Distracted and Perplexed

I awoke thinking back to something that had startled me and had an urgency to write it out and ask you all 2 questions.

While entering into praise and worship I am usually oblivious to anything else.  Yet during worship an action near me caught my attention, distracted and perplexed me.  A person who always brings a smile to me with her exuberant celebration of GOD had raised both hands with great exuberance at the mention of GOD our FATHER and at the mention of JESUS CHRIST our LORD then ABRUPTLY and with force lowered both hands to her sides at the mention of the HOLY SPIRIT.  It didn’t happen just once and the 2^nd time I was not merely startled but grieved for it troubled me.

The HOLY SPIRIT is the 3^rd person of the GODHEAD.  HE is who interprets GOD’s words and thoughts to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) and in fact HE was the ONE who moved the Prophets of old to speak and write down GOD’s words resulting in the Bible we have today (2 Peter 1:21). HE is fully GOD and an individual person.  In the Word of GOD not a lot of emphasis is given to HIM for HIS job is to point us to GOD the FATHER and JESUS, GOD the SON.  But enough is said for us to know HE is a person, and HE is a vital part of everything the GODHEAD does beginning in creation Genesis 1:2 and throughout the entire Bible.

Romans 1:¹ the gospel of GOD, ² which HE (GOD) promised beforehand through HIS prophets in the holy Scriptures, ³ concerning HIS SON (JESUS), who was descended from Davidaccording to the flesh ⁴ and was declared to be the SON of GOD in power according to the SPIRIT of holiness by HIS resurrection from the dead, JESUS CHRIST our LORD.

Acts 1:² Until the day in which HE (JESUS) was taken up, after HE (JESUS) through the HOLY SPIRIT had given commandments unto the apostles whom HE (JESUS) had chosen (the HOLY SPIRIT had to explain to the disciples what JESUS meant)

1 Corinthians 2:¹⁰ these things GOD has revealed to us through the (HOLY) SPIRIT. For the SPIRIT searches everything, even the depths of GOD. ¹¹ For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of GOD except the (HOLY) SPIRIT of GOD. ¹² Now

we have received not the spirit of the world, but the (HOLY) SPIRIT who is from GOD, THAT WE MIGHT UNDERSTAND the things freely given us by GOD. ¹³ And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the (HOLY) SPIRIT, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

One becomes spiritual when that one believes in JESUS. John 7: ³⁸ Whoever believes in ME (JESUS), as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” ³⁹ Now this HE said about the (HOLY) SPIRIT, whom those who believed in HIM (JESUS) were to receive, for as yet the (HOLY) SPIRIT had not been given, because JESUS was not yet glorified (proven to be GOD the SON when raised from the dead Romans 1:4). (We become spiritual when our spirit comes alive when we are born again of the HOLY SPIRIT -John 3:5-7).

While on earth, although fully GOD and fully man, JESUS laid aside HIS GOD virtues and powers and operated only in HIS human manhood in order to be able to be a faithful high priest (Hebrews 2:17).  JESUS had to live as a human man to qualify to die for man’s sin.  Only a man could offer HIMSELF for the sins of mankind. 

Therefore, the HOLY SPIRIT indwelt JESUS, led JESUS (Matthew 4:1) and empowered JESUS, just as HE does for believers in JESUS today.  Even when JESUS spoke GOD’s words, man could not understand them unless the HOLY SPIRIT interpreted them, for man cannot understand the things of GOD (1 Corinthians 2:9-13).  It took the HOLY SPIRIT to explain JESUS words just as it takes the HOLY SPIRIT to explain our words about GOD to people and that is why the disciples had to wait for the HOLY SPIRIT to go witness (Acts 1:8, John 16:8).

Romans 1:^{3-4 CEV} This good news (gospel) is about HIS SON, our LORD JESUS CHRIST! As a human, HE (JESUS) was from the family of David. But the HOLY SPIRIT proved that JESUS is the powerful SON of GOD,because HE (JESUS) was raised from death.

1 John 2^:2 And HE (JESUS) is the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Matthew 12:³¹ Therefore, I (JESUS) tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the SPIRIT will not be forgiven ³² And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man (JESUS) will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the HOLY SPIRIT will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

There are 2 basic questions that I want to ask. 

#1 if JESUS paid for all the sins of the world (1 John 2:2) and HE did, then how can there be a sin that cannot be forgiven?  

John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life ³⁶ HE that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (remains) on him.

Revelation 1:⁵ And from JESUS CHRIST, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto HIM that loved us and washed us from our sins in HIS own blood, ⁶ And has made us kings and priests unto GOD and HIS FATHER to HIM (JESUS) be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Sins are only forgiven when one receives the truth and believes in JESUS it is at that time our sins are washed away.  Read again John 3:36 written above.

One only can believe in JESUS and receive HIM if he listens to the witness of the HOLY SPIRIT within when he hears the gospel presented.  The refusal to hear the HOLY SPIRIT’s conviction of truth is blasphemy in that it says what YOU HOLY SPIRIT are saying and doing is not real but a lie.

Therefore, the answer for 1^st question is by refusing the inner witness of the HOLY SPIRIT of WHO JESUS is you refuse JESUS and thus reject/refuse to receive GOD’s give of eternal life.

Question #2 is the HOLY SPIRIT truly GOD and worthy of worship?

Ephesians 4:³⁰ And grieve not the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.

1 Corinthians 12:¹¹ But all these work that ONE and the selfsame (HOLY) SPIRIT, dividing (spiritual) to every man severally as HE (the HOLY SPIRIT) wills.

Matthew 3:¹⁶ And JESUS, when HE was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the SPIRIT of GOD descending like a dove, and lighting upon HIM.

Only an individual can be seen.

And HE (GOD) that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the SPIRIT, because HE maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of GOD (Romans 8:27).

The HOLY SPIRIT is not a mere force, HE has a mind of HIS own, HE is referred to as person by use of the pronoun HE.  Only a person can have a will of HIS own, be grieved or blasphemed. 

We see throughout scripture that all 3 persons of the GODHEAD work in unity in everything that is done.  From GOD the FATHER comes every good thing (James 1:17). JESUS is the fulness of the GODHEAD in a body form who died for us and lives to intercede for us (Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 7:25) and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT seals us unto the day of redemption, teaches, leads and comforts us, edits our prayers and so much more (John 14;16, 26, 16:13 Ephesians 1:13, 4:30), Our GOD is a great GOD infinite in all HIS qualities and beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9). All 3 persons of the GODHEAD are equally worthy of praise.

2 Corinthians 13:^{14 NIV} May the grace (GOD’s riches at CHRIST’s expense) of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and the love of GOD (our FATHER), and the fellowship of the HOLY SPIRIT be with you all. 

Matthew 28:^{19 NIV} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT

PS-Here are a few glimpses into how the 3 persons of the work in unity and are ONE.

ln creation (Genesis 1)

1-GOD the FATHER designed creation for HE works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11) All comes from GOD the FATHER (James 1:17)

2-JESUS the WORD-GOD created all things through JESUS the Word, nothing was made without JESUS (John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:2, 10).

3-The HOLY SPIRIT moved over the waters (Hebrew: brooded as a bird over her young) (Genesis 1:2)

The Bible

1-GOD the FATHER-It is GOD the FATHER’s message to mankind (Revelation 1:1)

2-JESUS-The bible is about JESUS from Genesis where HE is called (the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), HE is the spirit of Prophesy (Revelation 19:10) And the Bible ends saying Come LORD JESUS (Revelation 22:20)

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The Bible was written as holy men of GOD were moved on by the HOLY SPIRIT to write down GOD’s words. (2 Peter 1:21)

JESUS the eternal Word takes on a body

1-GOD the FATHER- It was FATHER’s plan (as they counseled together (Genesis 1:26) and GOD the FATHER sends HIS SON (John 3:16)

2-JESUS took on the form of man (Philippians 2:5-8)

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The HOLY SPIRIT came on Mary and the power of the Most High overshadowed her and the HOLY ONE born of Mary was called the SON of GOD (Luke 1:35)

JESUS baptism (John 3:13-17)

1-GOD the FATHER spoke aloud (Luke 3:22)

2-JESUS was baptized because it was the right thing- (Matthew 3:14-15) in obedience of being made like HIS brethren in all ways (Hebrews 2:17)

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The HOLY SPIRIT descended to and remained on JESUS (Luke 3:22)

When JESUS was tempted

1-GOD the FATHER works all things after the counsel of HIS own will. GOD the FATHER is always in control (Ephesians 1:11) though HE may not engineer a struggle, not one trouble can happen to us without HIS permission (see Job chapters 1 and 2). Although the FATHER may allow trouble to come from an outside source, it is never allowed without a cause (Proverbs 26:2), that is MOST HIGH always has a plan and HIS intent for allowing something difficult is always to achieve a necessary good (Genesis 50:20).

2-JESUS after obediently following the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT into the wilderness, was tempted for forty days by the devil. (Luke 4:2). For HE had to be made like HIS brethren (those who would believe in HIM) in every way (Hebrews 2:17).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-JESUS was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil (Matthew 4:1).

When a person becomes a child of GOD

1-GOD the FATHER-One becomes a child of GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 12:6-7, 9)

2-JESUS-When one believes in /trusts in JESUS blood to cleanse her from her sins and calls on the name of the LORD she is saved from the wrath of GOD and becomes a child of GOD (John 3:36, John 1:12-13)

3-HOLY SPIRIT-one is born again by the work of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 1:12-13, 3:5-8), and HE gives her new life (Ephesians 2:5) placing her into the body of CHRIST which is the church (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27)

Developing us into godliness

1-FATHER GOD’s role our childrearing to discipline those HE accepts and loves and also to Provide whatever is necessary (Hebrews 12:6-7, 10-11).

2-JESUS nature is what we are being made like (Romans 8:29), HE intercedes and saves us to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25)

3-The HOLY SPIRIT teaches us (John 14:26, 16:13) prays for our needs that we do not know how to pray for (Romans 8:26-27), HE also convicts us of sin (John 16:8) and explains GOD’s word to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).

In Prayer

1-GOD the FATHER-Prayer is to GOD the FATHER and HE bends down to hear us (John 16:23)

2-JESUS CHRIST-We are to pray in the name of JESUS CHRIST (John 16:23) and JESUS as our high priest understands what are needs are because HE was tempted in all ways but without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16).

3-HOLY SPIRIT- the HOLY SPIRIT moves us to pray and edits our prayers for us (Romans 8:26-27).

In the crucifixion

1-GOD the FATHER-was by the definite plan and foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER (Acts 2:23)

2-JESUS bore our sins and sorrows on the cross (Isaiah 53:4-6) and disarmed the principalities and powers at the same time (Colossians 2:15).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-Through the HOLY SPIRIT JESUS offered HIMSELF (Hebrews 9:14)

Witnessing to the Lost  (1 John 5:7).

1-GOD the FATHER-The message we are to give when witnessing is that GOD the FATHER loves us and sent HIS only SON to save us (John 3:16) and that GOD the FATHER raised JESUS from the dead (Romans 10:9)

2-JESUS is GOD-The message is that JESUS is GOD/ the LOIRD and HE willingly came to die for our sin (Philippians 2:5-8) so be could be reconciled to GOD the FATHER (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18).

3-The HOLY SPIRIT convicts the hearts of the men and shows them their need of a Savior (John 16:8).

We cannot fully understand YAHWEH the Great I AM- the Great 3 in 1 who is our GOD  for HE is unsearchable but, have you caught a glimpse of the Trinity working together in perfect unity? For THEY are ONE GOD.

1-GOD our Heavenly FATHER plans, provides and disciplines…

2-JESUS saves and intercedes…

3-the HOLY SPIRIT teaches, comforts, leads, equips (using the supplies given by GOD the FATHER) and empowers.

Deuteronomy 6:^{4 KJV} Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
Deuteronomy 6:^{4 NOG} Listen, Israel: Yahweh is our Elohim. Yahweh is the only GOD.

* YAHWEY is singular, but Elohim is plural of the word El =GOD. One and only GOD is in 3 persons.

Genesis 1:^{26 KJV}  And GOD said, Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.

Genesis 1:^{26 NOG} Then Elohim said, “Let US make humans in OUR image, in OUR likeness. Let them rule the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the domestic animals all over the earth, and all the animals that crawl on the earth.

Something I overlooked

This morning reading about the last hours of JESUS before and during HIS crucifixion, I noticed something I had not picked up on yet, although I have read the account in John countless times.  There are several references that I knew well stating this was to fulfill scripture.  But in John 18:32 I saw something that I had totally overlooked.

John 18:³¹ Then said Pilate unto them, Take HIM, and judge HIM according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: ³² That the saying of JESUS might be fulfilled, which HE spoke, signifying what death HE should die.

Now I knew the Jews could not crucify people, they stoned them to death. But I never saw that the crucifixion was JESUS’ (NOT Old Testament) prophesy being fulfilled.  So, I went to check where JESUS prophesied HIS manner of death.

What I found were verses I knew, could quote to you and had even taught from but I had never seen them as JESUS prophesying how HE would die.  I also saw truth in them I hadn’t been able to grasp.

John 12:³² And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto ME.³³ This HE said, signifying what death HE should die.

I thought instantly of John 3 when early in JESUS ministry HE talked with a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews who came to JESUS by night wanting to know more but not wanting others to know he was seeking.  JESUS told Nicodemus a story he knew well.

Numbers 21:⁹ And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man (because he had sinned), when that man beheld (looked up to) the serpent of brass, he lived.

JESUS said to Nicodemus:

John 3:¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON of man be lifted up: ¹⁵ That whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life.

JESUS explained in those few verses to the noted Jewish teacher who HE (the SON of man) was, how to be born again, the reason one needed to born again and now I know JESUS also spoke of the manner of HIS death and not just HIS death.

Only those Jews in the wilderness who choose to believe the inconceivable word of GOD spoken by Moses that just looking at a brass snake would heal them and they would live and not die chose to look and were healed.  Any who thought it was crazy and didn’t look died because they refused to believe GOD and accept HIS offer to heal them.

It is the same with JESUS.  Those who will look to HIM receive everlasting life but those who refuse the wrath of GOD remains on them (John 3:36).

Remember IF you are a believer in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and have called on HIS name to save you (Romans 10:9-10, 13) you are saved and are a KING for GOD tells us in Revelation 1:5 from JESUS CHRIST, Who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto HIM that loved us and washed us from our sins in HIS own blood, ⁶ And has made us kings and priests unto GOD and HIS FATHER; to HIM be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As a KING you can choose to search and find the delights of truth hidden in the Word of GOD for Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of GOD to conceal a thing: but the honor of KINGS (you) is to search out a matter.”

Hugs

Sharon

Ever wondered why?

Since GOD so loved the world (John 3:16) this image shows why GOD the SON came to earth and then died on the cross for mankind’s sin.

hugs

Sharon L Manning

Why did JESUS feel shame?

Something seems left unsaid as I hear about JESUS’s crucifixion.  Why isn’t the anguish of having all sin laid on JESUS mentioned?

It is written that when healing physical problems JESUS literally FELT what it took to heal each one for virtue/power went out of HIM to bring healing.  This struck me forcefully as a young Christian reading through the Bible for the 1^st time.

When I read, HE (JESUS) “was touched with the FEELING of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15) I thought, “HE doesn’t know what I go through with PMS.”  Immediately, I remembered or I should say (John 14:26) the HOLY SPIRIT reminded me a story of a woman with an issue of blood that I had read in the gospels. When she touched the hem of JESUS garment, JESUS actually felt the drain of power to heal her leave HIS body (Mark 5:30).  I realized at that moment “Yes, JESUS does know how I feel.”

That is why I am so perplexed at what is not said as to the cause of shame JESUS FELT on the cross and why HE despised it.

GOD hates sin: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity… (Habakkuk 1:13)

JESUS is GOD (John 1:1-3, 14) therefore JESUS also hates sin. With their awesome foreknowledge the GODHEAD knew before creating a choice creation (mankind) would sin. JESUS who hated sin therefore had taken counsel with GOD the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT and they agreed to a plan to cleanse mankind from sin before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) therefore before there was a man.  What was the purpose?  Romans 8:29 gives us a glimpse-  so that JESUS would be the first of many brethren.

Though JESUS hates sin it is written, “For HE (GOD the FATHER) made HIM (JESUS) to be sin for us, (HE) who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Surely HE (JESUS) bore our griefs and carried our sorrows: (Isaiah 53:4) the Lord laid on HIM (JESUS) the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6) HE (GOD) shall see of the travail of HIS (JESUS) soul and shall be satisfied: by HIS (JESUS) knowledge shall MY righteous servant justify many; for HE shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11).

When all the sin of mankind was laid on JESUS on the cross, HE experienced the shame of each of those sins and the guilt. Next to that even the horrendous pain of being nailed to the cross and even the shame of hanging naked pales. It wasn’t merely the shame of hanging on the cross naked and being mocked but the unimaginable shame our LORD JESUS must have felt for the sins laid on HIM.  It is written that it caused our LORD JESUS deep travail/ anguish (Isaiah 53:11).

HE didn’t have to so why did JESUS endure it?  For the JOY of what HE was achieving for us HE endured it all (Hebrews 12:2).  What an amazing Savior we have. Let’s just praise HIS name! 

Hugs

Sharon