paul said that God had commissioned him and the other apostles to make known the “mystery” which was hidden to the prophets of old but has now been revealed. What was that mystery? What is the practical meaning of that to us today? A mystery is something that is hidden. This mystery was hidden from the Old Testament prophets, but now has been revealed. The mystery that Paul was commissioned to reveal is that now the full grace of God has been made available to both Jews and Gentiles in one body. Full access into the riches of God’s grace was opened up to every person through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and the administration (or fellowship) of this grace is experienced in what is known as the church. Today we want to focus on “the unsearchable riches of Christ” that we may avail fully of this grace for the purpose and glory of God.
The glory of God is seen in the church both now and in eternity
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 133 Building in One Body In writing to the Ephesian Church, Paul said that God had reconciled Jews and Gentiles in one body. There was no more distinction, and in that context He is fitting us together as a Temple of God. What does that mean to you and me in practical terms? We refer to the church as “The Body of Christ” and “The Temple of God.” and rightly so. But the deeper meaning of those terms often escapes us. In Ephesians chapter 2 Paul seeks to give us some understanding of the significance of what God has done in Christ. An increasing comprehension (revelation) of what God has provided for us in Christ forms the vision that should control us as we work out the details of God’s purpose for us in everyday life.
Brought near by grace through faith
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 132 Building on the foundation by Revelation of Christ Paul said he laid Christ as the foundation of God’s building. To build properly on that foundation we must also build according to Christ. To do this we must have supernatural revelation of Christ from God. How do we get this revelation? The building of God is all spiritual. It cannot be done with natural understanding. This leaves us on our knees before God for spiritual insight that only He can give. Within that revelation of Christ is the light we need to walk in to be effective in our labor for God’s purpose and glory.
God wants to reveal Christ to us. Are we hungry for that revelation?
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 131 Our Foundation—Jesus Christ When writing to the Corinthian church Paul said that he had laid a foundation as a wise master builder. What was the foundation that Paul laid? If we are going to build properly we need to have a clear revelation of that foundation. We are continuing today on the subject of “Building in God” and are using the account of the beginning and growth of the Ephesian assembly as our outline. We have in the first three chapters of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians the foundation of the gospel he preached and the revelation truth of the church as the structure within which God is building today. The foundation is Jesus Christ, but what does that mean? We want to try to answer that question in some degree.
The reality is experienced as we abide in Christ (union) (Eph. 1:1-14)
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 130 The Ephesian Church The truth that we need is not always spelled out in the scriptures in a detailed outline. Many times it is given to us by the record of God’s working in the past. The foundation and growth of the Ephesian church is an example of that. Let us learn from this account. We continue today on the subject of “Building in God” by considering the beginning and growth of the Ephesian assembly. In many ways, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is the most complete instruction that we have regarding the plan of God for achieving His eternal goal in our time. This letter was written from prison and is likely a summary of what he taught those believers for a period of three years when he laid the foundation. He had to condense three years into a relatively short letter, but our task is to “unpack” the truth in this letter and apply it to our situation by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.
Prison ministry of Paul
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 129 Building in God When writing to the Corinthians, Paul said that he had laid a foundation, and that those who followed him should be careful how they build. What does it mean to build in God? How do we know that we are building on the right foundation and that our building is approved by God? What it means to build in the natural is obvious, but spiritual building is more difficult to discern. There is much religious activity around us but not all of it is spiritual building according to God’s plan. Today we want to look at what it means to “build in God.” Building is more than just having meetings, preaching sermons, and associated religious activities. Spiritual building results in Christ being formed in each member and an expression of Christ in a gathering of believers.
With purpose in eternity
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 128 Report on Trip to Kenya The last two months I was in Kenya with another brother visiting a number of small churches and conducting some intensive leadership training. It was a very rich time of fellowship and ministry. Today I want to share some of what took place. This past two months was an amazing experience of God’s working and grace. The main focus of the trip was five weeks of leadership training for about 100 leaders from 50 different gatherings of various kinds. We normally met from 10am to 4pm with a one hour break for lunch and a couple of other shorter breaks. It was an intensive time of ministry and fellowship. Only God knows all that took place but we sought to leave brothers with Jesus and the word of His grace and pray that He will bring the increase as only He can.
Episode 127 A Personal Testimony of God’s Faithfulness Testimonies of brothers and sisters can be of great encouragement to us in our journey of faith. God is real and our experience of His grace is real. Today I want to share my personal testimony of God’s faithfulness to His praise and glory. Over the past two and half years that I have been doing this podcast I have tried to minimize sharing of my personal experiences and instead focus on the scriptures and general truth that forms the foundation of God’s building in our lives. Next week I am leaving for a two month trip to Kenya so will not be doing the podcast for a while. I thought I would take this opportunity to share a little more about my journey in the Lord. I pray that you will find encouragement in your own walk with the Lord and rejoice with me in God’s faithfulness down through the years.
Episode 126 The Trial of our Faith James speaks about the “Trial of our Faith.” At one point or another I believe all of us have found ourselves in that place. How is our faith tried? What do we do when we find ourselves being tested? What is God after in our lives in this testing? Someone has said that faith is the currency in God’s economy. Or in other words, without faith it is impossible to please God or draw upon His grace in our lives. I don’t think we can overemphasize the working of faith and what is happening in our lives as we move in faith. Today we share some ministry on this subject given by Gordon Gentry in a home meeting in June 1999. It is our prayer that you will find this challenging and helpful in your walk of faith before God and be built up in your relationship with Him.
Episode 125 Spiritual Blindness What are the causes of spiritual blindness? Jesus had some strong things to say about blind leaders seeking to lead blind men. He also gave a strong rebuke to the church of Laodicea regarding blindness. Is it possible for us to be blind and not know it? Spiritual vision is a great miracle that comes to us by the mercy and grace of God. The scriptures teach us that we are all born into this world blind to spiritual things and God must open our eyes to see the unseen and see all things properly as God sees them. Jesus came as a great light into a world of spiritual darkness. Today we want to look again at the issues surrounding spiritual vision and the causes of spiritual blindness.
Some good ministry on this subject by T. Austin-Sparks:
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/spiritual_sight.html
Episode 124 Maturing for His Use We all want to be used by God for His purpose and glory according to His grace. For this to happen, we must be prepared. Our lives must be a living letter, written by the Spirit of God. What are the essential elements of this preparation? How does this take place? To be effective in our service in God’s Kingdom, the character of God must be manifested through our words and deeds. The resources for this to take place come from God Himself living in us by His Spirit. His life must take expression in our whole being so that our whole person is an expression of the character and nature of God. This does not happen overnight, but it does take place if we are diligent in our relationship with God and mature as sons of God as He has designed.
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. It was given in a home Bible study about 1995. His main text is 2 Peter 1:2-9. It is our prayer that God may use this teaching and exhortation in our lives to spur us on into the full purpose that God has for each one of us.
Episode 123 Commitment without Compromise If our heart is to know God then we are looking for reality, not just words. Jesus came that we may have life and bring us into the reality of fellowship with God. To experience this fellowship we must be committed to this relationship in faith without compromise. So many times we are familiar with spiritual concepts but lack the reality of which the words speak. The gospel which so many of us have heard all of our lives leaves us with lofty spiritual ideas, but falls short of bringing us into the reality of the words. To stay in this condition is deception leading to disaster in one way or another. To be the spiritual men and women that we desire and God desires, God must be in control in all things.
Today we share a strong exhortation from Gordon Gentry on the way into the reality of God’s provision for us in Christ Jesus. The ministry was given in a small home fellowship in 1998. Our prayer is that God may use this in all of our lives to make the pathway clearer, be stimulated into active faith, and experience the riches of God’s grace for His purpose and glory.
Episode 122 Adjustment to the Government of the Holy Spirit When we first come to God the scripture describes the event as “being born again” whereby we are now alive with the life of God. Now the process of maturity begins as we abide in Christ. This requires a continual adjustment to His authority. Is this taking place in our lives? All of us need to be continually adjusted to the will of God. That is a life-long process. When we first come to God and are made alive in the Spirit it is a wonderful day. But that day is the beginning of a life of continual change “from glory to glory.” In other words, each new step into God and experiencing of His grace is glorious, and that prepares us for the next step. It is continual growth in experience of the grace of God.
Today I want to share with you a testimony and encouragement from Chip Brogden that recently came to me. I was very blessed and encouraged by this and I want to share it with you. I will put the link to the written article on the show notes so you can read it for yourself. Let us be encouraged today as we let the Lord have His way in all things.
Transcript of today’s program:
https://www.chipbrogden.com/adjustment-to-the-government-of-the-holy-spirit/
Episode121 Redeemed for God’s purpose, not ours When we first came to the Lord, our focus was on our need of deliverance from sin. But God did not redeem us just so that we could live a better life. Rather He redeemed us for His eternal purpose. Have we let God shift our focus? So often we just think about our needs and how God can meet those needs. When we think about it carefully, we may start to see how selfish we really are. As we mature God wants to shift that focus so that we are here on this earth for Him and His purpose. His promise is that as we seek His kingdom first (His sovereign rule) and partake of His righteous in Christ Jesus, then He will take care of our needs. Have we let that truth sink into our hearts to the point that it controls our thoughts and very core of our actions?
Today we share some encouragement in that direction that was recently given in a small home fellowship in preparation for remembering the Lord. Our prayer is that God will work in all of our hearts to deliver us from a life of self-centeredness into a Christ centered life for His purpose and glory. It cost God the death of Christ at Calvary to make this possible. May the Lord reveal afresh to all of us the greatness of His love and mercy that has been extended to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Episode 120 Our Greatest Enemy What is our greatest enemy? Is it Satan? The World? Those who say they hate Christians? While these may bring us afflictions and trials from time to time, I don’t think they are really our greatest enemy. I think our greatest enemy is ourselves separate from Christ. In order to see this, we must come back to Calvary and what Christ Jesus did on the cross. God judged the entire human race according to Adam at the cross and put it away from Him. It was infected with sin and beyond repair. Nothing in the old creation could be rescued, so God began a new race in Christ. This race would not fail because it is based on what God can do, not what man can do in himself. To enter into this new race we must be born again. In new birth we are joined with Christ and now all things are of God. To begin and continue in this new creation is God’s answer to sin, death, and the limitations of man separate from Him.
This is a continual walk of faith in the life of God (Gal. 2:20)
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 119 The Battle for Truth and Life There is a battle going on today and eternal issues are at stake. It is a battle for life and within that battle is a battle for truth. On a casual look, the real issues are often not seen for what they are. We dare not be complacent in this battle lest we be deceived and brought down to death. These are the words that came to me as I rose up this last Sunday morning. I share them with the prayer that they may be of encouragement to each one of us in what we are facing today.
“We are in a battle for truth. The devil is a liar and the father of lies. He questions God and leads others to question God. If we listen to his lies, we will be brought down to the dust, defeated, and die. If we abide in Christ and listen to Him we will rise up in victory and live with Him forever.”
“The devil uses every means he can to deceive us. He appeals to logic, pride, and the desires of the flesh. His goal is that we will move separate from God and rely on our own strength. God wants us to move in union with Him and rely on His strength.”
“Each one of us today is facing a critical, life changing decision. Will we believe God and take a step of faith in truth, or will we listen to the lies of the enemy. One leads to life, the other to death. The significance of the choice is critical. It does not seem so important, but the issue is one of life and death.”
Living out of God and His resources by faith leads to victory and eternal life with God
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 118 Manifestations of the Spirit What are the manifestations of the Spirit of God? We read about divine manifestations of God in the early church. Can we expect similar manifestations today? If so, what does God expect from us for Him to reveal Himself through us for His purpose and glory? In I Corinthians chapters 12-14 we read Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian church regarding the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. These manifestations are different from the fruit of the Spirit described in the letter to the Galatians. I believe the scriptures teach plainly that we need both the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit to be able to function as a spiritual person and a spiritual expression of the Body of Christ in this world as God intends to meet pressing needs.
Today we share ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject given in 1998 in a home fellowship. He concentrates on the difference between intellectual belief and faith that is originated and completed by Jesus. His message is that we need all of the manifestations of the Spirit to be able to meet the many demands that come our way in the ordinary affairs of life. We share this ministry with the prayer that God will use it to encourage all of us to be more hungry for these manifestations leading into a greater experience of God and the riches of His grace. Jesus opened the door for us. Let us press in to all that God has provided that His purpose would be fully realized in our lives and our locality.
Episode 117 The Church at Prayer Prayer is one of the great mysteries in the working of God. It defies human logic, but it is at the center of our warfare against the enemy. When all else fails, prayer connects us to the throne of God and releases His power for His purpose and glory. There are many aspects to prayer. Basically, prayer is two-way communication with God. The prayer that is effective is prayer that is initiated in our hearts by the Holy Spirit as He knows the mind of God and intercedes for us according to the will of God. His intercession is not only for us (we are the object of His intercession) but He intercedes through us (we are the vehicle through which He intercedes). Thus we become an integral part of this work of God. But this is not only a personal matter; it is also the ministry of the church as a whole.
Today we share some ministry on this subject by Harry Foster taken from a small booklet entitled The Essence of all Prayer (“That I May Know Him”). Harry labored with T. Austin-Sparks, and this was published in 1947. May the Lord enlarge our vision of our responsibility before God in corporate intercession in the church for His purpose and glory.
Episode 116 Holding Truth in Love Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that we are to speak the truth one to another in love and that this is a very important key in growing up into Christ. What does this mean in practical terms? How do we do this without compromise and without breaking relationships? Right relationships are critical in the working of God, right relationship with God, and right relationships with others. To avoid conflicts, we often choose to be silent on important issues where God is not silent. Then sometimes we get stirred up on a particular issue and speak out in such a way that the main result is broken relationships which are very difficult to mend. Is there an answer to this dilemma?
Love is the final test of all things (it does not pass away—I Cor. 13, John 17)
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 115 Exercising Our Choice in the Will of God When we come to God we choose to submit to Christ Jesus as our Lord. He gives the Holy Spirit to dwell within us to enable this to be true. Is our choice taken away from us at that point, or do we still have a choice to do the will of God in all things? Often times we do not realize our great responsibility in what God is doing in our time. We rejoice that we have been delivered from sin and brought into the family of God. That is a wonderful beginning and it is accomplished by a mighty working of God’s grace. But do we understand that from that point on we still have a choice, and our progress and usefulness to God depends on us making a conscience choice to do His will?
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. It was given in a small home Bible study about 1997. Our prayer is that we would all see clearly our responsibility to choose to do the will of God as He reveals that will to us, for it is in our obedience that God is pleased and the very love and nature of God is revealed in our community for His glory.
Episode 114 God’s Answer, His Spirit On the day of Pentecost we are told that Christ was exalted to the right hand of God, received the promise of the Spirit, and then poured out the Spirit for all who will come to Jesus and receive. Have we realized the greatness of God’s provision? Are we walking in that provision? I think most of us are very familiar with the many scriptures that speak of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. God’s answer to every question and every need we have is His Spirit. Who are the sons of God? Those who are led by the Spirit. How can we have victory over sin? By the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. How can we understand the scriptures? The Holy Spirit will teach us. How can we know truth? The Spirit will guide us into all truth. How can we know the power of God to do His will? The Holy Spirit will come upon us. How can the things of Jesus be real to us? The Holy Spirit will take of the things of Jesus and make them ours. The Holy Spirit is God, and has been given to abide in us to bring us into fellowship with the Father and the Son. Jesus did not leave us alone but sent “another” advocate just like Him to bring us into everything that God has for us.
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry given in a home fellowship in 1998 entitled “God’s Answer, His Spirit.” I pray that all of us will be greatly encouraged in God’s provision, leading to a fuller experience of the riches of God by His indwelling Spirit for the purpose and glory of God.
Episode 114 God’s Answer, His Spirit On the day of Pentecost we are told that Christ was exalted to the right hand of God, received the promise of the Spirit, and then poured out the Spirit for all who will come to Jesus and receive. Have we realized the greatness of God’s provision? Are we walking in that provision? I think most of us are very familiar with the many scriptures that speak of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. God’s answer to every question and every need we have is His Spirit. Who are the sons of God? Those who are led by the Spirit. How can we have victory over sin? By the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. How can we understand the scriptures? The Holy Spirit will teach us. How can we know truth? The Spirit will guide us into all truth. How can we know the power of God to do His will? The Holy Spirit will come upon us. How can the things of Jesus be real to us? The Holy Spirit will take of the things of Jesus and make them ours. The Holy Spirit is God, and has been given to abide in us to bring us into fellowship with the Father and the Son. Jesus did not leave us alone but sent “another” advocate just like Him to bring us into everything that God has for us.
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry given in a home fellowship in 1998 entitled “God’s Answer, His Spirit.” I pray that all of us will be greatly encouraged in God’s provision, leading to a fuller experience of the riches of God by His indwelling Spirit for the purpose and glory of God.
Episode 113 Body, Soul, and Spirit
The scriptures tell us that we were made in the image of God for God. Paul also prayed that we may be sanctified completely that our spirit, soul, and body may be preserved blameless at his coming. How does this happen? Is this happening to us? The Psalmist says that man is fearfully and wonderfully made. Man is a complicated being and not easy to understand or explain. But there is teaching in the scriptures that can give us some understanding of how we are made and what God is doing to bring us back from the effects of sin that we may enter fully into fellowship with Him both now and into eternity. God is conforming us to the image of Christ and preparing us to be wedded to Him for all eternity. As we mature we can understand more of how this is taking place that we may cooperate fully with the Holy Spirit who is working in us both to will and do for His good pleasure.
A good reference for further study on the makeup of man
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/what_is_man.html
Episode 112 Should Christians expect the Rapture or the Great Tribulation? The subject of end-times is often a point of strong disagreement among many sincere believers. Should we be expecting the Rapture or is this a false expectation. Is the church destined to go through the Great Tribulation? Why is there so much confusion surrounding this subject? I think that one the main reasons there is so much confusion on end-times events is that we do not go back far enough to get a good foundation of God’s purpose and plan. To just start reading the book of Revelation and try to understand the events without a foundation in other parts of the scripture leads to confusion. God has been moving with purpose from eternity past to eternity future. Our place is to understand His purpose as much as possible and then live in accordance with His purpose.
Additional teaching on End Times issues:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-end-times/
https://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Sealed-Book-An%C3%ADbal-V%C3%A9lez/dp/1490824170
Episode 111 How should Christians use the Law of Moses today? How should Christians use the Law of Moses? This seems to be a major issue in our time. The law was given to Israel through Moses and takes a large place in the Old Testament. But most of us are not of Israel, so how should we use the Law? In our last program we introduced this subject but today we want to go farther. Most of us are very familiar with the teaching that the law came through Moses, but grace through Jesus Christ. But what does that mean to us in practical terms? Do we just completely discount the Law of Moses? What meaning does it have to us? How should we use the law in our personal lives, with our family, and in the church? How should we use it with those who are not in Christ? Many today are trying to go back and keep certain parts of the Law of Moses. Is this right?
Is our ministry using the Law of Moses a ministry of life or death (2 Cor. 3)
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 110 Is the church Spiritual Israel? Is the church Spiritual Israel? We know that God has used Israel in a very significant way in His working in the past. In our time the instrument of His choice is the church. Is the church an extension of Israel in a spiritual way, or is the church a completely new work of God? This question seems to be a very critical issue in our time. Perhaps because the nation of Israel is the focus of much attention in the Mid-East today, many are directing their attention to Israel. In so doing, many are also going back to the Old Testament and becoming convinced that we should be keeping the Law of Moses as much as possible. A key issue at the heart of this debate is whether the church is a completely new working of God begun at the day of Pentecost, or whether the church and the New Covenant are really just an extension of God’s working in Israel but in a spiritual way. Today we want to look at this subject, seeking to bring clarity that we may all walk in truth and love for God’s purpose and glory.
The church embodies spiritual truth spoken to Israel but is not a “spiritualized Israel” (Gal. 6:14-15)
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 109 Communing with God What does it mean to commune with God? What does it mean to hear God? What lifts us out of only an intellectual agreement with certain truths into a living relationship with the God of this universe? Is our heart hungry for that? So often we read scripture or hear certain truths proclaimed and agree with what we read or hear, but we lack the experience and spiritual reality that both we and God desires. Are we content where we are, or are our hearts hungry for God and everything that He has provided for us? If our heart is hungry for more, I believe we will find some help in this ministry by Gordon Gentry given in 1989. May the Lord give us ears to hear Him and eyes to see the pathway of faith into a deeper communion with God. Jesus opened the door for us. Let us go through that door for the purpose and glory of God.
Episode 108 Crossing over into the Spirituals Many of us have heard a lot about God and what He has done in the past for others. We know the scriptures, and we agree that God has made full provision for us. But often we find ourselves still lacking in our own experience of the supernatural God. What is the answer? It is one thing to follow, it is another thing to learn, but it is still another thing to launch out and experience God for ourselves. Elisha is an example of “crossing over Jordon” and experiencing God for Himself. Today we share with you some ministry by Gordon Gentry given in 1989. His strong encouragement to us is to “crossover” and experience the fullness of God, both individually and collectively with other believers. Our prayer is that God will shed light on our pathway that we may step out in faith into all that God is and has for us for His purpose and glory.
Episode 107 Christ the Foundation of Gathering What is the basis of our gathering together as believers? I think most would agree that out gathering should be on the foundation of Christ and unto Him as Head of the body. But what does that mean in practical terms? The gathering together of Christians in unity seems to be one of the most difficult areas we face. There is so much division because of different doctrines and different types of ministry. We know this should not be but so often we don’t seem to able to achieve what God wants, namely that we may be one as the Father and Son are one as Jesus prayed in John 17. Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. It was given in a home meeting in 1998. It is our prayer that the truth Gordon shared will be helpful in seeing our way into a greater unity and experience of God in our gathering together unto Christ as our Lord.
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/audio/
Episode 106 Passion for Christ What will move us from a place of passivity into a place of passion for Christ and His purpose? Will more Bible study, meetings, ministry, and prayer do the work? These all have their place, but by themselves they will not produce what both we and God desire. What will? I think that there is only one thing that will move us and that is fervent love for Jesus. How do we get that? There are two things I see that are essential: 1) A fresh revelation of Christ’s love for us, and 2) that same love deposited in our hearts by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Both require us to deal with God for that which comes only from Him.
Today we share some encouragement from T. Austin-Sparks on the object of Christ’s travail at Calvary. In doing so, it is our prayer that God will use this to reveal afresh to all of us the passion that Christ had to secure us for God.
Link to Austin-Sparks ministry in this podcast:
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/000899.html
Episode 105 Burning for God In the Old Testament, when the sacrifice on the altar was prepared, God sent fire from heaven as a sign of His acceptance and approval. On the day of Pentecost the people saw tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each of the disciples in the upper room. We are also told that our God is a consuming fire. What does all of that mean to us today? Fire is used throughout the scripture as a sign of the presence of God. The tabernacle had a pillar of fire that burned above it. The priests were commanded to keep the fire inside the tabernacle burning day and night. Jesus said that He came to send fire on the earth. God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. The judgment of God is very often referred to in the context of fire. Ministers are described as a flame of fire. Jesus is described in Revelation as One who has eyes of fire. John said that Jesus would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire.
In November 1984, G.W. North, a minister from England, visited a gathering in West Palm Beach, Florida for a few days. One evening his subject was “Burning for God.” Those who were present in that meeting will never forget the ministry and the impact on their lives. Today we share a recording of that ministry with the prayer that you also may benefit and be strongly encouraged to “burn for God.”
Episode 104 The Battle for Life When Adam sinned, he took himself and the human race that followed into death. When Christ came He conquered Satan and his host of evil forces and opened the door for us to partake of God’s life. But if the victory has been won, why is there still a battle in this world between God and Satan? I think this is a very real question to many of us. We hear that Christ won the victory at Calvary, but yet our experience is that we are in a warfare. And Paul says that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against a host of wickedness in heavenly places. If this is true, then what did happen at Calvary and how does that relate to our experience today?
A very good booklet that expands on the subject today
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/battle_for_life_the.html
Episode 103 The place of Godly wives After God had created Adam, He said it is not good for man to be alone so He created Eve as a suitable helper. God’s plan is for a husband and wife to function as one in the family for His purpose and glory. It is a perfect plan but requires each to take their place. Today we focus on the place of the wife. When God created woman, he took something out of the man. God views the husband and wife as one, so what was taken out of Adam is brought back together in a relationship. Thus the challenge in the marriage is to see a harmonious relationship where each member is able to contribute their part. Neither man nor woman is superior to the other, but there is a God-ordained place for each. To accept the place that God has created and function in that place is the key to a harmonious marriage and a fulfilment of God’s ordained purpose in the family.
Two good resources on this subject:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-godly-woman/
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/woman-an-honored-vessel/
Episode 102 Fathers lead the family The family unit is God’s basic structure for the human race. To achieve God’s purpose, the family must function as one. The Father is given the privilege and responsibility to lead in that purpose under the direction of God with His unlimited grace. To realize God’s great purpose in the family takes God. So many families, even Christian families, so often fall short of what they can be. Yet God has made full provision for the family to be the most precious place on earth for all the members. To experience the riches of love and achieve the end goals that we and God desire we must follow God’s order and draw upon the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Today we focus on the Father’s place in giving leadership in the family.
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 101 God’s Order in the Family God’s plan in the family is under great attack today in the world. Along with that, God’s order concerning man and woman are equally under attack. When families depart from God’s original plan, the end result is failure in so many ways. God is the One who designed the family, and if we want to achieve God’s result then we must understand His design and order our family accordingly. With the pressures that are all around us to change as a result of our shifting culture, this is not easy. Today we go back to look at God’s plan that we may see more clearly how to walk in truth for His purpose and glory.
God sees the husband and wife as one
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 100 Encouragement in our walk with Jesus Christianity can be complicated. How many Bible Schools are there that seek to teach the proper doctrines, yet there are many differences that divide and often in a very deep way. Why is that? Is there an answer? Is unity in Christ Jesus possible? Jesus prayed that we may be one, even as the Father and He were one. Yet if we look around us at the general world of Christianity, oneness does not seem to be the characteristic. If it is, it is often on the surface level. The oneness of the Father and Son is not superficial. They are one in life, in very essence. Today I want to share some simple encouragement with us that I trust will be of help in our walk with Jesus.
Our passion is to know Him (Phil 3)
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 99 Christianity or Christ? In our world today, there is a great religious system called Christianity. It varies in many details, but the one common feature is Christ. However the big question is what is the place of Christ? Is He only a historical figure, or is He given His place as Lord of Lords? Religion is one of the enemy’s greatest tools today, and Christian religion is probably the most dangerous because it is so close to the truth. It is based on the Bible and embraces so many things that are very good. Yet at the core of so much that goes in the name of Christianity, there is serious error and mixture that leads men astray. It leaves them with a form of godliness, but not in union with God. Today we want to try to show the difference, not just to be critical, but to avoid the snare of the enemy and be found in union with Christ both now and for eternity. (Philippians chapter 3)
God’s ultimate goal is that God may “be all” “in all” (I Cor. 15:20-28)
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 98 The Wiles of the Devil Paul admonishes us in one place to put on the whole armor of God that we may stand against the wiles (or schemes) of the devil. What are those schemes? Do we know? Are we aware of his crafty and deceptive ways? In warfare, military men study the enemy to know his tactics. Business men study their competition so they can know how to compete more effectively. God does not want us to be ignorant of our enemy’s ways either. We should not become “devil conscience” where we see a devil under every rock and behind every tree, but as wise stewards of the grace of God, we do need to know how the enemy is working against God and His purpose that we may not be taken unawares but rather stand unmoved in the full provision of God. (Eph. 6:10-20)
The full armor of God is collective (Eph. 6:10-20)
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 97 Spiritual Discernment Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his days for not discerning properly. Paul encouraged the Philippian church to abound in discernment. How do we discern what is of God and what is not? How do we properly discern without becoming critical? To properly discern a situation that is confronting us and still maintain a proper attitude is challenging. Some have resolved the issue by taking the position of “judge not.” Others have erred to the other side by becoming very critical and judgmental of situations and people that leaves them isolated and useless as a channel of God’s grace and love. We must not go to either side in this matter, but rather allow God to give us His discernment, seeking to move in wisdom and love towards every person and situation we face. (Matt. 6:3, Luke 12:56, Phil. 1:9, Heb. 5:14)
God is the final judge in all things
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 96 Spiritual sensitivity We know that God is Spirit, and those who worship God must do so in spirit and truth. We are also are to be led by the Spirit. How can our spiritual sensitivity be increased so that we can be sure we are truly knowing God in the spirit? It seems at times that so much comes at us that brings confusion so we hardly know which way to turn. How do we know that we are really sensing God in the spirit? Are there some basic principles that can help us? This arises not only in our daily lives, but also in spiritual gifts, ministry, and host of related areas. I believe that there are some guidelines in scripture that can help us.
Some good ministry concerning man as body, soul, and spirit
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/what_is_man.html
Episode 95 Tested by God Are you being tested? Does God test His children? If so, why does He test us and how? So often when we face trials and testing we lose sight of what God is doing, what He is after in our lives. God is working for eternity, and so often we are just looking at temporal things. But we are told that one day everything that we see around us will be burned up, and only what is of God will last. Today we review some accounts in the scriptures where men were being tested by God, asking God for light on our own pathway that we may see clearly what God wants to teach us in our own testing.
We are told to welcome tests (James 1:3-8)
Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
Episode 94 The Cross and the way of Life What is the way of life? How do we experience the fullness of God’s life in our daily lives? God’s way is the Cross of Christ. But that is not just what happened 2000 years ago. That is the foundation, but we need to know the application in our lives today. When we think about the Cross, I think most of us just try to think back to what happened 2000 years ago. We try to envision the suffering of Jesus for our sin and also how His suffering opened the way for our sin to be forgiven. But while all of that is good and right, the Cross and what God did there also has real application in our daily lives. Today we explore that subject further.
Some excellent ministry on this subject:
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/cross_and_the_way_of_life_the.html
Episode 93 Growing up in Christ Before a baby is born, all focus is on the birth date. But after the birthday, the attention shifts to growing up. It is the same in the spiritual. Our spiritual birthday is a wonderful day, but now we need to grow up. What is God’s way for this to take place? Growth (both physical and spiritual) takes time and effort. God has given us very clear instructions on how this is to take place. The majority of the New Testament is focused on this subject. In order to be successful, we must follow God’s way and not create our own way. He is perfect and has designed the perfect way for us to grow up and become full-grown mature sons and daughters, able to bear further responsibility in His kingdom both now and for eternity. Today we look again at God’s plan and ways for our spiritual growth.
Some additional resources regarding God’s plan in His family:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/growing-up-together-into-christ/
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-family-of-god/
Episode 92 Working through conflicts How do we work through conflicts? It seems that life is full of them. They can be conflicts in personalities, doctrines, family relationships, work relationships, with the world and with brothers and sisters in the Lord? Is it possible to dwell in peace with all men? If so how? Sometimes it seems like the conflicts come at us so fast we don’t know which way to turn. We don’t even understand how we got into the conflict. Yet God has called us to live at peace with all men as much as it lies with us. Today we want to look briefly at this subject asking God to shed light on our pathway that will allow us to know His grace and be at peace with all men.
Some good ministry on the practical working of the Cross of Christ in our daily lives
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/cross_and_the_way_of_life_the.html
Episode 91 Led by the Spirit of God
Paul says that the sons of God are those who are led by the Spirit of God. How does the Spirit lead us? When someone says that God is leading them to do something should that ever be questioned? If so, how should that be done? Our topic today is a very sensitive issue and the answers are not always easy. Yet God has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within us and to lead us in all aspects of life. There are examples in the scriptures and spiritual principles that can help us. Today we want to look at some of those.
• The foundation
o God is sovereign
o God’s purpose is that we may be one through Christ Jesus our Lord
o God has given the Holy Spirit to make Jesus real in us
• God chooses the perfect way to communicate with man. He may
o Speak in an audible voice from heaven
o Send an angel
o Speak in a dream or vision
o Send a man
o Speak in "a still small voice" (Spirit to spirit)
o Bring truth to us through a scripture verse (or passage)
o Bring an urging to the heart (our spirit)
o Bring a thought to our mind concerning a specific issue before us
o A spiritual gift (a strong sensing in the Spirit to meet a particular need).
o Circumstances (and giving insight into those circumstances)
o Probably other ways and combinations of all of these as God sees fit.
• All communication that we say is from God needs to be tested:
o By the scriptures (Old and New Testament)
o By a plurality of spiritual brothers
o By the peace of God ruling in our inner man (spirit) after waiting on God
• Some danger areas are as follows:
o Personalities often rule when looking for God's direction:
o An analytical mind puts heavy emphasis on the scriptures, examining the original, etc.
o An emotional person may put a heavy emphasis on "feeling"
o A person with undisciplined desires may find direction in their own desires
o A person attracted to the supernatural may be open to deceiving spirits
• A desire to "do something for God" (or be somebody) can overrule everything and lead into great deception
• A young Christian (or un-spiritual Christian) needs more input from spiritual brothers to help them be grounded
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 90 The Outworking of Love
Speaking of faith, hope, and love, Paul said the greatest of these is love. One day faith will not be needed because we will see all things as they are. Our hope will have been fulfilled. But love will never pass away because that is the nature of God. How is this love expressed today? We often talk about love, but how much do we know of the practical expression of love? Much of the time (if not most of time) when love is mentioned in the scriptures it is not in reference to our love for God but rather our love for one another. Today we share some strong encouragement from Gordon Gentry on the expression of love towards others. This ministry was given in a home meeting in March 1999. May the Lord use this to stimulate us to a greater love towards all men for the glory of God.
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 89 The risen Christ within us
The symbol of Christianity is the Cross. Is that what it should be? Christ was crucified, but today He is alive. The Cross was necessary, but the empty tomb is the uniqueness of Christianity. It is the risen Christ in us that is the “Hope of Glory.” The Cross of Christ was the turning point in human history. Without the sacrifice of God in Christ, we would have no way that our past sins could be forgiven. While we were without hope, Christ died for us. But if Christ had remained in the grave, our faith would be futile and we would still be in sin. Many religions of the world can show you the tomb of their founder, but only Christianity has an empty tomb. Our hope is because Christ has risen from the dead, and the resurrected Christ in us is our hope of glory.
• The problem of mankind is death, not just sin (Rom. 5:12-14)
• The answer to death is not law but life.
• The gospel is based on Calvary, but our hope is in a living Christ (I Cor. 15)
• It is this living Christ within us that is our strength (Col. 1:24-29)
• Christ dwells within us by faith (Eph. 3:17)
Some excellent ministry pertaining to the resurrection of Christ
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/horizoned_by_resurrection.html
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 88 Add to your faith
Does spiritual progress take work? If so, what kind of work? Many today would say any mention of strenuous effort pertaining to our relationship with God is a “gospel of works” and is false doctrine. Is this true?
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry from the first chapter of 2 Peter with a strong exhortation to diligence in our relationship with God. This ministry was given in a home meeting in August 1998. May the Lord stir each one of us deeply to give ourselves to the spiritual work that is needed to ground us firmly in Christ to be able to face the many trials of this life and finish the course before us triumphantly for His purpose and glory.
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5–11, NKJV)
Additional ministry by Gordon Gentry:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/audio/
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 87 Ten Shekels and a Shirt
Why do we come to God? Why do we serve God? Is our focus on ourselves and what we can get from God, or do we care about God, His glory, and His purpose? This is a critical question that must be answered correctly if we are going to know God’s approval in our life and labor. Today we want to share a sermon with you by Paris Reidhead entitled “Ten Shekels and a Shirt.” This message was given at a conference in the mid 1960’s. It has been said by many to be perhaps the most important sermon ever preached. It addresses the question that we have posed in a very powerful way, and I believe the truth brought out is one we all need to hear and take to heart in a very deep way. May the Lord use this to feed each one of us today with Christ himself.
Message outline:
•INTRODUCTION
•THE LEVITE
•PRAGMATISM
•HUMANISM
•LIBERAL, FUNDAMENTAL or...NEITHER?
•REVERANCE FOR LIFE
•WHAT ABOUT YOU?
•THE PREACHERS
•THE DIFFERENCE!
•THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT
•THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN
Link to message transcript:
http://truthinheart.com/EarlyOberlinCD/CD/5/shekels1.htm
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 87 Ten Shekels and a Shirt
Why do we come to God? Why do we serve God? Is our focus on ourselves and what we can get from God, or do we care about God, His glory, and His purpose? This is a critical question that must be answered correctly if we are going to know God’s approval in our life and labor. Today we want to share a sermon with you by Paris Reidhead entitled “Ten Shekels and a Shirt.” This message was given at a conference in the mid 1960’s. It has been said by many to be perhaps the most important sermon ever preached. It addresses the question that we have posed in a very powerful way, and I believe the truth brought out is one we all need to hear and take to heart in a very deep way. May the Lord use this to feed each one of us today with Christ himself.
Message outline:
•INTRODUCTION
•THE LEVITE
•PRAGMATISM
•HUMANISM
•LIBERAL, FUNDAMENTAL or...NEITHER?
•REVERANCE FOR LIFE
•WHAT ABOUT YOU?
•THE PREACHERS
•THE DIFFERENCE!
•THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT
•THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN
Link to message transcript:
http://truthinheart.com/EarlyOberlinCD/CD/5/shekels1.htm
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 86 How do we know the will of God?
How can we know the will of God? This is a question that is always before us. It is especially before us when faced with a big decision. But even in our daily lives, we want to do the will of God in all things. Today we look again at God’s provision in this matter. Perhaps the simple answer to this question is “to be led by His Spirit” and that is true. But for this to be real in our lives, we need to look more closely at some of the issues involved. Our concepts, desires, and emotions often get in the way and the pathway before us does not seem clear. We are complicated beings, made in the image of God. Discerning what is of God and what is not of God is often not easy. As we look at this subject and the scriptures, our prayer is that we may see the ways of God more clearly so that we may do the will of God in all things for His purpose and glory.
• God is sovereign over all—Trust Him
o Nothing happens without His direct command or permission
o God has sovereignly given us the ability to choose
o God wants us to move in faith and depend on Him in all things (John 15:5)
o God does not lead us into sin (James 1:12-18)
• Jesus Himself is the will of God (Eph. 1:9)
o Union with Christ by the Spirit is the foundation
o Our choice is to submit willing to His authority
o Our place is to lay down our life and to live His life by faith
• God’s ultimate purpose is always the guiding light
o To know God in all things (John 17:3)
o To be prepared to dwell with God for eternity
o To be changed into His likeness (Rom. 8:29)
o To be a vessel of grace with others
• The Scriptures serve as our foundation for understanding (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
• The Holy Spirit makes the truth in scriptures alive and applicable (John 14:26, 16:12-15)
• In the New Covenant He will write His word on our heart and mind (Heb. 8:7-13)
o Heart (spirit, conscience, knowing)-- does the burden persist
o Mind (intellect) , scriptures, thoughts in the particular situation
• Wisdom is from God as we see the need and ask (James 1:2-8)
o Counsel with others (Prov. 11:14, 15:22)
o Circumstances (discernment)
• Peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7)
• Proving God in small things, leads to confidence in bigger things
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 85 Christ in You
What is our salvation? Is it believing the Bible is the Word of God? Is it believing the right teaching? Is it an experience with God? Is it belonging to the right Church? All of these things have their place, but our salvation is not these but rather “Christ in you.” Today we continue the subject of our last program which was that “Christ may be fully formed in us.” We share some ministry on this subject by Gordon Gentry given in May 1998. He begins in Ephesians chapter 1 and seeks to show us how Christ Himself is our salvation.
Some of the key points are as follows:
• We are justified in Christ
• God is working all things to His end purpose in Christ
• Christ is the Living Word dwelling in us
• Christ brings us to the end of what we can do (death to self)
• Many of our problems are because we are consumed with “me”
• Growth is the increasing manifestation of His life in us
• We must not let this world and its philosophy control us
• Obedience is to what Christ is saying to us now in a living relationship
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 84 Christ fully formed in you
What is the central message of the Gospel? Some may say “that we may be forgiven of our sin.” Some may say “that we may be with God in heaven.” While these are included, I think there is something more basic and central, and it is that Christ may be formed in us. Today we conclude our series from the ministry of T. Austin-Sparks on Galatians. Here is his introduction:
We come to this last morning of our consideration of this great question. That is, the great question as to the true nature of the dispensation which came in with the Lord Jesus. We have this morning therefore to gather up all that we have been saying into one matter. We have covered a lot of ground, but it all amounts to one issue. It is not a matter of one system over against another. That is, it is not a question of Judaism over against Christianity. It is not a question of legalism over against spirituality. It is not a question of the Old Testament over against the New Testament. And it is not a question of Paul over against his enemies. All these things have come into our consideration, but they are not the special issue. The great battle which began with the coming of the Lord Jesus, and for which the Apostle Paul was a chosen instrument, is not the battle for a special interpretation of Scripture. It is not the battle for a particular form of doctrine. And it is not the battle for a particular form of worship. It is a much bigger battle than all those things.
And so we have this whole letter to the Galatians which touches all these things gathered into one word. The whole letter, and all that has to do with it is gathered into one verse. It is, so far as words are concerned, a very short verse. But you see that it is a very big verse. It is in chapter four, verse nineteen, "My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you." One slight alteration or correction ought to be made in the translation. The word "formed" ought to be translated "fully formed." So that the verse should read, "My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be fully formed in you."
Meeting 32 - The Matter Which is of Supreme Importance is: "Christ Fully Formed In You"
T. Austin Sparks, February 29, 1964 A.M.
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001101.html
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 83 The Holy Spirit came to create a new order
Why did God send the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost? How did the working of God change on that day? Have we really comprehended the significance to us of the Promise of the Father that brought God within each believer? Today we continue with the ministry of T. Austin-Sparks from Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Here is his introduction:
This morning we come to what I feel to be one of the most important messages that we have been giving. We have been seeing that the Letter to the Galatians is a concentration of the great change which took place with the coming of the Lord Jesus. That is, that the coming of Christ into this world changed the dispensations, and changed the whole nature of things. So that Christ stands as the dividing of two whole systems. The whole system of Judaism which had existed up to the time of His coming was set aside when He came. From that time, as He said, a new order was introduced, and that is represented by His repeated phrase, "The hour cometh and now is." Now this morning, we are going to consider the essential nature of that great divide. How the new dispensation and the new order differs from the old. This is a matter of supreme importance for us here this morning, and for all Christians if only they would accept it, because Christianity as we know it has been largely constituted on the old dispensation. The great difference between the old and the new has not been fully recognized.
Meeting 31 - The Holy Spirit Came Especially for the Purpose of Creating a Spiritual Order of Things
T. Austin Sparks, February 28, 1964 A.M.
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001100.html
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 82 Emancipation from Legalism is to see Christ
We often hear the term “legal” used when discussing some aspect of truth. What is meant by that? What is legalism? The only true emancipation from all forms of legalism is to see Christ. What does it mean to see Christ? Today we continue the ministry by T. Austin-Sparks from Paul’s letter to the Galatians where he addresses this subject of legalistic Christianity. Here is a quote from this ministry.
Legalism always crucifies Christ afresh BECAUSE legalism cuts out the greatest word in Christianity. The word over the door into true Christianity is the word:"GRACE." Legalism always wipes out "Grace," and puts in its place "LAW."
Grace is the chief word in the vocabulary of the Christian. Do you notice that where legalism reaches its fullest expression, it always puts the crucifix in the place of the empty tomb? The badge of the Christian is the empty tomb. That is 'Life from the dead.' The badge of legalism is a crucifix, 'a dead Christ.' Legalism always brings death, and the chief thing about Christ is resurrection. It is Life from the dead. This was something that Paul came to see when it pleased God to reveal His Son in him. And he said, let me get out of all this legalistic system. Jesus of Nazareth Whom we crucified is alive. He has been revealed alive in my heart.
Meeting 29—The Only True Emancipation from all Forms of Legalism is to See Christ (T. Austin-Sparks, February 27, 1964 A.M.)
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001098.html
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 81 Direct Revelation of Jesus Christ
Paul said that the gospel he preached did not come through any man, but by direct revelation of Jesus Christ. Is the experience of Paul unique to Him or is he an example of what each one of us should expect today? Today we continue the series by T. Austin-Sparks based on Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In this message, Sparks focuses on the subject of direct revelation of Christ to Paul and what we should expect in our relationship with God. Here is a short quote from this ministry:
How did we get what we got? That is going to decide everything for the future. Sooner or later the stresses of life will come upon our position. The Lord will allow our position to be tried in the fires. And His object in so doing will be to find out exactly what we are resting upon. So Paul said, "I received it not from men, nor from a man. Peter may have been a very important man, but I did not get it from Peter. James may have been the Lord's Own brother in the flesh, and he ought to know, but I did not receive it from James. John was a very loving devoted disciple, he was one of the first three, but I did not get it from John. These men gave me nothing. I RECEIVED IT BY DIRECT REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. That is the basis of this dispensation. That is the basis of true spiritual Christianity. And that is the great distinguishing mark between a legal system and a spiritual life.
Meeting 28—The Great Distinguishing Mark Between a Legal system and a Spiritual Life is by Direct Revelation of Jesus Christ
T. Austin-Sparks, February 26, 1964 A.M.
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001097.html
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 80 Is Christianity a Legal System or a Spiritual Movement from Heaven
Is Christianity a legal system on the earth or is it a spiritual movement from heaven? Or to put the question in other words, is what we see in the world that is called “Christianity” what God desires? If not, why not and how do we deal with that? The question that we pose is a very critical question for us. How does God view what we call “Christianity”? To answer this question, I want to share with us some ministry given some years ago by T. Austin-Sparks in a gathering in Manila, Philippines. It was given in some morning meetings in February 1964. At that point, Sparks was an older man and near the end of His time of ministry. I think the insight God gave him can be very helpful to us in answering this all important question. The transcript from the ministry is available on the Sparks web site (link below) so the reading is from that.
Meeting 27—Is Christianity a Legal System on the Earth, or is it a Spiritual Movement From Heaven?
T. Austin-Sparks, February 25, 1964 A.M.
Some Key points:
• Judaism was a very strong religious system
• Paul was a chosen vessel of God to introduce Christ into this context
• Paul faced a very strong battle with Judaism the moment Christ revealed Himself
• The true nature of Christianity was put to a very severe test in the early church
• The controversy that began in that day has continued down to us today
• It is possible for us to be bound by a legal religious system called “Christianity”
• The true Gospel brings us into liberty in Christ
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001096.html
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 79 Christ is Head of His Church
Christ is head of His church. Authority is at the very center of that statement. Moving under the authority of Christ is our place of safety, grace, and fulfillment. Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject.
The scripture is Colossians 1:12-18. Some of the subjects mentioned are as follows:
• Exercising our will in God
• Made by Him and for Him
• Fulfilment is found in submission to His authority
• God’s order in the man/woman relationship
• Thinking in God
• Life in God is a continual growth in experiencing God
• Faith requires that we put our whole self into God’s word
• There is no balance between the natural and spiritual
• Christ is working now in and through every member
• Our lives must command our children
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 78 Discerning the Body of Christ
Paul said that if a person partakes of the Lord’s Table but does not discern the Lord’s body, he eats and drinks judgment to himself. What does it mean to discern the Lord’s body? What is the “Lord’s body”? A critical foundation truth pertaining to the purpose and working of God in our time is that we are charged with being an expression of the Body of Christ in our locality. This is a great privilege and at the same times a grave responsibility. God has chosen to work in and through a many-member body to express His life. “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:27, NKJV) Partaking of the Lord’s Table together is a statement that we are in a right relationship with God and one another, and have accepted this responsibility before the Lord. To make the statement falsely invites the Lord’s judgment.
• The focus of a true expression of the Body of Christ is Christ Himself
o Christ must be the foundation (the work of God in the cross)
o Christ must be the life (the Holy Spirit indwelling each member)
o Christ must be the Head (each member submitted to the authority of Christ)
• The foundation of the body is the broken body and blood of Christ
o All have been brought into union with Christ by the Spirit (I Cor. 12:12-13)
o All have been called to participate in His suffering (rejection by the world)
o To lay down their own life and live His life for the purpose of God
• As a member of the Body, I have a responsibility to give and receive
o God places me in an expression of His body according to His wisdom and choice
o I am responsible to recognize God coming to me through other members
o I am responsible to care for other members according to the grace God has given me
• Not discerning the Body of Christ could include:
o Only seeing my salvation as an individual matter
o Only seeing a gathering of believers as a “meeting” or organization
o Holding myself aloof from close relationships
o Not desiring accountability
o Not submitting “one to another”
o Seeing myself as complete without the grace of others
• To partake of “one loaf” and “one cup” without the corresponding relationship with Christ and others invites God’s judgment (weakness, sickness, and even death)
• God brings discipline that we may not be condemned with the world
o Conviction of the Holy Spirit in a personal way
o Care coming through other members
o Grace of oversight
o Plurality of brothers to give strength to truth I need
o The final judgment of the church if necessary
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 77 Judgment
It seems that there is one statement by Jesus that the whole world knows about, Christians and non-Christians alike: “Judge not that you be not judged.” Yet Paul said that the spiritual man judges all things. How do we reconcile these two statements? The subject of judgment often brings a host of responses, some of them quite passionate. Is there ever a place that we are to “judge” another person or is that entirely in the hands of God without human involvement? What do we mean by judgment? Sometimes we use the word judgment when we mean discernment. What is the difference between these? Today we look at this subject and especially in light of the Lord’s Table where we are told that “if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” (1 Cor. 11:31)
• Judgment
o To make an evaluation for the purpose of choosing the course of action
o To make an evaluation in a spirit of condemnation
o To pronounce a final verdict on a disputed matter
• The final judgment on spiritual matters is always in the hands of God alone
• The Holy Spirit has been given to arbitrate in spiritual issues (John 16:8-11)
• We all make judgments (evaluations) in many things daily
• In order to make proper choices, we need to have proper discernment
• The Lord’s Table
o A table of purity (no expression of sin)
o The first action is for each member to discern or evaluate themselves properly
• If we do not discern our own condition properly, God will judge out of love
• God’s judgment
o Spiritual (by the Spirit)
o Conviction to the individual involved
o Through other members (counsel)
o Through the church (Matt. 18:15-20)
o By sickness (I Cor. 11:29-30, James 5:13-16)
o By death (Acts 5:1-11)
• If we are not willing to address a wrong expression in another’s life, we do not love
• All must be done in order with Godly care, wisdom, and love
• If we are resistant to such involvement it should concern us: why?
• Each member and the church together is responsible to testify to God’s nature
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 76 The significance of the Lord’s Table
The Lord’s Table is central to Christian doctrine and experience. The Lord Himself initiated this on the night of the last Passover. “Do this in remembrance of Me” was His command. What does this mean? How do we fulfill this commandment? Today we want to look at what we term “The Lord’s Table” and its significance to us in the gathering together of God’s people. We will concentrate on two passages of scripture, namely I Cor. 10:14-22 and 11:23-34
Our focus is on the following:
• This is the New Covenant expression of the Old Covenant Passover
• This is how Jesus commanded us to remember Him
• We express our love for Jesus by obeying Him in this. God’s love is defined ultimately at Calvary
• To partake of the elements declares that I am partaking of His life
• To not partake is also a statement that something is wrong and we are not loving Jesus in some way
• Partaking together gives forth a testimony that God is in our midst and His love is prevailing
• Individual and corporate accountability are included
• The Table only has value as we move individually and together in faith before God
• Qualification for partaking of the table
• Judgement
• Communion of the body of Christ
• Worship
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 75 Love never fails
Love never fails. That is Paul’s statement in writing to the Corinthians. How can that be possible? Has our love failed at times? Why did it fail? How can we know God’s love that never fails? The subject of love is perhaps the most common subject among Christians, yet at the same time the reality of a love that never fails is probably a rarity. None of us want our love to fail, but the challenges of relationships seem to bring us to the very limit.
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. It was given in 1995 to a small home gathering. I pray that God will use this ministry to strengthen all of us in this very critical area of knowing the fullness of love that passes knowledge and never fails.
Some scriptures passages referenced are as follows:
Eph. 3:14-21
I Cor. 13:4-8
Eph. 4:1-6
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 74 First Love
When God addressed the Ephesian church in the book of Revelation, He said that they had lost their first love, and that if they did not recover that He would remove their candlestick. What is first love? How do we get that? I think that all would agree that love is the critical element in our relationship with God and with one another. The Ephesian church was commended for their love, yet by the time John wrote to the church it appears that they had lost that element God called “first love.” Is this also a danger to us? If so, what is our defense against that and if we are already in that position, how can it be regained?
• The truth in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 is for all ages
• The Ephesian church had a very good beginning (Acts 19-20)
o They began in the Holy Spirit
o Their faith was seen in deeds
o Their love for the truth and one another was very real
• God commended them for many things (Rev. 2:1-7)
o Works, labor, patience, against evil, identified false apostles, perseverance, patience,
o Hate the deeds of Nicolaitans (“it does not matter how you live”)
• What was included in the love they had in the beginning
o Love for all the saints (Ephesians 1:15)
o God’s great love for us (2:4)
o Rooted and grounded in love (3:17)
o Love which passes knowledge (3:19)
o Bearing with one another in love (4:2)
o Speaking the truth in love (4:15)
o Edifying of the body in love (4:16)
o Walking in love as Christ did (5:2)
• What was the answer?
o “Do the first works”
o What did we do when we first came to the Lord?
o Familiarity is a great danger to us all
o Are we continually in awe of God’s love for us in Christ? (I John 3:1)
o Does the love of God in the heart by the Holy Spirit move us to deeds of love?
• Deeds of love
o Purify yourself (keep yourself unspotted from the world) (I John 3:3)
o Setting an example (“follow me as I follow Christ”)
o Bringing refreshment to our brothers and sisters (fragrance of Christ)
o Maintaining a pure attitude towards others even when hurt
o Opening our lives and homes to others
o I Cor. 13:4-8
• He who has an ear, he who overcomes—the tree of life
o Love is of God (I John 4:7)
o Without love, nothing else is of value
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 73 The Revealing of God in Jesus Christ
The last book of the Bible is entitled “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” Paul said that the gospel he preached did not come from man but from the revelation of Jesus Christ. What do we mean by “the revelation of Jesus Christ”? How does that come to us? When we use the term “revelation” many become reserved or even afraid. They begin to think of some strange supernatural appearance and associate the statement with the devil or deception. But the word “revelation” is very scriptural and we need not be afraid of using it in the right way. In fact, it speaks of something very critical that we need today concerning Christ our Lord. Let us come to the Lord and ask God to give us a proper understanding in this matter.
• Revelation means “unveiling something that was hidden”
o Christ was hidden (or veiled) to the natural man
o It required a supernatural act of God to reveal who He really was (Matt. 16:13-17)
• A foretaste of who Christ really was came on the mount of transfiguration (Matt: 17:1-8)
• A further unveiling of Christ came in all the events surrounding Calvary (Matt: 27:54)
• It was the revelation of the risen Christ that formed the foundation of the faith of the first Apostles
o Thomas (John 20:28)
o Peter (I Cor. 15:5, 2 Peter 1:16-18)
o Paul (Acts 9:1-9,Gal. 1:11-17)
• Paul is given as an example for us in many ways (I Tim. 1:12-16)
• Each one of us needs a personal “revelation” of who Christ is (God revealed in the flesh)
• That revelation is a critical part of bringing substance to our faith (Eph. 1:15-23)
o The hope of His calling
o His inheritance in us
o The power available to those who believe
• Christ is now the ascended Lord of all creation (Revelation chapter 1)
• The grace for the churches is in who He is (Revelation chapters 2 &3)
• It is “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27-29)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 72 The Message of the Cross
What is the message of the cross? Paul said it is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God. Do we know the fullness of the message or just a part? I think that all Christians know something of the cross of Jesus Christ. Perhaps some just know it as a symbol of their religion or maybe as some kind of “magic charm.” But most know that Christ died on the cross for their sins, and have believed that because of that they are forgiven and look forward to being in heaven one day. But the cross is so much more than that. I would go so far as to say that very few really know the cross as “the power of God” in experience in their daily lives. Let us ask God to give us a fresh vision of what Christ did at Calvary and how we enter into His provision in all things.
• The cross has two basic aspects
o Judicial (the foundation for redeeming mankind from sin)
o Practical (deliverance from the power of sin into the righteousness of God)
• The Judicial
o Mankind was dead in sin because of Adam (Rom. 5:12-14)
o Christ came to redeem mankind back to God (Rom. 5:6-8)
o At Calvary Christ took the sin of Adam’s race on Himself and accepted God’s judgment of death (2 Cor. 5:21)
o He then rose again, conquered death and became the victor, the “last Adam” (I Cor. 15:20-25, Heb. 2:14-15)
• The practical
o We come to Christ not just to know forgiveness of sins, but to enter into His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:1-14)
o We are baptized into His death and rise in newness of life (water and spirit)
o In this union with Christ, everything that He did becomes ours through faith in Him and what He did
o Christ died to sin, the law, the flesh, and the world
o Our death to all of these is possible because He died and we died in Him
o Our righteousness before God is the righteousness of Christ (1 Cor. 1:30, 2 Cor. 5:21)
o The experience of this comes as we believe God (in a life relationship of faith)
o God does not accept anything of the old (Adam) into the new (Christ)
He does not accept our efforts
He does not accept our natural abilities (from Adam)
o God only accepts what He has already done in Christ
o The Holy Spirit is sent to make the things of Christ real in us (John 16:12-15)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 71 Our Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ
Christians speak often about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What do we mean by that? What is this relationship? What makes it personal? How do we know if our relationship with Jesus Christ is what God intended? We do not find the term “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” in the Bible, so on what basis do we use this term? We do not even find the word “relationship” in most English translations, but the concept appears everywhere. How has God designed for us to relate to Him? How do we relate to Jesus Christ? And how does God intend for us to relate to each other? As we seek spiritual reality, these are critical questions to be answered in truth. The answers need to be based in the scriptures and true to our experience.
Today we share ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. The ministry was given in the year 2000 in a small home setting. Gordon concentrates on what we should be looking for in our relationship with God and how we experience His love and grace that lifts us out of ourselves and our ability into God and His life working in us. Central to this is faith and how our faith can be strengthened.
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 70 Righteousness
Can God make us righteous, and if so how? Does He require us to be righteous to take us into eternity with Himself? Many today think that Jesus came to forgive our sins so we can go to heaven, but that true righteousness is not possible in this life. Is that true? Is it possible to do righteously if we are not righteous? Many today think that righteousness is only an “imputed” or theoretical righteousness but does not work out in a reality in our lives. Because we have been taught that “all of our righteousness is as filthy rags” in God’s sight, we should not worry too much if we see unrighteousness in our lives. Our comforting thought is that God overlooks our unrighteousness because we have believed in Jesus as our Savior. I think this is a great misunderstanding of God’s salvation. Christ not only made a way for us to be forgiven of our past sins, but He also made provision for us to become righteous in God’s eyes.
• There are three aspects to our salvation. All are based on Calvary
o Forgiveness of our past sins through repentance and asking Jesus to forgive us
o Living the life of God now as we are transformed into His image
o Our final deliverance into the eternal kingdom of God in a new body
• Jesus came to make us righteous. (Rom. 5:19, 2 Cor. 5:21)
• A righteous man does righteous deeds because he is righteous (I John 3:7)
• It is true that our righteousness (separate from Christ) is not acceptable before God (Isaiah 64:6)
• A disciple is one who is living the life of God and thus partaking of His righteousness (Gal. 2:20)
• A righteous man lives “from faith to faith” (Rom. 1:17)
• The church puts on the breastplate of righteous (Eph. 6:14)
• We are commanded to pursue righteousness (Matt. 5:6, I Tim. 6:11, 2 Tim. 2:22)
• God does not “overlook” our unrighteousness because He made a way that we can be righteous in Christ Jesus our Lord
• God is preparing a righteous bride to be married to His Son (Eph. 5:25-27)
• The righteous will shine forth in the eternal kingdom of God (Matt. 13:43)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 69 Do Christians sin, Part 2
The consequences of sin in a person’s life here on earth are severe. The end result of un-repented sin is eternal judgment and separation from God into hell. We dare not play around with sin. God has made full provision for us to be delivered from sin. We must not miss the way. God paid the ultimate price for us to be delivered from sin. Because of this, we have no excuse to continue in sin. Yet in spite of God’s provision, many believers still live in bondage to sin. What shall we say when we stand before God on the final day? What excuse will we give? I do not believe that any excuse will stand before God. We may have been subjected to bad teaching, bad parenting, and a host of other things, but on the final day God will sweep all of that away and ask us “what did I reveal to you”? Lest we be found condemned on that day and cast away from His presence forever, let us give great diligence to being delivered from the bondage of sin and live each day pleasing unto Him.
• A disciple is one who has been translated from death to life
o Life is experienced in union with Christ by the Spirit (relationship)
o This union is an active faith relationship (abiding in Christ) whereby the law of the Spirit of life in Christ overcomes the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-4)
• The righteousness that pleases God is experienced by faith
o Crucified with Christ, alive by faith (Gal. 2:20)
o We are saved by His life as we walk in the light (Rom. 6:10, I John 1:7)
• What are some reasons we may not be experiencing this victory
o Wrong understanding (teaching)
o Have made a place for 3 classes (unbeliever, moving in faith, and something else)
o Looking for an excuse to give way to the flesh (self) (I John 2:15-17)
o Disputing the Lordship of Jesus Christ by the Spirit
o Not being absolute with what God has already revealed (making excuses for our personality, upbringing, what others have said, understanding, etc.)
o Trying to deal with every sin (or weakness) instead of abiding in Christ
• We do not concentrate on trying to eliminate every sin, but rather consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the One who arbitrates in the heart. (Rom. 6)
• For the believer, sin is primarily a transgression of our relationship with God. Recognizing that we have violated the relationship, repentance, and rising up to obey is the place of victory.
• We are living under His authority, and that is exercised by the Holy Spirit. If we grieve or quench the Holy Spirit, our relationship goes cold. That is sin. In general, sin is self rule, self realization, putting self on the throne (not submitting to Christ as Lord and living His life) but living our life.
• Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1,2, Col. 2:19)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 68 Do Christians sin?
Do Christians sin? Some say yes, all the time since we are not perfect in this life. Some say no, because after we have experienced sanctification we cannot sin. What is the truth? Can we know the truth? Surely this is a very important area because Christ died that we may be delivered from sin. If that means that we can be delivered from sin in this life and yet we do not experience this deliverance, what shall we say to God when we stand before Him on the final judgment day? The scriptures speak much about this so I don’t think we have any excuse not to know God’s mind. Let us ask God for clarity regarding what He has done for us in Christ Jesus that we may experience all that God has provided and please Him in all things.
• Sin in the life of unbeliever:
o Sin reigns in death (Rom. 5:21)
o A controlling disposition (Rom. 7:18-20)
o Cannot please God (Rom 8:8)
o All “righteousness” is rejected as self-effort (Isiah 64:6)
• Sin in the life of the disciple
o Not the “norm” if we are abiding n Christ (I John 3:4-9)
o Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:1-2)
o If we continue to sin we do not know Him (not in Christ)
o If we do sin (stumble) we have an advocate if we confess our sin and repent (I John 2:1-2)
o The Holy spirit is faithful to convict of sin (John 16:8-11)
• What is sin?
o Sin is lawlessness (I John 3:4)
o Sin is unrighteousness (touching the unclean thing) (I John 5:17)
o Knowing to do good but not doing it (James 4:17)
o Refusing to walk in light that has come (John 15:22)
o Unbelief (John 16:9)
o Whatever is not of faith (Rom. 14:23)
• The consequences of un-repented sin
o Coldness in our relationship with God (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1)
o Coldness in our relationship with other disciples (I John 1:5-7)
o Blindness (John 9:39-41)
o Hard heart (seared conscience) (Rom 2:4-6)
o Deception (2 Thes:2:9-12, James 1:16)
o Judgment, death, Eternity in hell
Continued next week
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
67 The Beginning Work—Love
The working of love is a very familiar topic to most of us. Yet the width and depth of this work is far beyond our natural ability. Jesus said that we are to love as He loved, and that love was fully demonstrated at Calvary as He laid down His life for us. We are told that love is the bond of perfection and without this love we are nothing. We find ourselves challenged at every turn to experience and express this love. Our provision is God Himself, because He has put this love in our heart by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Now our responsibility is to work that love out through these bodies of clay.
Our program today is taken from some ministry given by Gordon Gentry in a home meeting in February 2001. The gathering was being prepared to recognize eldership in the foreseeable future. The emphasis in the ministry was that without fervent love, recognizing elders and benefitting from their ministry would not be possible. Thus the exhortation was to “give ourselves to fervent love.” I believe all of us can benefit from this strong exhortation to love expressed in action.
This ministry is also available on the web site:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/audio/
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 66 Sanctification
What is sanctification? We are told this is the will of God but how does it take place? Is sanctification optional or is sanctification a necessary part of our salvation? How are we sanctified unto God? In the Old Testament we see many references to sanctification. The priests were sanctified in a very detailed way for their service in the temple. The altar was sanctified before the sacrifices were offered on it. The people were commanded to sanctify themselves before they approached God. Instructions for sanctification are brought into the New Covenant but on a higher plane. Christ sanctified Himself that we might be sanctified unto God.
• The basic meaning of sanctification is to be separated from the world and set apart to God
• Sanctification has two basic parts ( by Jesus and the Holy Spirit)
o We are set apart to God because of the blood of Christ (Heb. 10:5-14)
o The Holy Spirit brings truth into application in our lives (2 Thess. 2:13)
• Christ sanctified Himself on the cross that He my sanctify us in truth (John 17:19)
• The continual work of sanctification comes through the word of God as we obey
o The washing of the word (Eph. 5:26)
o Through obedience (2 Tim. 2:21)
• Sanctification results in purification of the whole person (body, soul, spirit) I Thess. 5:23)
• Sanctification is an essential part of our salvation “Chosen for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth (2 Thess 2:13)
• Submitting to the sanctification of the Spirit results in us being conformed to His image. That is what God is doing, changing us from glory to glory into the image of His Son, preparing us for the final wedding day.
• Sanctification touches anything in our lives that is contrary to the nature and character of God
• Salvation is not just a “ticket to heaven”, leaving us here to live for ourselves until that day, but calling us out of this world, out of sin, and into union with Christ. The Holy Spirit is our “down payment” or dowry, waiting for the final wedding day, or the consummation of the marriage.
• “He who has this hope, purifies himself, even as He is pure” (I John 3:3)
• How do we insult the Spirit of grace? (Heb. 10:29)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 65 Experiencing God in Relationships
At the heart of what God is doing is proper relationships. Thus it should not surprise us that the enemy does everything within his power to destroy relationships and create enmity between us and God and between one another. We are commanded to not be ignorant of his devices. How can right relationships be established, maintained, and strengthened? To see all relationships established and maintained for the purpose and glory of God takes nothing less than the power of God. We must avail of God’s provision, and that provision is experienced in union with Him, our spirit joined with His Spirit. Our relationship with God must first be right before we can work out other relationships in a proper way.
Today we share some ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. This ministry was given in January 1986 and followed other ministry on this subject.
As he begins, you will hear him refer to some questions that were given the week before for serious consideration before the Lord and further fellowship. The discussion was not recorded, but the questions were as follows:
• What is your statement of God’s purpose?
• How much are you committed to seeing that purpose fulfilled?
• What have you done this past week in these three areas:
o Your relationship with God
o Your relationship with your husband or wife
o Training your children
This ministry is also available on the web site:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/audio/
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 64 Pursuing Holiness
God is holy beyond anything we can imagine, but we are commanded to “be holy for I am Holy.” We are also commanded to pursue holiness without which no one will see the Lord. How do we do this? How can we be holy? When we try to comprehend the holiness of God, we may feel so inadequate that we give up before we even start. How can we be holy as He is Holy? But we cannot just put this subject aside because the admonition in scripture is very real and critical.
Today in looking at this question, I want to read a chapter from a book by Tozer entitled “The Knowledge of the Holy.” I think the direction and encouragement there can be helpful to us all. May God shed light in each of our hearts as we press in to know God.
Scriptures:
Lev. 11:44
I Peter 1:15-16
Hebrews 12:14
Here is the link to Tozer’s “Knowledge of the Holy”
https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Holy-W-Tozer/dp/161895198X
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 63 A Beginning Expression of the Church
What should we expect in a beginning expression of the church? We see in some degree what God wants, but how do we begin? What is our responsibility? We want to obey God, but what truth is important at the foundation? How does an expression of the church come into being? We may have come out of a more formal institution of some kind in hunger for more reality but are not clear in what we need to do. What truth is essential at the foundation? How do we know that God is gathering a people together and it is not just an effort of man? We face these and many related questions in a beginning gathering of God’s children.
Today we share with you a time of ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. The setting is a home in which a few brothers and sisters had been gathering once each week for several years for a Bible Study. Gordon was encouraging them in take their responsibility before God seriously and act on the truth that they had already received.
I think any gathering could benefit from the truth Gordon was sharing, but particularly a beginning gathering that is seeking to be more established and express the life of God in their locality.
The recording of this time of ministry is also located on the NT Church Source web site at the following link:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/audio/
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 62 Evaluation and criticism
Paul said in one place that we are to examine ourselves, to test ourselves. He was speaking to a church that was struggling with some serious issues, and He was admonishing them to be honest with where they were in the Lord. Are we always willing to face honest evaluation? To evaluate ourselves honestly is not easy. Our first tendency is usually to defend ourselves when criticized in some way. But when we do that, we usually close the door to progress in that area. If we are at rest in our relationship with God, we should never need to fear what comes to us through others. In addition, we need to be able to honestly evaluate ourselves before God, allowing the Holy Spirit to search us as He chooses. This is an essential element of spiritual progress.
• Accusation is usually hard to deal with
o It touches our person
o Our humility is tested (Phil. 2:3)
o Others do not know our hearts, but they see our actions
• Evaluation of our actions may be accurate
o They can be more objective
o They see the actions, not the intent
o We should be thankful that they care enough to speak to us (Eph. 4:15)
• Evaluation of our actions may be wrong
o Standing for truth will bring persecution (John 15:20)
o We must know that we are holding truth in love
o We can rejoice as we share in the sufferings of Christ (Phil. 3:10)
• A mixture of right and wrong
o Need a spirit of humility to not immediately reject
o The Holy Spirit to sift and sort as we wait upon God
• I would like to have your evaluation of this podcast
o What has it meant to you?
o How can I improve?
o What subjects would you like to see addressed?
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 61 The Fear of God
There are many scriptures that speak about “the fear of God.” In our time, it seems that is not a very popular subject. We would much rather speak about the love of God. But we dare not ignore any area of truth and concentrate on things we like. Should we fear God? In the Old Testament there is much mention of those who feared God. But there are also many scriptures in the New Testament that speak of the fear of God. How do we reconcile the love of God and the fear of God? Is there a right fear of God? Should a fear of displeasing God be a motivation in our lives?
• There is only one God (Old Testament and New Testament)
• Words (such as love and fear) need to be understood in context
o Love—4 Greek nouns
o Fear—3 Greek nouns
• The love of God (action) comes to God even in fear and trembling
• We come to God because of Jesus Christ and what he has done
• We always come in reverence (Godly fear), not familiarity
• A proper fear of God will inspire:
o A worship that is pleasing to God (John 4:21-24)
o A circumspect walk (Acts 9:31)
o A fear of touching the “unclean thing” (2 Cor. 6:11-7:1)
o A carefulness in our relationships with others (Eph. 4:25-5:21
o Careful attention to this great salvation (Phil. 2:12)
o An acceptable service to God (Hebrews 12)
• How do we get a right kind of fear?
o Revelation of who God is by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2)
o Asking God to reveal Himself to us (John 14)
o A careful reading of scriptural accounts that reveal God in action
o Waiting before God (giving Him undivided attention)
o Meditation on the majesty of God in all things (His divine attributes)
o Obedience
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 60 God as He Is
Who is God? Do we know who He is? That may sound like a very elementary question, but I do not believe it is. God is vastly more than we realize. So many times we serve a God of our own creation rather than God as He is. How can we have a greater revelation of the true God of this universe? It is impossible for us to grasp God in our natural mind. The scriptures are very clear that only the Holy Spirit can reveal God to our hearts. Even though we read the scriptures diligently, we are still utterly dependent on God to open the eyes of our hearts to an expanding revelation of who God is. To know God as He is must be the focus of our entire lives. Everything else, our worship, our experience of His grace, and our service depends on a proper revelation by the Spirit of Who He is.
Today I want to share a time of ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. It was given in March 1983 in a gathering in West Palm Beach, Florida. I was present at that time and benefited, but I was again encouraged and challenged as I listened to it again. I trust you will also be edified as you listen. The recording can also be found on the web site listed below.
Look for “God as He Is” at this link:
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/audio/
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 59 Spiritual Warfare
What is spiritual warfare? This term is often used today, but the meaning behind the term is quite different in many cases. Are we involved in a war? If so, what is the war and what are the weapons of this war? Let us turn to the scriptures for guidance in this matter. It is very easy for us to take bits of scripture here and there and construct our own idea of the conflict based on our own reasoning as relates to our current situation. It is challenging to step back from the immediate conflict and gain God’s view. But I believe this is the right way to come to God’s answer. Then we can view our current situation properly and know how to go forward in God’s grace.
• The war is between God and Satan
o The conflict originated in heaven
o The conflict is a conflict in authority (who will be God)
• The conflict was brought to earth when Satan deceived Adam and Eve
o God gave Adam authority over the earth
o Satan usurped that authority through deception
o Satan is called “the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4)
• Christ won the conflict with Satan at Calvary
o Now is Satan cast out (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11)
o Jesus won by submission to the Father (Phil 2:5-11)
o In the resurrection the triumph was complete (I Cor. 15)
o All authority has now been given to Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20)
o Satan is now a defeated foe, waiting for his final doom
o God leaves him loose for His purpose
• Our victory is “In Christ”
o We enter into union with Him in the Spirit
o We are now seated with Him in heavenly places by faith (Eph. 2:1-10)
o His victory is now our victory as we abide in Him
• Some key elements in our warfare—having done all we stand (Eph. 6:10-20)
o Truth
o Righteousness
o Gospel of peace
o Faith
o Salvation
o The word of God
o Prayer
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 58 Evidence of God’s presence in His temple
What is the evidence that God is dwelling in His temple? We know what it was in the Tabernacle. It was a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. But when God took up residence in His church on the day of Pentecost what was the evidence then? Is it the same today? I think we must all come before God in this matter with a humble heart, ready to hear, ready to learn, and if necessary ready to change. If we come with our preconceived ideas we may see what we want. But let us come asking Jesus to anoint our spiritual eyes with eye salve that we may see all things as He does. We must be looking for the right things or we may miss God Himself.
• The coming of God (the Holy Spirit) in His temple was obvious (Acts 2:1-4)
o A rushing wind, tongues of fire, and prophecy (the wonderful works of God)
o This event was fulfilment of prophecy (2:17-21)
• The continuing working of God was manifest in many ways
o Conviction of sin (2:37)
o Obedience to God’s word (2:41)
o Teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer (2:42)
o Fear of God, miraculous signs (2:43)
o A communal spirit (2:46)
o Praise to God (2:47)
o Addition of more believers
• As a gathering matures, other manifestations are more obvious
o A plurality of God-given leadership
o A ministry that feeds the flock with Christ
• The presence of God does not necessarily mean spirituality in believers
o God’s presence in the Corinthian church was evident (I Cor. 1:4-9)
o The expression from the Corinthian church was “carnal” (I Cor. 3:1)
• God’s continued presence in His temple is contingent upon our obedience
o God gives us time to obey
o The churches in Revelation are an example (chapters 2 and 3)
o The indication that God is present and in control of an assembly of His people is an expanding expression of Christ (Testimony)
o God does not just want to be present but rather acknowledged as God. His purpose is that we walk in all truth, not just a part.
o Unity, love, and holiness is fruit that comes from the abiding presence of God
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 57 Discipline in the Church of God
The subject of discipline in the Household of God is a very touchy subject. To avoid the problems, some have concluded that we should never be involved in such things (“Judge not”). Others have done this in a very harsh way that has left severe damage in lives. Is there a right way? Should the church ever discipline members? If so, how? As we look briefly at this subject today, I would encourage us to come carefully to the scriptures and ask God to reveal His mind. I think we all want to do the will of God, and we know that we are our brother’s keeper. Love cares for each member, and the scriptures give some clear direction. Even though discipline is challenging to say the least, love must be a love of action.
• Discipline is in the context of the Family of God
o The church is universal in scope but local in expression
o Members are part by their own choice in faith
• Love is expressed in Godly care
o Discipline is love in action
o Speaking the truth in love is done in relationship (Eph. 4:15-16)
• Addressing a need is always progressive (Matt. 18:15-20)
o Making a distinction (Jude 22, I Thes. 5:14)
o Consistency is critical
• A care for the person and the testimony
o The expression of every member is important to the local testimony (2 Thes. 3:6-15)
o No member is except from accountability (I Cor. 12:20-26)
o Teachers are held to a higher standard (James 3:1)
• The grace of God and spiritual direction is critical
o We should never move beyond the grace of God
o We should never stand between another member and Christ
• The end goal of any correction or discipline is the restoration of fellowship (Heb. 12:3-12)
o God knows the heart, but man judges the outward actions
o Fellowship with God is revealed in fellowship with one another (I John)
• The church properly expressed is the Temple of God in reality
http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/discipline-in-the-body-of-christ/
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 56 The Temple of God
A common theme among most religions of the world is a temple for worship. This is a central part of Christianity as well, but the New Covenant expression of that is very different from all other religions and even the temple that we see in the Old Testament. What is the Temple of God in the New Covenant? In the final words of Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 he said that God does not dwell in temples made with hands. What then was the meaning of the Old Covenant temple? I believe we can agree that in our time the church is the Temple of God. What does that mean to God? What does that mean to us?
• The Tabernacle
o The first “temple” that we see in the Old Testament
o Constructed exactly according to the pattern given by God
o All parts spoke of Christ in some way
o Was filled with the presence of God when completed (Exodus 40:34-38)
• The Temple
o Was patterned in many ways after the Tabernacle
o The critical elements of the Tabernacle were put there
o The presence of God filled the temple upon completion (I Kings 8:10-13)
• Jesus
o Spoke of Himself as the “temple” (John 2:18-22)
o The Holy Spirit came to abide at the Jordan (Matt. 3:16-17)
o The presence of God dwelt in Jesus in fullness (John 1, Hebrews 1, Col. 1:19)
• The church today is now the Temple of God
o Indwelt by the presence of God by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2)
o The fullness of God now dwells in the church (Eph. 1:23 3:19)
o All believers are now priests unto God (I Peter 2:4-9)
o We are to offer spiritual sacrifices to God (Rom. 12:1, I Peter 2:5)
• The New Jerusalem
o No temple for God Himself is the temple (Rev. 21:22)
o God Himself is the glory and light
• As Individual members today
o A living stone fitted in by God
o Separated from this world, holy (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 55 Spiritual Gifts
I think that most of us are aware that there is considerable disagreement in Christianity concerning the place that spiritual gifts hold in the church today. That is certainly unfortunate to say the least. What is the purpose of these gifts? Are they for us today? So many seem to have either dismissed spiritual gifts saying they were only for the early church while others have pursued them but ignored the instruction given by Paul to ensure that all are edified by their use. Why is there so much confusion? Can we come to a place of clarity on this subject? Can we partake of all of God’s provision for His purpose and glory?
• The Holy Spirit in Acts is the same for us today
o The Bible does not replace the Holy Spirit
o God is a supernatural God
o Every provision of God is for a specific purpose
• Spiritual gifts are given to each one for the profit of all (I Cor. 12:1-11)
o All members may experience the manifestation of the Spirit
o The Holy Spirit distributes “as He wills”
o The experience of God’s provision is under the authority of Christ
• We are to desire “spirituals” and pursue love (I Cor. 14:1)
o Prophecy is identified as a focus for edification, exhortation, and comfort
o Love is not a special gift but rather how the gifts should be exercised
• The Corinthian church is not the “model church” of the New Testament
o God was active in their midst to minister to needs
o Paul’s ministry was primarily to “set things in order” for edification
o Paul’s grace was needed to meet the needs that gifts had not met
• What we can learn from the experience of the Corinthians
o Spirituals have not passed away
o We need all of God’s provision to achieve God’s results
o We will experience the provision of God as we “desire”
o In all things, we experience God as we walk in faith
o We always learn through consistent exercise (experience)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 54 The Transformation of our Mind
The mind is one of the most critical members of our body, and Paul says it is also the focus of the transformation of our whole person. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” How is this accomplished? What is our part? What is God’s part? To see our mind transformed where we think properly about all things is a major work. So many of our problems can be traced back to wrong thinking about God, about what He is doing in this time, about others, and about ourselves. Yet God has made full provision for our mind to be renewed so that we can have the mind of God in all things.
• Repentance is a change of mind and heart
o It begins when we turn from the world to Christ
o It continues when we see a direction we are taking is wrong
o It is true repentance when it is accompanied by deeds
• When we are born again (born of the Spirit):
o We have a new connection to God (life)
o We have a new heart (desire to please God and do His will)
o We have access to God’s grace through faith
o We must now bring the whole body under God’s control through obedience
• Some key elements of the transformation of the mind
o A teachable, submissive spirit (ready to take instruction)
o Giving focused attention to the scriptures
o Seek out sound ministry (a ministry of Christ Jesus)
o Making ourselves available to the grace of oversight
o Fellowship with other believers
o Look for the Holy Spirit to teach us in all things
o Obedience when light comes to us, no matter how small
• Confront truth and agree with God, even if it results in conflict
• Don’t defend ourselves and past behavior, but rather in humility embrace change
• Be consistent until our normal response is to “think in God” or according to God
• A renewed mind results in revelation as we experience God in the midst of need
The School of Christ—Learning by Revelation (T. Austin-Sparks)
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001035.html
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 53 The Grace of God
This is David Sheats on Anchor of Truth. There probably is no word in the Christian vocabulary that is more well-known than the word “grace.” Yet at the same time, there is also a very great divergence of understanding what the grace of God is and what it means to each of us. We are told that grace came to us in Christ Jesus our Lord? What does that mean to you and me? What do we expect in our relationship with Jesus? Our expectations are important, because if we are looking for the wrong thing, we may miss the Lord when He is right before us. Israel had wrong expectations of the Messiah, so when Jesus was before them most did not recognize Him. This is also a danger for us. Let us look again at what has come to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• Grace is in the person of Christ (John 1:14-17)
o Grace includes mercy but is more than that (Heb. 4:16)
o Grace includes ability from God to change us into His likeness (Titus 2:11-14)
o Grace is unmerited favor, but the favor is for strength to serve God (Heb. 12:28)
• Grace is unlimited to meet every need because:
o It is in Christ Jesus (God) who has no limits (2 Tim. 1:9, 2:1)
o Is given as a gift (not earned) (Rom. 5:15)
o Is for the eternal purpose of God (Rom. 8:28)
• Grace is varied because:
o God is sovereign (as he chooses)(Eph. 4:7)
o God is fully creative and original (look at His creation)
• There are conditions to experience the grace of God
o Must come to God in faith (Rom. 5:2, Eph. 2:8)
o Must forsake sin (repentance) (Gal. 5:4)
• Grace expresses God in the flesh to others
o Paul was a gift of grace to us (Eph. 3:1-13)
o God has given grace to each one to express Himself (Eph. 4:7)
• The grace of God is revealed in Christ to take us into eternity with God (I Peter 1:13)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 52 The Kingdom of God
This is David Sheats on Anchor of Truth. Jesus said we should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. What is the kingdom of God? Is it something in the future or now? Is it a kingdom that can be seen or is it hidden? How do we obey this command of Jesus? There is much discussion related to this subject, and as with so many subjects, we can hardly begin to answer the questions in such a short time. But Jesus spoke much about the kingdom of God so I believe He expected us to have some understanding on how it applies to us. While this is a big subject, let us focus on what it means to us today.
• Some statements by Jesus concerning the kingdom of God
o Seek first the Kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33)
o It does not come by observation, is within you (Luke 17:20-21)
o You must be born again to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3)
o “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
o There are mysteries relating to the kingdom (Luke 8:10)
• God chose Israel as a nation to express Himself in this world (Deut. 6:7-8)
o Jesus was the king of the Jews (Matt. 2:2, 27:11, 27:37)
o Israel did not recognize or receive Jesus as their king (Matt. 21:33-46, John 19:15)
o The kingdom of God was taken from Israel and given to another (Matt. 21:43)
• God chose the church as the Body of Christ to express Himself to the world
o Jesus expounded truths pertaining to His kingdom after His resurrection (Acts 1:3)
o The Holy Spirit was given to bring the kingdom of God within (Acts 2:36, I Cor. 12:3)
o The church is the present expression of the kingdom of God on earth (Eph. 2:19, I Peter 2:9)
o The disciples taught truths concerning the kingdom of God (Acts 8:12, 14:22, 19:8)
• The authority of God is manifested in earthly bodies and has physical effects
o Christ was the expression of the kingdom of God during his earthly ministry
o The church is the present Body of Christ
o The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17)
o Where Christ reigns as Lord, the character of God is revealed in this world
o God’s purpose is that the local assembly of believers should be a pure expression of God
• One day the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of God (Rev. 11:15, 12:10)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 51 The Sovereignty of God
Perhaps no other subject challenges us quite so much is how God can be sovereign and still give man a free choice. The question arises in many ways and the answers do not come easily. Are real answers possible that will help us in our walk with God? Men have struggled with this question for centuries, and in our short time here we would not suggest that we are even going to begin to answer every question. But I do think there are some basic truths that can help us and bring us to a solid foundation of our faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• God is much bigger than we commonly think
o He is eternal (no beginning and no end)
o He is all powerful
o He is Omnipresent and Omniscient (knows all things)
o Every Divine Attribute is without limit and in perfect harmony
• Jesus revealed God to us in human form (John 14:9, Col. 1:19, 2:9)
o Jesus was God in the flesh (“I am”)
o He said He was the beginning and the end
o All things are being summed up in Christ (I Cor. 15:28)
• God has sovereignly chosen to work all things in Christ Jesus our Lord
• He has given us a free choice to submit to Christ as Lord and Savior
• Faith rests on the foundation of an infinite God who has chosen to include us in Christ
• Our fulfilment in God (fullness) depends on
o Union by the Holy Spirit (beginning and continuing)
o Faith which rests in God and who He is (Heb. 11:6)
o Obedience to Christ as Lord (members of His body)
• Rest comes as we abide in Christ (who is God and sovereign)
• Struggle comes as we reason, depend on ourselves, and exert our own will
• Sovereignty and free choice are not contradictory but rather complementary
Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer
https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Holy-W-Tozer/dp/161895198X
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 50 You are light in the Lord
We all need light to walk in, and Spiritual light is critical to be able to walk in the Spirit. What is spiritual light? How do we get it? What should we expect if we have light to walk in? Jesus said that He was the light of the world. He also said that we are the light of the world. Paul told us that we are light in the Lord. We are commanded to walk in the light as He is in the light. As we walk in the light as He is in the light we will have fellowship with one another, and we are cleansed from our sin.
• Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12)
o Light is in the person of God
o We come into the light in His life (union) (John 1:4)
• Light is not simply intellectual understanding
o Light requires faith (commitment to Christ as Lord) (John 12:35,36)
o Light requires obedience to Christ as Lord (John 3:19,20)
o Light requires continuous walking in the light that He gives (I John 1:7)
• We become light in a proper relationship with Christ (Eph. 5:8)
• Light is costly (Rev. 3:18)
o Light comes with a “good eye” (Luke 11:33-36)
o Walking in the light means no hidden issues
o Humility, nothing to hide, an honest heart looking to the Lord to walk in truth
• Our calling is to shine as light in a world of darkness (Matt. 5:14, I Peter 2:9)
o Walking in the light results in an expression of Christ
o Walking in the light will expose sin (darkness) around us. (Eph. 5:13)
o Walking in the light will bring conflict (2 Cor. 11:14)
o We stand in victory as we abide in Christ (light) in the darkness
• The end of all things is God as the only light in the New Jerusalem
Spiritual Sight by T. Austin-Sparks
http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001063.html
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 49 In the Spirit
God is Spirit, and we are commanded to worship God in spirit and in truth. We are to live in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, pray in the Spirit, worship in the Spirit, and know each other according to the Spirit. What does God mean by “in the Spirit”? How do we do these things? The whole working of God in a spiritual work. Since God is Spirit, to know God we must know what this means in a practical way. The opposite to knowing God in the Spirit is to seek to know God with our natural senses. If we do this, it leads us into religion and we will find ourselves bound by our concepts, desires, and human limitations. God has made the way to be delivered from the limitations of the flesh into His glorious presence.
• God is Spirit
o Man is made in God’s image (a spiritual being)
o We have a spirit, but born separate from God due to sin
o We begin “in the Spirit” when we are born of the Spirit (Gal. 3:3)
o Our spirit is joined to His Spirit and we are made alive to God (I Cor. 6:17)
• God expects us to continue in the Spirit
o To live in the Spirit (Rom. 8:5)
o To be led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14)
o Assurance of relationship (Rom. 8:16)
o To know the things of God (I Cor. 2:10-12)
o To pray in the Spirit (Jude 20)
o To worship in the Spirit (John 4:24)
• Evidence (fruit) that comes from a life in the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)
o Peace with God (Rom. 5:1)
o Righteousness that comes from a walk of faith
o Harmony with God’s children (Eph. 4:3)
• Conflict with God (and His children) comes when:
o We touch sin in some way
o We resist the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51)
o We quench the Holy Spirit (I Thes. 5:19)
o We grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30)
o We have something to defend or hide
• To try to know God in the flesh is constant struggle
• To know God in the Spirit is life and peace
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 48 Experiencing God’s grace in relationships
What is the greatest challenge that we face in our lives? While there may be many answers to that question, I would say that perhaps the greatest challenge that most of us face has to do with relationships. Why should that be so? How can we know God’s grace in every relationship? We often struggle with close relationships in our family. We often are challenged in relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are challenged in our relationships in our jobs. And certainly nations are challenged as men strive to be at peace with one another. We want to concentrate today on our relationships as brothers and sisters in Christ that we may see clearly God’s chosen way for growth.
• Why are relationships such a challenge?
o The effects of sin (in our person and in the world)
o Selfishness (James 4:1-6)
o Not seeing others through God’s eyes (His care for every person)
• The foundation of success is death to self
o Accomplished at Calvary for the human race
o Begun in experience when we are baptized into His death
o Continued as we abide in Christ (daily relationship)
• Recognize that God’s grace comes to me through others (Eph. 4:7, Acts 4:33, 20:32)
o He uses men to proclaim the gospel to us
o He uses men to care for us and meet our needs
o He uses men to instruct us in the way of righteousness
• Recognize that God uses each of us to minister to others
o God makes us a channel of His love and care to others
o Selfishness is driven from us as we give ourselves to labor in the lives of others
o The cost of laboring is very real (laying down our lives)
• At the heart of discipleship is the question of accountability
o Am I willing to be accountable to God for the grace coming to me through others?
o Am I willing to be accountable for the grace God has given me for others?
o Accountability is very critical for change and growth
• In His sovereignty God has chosen to:
o Work all things in Christ Jesus
o Work in and through men
o Hold us accountable in every relationship (receiving and giving)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 47 Overcoming all things in Christ
The promises of God to the churches in Revelation are to the overcomers. What does it mean to “overcome”? How do we overcome all things? We all face trials of one kind or another, and I think each one of us wants to triumph in these trials. God has made a way for us to do this in Jesus Christ our Lord. It is important that we understand how God has designed for us to go through the trials of this life in victory. It is not by strength of character or determination. It is not a matter of just believing that everything will work out ok even though we don’t understand. Our victory is based on what Christ did. He overcame all things, and we overcome in Him.
• We do not overcome because
o We just believe everything will work out ok
o We just try to follow the example of Christ
o We try to explain everything by our natural reasoning
• The basis of our victory is the victory of Christ at Calvary
o He overcame all things (Rev. 3:21)
o Christ destroyed the power of the enemy at Calvary (Col 2:8-23, esp. vs 15)
o Christ now is seated at the right hand of God--authority over all (Eph. 1:20, Heb. 8:1)
o If we are “in Christ” then we are seated with Him (Eph. 2:6)
• The basis of our victory is abiding in Christ (union)
o We must first enter into this union by the Spirit
o We cease from our efforts (will power), trying to please God on our own
o Acknowledge our complete dependence on Christ (death to self)
o Resting by faith in Him, His grace, wisdom, and strength
o Obeying when He speaks and light comes
• Victory is in very practical things
o Over sin (a heart of righteousness to do the will of God)
o Brings our whole self under God’s control (mind, desires, emotions, words, deeds)
o Makes us a channel of God’s grace to others
o Keeps us in peace in the midst of the storms of life
o Strength to keep going when the flesh wants to give up
o Ability to stand in truth when pressed to compromise
o Wisdom when there seems to be no way
o Love in the face of hate
o A thankful heart, even in trials
o Worship in the midst of sacrifice
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 46 The trial of our faith
As Christians we often speak of faith and rightly so. But what is faith? How do we know we are walking in faith? What is the “trial of our faith”? We find ourselves challenged in this matter at every turn, yet the only way we can please God is by walking in faith. Sometimes what we call faith is only a strong determination to believe God for what we want to see happen. But faith that originates from us and our desires is not faith. Faith must originate from God and is given to do His will. This is where the weakness often is found. We are here for God, and God gives His grace to enable us to do His will, not ours. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
• Faith is not
o Wishful thinking
o Mind over matter
o The way we get what we want
• What is faith?
o Faith is the “assurance of things hoped for” because God has spoken (Heb. 11:1)
o Faith is based on the word of God (Rom. 10:17)
o Jesus is the Author of our faith (Heb. 12:1,2)
o Jesus is the Finisher of our faith
• Faith comes as we abide in Christ
o Faith requires relationship (John 15:7)
o Faith is imparted for the purpose and glory of God (Acts 3:1-10)
o Living in faith takes issues out of our hands and puts them in God’s hands
• A central issue is death to the natural man
o Paul—I have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20)
o God has designed that we live His life by His faith
o No flesh shall glory in His presence (I Cor. 1:29)
• The trial of our faith works eternal issues
o Patience (James 1:1-7)
o Experience of God’s wisdom
o Steadfastness
o A testimony that brings glory to God, not man
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 45 Worship in Spirit and Truth
Jesus said the hour has now come when true worshipers will worship God in spirit and truth, and that the Father is seeking such to worship Him. What does it mean to worship God in spirit and truth? How important is that to God? Are we fulfilling the desire of our Father in this? Most Christians today would readily acknowledge that worship is a very important part of the Christian life. But many times our understanding or expression of worship to God is shallow or even wrong. It is often confined to an hour of singing in a special place and led by a single person. I would encourage us to examine the scriptures again for a fresh understanding of what kind of worship is pleasing to God, so that we may not fail to give God that which He desires and deserves.
• What is Worship?
o To do reverence or homage, by prostration, pay Divine homage, adore
o “The overflow of a grateful heart, under a sense of Divine favor”
o “The outpouring of a soul at rest in the presence of God”
o “The occupation of the heart, not with its needs or blessings, but with God Himself”
o “The upspring of a heart that has known the Father as Giver, the Son as Savior, and the Holy Spirit as the indwelling Guest”
• The first mention of worship in scripture (Abraham in Gen. 22:5)
o Initiated by God (a word from God)
o Conditioned by faith (Heb. 11:17)
o Involves sacrifice
o Separation unto God
o Renunciation of self
o Glorifies God
o Blessing to the worshiper
• Distinction between prayer, praise, and worship
o Prayer—occupation of the soul with needs
o Praise—occupation of the soul with its blessings
o Worship—occupation of the soul with God Himself
• Worship of Christ by the “wise men” (Matt. 2:1-12
• By Mary of Bethany (John 12:1-11)
A classic on the subject of worship by Gibbs
https://www.amazon.com/Worship-Christians-Occupation-P-Gibbs/dp/1593871643
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com
Episode 44 The ministry of Intercession
Perhaps the most basic instinct in men is to pray. Even the person that does not confess to believing in God finds themselves praying in an hour of crisis. What is prayer? Why pray? How should we pray? In many ways, prayer is one of the greatest mysteries in the life of the Christian, while at the same time even a small child can pray. We are commanded to “pray without ceasing.” The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Let us be encouraged in this great labor that God has called us to.
• Prayer is communication with God
o In prayer we face God directly
o Acknowledges the sovereignty of God
• We pray because
o God commanded us to
o It is the way God has involved us in what He is doing
o We are concerned about the things of God (Matt. 6:10)
o We care about others
• How do we pray
o Should be inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26,27)
o In the will of God
o In private (Matt. 6:6)
o With others (agreeing together, Matt 18:19)
o Without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17, Col. 4:2)
o From the heart (John 15:7)
o In the name of Jesus (John 14:13)
• Prayer is a labor
• We learn to pray by praying
An excellent booklet on prayer is Pray in the Spirit by Arthur Wallis
https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Spirit-Arthur-Wallis-ebook/dp/B007AN88FY#nav-subnav
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com