What is a Christian - Week 5 - Who is the Holy Spirit?

Understanding the Holy Spirit: His Role and Purpose in Our Lives

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in completing God's work both in individual believers and in the world. While Jesus began the work of salvation through His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit continues and completes this work in powerful ways.

Who is the Holy Spirit and What Does He Do?

The Holy Spirit was present at creation, hovering over the waters before anything existed. He is the first member of the Trinity specifically named in Scripture. His primary roles include:

1. Giving spiritual life to believers

2. Sealing believers as God's possession

3. Acting as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance

4. Teaching truth and convicting of sin

5. Leading believers into deeper relationship with God

6. Empowering believers to be witnesses

How Does the Holy Spirit Work in Believers' Lives?

The Spirit works in several key ways:

1. Helps put to death sinful deeds

2. Leads believers to see themselves as God's children

3. Enables crying out to God as "Abba Father"

4. Testifies that we belong to God

5. Intercedes in prayer when we don't know how to pray

6. Provides power for ministry and witness

Why is the Holy Spirit Often Forgotten?

Despite the Spirit's vital role, He is sometimes the "forgotten God" in churches today. This may be because:

1. We focus primarily on Jesus and the Father

2. The Spirit's work is often invisible/internal

3. We don't actively seek or expect the Spirit's presence

4. We rely too much on our physical senses rather than spiritual awareness

Life Application

To experience more of the Holy Spirit's work in your life:

1. Actively seek the Spirit's presence through prayer and Scripture

2. Learn to recognize His voice of conviction versus condemnation

3. Expect Him to work in and through you

4. Trust His power rather than your own abilities

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you see evidence of the Spirit working in your life?

2. Are you actively seeking His presence and guidance?

3. What areas do you need to surrender to His transforming work?

4. How might God want to use you as His witness if you fully relied on the Spirit's power?

The Holy Spirit wants to complete God's work in you and through you. Will you let Him?

What is a Christian - Week 4 - Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus? Understanding His True Identity and Impact

Jesus is more than just a historical figure or religious teacher - He is the only way to truly see God, understand our world, and know ourselves. This profound truth has implications for every aspect of our lives.

How Does Jesus Help Us See God?

The Bible describes Jesus as "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). While many claim to know God, Scripture teaches that we can only truly know and see God through Jesus Christ. When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus responded that anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father.

What Makes Jesus Different from Other Religious Figures?

Unlike other prophets or teachers, Jesus claimed to be God Himself. He stated "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This bold claim sets Jesus apart - He didn't just point to God, He claimed to be God in human form.

How Does Jesus Help Us Understand the World?

According to John 1:1-3, Jesus (referred to as "the Word") was present at creation and all things were made through Him. This means that to truly understand our world - including relationships, purpose, ethics, and morality - we must view it through the lens of Christ. Without this perspective, we're like someone trying to navigate life without glasses when they need them.

What Does Jesus Reveal About Our Identity?

We cannot fully understand ourselves outside of Christ. Colossians 2:9-10 teaches that "in Christ all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form" and through Him we are "brought to fullness." Our true identity and purpose can only be found through relationship with Jesus.

Life Application

This week, consider how you view God, the world, and yourself. Are you trying to navigate life without the clear vision that comes through knowing Jesus? Here are some questions to reflect on:

1. Do you truly know who Jesus is, or are you relying on others' opinions?

2. Are you viewing your relationships, purpose, and challenges through the lens of Christ?

3. Have you allowed Jesus to reveal your true identity, or are you still trying to define yourself?

Take time this week to get to know Jesus better through reading the Gospels, joining a Bible study group, or simply talking to Him in prayer. Remember - blessed are those who believe without seeing.

What is a Christian Week 3 - What Went Wrong?

What Went Wrong? Understanding Sin and Redemption

When examining the fundamental question of what went wrong with humanity, we must look back to the beginning - the Garden of Eden. This pivotal moment shaped the course of human history and our relationship with God.

The Original Sin: Choosing Desires Over God's Word

In Genesis 2-3, God gave Adam and Eve clear instructions not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, when tempted by the serpent, they chose to follow their own desires rather than trust God's word. The serpent used crafty half-truths to question God's authority and play on their desires.

Why Do We Still Struggle with Sin Today?

The same pattern continues today - we know what God wants but instead choose to:

1. Trust our own sight and understanding

2. Follow our desires and feelings

3. Try to fit God around our plans rather than shape our lives around His will

4. Suppress truth in favor of what we want

The Consequences of Rejecting God's Truth

When we reject God's standards and truth:

1. We experience separation from God

2. Our thinking becomes futile

3. We exchange truth for lies

4. God "gives us over" to our sinful desires

5. Society descends into moral chaos

How Can We Return to God?

The solution begins with belief and faith:

1. Taking God at His word even when we don't fully understand

2. Trusting His ways are better than our desires

3. Accepting that our human understanding is extremely limited

4. Believing in Jesus' sacrifice for our redemption

Life Application

This week, examine areas where you're trusting your own desires and understanding rather than God's word. Ask yourself:

1. Where am I trying to fit God around my plans instead of shaping my life around His will?

2. What desires am I placing above God's clear instructions?

3. Am I willing to take God at His word even when it doesn't make sense to me?

Challenge: Choose one area where you've been following your own understanding and commit to taking God at His word instead. Study scripture related to that area and pray for the strength to trust His way over your desires.

Remember - we don't have to fully understand everything to believe. Faith means trusting God even when we can't see or comprehend the full picture.

What is a Christian Week 2 - What Makes Humans Unique?

What Makes Humans Unique? Understanding Our Divine Identity

In a world that often questions humanity's purpose and worth, understanding what makes humans unique is crucial to our identity and purpose. The answer lies in the opening chapters of Genesis, which reveal that humanity's uniqueness is rooted in being created in God's image.

Why Were Humans Created Differently Than Other Creation?

Unlike the rest of creation which was spoken into existence, humans were intentionally and deliberately created by God. Genesis 1:26 introduces a fascinating detail when God says "Let us make mankind in our image" - revealing the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) working together in humanity's creation.

What Does It Mean to Be Made in God's Image?

Being made in God's image means we partially reflect His attributes in several ways:

1. Creativity and innovation

2. Intellectual capacity and rational thought

3. Ability for moral decision-making

4. Created for relationship and community

5. Sense of moral responsibility

Three Key Aspects of Human Uniqueness

1. Created with Divine Intent

There are no accidental people - every person is created by God's deliberate will. We are not mistakes or accidents, but intentionally formed with purpose and meaning.

2. Created from Divine Image

We reflect God's attributes through:

- Creative abilities

- Rational thinking

- Moral understanding

- Capacity for relationships

-Accountability for choices

3. Created for Divine Impact

Humans were given authority to:

- Steward creation responsibly

- Cultivate goodness

- Point others to God

- Live out God's grace to all people

How Does This Impact Our Daily Lives?

Understanding our divine identity affects:

1. How we view ourselves and others

2. The way we handle relationships

3. Our stewardship of resources

4. Our purpose in the world

5. Our responsibility to creation

Life Application

This week, consider these challenging questions:

1. How am I reflecting God's image in my daily interactions?

2. Am I treating others as valuable image-bearers of God, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyle?

3. How can I better steward the resources and relationships God has entrusted to me?

Take action by:

1. Intentionally seeing others through God's eyes

2. Treating every person with dignity and respect

3. Using your God-given creativity and abilities to serve others

4. Being a faithful steward of creation and resources

5. Living in a way that points others to God's love and grace

Remember: Your worth isn't based on what you do, but on whose you are - a cherished creation made in God's image with unique purpose and value.

What Is A Christian: Week 1 - Who Is God?

Understanding Who God Is: A Deep Dive into His Nature and Character

When we try to define who God is, our human minds often struggle to fully grasp His nature. While some might picture a figure in the clouds, God's true nature is far more complex and magnificent.

God as the Holy and All-Powerful Creator

Genesis 1:1 reveals God as the creator of everything - both the physical and spiritual realms. With just His words, He spoke the entire universe into existence. Consider this: our galaxy alone contains around 300 billion stars, and scientists estimate there are up to 2 trillion galaxies in our observable universe.

This creative power demonstrates God's unlimited authority and might. He is not just powerful - He is all-powerful, able to create entire realms of existence with mere words.

God's Holiness and Our Response

In Isaiah 6, we see a profound vision of God's holiness. Even mighty seraphim cover their faces in His presence, crying "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty." Isaiah's response to this vision was immediate recognition of his own unworthiness - an appropriate response to God's perfect holiness.

God as King and Authority

As Creator, God has rightful authority over His creation. This can be challenging for humans, especially in our independent-minded culture. Yet His kingship is fundamentally different from human authority - it's perfect, just, and motivated by love.

The Patient and Merciful Judge

While God is judge, He is also:

1. Compassionate and gracious

2. Slow to anger

3. Abounding in love and faithfulness

4. Patient with His people

As stated in 2 Peter 3:9, He is "patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God as Our Loving Father

Perhaps most remarkably, this all-powerful, holy God desires to be known as our Father. John 3:16 demonstrates this paternal love - He gave His Son to save us, not to condemn us. His ultimate goal is our redemption and restoration.

Life Application

Understanding who God is should transform how we live. Consider these questions:

1. How does your view of God affect your daily life and decisions?

2. Does your prayer and worship reflect an understanding of both God's majesty and His fatherly love?

3. Are you living in response to God's patience and mercy toward you?

This week, challenge yourself to approach God with both the reverence He deserves as Creator and King, and the confidence He offers as our loving Father. Let this understanding shape your worship, prayer, and daily walk with Him.

Remember: When we truly know who God is, it naturally leads us to repentance and transformation. As Romans 12:1-2 teaches, our proper response is to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, being transformed by the renewing of our minds.

If you’d like a reminder, click here to download this image you can use on your phone to remind you of who God is every time you look at your phone! https://www.hopesummitchurch.com/wiac

Living Together in Light of Christ's Return: 1st Thessalonians 5:12-28

Living Together in Light of Christ's Return: A Call to Unity and Love

The anticipation of Christ's return should fundamentally shape how we live and interact with one another as believers. Rather than viewing Christianity as a set of individual rules for conduct, we are called to live in unity and love, ensuring no one gets left behind as we await Jesus' return.

Why Does Christ's Return Matter for How We Live?

The early church lived with an acute awareness that Jesus could return at any moment. While 2,000 years have passed and we may have grown complacent, we are called to maintain this same sense of urgency and anticipation. This tension should motivate how we treat one another and live out our faith.

What Are the Key Ways We Should Live in Light of Christ's Return?

1. Acknowledge and appreciate those working hard for the Kingdom

2. Live in peace with one another

3. Warn those who are idle or disruptive

4. Encourage the disheartened

5. Help the weak

6. Be patient with everyone

7. Don't repay wrong for wrong

8. Strive to do good for each other

Why Unity Matters More Than Individual Salvation

The American church often emphasizes individual salvation, but Scripture presents a different picture. Jesus died "so that we may live together with him" (1 Thessalonians 5:10). The goal isn't just personal salvation, but arriving together as the unified body of Christ.

How Should We View Those Who Might Get Left Behind?

We must actively look for those at risk of being left behind:

1. The discouraged and weak

2. Those who have grown idle in their faith

3. The disruptive ones causing division

4. Those we struggle to love

Our call is to ensure no one gets left behind, reflecting Christ's heart that none should perish.

Life Application

Consider these questions:

1. Who in your life might be at risk of being left behind spiritually?

2. What specific action can you take this week to encourage, strengthen, or restore unity with another believer?

3. How would you live differently if you knew Jesus was returning this week?

Challenge: Identify one person who needs encouragement, reconciliation, or support in their faith journey. Take concrete steps this week to reach out to them, remembering that we are called to arrive at Christ's return together, not alone.

What's The Forcast? 1st Thessalonians 5:1-11

Living in Light of Christ's Return: Understanding the Spiritual Forecast

Just as weather forecasts guide our daily plans, spiritual forecasts should direct our lives as Christians. The Apostle Paul provided the Thessalonians with a clear spiritual forecast to guide both their individual lives and the church community.

What is the Ultimate Spiritual Forecast?

The fundamental truth is clear: Jesus will return. While no one knows the exact time, this return will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night. For believers, this will be a day of great excitement, but for those who haven't accepted Christ, it will be a day of dread.

How Should Christians Live While Waiting?

Paul outlines several key characteristics of those who live in anticipation of Christ's return:

Children of Light

- We belong to the day, not darkness

- We should be spiritually awake and alert

- We must maintain clear-mindedness and self-control

Spiritual Armor

- Wear the breastplate of faith and love

- Put on the helmet of salvation

- Stay protected against doubt and worldly influences

What Does it Mean to Live Expectantly?

Living expectantly means:

1. Maintaining eternal values

2. Staying spiritually alert

3. Building up fellow believers

4. Reaching out to those who don't know Christ

How Can We Make a Difference?

The most effective way to impact our world is through Jesus' method: one person at a time. This means:

1. Identifying one person who needs Christ

2. Building meaningful relationships

3. Sharing the hope of salvation

4. Staying committed to bringing others into God's light

Life Application

This week's challenge: Identify one specific person in your life who needs to know Christ. Commit to reaching out to them and sharing God's love in a meaningful way.

Ask yourself:

1. Who is the one person God is placing on my heart to reach?

2. Am I living as a child of light in ways that reflect Christ to others?

3. How can I better prepare myself for Christ's return while helping others do the same?

Remember, we were created for an eternal relationship with God. Just as a guitar needs proper tuning to create beautiful music, our lives need proper spiritual alignment to fulfill our divine purpose. Let's live each day expecting Christ's return while helping others prepare for that glorious day.

You Asked For It: Can (or Should) We Speak With The Dead?

What Does the Bible Say About Mediums and Consulting the Dead?

The desire to communicate with loved ones who have passed away is deeply human. Many of us would give anything for one more conversation with someone we've lost. But what does the Bible say about attempting to communicate with the dead through mediums or other spiritual practices?

God's Clear Stance on Consulting Mediums

Scripture is unambiguous about God's position on consulting mediums and spiritists. In Deuteronomy 18:9-14, these practices are called "detestable" to the Lord. God specifically forbids His people from engaging in divination, sorcery, interpreting omens, witchcraft, casting spells, or consulting the dead.

Why Does God Prohibit These Practices?

According to Leviticus 19:31, consulting mediums and spiritists defiles us. These practices represent spiritual shortcuts that bypass God's intended way of communication with Him. Like most sins, they are attempts to get what we want outside of God's will and timing.

The Reality of the Spiritual World

While there is indeed a spiritual realm "thinly veiled" from our physical world, God has established proper channels for spiritual communication. The enemy can use signs and wonders to deceive people, as warned in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 and Mark 13:22.

The Example of King Saul

1 Samuel 28 provides a sobering example of what happens when we desperately seek spiritual answers outside of God's established ways. After the prophet Samuel's death, King Saul found himself terrified and facing a massive Philistine army. When God wouldn't answer him through proper channels, Saul made the tragic choice to consult a medium at Endor – the very practice he had previously banned from Israel.

This decision reveals several warning signs:

• Desperation leading to compromise

• Choosing fear over faith

• Attempting to bypass God's silence

• Returning to sins we once rejected

The outcome was disastrous. Instead of finding comfort, Saul received news of his impending defeat and death. His story serves as a powerful reminder that disobeying God's clear commands about mediums, even in desperate circumstances, leads to darkness rather than light.

How Should We Hear from God?

Instead of seeking shortcuts through mediums or other practices, God wants us to:

1. Read and study His Word consistently

2. Develop a disciplined prayer life

3. Engage in Christian community

4. Listen for His "whisper" through these spiritual disciplines

Life Application

This week, consider these questions and challenges:

1. What spiritual shortcuts am I tempted to take instead of pursuing God's way?

2. Am I developing the spiritual disciplines needed to hear God's voice?

3. How can I be a conduit of God's truth to others seeking spiritual connection?

Challenge: Commit to spending 15 minutes each day this week in quiet Bible reading and prayer, eliminating distractions to better hear God's whisper.

Remember, while the desire to connect with loved ones who have passed is natural, God has given us His Spirit and His Word as our primary means of spiritual guidance and comfort.

You Asked For It: Once Saved Always Saved?

Can You Lose Your Salvation? Understanding God's Love and Grace

For centuries, Christians have debated whether it's possible to lose your salvation. This challenging question stems from some seemingly scary verses in the Bible and touches on our deepest fears about our relationship with God.

What Does Salvation Really Mean?

Salvation is fundamentally about what God does, not what we do. Like someone trapped in a burning building who needs rescue, we cannot save ourselves from our spiritual condition. Jesus Christ came to rescue us from the consequences of our sin.

Two Important States of Salvation

According to Hebrews 10:14, believers exist in two simultaneous states:

1. Made perfect forever through Christ's sacrifice

2. Being made holy through an ongoing process

This creates an interesting tension - we are both completely saved and being transformed at the same time.

Is Faith Enough for Salvation?

While intellectual belief in God is important, James 2:19 reminds us that even demons believe in God. True saving faith requires more than just mental acknowledgment - it requires action and relationship.

What God Really Wants: Love and Relationship

The heart of salvation isn't about rules or religious duties - it's about love. Deuteronomy 6:5 reveals God's unchanging desire: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."

Can Sin Cause Us to Lose Salvation?

Rather than asking if we can lose salvation like a possession, we should consider:

1. Can we fall out of love with God?

2. Can sin harden our hearts against God?

3. Are we holding firmly to our original conviction about needing a Savior?

Life Application

This week, focus on these key questions:

1. Are you treating salvation as a relationship with God or just a ticket to heaven?

2. What is your "original conviction" about needing Jesus as your Savior?

3. How can you demonstrate your love for God in practical ways?

Challenge: Each day this week, encourage another believer in their faith walk. Remember that today is always "today" - don't wait to start encouraging others.

Remember: Salvation is more about God's faithful love than our perfect performance. Keep your eyes on Jesus and hold firmly to your conviction that He alone is your Savior.

You Asked For It: Good Intention or Holy Intentions?

Understanding God's Justice and Love: Making Sense of Violence in the Bible

When reading the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, many struggle with passages where God commands the destruction of entire peoples. This challenging topic requires us to approach it with humility and an open mind to understand God's perspective.

The Difficult Command

In 1 Samuel 15:3 and Deuteronomy 20:16-17, God commands the complete destruction of certain peoples, including men, women, children, and animals. This seems to contradict our understanding of a loving God who gives life rather than takes it.

Why Would a Loving God Command Such Actions?

God's motivation was not religious persecution, but rather protection of His people from corrupting influences. These nations practiced horrific customs, including child sacrifice to false gods like Molech, where infants were placed on heated metal altars to die as acts of worship.

Understanding God's Holy Intentions vs. Our Good Intentions

While we may have good intentions in questioning these commands, God operates with holy intentions - seeing the full picture of how sin spreads and destroys. Like a surgeon removing diseased tissue to save a life, God sometimes must take severe action to prevent greater suffering and death.

The Consequences of Disobedience

When the Israelites failed to fully carry out God's commands, they were influenced by these nations' practices, leading to:

1. Adoption of child sacrifice

2. Worship of false gods

3. Widespread suffering and death

4. Eventually their own exile and judgment

God's Consistent Character

The same God who commanded judgment also:

1. Offered grace to anyone who would turn to Him (like Rahab)

2. Provided laws protecting foreigners who chose to follow Him

3. Ultimately sent Jesus as an innocent sacrifice to save humanity

Life Application

Consider these questions this week:

1. Where do I need to trust God's wisdom even when I don't fully understand His ways?

2. Am I humble enough to acknowledge that God's perspective is greater than mine?

3. How can I better appreciate both God's justice and mercy in my daily life?

Challenge: This week, practice surrendering your judgment in situations where you don't understand God's ways. Instead of questioning His methods, pray for understanding and trust in His perfect wisdom and love.