Disciple Makers Online

Do we really have to be born again?

How was the Bible revealed inspired and canonized? https://www.bendchurch.org/post/a-theology-of-the-word

What is the value of the New Testament? https://www.bendchurch.org/post/a-theology-of-the-word

Why is the Bible our final authority? https://www.bendchurch.org/post/a-theology-of-the-word

Jesse shares insights on Deuteronomy six following discovery Bible study. https://www.bendchurch.org/post/a-theology-of-the-word

For more resources check out our blog: https://www.bendchurch.org/post/a-theology-of-the-word

Roman’s 8: 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

How do we join the Spirit in mission? How do we fly in dependence on him and not waddle in our own strength?

*We did not use our normal mic for this episode. Apologies! “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭26‬ ‭ESV‬‬

1) Is it consistent with God's word? Not only actual verses but the underlying principles of the word and of God's character (2 Timothy 3:16)?

2) Does it bring life? Does it heal? God's word is more life giving than our words (John

10:10)?

3) Do we experience His thoughts Higher than our thoughts? Does it bring different and better insight and quality, deeper clarity, understanding and revelation (Isaiah 55:8)?

4) Does it pass the peace/shalom test of Col 3:15? Do you feel greater peace?

5) Does it bear other fruit? (Galatians 5:22)

• Immediate: resolution, peace, love, excitement, awe, clarity

• Long-term: Attitudes and expectations are more God-centered

6) God's confrontations are gentle and caring (Matthew 11:29-30; Romans 8:1)?

• Jesus' admonitions to those who want to follow are gentle and caring

• Harsh condemnations are from our own background or the accuser

7) Check with your community (assuming it is healthy for confirmation. Do other

Christians recognize is as coming from God and in line with God's word and character?

Check it out with 2-3 trusted advisors (disciples of Jesus), before you act on something you've heard that impacts your life or your relationships in any significant way, such as moving to another location, changing jobs, leaving a relationship (Prov. 27:17, Matthew

18:19, Col 3:15). If another Christian senses it's not from God, ask them why. Pray for discernment on both your parts, as this could be an area of growth for both. Check things out with your leaders especially when that decision may affect others in the church community.

8) Does it draw us nearer to God and glorify God (Hebrews 10:22; James 4:8; I Corinthians

10:31)?

9) Is it supported by circumstances and reality? Does it come true over time (Ephesians 5:15;

Romans 8:28)?

10) Does it ring true in your heart when you interact with God and the Holy Spirit in prayer (Romans 8:1, 26; John 14:26)?

11) Does it line up with our past experience of hearing God? As we become more familiar with God's heart through our own experience and through the ways His heart is revealed in Scripture, we recognize it better. (I John 2:5).