Today’s episode in the Series “Are you Human?” focuses on the humanity and transformation of the apostle Paul.

As believers in Christ, we all “know” about the life of apostle Paul. He arguably wrote the majority of the New Testament. We know about his road to Damascus experience, the challenges of his assignment, his near-death experiences, his letters to the churches in Asia and Macedonia, and ultimately his martyrdom.

Paul was called out of the religious system of the Pharisees to serve God. Before his road to Damascus encounter, Saul thought he was already serving God by persecuting the followers of Christ.

So, what happened to Saul of Tarsus (besides the name change)?

Who was the man Saul of Tarsus? What do we know about his transformation to Paul the Apostle and servant of the living God?

After listening to this episode, I hope you will see the human side of Paul and can identify with some of the same human challenges that he faced throughout his internal transformation.

Next week teaching will focus on how God used Paul in his anointing to bring the gospel to the Gentiles and how Paul responded to God’s calling.

Scripture reference:

Heb 1:2-3; John 10:10; Col 2:15; Rom 6:10; Jn 3:16; Rom 5:8; Heb 2:14-17; Gal 1:15-16; Phil 3:15; Acts 22:3, 5:34-39, 9:1-2; Gal 1:13-14; Acts 22:4, 7:58, 8:1; 1 Tim 1:13; Acts 26:9; Phil 3:6; Gal 1:10; Acts 9:3-9; John 3:19-21; Is 53:12; Phil 2:7

How can we truly identify with Christ while paying so little regard to His humanity?

Last week Kim promised to share her version of Three (3) Kinds of Believers in comparison to a cell phone. Like cell phones, believers often need to be reset. There are three kinds of resets that can be likened to believers:

* Soft[ware] reset

* Hard[ware] reset

* Factory reset

Are you a soft, hard, or factory-reset believer??? Listen on and decide for yourself.

Next up, Kim shows how much emphasis the Bible places on Jesus being a human. In His own words, Jesus reinforces that He is human and was given for our benefit in remembrance of the Lord’s Supper, as did Paul in his Second letter to the Corinthians. Both Old and New Testament scripture reinforces the importance of Jesus’s humanity.

The Bible is clear on Jesus being fully human; however, before you now is a question that was posed at the beginning of this series: Are you human?

As Christian’s today, it may be the most important question we ask of ourselves. Becoming fully human is not a detour from God’s purposes… it IS His purpose.

Stay tuned to the end as Kim shares a preview for next week’s teaching.

Scripture references:

Matt 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:17-33; 2 Cor 12:8-10; Heb 1:2, 5-6, 2:10-11; Col 2:14-15; Heb 2:14-16; Lev 17:11; Gen 1:26-27, 2:7; Heb 10:4-5; Phil 2:7; Matt 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13; Heb 2:18, 4:14; Is 53:2-3; Ps 22; John 1:12;-14 Heb 12:2

WHY DID JESUS BECOME HUMAN?

We all know that our redemption required a human, created in God’s image and likeness, totally submitted to God, sinless, sacrificed on the cross, died and buried, resurrected from death, and became a life-giving Spirit.

FIRST THE NATURAL… THEN THE SPIRITUAL

Why is this important? Why does this matter?

It matters in how we relate to God (and Jesus), how we work with God, and how we understand the process and the pattern that God requires of us. There is a great cost for you and me to becoming human again, surrendering ourselves to God. First the natural (human), then the spiritual for rebirth. This is the way; this is the truth, and Jesus is the prototype.

We must connect with Jesus’s humanity if we are going to connect with others. If we ever hope to be spiritually mature, it is because we have embraced our humanity. First the natural, then the spiritual.

Jesus became human so that we could become human again… to restore our humanity.

It matters and Part 3 breaks it down for us, fully backed by scripture.

This teaching in the series is a must watch/ listen. Let us know what you think in the comments. Share this with others if you are compelled to do so.

Scripture references:

Luke 1:34-35; Col 2:9, 1:15; 1 Cor 15:45-46; Gen 12:1-3; Gal 3:26-29; Heb 8:1-5, 9:23-24; Jn 3:3-6; Rom 2:28-29; Gen 17:10; Josh 5:4; Deut 30:6; Ex 5; Jn 1:29; Heb 10:4-5; Rom 1:20; Phil 2:5-8; 1 Cor 10:15-17; Jn 1:12-13; Matt 4:1-11; 1 Cor 15:3-8

Last week we began our first teaching in the series Are you Human? We addressed some important albeit arguably strange questions about being human, how did we become inhuman, and why these fundamental questions are important now for every follower of Christ.

Have we outsourced our humanity to the man-made systems of this fallen world?

In some form or fashion, WE ALL HAVE and to varying degrees. In the process of offloading our humanity we have forfeited our responsibility, our freedom, and the benefits of being created in the God’s image.

Our second installment in Part 2 builds upon the answers to these foundational questions. Today’s teaching talks about Jesus as THE WAY back to our humanity.

THE STARTING POINT

The way back requires us to know the right starting point. The starting point determines our destination; it informs our interpretation of reality. It helps us establish our priorities and influences our decisions that affect our relationships. The starting point helps us discern what is true from what is false.

Everything related to God hinges on us having the right starting point, so that we know His goal, His objective, His strategy and to know where God is going.

We must get the starting point right!

Again, God’s goal is to have a people set apart for Himself, a family that is naked (uncovered) and not ashamed; a people that voluntarily worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Both the Old and New Testament have plenty to say about our starting point and the way back to God through His son, Jesus Christ.

As you continue to listen to this episode and series of teachings, I pray that you receive what the Spirit of God is saying to you.

Scripture references:

Gen 1:26-27, 12:1-3; Deut 7:6; Gal 3:29; Eph 1:4-6; 1 Peter 2:9; Is 46:10; Matt 6:22-23; Luke 11:34-35; John 14:1-4, 6-6; 1 Cor 15:35-50; John 12:24, 1:14, 6:33, 50-51; Rom 8:17, 29-30; Matt 16:21-26

Today we embark on a new teaching series: Are you human?

You may be wondering, is this a serious question? I assure you this is a valid, legitimate question that scripture has something to say about it.

The guiding scripture for this series is Genesis 2:25:

And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.

The beginning of every teaching series requires context and foundational principles, so this episode is important. Genesis 2:25 is significant because it represents the original state of humanity (spirit, body, soul) before the fall.

As you tune it, we will address some intriguing questions.

Are you human? What is human?

What happened to us? How did we become in-human or inhumane?

Have you outsourced yourself (your humanity) to man-made systems?

What is God’s endgame for us?

Hopefully, by the end of this episode you will realize that the question, are you human?, is not so ridiculous after all.

Scripture references:

Gen 2:25; Ecc 1:9, 3:10; Is 46:10; Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11-12; Gen 1:26, 5:1; Col 1:15; Heb 1:3; Col 2:9; Rom 8:29; 1 Cor 3:18; Col 3:10; Rom 12:1-2 Gal 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:3-8; Gen 1:27-31, 2:7, 3:7-9; Rev 12:9; Is 5:20; Rom 6:16; Jer 17:5-8; Is 31:1-3; 1 Cor 1:25-29; John 15:5; Zec 4:6; Prov 3:5-8; Deut 30:15-19; Jer 21:8; John 14:6; Matt 6:24, 13:14

We have arrived at the last installment in the series on the Two Transformations taking place in the church today: SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

Before we conclude this series, it’s important to review the teachings from prior episodes that describe the two opposing reformations and the differences between them. It’s also important to have a scriptural understanding on the world in which we live. As such, we have provided links to these prior teaching below for reference.

What is the World?Part 1 - Two Transformations: The Setting… BABYLONPart 2 - Two Transformations: Come out or Invade BabylonPart 3 - Two Transformations: Exalting Self or Jesus ChristPart 4 - Two Transformations: Personal or Cultural Transformation

SPIRITUAL WARFARE (Part 5)

Most Christians would agree that we are at war today… a spiritual war. In fact, wars have waged for a very long time and are nothing new. The Old Testament describes countless wars fought between Israel (God’s chosen people) and their numerous enemies as they took claim to the land that God had promised to Abraham and his descendants.

Today’s teaching compares the differences between the [physical] wars of the Old Testament and the [spiritual] war of the New Testament that we are experiencing today.

You may be wondering, “what does this have to do with the Two Reformations happening today?”

EVERYTHING.

To understand the differences between the counterfeit (man-made) reformation and the one that God is calling His people to today, this episode on Spiritual Warfare is a must watch.

The strategies of the spiritual warfare between the two reformations are very different -- different weapons, different objectives, different outcomes. Yet both reformations use the same (or similar) scriptures to rally the troops. Both urge prayer, but in different contexts and for different purposes.

While it appears that factions within the church -- those promoting a counterfeit reformation -- are bring confusion to the body, the scriptures are clear.

How will you participate and what part will you play in this spiritual war?How will you be able to stand and endure as this spiritual war rages on?What will be the weapons of warfare that you will choose?

Spoiler Alert: The answers to these questions involve YOU and JESUS CHRIST… but in what way?

Scripture references:

Is 13:14, 47; Jer 50-51; 2 Cor 10:3-5; Is 31:3; Zec 4:6; Jn 6:63; Rom 8:5-9; Gal 6:7-9; Rom 6:12-13; Eph 6:10-20; Is 59:17; Phil 2:5; Heb 1:1-2; Jer 51:8-9

Is God calling for personal or cultural transformation from His people? Is God calling us to rule our own soul or rule on the cultural mountain?Is God preparing a bride for His return or are we preparing the world for His return?

Welcome to Part 4 from the series on the Two Reformations happening today in the church -- one reformation ordained by God and one that is counterfeit.

As continue down the list of the Six (6) Key Differences between these two reformations, today’s episode will address the aforementioned questions and how scripture informs us about what God is calling His people to.

Before Kim tackles the questions about God’s calling for us, she asks an important and requisite question:

WHAT DOES GOD WANT?

After knowing what the scripture says about what God wants, it begs the question:

HOW IS GOD ACCOMPLISHING THIS TODAY?

Is it through personal (inward) or cultural transformation (the world)?

Is God shaping His people to rule their own soul or rule on the cultural mountain?

Is God preparing a people for Himself as His bride or is He asking us to prepare the world for Jesus’s return?

As always, Kim brings the Old and New Testament scriptures to answer these questions to inform all as we decide.

Scripture references:

Matt 12:30; Gen 6, 12:1-3, 17:7-8; Ex 19:5-6; Deut 7:6; John 10:16; Acts 15:14-17; Gal 3:26-29; Eph 3:6; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Lev 26:12; Jer 31:33; Ez 37:27; Heb 8:10: Rev 21:3; John 4:23-24; Ex 12:40-41; Jer 25:11-12, 29:10; Dan 2; Ex 3:7-10; Deut 19:5-6; Gal 1:3-5; 1 Thess 4:2-6; John 17:17-19; John 19:30; Heb 10:9-10,14; Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 6:14-18; Gal 5:22-23; Prov 25:28; Ps 103:1, 62:5, 102:1; 2 Cor 10:3-5; 1 Peter 2:11; Rev 19:7-8; 1 Peter 1:3-11; James 1:27; Jer 51:8-9

We continue with the teaching series about Two Reformations simultaneously taking place in the body of Christ today.

Part 3 addresses the next difference between these two reformations and the underlying truths (or lies) behind each. Furnishing you with the truth in God’s word will inform you as to which reformation you will think about and decide how you will respond.

Last week we addressed this question pertaining to the reformation of ancient and modern-day Babylon:

Is God commanding His people to come out of Babylon OR to invade Babylon and reform it from the inside out?

The scripture is clear on this matter. God commands us to come out. Ancient Babylon was judged, condemned and was destroyed. Modern-day Babylon (aka the world) has also been judged and condemned. There is no redemption for this fallen world.

Today we will explore another key difference between the two reformations by addressing this question:

DOES THE REFORMATION EXALT JESUS CHRIST OR OURSELVES?

In this episode you will hear the patterns from both Old and New Testaments to answer this question and remove doubt.

Tune into Part 3 and decide for yourself.

Scripture references:

Matt 23:4-5, 11:13; 2 Thess 2:3; Jer 51:8-9; Is 9:6-7; Dan 7:13-14; Ps 2:1-2, 6-12, 110:1, 72:11, 17-19; Phil 2:5-11; Col 1:17, 19-20; Heb 1:1-4; Rev 19:11-16; Dan 7:18, 27; 1 Cor 15:24-27; Mark 10:15; Rom 8:17; 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 20:6; Matt 10:22, 24:12-14; Acts 14:22; Rev 3:1-13, 12:11; 2 Cron 7:14; Matt 5:1-12; Acts 2-4; 2 Tim 3:12; Job 22:28; Prov 8:21; Mark 11:23; Heb 11:2,39; Matt 23

We are beginning a new teaching series on the topic of the Two Reformations Underway in the Body of Christ. Today is our first installment as we pleased to release Part 1 of this series.

Consider these questions…

What if the greatest deception facing the Church isn’t secularism, rather it’s a RIVAL GOSPEL being preached and promoted in the church?

What if there were two reformations (movements) that quote the same scripture, invoke the same God, and claim the same authority, yet lead to two entirely different destinations?

While appearing to be similar, the two reformations (occurring simultaneously) oppose each other: one is of God and the other is counterfeit.

Today’s episode lays the foundation to understanding the two reformations currently underway in the Church by first looking to scripture.

THE SETTING -- ANCIENT BABYLON

The Old and New Testaments have a lot to say about ancient Babylon and modern-day Babylon, respectively. In Part 1, Kim sets the context -- the setting, conditions and issues -- facing ancient and modern-day Babylon that caused reformations to arise.

In next weeks’ episode(s), Kim will offer Six (6) Distinguishing Areas KEY to knowing and understanding the differences between the 2 reformations underway… and which movement you may be participating. Is it God-ordained, or is it counterfeit?

Scripture references:

Gen 11:1-9, 10:10; Jer 50-51; 50:1-3, 29-32, 51:11; Dan 5:26-28, 30-31; John 3:19; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Peter 3:6-8; Rev 18:2-3; 2 Peter 1:4; Rev 18:21; John 17:3; Rev 20:11-15; Jer 51:8-9; Matt 24:1-14