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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

Episode 43 Forming Christ in us

This is David Sheats on Anchor of Truth. Paul told the Galatians that he was in labor until “Christ was formed in them.” What does it mean for Christ to be formed in us? How does this take place? When we first come to the Lord as our Savior, is Christ now “formed in us”? In the gospel that is popular in our time, the message is often presented as “receive Christ into your heart.” Upon responding, believers are then told that now “Christ dwells within them” and the main work of saving us is done. We are encouraged to testify to others what God has done for us and encourage them to “receive Jesus” into their heart. Today we want to examine this thought in light of the scriptures, especially focusing on the place of obedience in the life of the believer.

• The emphasis in scripture is on receiving the Holy Spirit (not Jesus)
o Receiving Jesus was being open to hear Him (John 1:12)
o Jesus comes to us in the indwelling of the Spirit (John 14-16)
o Christ dwells in us as we abide in Him and move in faith (Eph. 3:14-19)j
• The formation of Christ (His character) is accomplished through obedience
o The “engrafted word” (James 1:21,22)
o The “Word” is to be made flesh in us (John 1:14)
• Our love for God is revealed through obedience (John 14:23)
• Our lives are established in obedience (Matt. 7:24-27)
• Obedience results in a practical and visible expression of God in this world
• The ability to obey comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit (God)
• All Obedience is “unto God”
• Obedience is to the step God puts before me (walking in the light)

http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-discipline-of-obedience/

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 42 The Renewing of the Mind

This is David Sheats on Anchor of Truth. To be able to think clearly about all things requires that our mind be renewed. Our thinking has been affected by many things that often results in confusion. How is our mind changed to think as God thinks? Is that possible? Paul tells us that the renewing of our mind is essential to our transformation. He also appeals to the Corinthians to “be of the same mind and the same judgment.” Is that possible? With so many different ideas floating around today we may have become discouraged and given up, but today we want to be encouraged that our mind can be renewed and we can think as God thinks.

• Our minds need to be renewed (Rom 12:1,2)
o Affected by sin
o Affected by input from the world
o Affected by our own reasoning
• Renewal is a process
o Requires a regenerated heart (pure desire to know God)
o A desire to know the will of God to do the will of God (John 7:17)
o A humility to acknowledge that I may be wrong in my thinking
• Scripture is an essential part of this renewal
o Gives us a history of God’s working
o Given to teach us about God
o Given for instruction in righteousness  (2 Tim. 3:16)
• The importance of fellowship (Acts 2:42)
o Allows us to “think together” with others
o Forces us to articulate truth in our own words
o Enables us to partake of grace through others
o Humility puts us in the place of a learner
• Truth (understanding) comes for us to obey
o Walking in the light prepares us for more (I John 1:7)
o Obedience results in truth being made part of us (John 1:14)
o The word made flesh results in testimony to the world

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]