The Helper, The Holy Spirit

In our last study, we ended with the question “Is the Holy Spirit a person?” A series of passages in the Gospel of John chapters fourteen to sixteen would seem to indicate that this is true. Jay and Tim dig a little deeper, discovering Old Testament parallels that reveal who Jesus is referring to when he mentions sending “The Helper, the Holy Spirit…”

Key verse:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26

Outline:

  1. Introduction
  2. The Gender of the Holy Spirit
    1. Neuter in Greek, feminine in Hebrew, male in Latin – Does it matter? We have to be careful with grammar in other languages.
    2. The spirit is used in many ways – but why in some passages is it personified like it can be lied to (Acts 5:3), resisted (Acts 7:51) or grieved (Eph. 4:30)?
    3. There is a Spirit of God the Father and a Spirit of the Son but there is one passage in particular where the Spirit is personified in the masculine gender separately from the Father and Son.
  3. The Helper of John 14-16
    1. The Parakletos (par-ak’-lay-tos) in John 14-16, The Helper (ESV, NKJV, NASB), Comforter (KJV), Advocate (NIV, NET, NLT) (14:16-18, 26; 15:26; 16:7, 13)
    2. The angels = ministering spirits (Heb. 1:13-14)
    3. Old Testament comparisons (Ex. 23:20-22; Isa. 63:9-11)
    4. Jesus and the angels (1 Pet. 3:22; Rev. 1:1-2)
    5. Angels and Spirit in the Acts (Acts 8:26, 29)
  4. Conclusion

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The Father, Son and Holy Spirit

In our continuing studies on the Spirit, Jay Mayock is back to talk with me about the relationship between God the Father, his Son the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This is popularly known as the Trinity but since that word is not in the Bible we are going to need a little help from some historical creeds to get a definition. From there we open our Bibles, comparing the creeds to what the Scriptures teach us about the Godhead.

Key verse:

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

Outline:

  1. Introduction
    1. Jewish belief – One God – Monotheism
    2. The popular belief of Christianity – The Trinity
  2. The Trinity defined by the Creeds
    1. Apostle’s Creed (Old Roman)
    2. Nicene Creed
    3. The Trinity would be a radical new teaching for Jews. Where is it taught in the Bible? (Acts 2:22)
  3. The Spirit in relation to the Father and Son
    1. One Spirit… One Lord… One God and Father (Eph. 4:4-6 cp. 1 Cor. 8:6-7).
    2. The Spirit sanctifies (1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 1 Cor. 6:11) = The word of truth sanctifies (John 17:17; Eph. 5:26)
    3. Thus, the Spirit is important in baptism (Matt. 28:19)
    4. The Spirit of God and Christ in us (Rom. 8:9-11; Gal. 4:6)
  4. Cliff hanger – But what about the passages where the Spirit is personified as the Helper?

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The Mind of the Spirit

The mind of the Spirit is something that must develop inside of us according to Paul in Romans 8. For our guest, Ben Brinkerhoff, this was something he had to learn through the experiences of life. Join Tim and Ben as they talk about his discoveries in how to set the mind on the things of the Spirit and ultimately have the Spirit of God dwelling in you.

Key verse: “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

The Sabbath (Part 2)

In this second part of our study on the Sabbath we consider the stance behind a Christian denomination like the Seventh Day Adventists who continue to practice a Sabbath Day. Ted Hodge joins with Tim Young to discuss their regulations and give five reasons why believers in Christ are no longer required to keep a Sabbath day of rest.

Key verse: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Outline:

  1. Introduction
  2. The Seventh Day Adventists
    1. Ellen White
    2. Their regulations for Sabbath observance
  3. Five reasons we do not keep the Sabbath day
    1. No command by Christ or Apostles to keep it
    2. We are told not to judge in these matters (Colossians 2:16-17). The Sabbath is a shadow.
    3. The New Testament is now by grace and faith not Law (Galatians 3, 4 & 5)
    4. The Sabbath principle is now our whole life (Galatians 2:19-21, Col. 3:17,22-24)
    5. Every day is for worship / Example of first day of the week (Acts 2:46-47, Matt. 28:1 cp. Acts 20:7)
  4. Summary

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The Sabbath (Part 1)

In this episode of the Essential Bible Studies Podcast, hosts Tim Young and Ted Hodge embark on an enlightening exploration of the Sabbath day. They delve into its significance as reflected through four major biblical epochs: the Genesis times, the Mosaic Law period, the post-Christ era, and the anticipated future in the Kingdom Age. The intricate weaving of the Sabbath principle within these periods unfolds as they analyze its transformation from a day of physical rest to an era of spiritual rest in Christ.

Key verse:

“For whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.” (Hebrews 4:10)

Outline:

  1. Introduction
    1. What is the Sabbath? Should we be keeping it now?
    2. How do we determine the answer to such a question?
    3. Epochs of time – what changes over time and what remains the same?
  2. First Epoch – The Beginning
    1. The Sabbath at Creation (Genesis 2:2-3, 15)
    2. After the fall of man (Genesis 3:17-19)
    3. The Rest of Genesis
  3. Second Epoch – Law of Moses
    1. The Law a shadow of things to come (Heb 8:5; 10:11)
    2. Details of the Sabbath Laws (Exodus 31:13-18)
    3. The Principle of the Sabbath (Isaiah 58:13)
  4. Third Epoch – Law of Christ
    1. The rest that Jesus give (Matthew 11:28-30)
    2. Jesus’ contention over the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-12)
  5. Fourth Epoch – The Kingdom of God
    1. Observance in the Kingdom (Ezekiel 44:24; 46:1-3)
    2. The future Sabbath rest of God (Hebrews 4:8-11 )
  6. Summary

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The Ages of the Spirit

In this episode of the Essential Bible Studies Podcast, hosts Jay Mayock and Tim Young take a big picture look at the work of the Holy Spirit through the ages of time. There have been some hallmark epochs were the miracles, signs and wonders were off the charts. What does this mean in how the Holy Spirit works today?

Key Verse:

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)

Outline:

  1. Introduction
    1. Hebrews 6:4-6 What does it mean by powers of the world to come?
    2. Why does Peter in Acts 2:16-21 quote Joel 2:28-31 on the day of Pentecost?
  2. Ages of Miracles
    1. Moses and the Exodus
    2. Elijah and Elisha
    3. Jesus and the Apostles
    4. Periods of drought (Mic. 3:5-8)
    5. What sort of period are we in now?
  3. The Cessation of First Century Gifts
    1. 1 Cor. 12-14
      1. The types of gifts (ch. 12) contrast with love (ch. 13)
      2. Defining “that which is perfect” (13:10 cp. 14:20)
    2. Ephesians 4
      1. The gifts (v. 11)
      2. Their purpose (v. 12)
    3. When they would cease (v. 13), the perfect man
  4. Conclusion – The Holy Spirit is still active but the gifts of miracles have ceased.

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Saved!

In this episode of the Essential Bible Studies Podcast, co-hosts Tim Young and Rob Alexander embark on a comprehensive exploration of the concept of salvation. The discourse is spurred by an intriguing short online video questioning the necessity of baptism in the process of salvation and leads the hosts to tackle the popular belief, ‘once saved, always saved’. Overall, the episode aims to provide listeners with an amplified understanding of the salvation process, emphasizing that it is a journey rather than a singular life-transforming occurrence.

The hosts examine relevant biblical verses to articulate a broader understanding of salvation as having a past, present and future aspect. They initially study passages depicting salvation as a past event in 2 Timothy 1:9 and Titus 3:4-5, which emphasizes Jesus Christ’s role in saving us. The talk then delves into verses that present salvation as an ongoing process, including 1 Corinthians 1:18 and Corinthians 15:2. Finally, there is discussion on salvation as a future event through Matthew 10:22 and 1 Timothy 4:16, where the concepts of endurance and ultimate salvation for faithful followers are revealed.

So what do you need for salvation? First, Bible passages are reviewed stressing that salvation is God’s loving gift, independent of our actions (Eph. 2:8-10; Rom. 10:9,13). Next, The hosts explore the critical role of faith and the need to believe in Jesus Christ’s resurrection for salvation, shining a spotlight on Romans 10:9-13. The hosts also touch upon the importance of active listening to the word of God and acting upon it, showcasing the integral bond between obedience and eternal salvation, referencing Hebrews 5:8-9. The episode concludes, emphasizing both God’s and our roles in salvation through a compelling discussion baptism and works (1 Peter 3:21; Philippians 2:12-13). The hosts urge listeners to wholly appreciate the intricate yet rewarding means of God’s salvation.

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The Spirit of Man

Tom Colby joins Tim Young in our continuing studies on the Spirit by looking at the basics of the spirit in relation to mankind.

Key verse “I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts.  For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 3:18-19

  1. Introduction
    1. Definition from previous podcast on the spirit of God
    2. Ruach & Pneuma -> wind, breath, life, word, mind, attitudes
  2. The Breath of Life
    1. 2:7 – the power that gives life
    2. 7:21-23 – All creatures have the spirit or breath of life
    3. 3:18-21 – All die and go to the same place
  3. Mind/Attitude
    1. The spirit can be broken, grieved, fervent, etc.
    2. 4:12 expresses the heart, emotions or attitude
    3. Eph 4:22-23 spirit based in mind
    4. 51:17 a broken spirit (heart) is what God requires
  4. What happens to the spirit when we die?
    1. The spirit goes back to God (Ecc. 12:7; Job 34:14-15)
    2. The example of Jesus (Luke 23:46 cp. Psa. 31:5)
    3. Psalm 146:3-5 – No more thoughts
  5. Conclusion

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The Spirit of God

Jay and Tim begin this season’s conversation of the Spirit by covering verses that show the Spirit being the creative power of God with a moral emphasis. An understanding which brings us to the conscience reality that our Creator is ever present.

Key Verse:

Genesis 1:1-2  “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” 

Outline:

  1. Introduction
  2. Definitions
    1. Genesis 1:2 – First occurrence
    2. Ruach & Pneuma -> wind, breath, life, word, mind, attitudes
    3. John 3:8 – The Spirit as wind
  3. Power with a Moral Emphasis
    1. Psalm 33:6 – The word of the Lord
    2. Luke 1:35; 3:22 – The Spirit at Christ’s birth and baptism
    3. Genesis 1:2 -> Deut. 32:11-12 The hovering spirit
  4. The Presence of God
    1. God dwells in heaven (1 Tim. 6:16), but he fills heaven and earth (Jer. 23:24).
    2. Psalm 139:7 – God is everywhere present by his Spirit
    3. We live and move in him (Acts 17:28; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rom. 11:36)
    4. Practicing the presence of God
  5. Conclusion

Forgiveness

Welcome to a new season of the Essential Bible Studies podcast. In this first episode of season six Steven Macfarlane and Tim Young talk about the vast subject of forgiveness in the Bible.

Why Forgive?

  • Part of who God is – Ex 34:6-7; Num 14:18 “God is forgiveness”
  • Part of the example of Jesus – 1 Pet 2:23
  • Ultimate Example – Forgive them, for they know not what they do – Lk 23:33-34
  • Condition of God’s forgiveness to us – Mt 6:14-15
  • Eph 4:30-32 – forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you
  • We all sin – Jn 8:7
  • So others will forgive us – golden rule James 2:8
  • Only response to God’s forgiveness – Col 3:12-15

Principles of Forgiveness:

  1. Faith – Gal 3:6 (believe God forgives us) – Heb 11:6
    • Helps lift the burden of guilt/shame
  2. Repent – Acts 2:38 (change)
    • Recognize sin, confess sin, change
    • Repent is changing…but not our ways, our thinking. That’s the definition of the word ‘the think differently or afterwards’ – from ‘meta’ – to transfer (metamorphosis) + ‘noieo’ – the mind
    • Conviction & Conduct (Islip Collyer) – ‘every deliberate act is the outcome of deliberate thought, and it therefore follows that control of thought must lie at the root of all reform’
    • Back to the garden – forgiveness didn’t mean there was no consequences for sin (Gen 3:16-19); Forgiveness is based on repentance (3:21)
  3. Forgiving Attitude – Mk 11:26 (forgive others)

Why is Forgiveness so Difficult:

  • We’re hurt – solution: time, suffer ourselves to be defrauded (emotionally)
  • What we struggle with is harder to forgive in others – solution: God forgave our fault/struggle
  • Makes us vulnerable – solution…exactly. This is the solution!
  • “To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and discover the prisoner was you.” Colin Attridge (Fruit of the Spirit)
  • Mt 12:34 – forgiveness we think is outward, we say it, we show it…but out of the heart, the mouth speaks – forgiveness if really inward focused. We can say things and not mean them…then not truly forgiving someone.

How do we Forgive?

  1. No discussion – unintentional offence, little consequence, minor
  2. Two-Way communication – danger of repeating offence, affects our faith, sin through ignorance (Mt 18:15)
  3. With witnesses – Mt 18:16 – if not responding to v15

Forgiveness is…

  1. Being aware of what was wrong, and choosing to forgive
    • Not keeping a record of it (story of Moms little black book)
    • Not punishing, but being merciful (Lk 6:36)
  2. Unlimited and immediate – Lk 17:3-4. Don’t demand anything back, don’t expect anything back, don’t hope for anything back (Lk 6:35) — Keep forgiving…forever. Pray for them.

Additional Verses:

  • Col 3:12-13 – so you also must forgive
  • Matt 6:9-15 – as we also have forgiven our debtors – Christ spoke often of forgiveness
  • Rom 12:17-19 – vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord
  • Psa 103:11-12 – as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us
  • 2 Cor 5:18-19 – Message of reconciliation…
  • 1 Cor 13:4-5 – Love is not resentful…keeps no record of wrongs