Christianity Alive
   with Prayer Power

                                        Teacher and Author, Frances  Knight

                   

 

These lessons will  establish a relationship with God, and learn more about "Our Father"

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." Amen (Matthew 6:9-13)

 

"Resist the devil and he will flee from you" James 4:7

 

 

   

“Our Father Answers Prayers”  

 

I. ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - “Our Father”

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 Jn 3:1

Each of us must ask, “Do I have a vague concept of God, a mere respect for a Divine Creator? Do I only know about God? Am I relying upon good works and trusting in a good philosophy for salvation? Or, am I God’s child? Can I call Him, Father?

Jesus said, “Ye must be born again. . . “in order to have a new nature that is in harmony with God’s Spirit; “you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Rom. 8:15 (NIV). This is the beginning of a beautiful eternal relationship wherein answered prayer becomes a way of life from a Father to His loving, obedient child.

 

II. LEARNING MORE ABOUT “OUR FATHER” - “who art in heaven,”

“Let Him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, and I am the LORD who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth: for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.” Jer. 9:24

Each of us must ask, “How well do I know my Heavenly Father?” Also, “What is the quality of my relationship with Him? Faith is simply confidence in God. The key to power in prayer is in “knowing the one to whom you are speaking so well that you have total confidence in His love and His desire to answer prayers.”

 

III. REVERING OUR FATHER’ S ALMIGHTY NAME - “Hallowed be Thy Name”

Do not profane my name. I must be acknowledged as holy. (Lev. 22:32).”

I sat at a small conference table with a visitor who, for years, had profaned God’s name by using it as a sentence filler and an emotional explanation point. Finally, I politely asked, “Larry,’ (changed) why do you treat God’s name with such disrespect? He stammered, “I don’t disrespect God... He soon left.”

By contrast, I worshiped at a Messianic Synagogue and noticed blank spaces for words in their writings. A member explained that many Jews still hold to the ancient tradition of not writing or speaking the most sacred word for God.

You and I must sacredly regard God’s name in our words and deeds. This is fundamental in a life with power in prayer.

 

IV. DESIRING OUR FATHER’S UNIVERSAL REIGN — “Thy kingdom come”

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt. 6:33

Thy kingdom come” is a sincere plea for God’s kingdom, ruled in righteousness, to be brought forth in its fullness now and forever. As we glimpse, through scripture, into the various stages of God’s Kingdom, we joyously and fervently pray, “Lord, Thy kingdom come.”

 

V. GOD’S WILL - “BE FILLED” WITH HIS SPIRIT -

“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me’ and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. Gal. 2:20

The availability of the Spirit-tilled life, promised in the Old Testament, is the fundamental principle of the New Testament Covenant. It is sealed in Jesus’ blood.

Therefore, God’s primary will is for us to be empowered with His Spirit in order to do Christ’s work on earth. Many church members try to do the Lord’s work with only human wisdom and knowledge. Catherine Marshall likens the additional power in the Spirit— filled life to electricity vs. campfires and candles.

We must be changed and charged like Peter, who denied even knowing Jesus before the Day of Pentecost. . .later, had courage to die a martyr. In the dimension of the Spirit Filled life resides the potential for unlimited power in prayer.

 

VI. ASKING OUR FATHER - “Give us this day our daily bread”

“If you then, being (basically) evil (by nature) know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matt. 77-11

You and I would be astounded if we knew how many amazing things did not happen because we did not pray? Too often we remain silent and preoccupied with worldly cares — while our Heavenly Father almost pleads with us to come to Him for blessings:

Truly, truly, I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything He will give it to you in My name.” Jn 16:23, 24

 

 

VII. REPENTING TO OUR FATHER - “Forgive us our debts”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” lJn.1:9

Sin breaks harmony with “Our Father” and short—circuits our prayer life. It is any thought or action that is contrary to the nature and character of God.

Sin begins as a thought. Even the beautiful, powerful Lucifer, so close to God Himself began his fall with a flicker of pride. Christians too can mentally craft false gods as we develop our philosophies and establishes our priorities. We must recognize sin and repent.

Confession of sin may not be repentance. Many people do not mind telling God about their sins, but would not consider giving them up. Repentance is action, and brings visible results. It heads a life in another direction.

When our sins are cleared away, we may walk with God in peace and harmony as Adam and Eve in the Garden — with unlimited power in prayer.

 

VIII. FORGIVING OUR FELLOW MEN - “as we also have forgiven our debtors”

But if you do not forgive men, then your father will riot forgive your transgressions.” Matt. 6: 15

 

IMAGINARY DIALOGUE

‘Lord, do you mean I am to ask you to forgive me in

just the same manner as I have forgiven those who have offended me?”

“Yes my child, for it is written, ‘Pray, then, in this way: And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors (Matt. 6:9,12).

“But, Lord, does that mean that I have to forgive

others before I come to you for my forgiveness?”

“It is written, ‘Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also. . .may forgive you. . .But if you do not forgive... (Mark 11:25,26).

In this era of rampant divorce and broken homes there are multitudes of justified reasons for bitterness between husbands, wives, children, grandparent, friends.... It is impossible for imperfect people to rub shoulders with imperfect people without friction sparking at some point.

We need not drag the bad encounters of our yesterdays through our tomorrows. God’s way of forgiveness is the only workable system whereby people can live together, in love, peace and joy. It is only in this realm of oneness with God and a right attitude toward our fellowman that there is power in prayer.

 

IX. ACTIVATING POWER OVER TEMPTATION - “Lead us not into temptation”

“Let no one say when he is tempted,  ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone”. Jas. 1 : 13

Temptation is anything that diverts our attention from living in God’s will. Therefore, it is imperative that our spiritual antennas zoom in on temptations before they make us fall. “Lord, deliver us from temptation,” should be one of our most intense petitions because of our human weaknesses and worldly enticements. We often lack power in prayer because we are sloshing around in sin — many times because we don’t know we are there. We must recognize temptations and rise above them by the power of God’s Holy Spirit to enter the realm of prayer where “nothing is impossible.

 

X. DEFEATING SATAN - “but deliver us from evil”

“For our struggle is not against flesh arid blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12

Often, Satan has us swirling in a whirlpool of negative circumstances because we Christians do not recognize his hand in our affairs, or realize victory over him is possible. Consequently, he works unchallenged behind his invisible cloak.

Jesus recognized Satan when He asked God to “Keep us from the evil one (John 17:15),” and instructed us to pray, “deliver us from evil.” Billy Graham states, “We are in a battle every day with the devil. There is a devil. There are demons.’  Scripture unmasks Satan and teaches us how to recognize him and his strategy. Christians must know how to stand in the victory won at Calvary in order to have power in prayer.

 

XI. VICTORIOUSLY PRAISING OUR ETERNAL FATHER! - For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever”

“To the King eternal, eternal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Tim. 1:17

While we are on holy ground in God’s presence, and He has revealed the awesomeness of His Kingdom, Power and Glory, our hearts can only shout with victorious praise — “Hallelujah!” to our Eternal Father.

 

XII. PROCLAIMING UNWAVERING FAITH! - “AMEN.

Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God.. .Rev. 3:14,15

Amen is much more than a signal ending prayer — a period at the end of a sentence. Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God... (Rev.3: Amen is also an assertion that one agrees with and supports the prayer “And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen’ (Deut. 27:15).” The Bible ends with a tremendous unmerited blessing signed by Christ, the Amen - “The Grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Rev.22:21).

 

  

 

 

 

Keep my lamp burning O God, turn away the darkness so I may enter into Your Light!

 

 

         “Look for God’s Heart”  

  I was jubilant when I realized that the most important factor in prayer was “Our Father “. How well do I really know the One to whom I am speaking?” If I truly believe God is all He says He is, can do all He says He can do, and has a heart to do it, there can be no limit to the possibilities of answers to prayers. It became imperative to know Him better, so I began my search/or God’s heart through the Bible—and found it on every page.

 

WAYS I FOUND GOD’S HEART IN SCRIPTURE

I heard a man say, “I see a God of wrath in the Old Testament and a God of love in the New Testament. It is almost like they are two different Gods.” I, personally, saw only one loving God.

I agree with A.W. Tozer, in Pursuit of God

A loving Personality dominates the Bible, walking among the trees of the garden and breathing fragrance over every scene. Always a living Person is present, speaking, pleading, loving, working, and manifesting Himself whenever and where His people have the receptivity necessary to receive the manifestation.

The Bible records every situation common to man, and also God’s feelings about them. Yes, God’s judgment has fallen upon man throughout history, but not without warnings, pleadings, and grief on God’s part.

 

I Found God’s Protective Love and Tender Emotions

I found God’s protective love and sensed the grief of His rejection as he lamented over the wayward Israelites, “0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing (Matt. 23:37).

God’s love always reached out to His children. Even while the Israelites were in foreign captivity because of their disobedience, God faithfully promised: “I myself will search/or my sheep and look after them. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak... “(Ezek. 34:11.16). Then, without any merit on the Israelites’ part, God promised them a thousand year Utopia on this earth, and Paradise forevermore—if they would only love and follow Him.

 

• I Found God’s Heart through Redeeming Value

I found God’s love in the redeeming value of righteous Job’s trials. God was proud of Job, yet he allowed Satan to put him through horrendous testings. After Job endured devastating losses with extreme emotional and physical pain, he emerged with a new revelation of God ‘My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5). God “blessed the latter part of Job‘s life more than the first” (Job 42:12).

 

• I Found God’s Loving Heart Even in Harsh      Circumstances

God utilized every situation to try to get the Israelites attention. I found His heart in Hosea. Why did God tell his prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute knowing the anguish he would feel when she repeatedly left him. That is the point. God gave a picture of his grieving heart to the Israelites, who were continually leaving Him for other gods. Like Hosea’s love for Gomer, God always wanted His chosen people to return to Him.

The Lord said to Hosea, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other rods (Hosea 3:1 NIV).

 

• I Found God’s Heart in The Living Word—Jesus Christ

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:1-4 NW).

The name Jesus means God with us. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Col. 1:15). “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Col. 2:9). Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Heb.1:3). Jesus said, “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him” (John 14:7).

I saw God’s Heart through Jesus’ attitudes and actions. His life exemplified love, mercy and compassion as He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, delivered those who were bound from demonic powers, and spoke words of forgiveness, peace, and hope. He told the woman caught in adultery, “Then neither do I condemn you ... Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).

He came to free us from ourselves. By faith in Him we are no longer in bondage to the carnal weaknesses of the flesh, but by the power of His Holy Spirit, we can he more like Jesus with an indwelling desire to stay true to God.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:8-10). As I saw God’s heart throughout Scripture, you will too.

 

Plan Your Bible Study:

• Analyze Your Motivation

My motivation was to know God better so I could pray more effectively. Your motivation may be different. Nevertheless, If you have a good reason for wanting to study the Bible, you will be more likely to continue.

 • Set Your Goal

A goal is important because life will inevitably get so busy that other pressing priorities will consume your time. My goal is one year, January-December, wherein I read about three chapters a day. You may prefer a slower or faster pace.

This verse has helped me stay on track: “first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33 NIV). As a result, when I put God first, the pressing priorities fall into place

• Assemble Your Study Material

Select a modern language Bible like The New International Version Reference Edition with Jesus’ words in red. Then, basic road-maps are important to show you where you are going: What the Bible is all About by Henrietta Mears, Foreword by Billy Graham, Regal Pub., provides a brief gospel interpretation of each book of the Bible. Alfred Eade’s The New “Panorama” Bible Study Courses No. IThe Plan of the Ages” Fleming H. Revell, graphically shows the flow of Bible events, with explanations, in only twenty-five pages. Then, the maps in the back of your Bible show where the events occur. If you are reading the Bible through for the first time, don’t get swamped with too many Bible study materials.

• Ask God’s Holy Spirit to Teach You

Pray for God’s Holy Spirit to teach you. He will cause Scripture to come-alive and be The Living Word. You don’t have to understand everything. He will highlight principles as you are ready to learn them.

• As You Study, Look for God’s Heart

There can be no higher purpose for studying the Bible than to “Look for God’s heart.” “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me” Prov. 8:17 NIV)

• Meditate about What You Have Learned

To fortify what we have learned, meditate upon the principles. For example, “For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth ... (Col. 1:16):

Visualize the vast oceans, the majestic mountains, and the dense forests. Hear the trumpeting elephant, the bleating sheep and purring kitten. See the hummingbird suspended in air. Touch the velvety rose and smell the fragrance. Watch the fluttering butterfly and the flurry of snowflakes. Hold the newborn baby.

Look through the microscope and see cells multiplying and atoms dividing. Look through the telescope and scan the heavens. Eons of light years behind the farthest star are much more. The galaxies are as the sands of the seashore synchronized to revolve in a heavenly ballet. I saw the Leonid meteorites streaking through the sky last night.

• Enjoy a New Revelation of God’s Love Each Day

Your faith will increase daily as you study God’s word. Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. “(Rom. 10:17). Since faith is simply confidence in God, how can we develop more confident than to “Look for God’s Heart” in Heart in Scripture. “If you seek Him, you will find Him.” I Chron. 28:9

 

 

 

 

 

            Knowing God    –The Key to
“Mountain Moving Faith”

 “Let him who boasts boast about this: that   he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD (Jer. 9:24)

Our faith can move mountains of adversities: Jesus said, “Have faith in God . . . I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore . . . whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”  (Mark 11:22—24)

Most of us, who have made a serious attempt to learn to pray, have studied this Scripture and tried hard not to doubt that whatever we ask we shall receive. We attached our faith on our ability to believe rather than on God’s ability to respond. Consequently, our mountain remains. It is important to note the verse above, with so great a promise, begins with “Have faith in God”. This is how we acquire the necessary faith to receive.

Let’s look at this principle in light of the Lord’s Model Prayer. It begins, “Our Father, who art in heaven . . . “Thinking about our Father puts us in the right perspective since we often enter prayer discouraged and troubled by adverse circumstances. As we look to Him and ponder His love and power, He becomes larger than our mountains. Then, when we submit our petitions, we have faith, not that the circumstance will change, but rather in God who can change the circumstance.

Therefore, faith is simply confidence in God. There is no short cut; there is no speaking to the mountain or confessions of the mouth that will instill faith without knowing God personally. Let’s start with the fundamental characteristics of God’s nature as A. W. Tozer writes in Pursuit of God

A loving Personality dominates the Bible, walking among the trees of the garden and breathing fragrance over every scene. Always a living Person is present, speaking, pleading, loving, working, and manifesting Himself whenever and wherever His people have the receptivity necessary to receive the manifestation.’

I heard that a little boy had this receptivity. After his mother admonished him by saying, God is watching you.” He replied, “Yes, I know. He loves me so much He can’t keep His eyes off of me.” We all know what it is like to adoringly watch someone we love.

What a contrast when we see how some people view God. Hannah W. Smith writes in God of All Comfort

Because we do not know Him, we ... get all sorts of wrong ideas about Him. We think He is an angry Judge who is on the watch for our slightest faults, or a harsh Taskmaster determined to exact from us the uttermost service, or a self—absorbed Deity demanding His full measure of honor and glory, or a far-off Sovereign concerned with His own affairs and indifferent to our welfare.

Our view of God affects our prayers. We are not likely to pray at all if He is a vague deity, or if we do not believe He loves us. Whereas, if we know His love is great and His power unlimited, we will likely pray with great faith. Let’s build our faith with Scriptures that reveal God’s nature, character, and power.

 

Seeing Our Father in Scripture

• God Reveals His Basic Nature

God tells us the nature of His Spirit when His glory passed by Moses on Mt. Sinai, the Lord said He was “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. . . “ (Exod. 34:6,7)

• God is the Only God

“This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God” (Isa. 44:6).

• God is Holy

Holiness is God’s predominate attribute, the moral essence of His Spirit: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isa. 6:3).

I believe glory is the radiating manifestation of the purity of God’s holiness energized by the power of His love. God and His glory are inseparable; where He is, His glory shines.

• God never changes

God is eternally the same: “I the LORD does not change” (Mal. 3:6). Worldly people change their moral values and try to establish what is right by popular acceptance of their evolving standards. Nevertheless, disregarding God’s laws of righteousness is only to their destruction because the axis of life remains on God. Who He is eternally remains the same.

• God is self-existent

God is life: v the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself” (John 5:26).

• God has all knowledge

God knows all: “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18 KJV)

• God is permanent truth

What God has said is eternal true: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matt. 24:35)

• “God is Love” (1 John 4:8)

God’s love is the most powerful force in the world. Everything He does is ultimately from this viewpoint.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:8-10).

• God is Trustworthy

“A man’s word is his bond” is almost an archaic concept, according to liberal modern standards. It is not so with God because “Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses” (1 Kings 8:56). We must also “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands” (Deut. 7:9).

• God gives

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. . .“ (James 1:17). God does not limit His giving: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Ps. 84:11).

• He Cares

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (I Peter 5:7) . “

• God is always present

God reminds us of His presence throughout Scripture:

Am I only a God nearby ... and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” (Jer. 23:23,24).

His promise to always be with us has special meaning for me. Through intense grief, God’s abiding presence sustained our family during the months preceding our son’s death. He comforted Ric too. When doubts and fears would ordinarily dominate a terminal patient’s thoughts, Ric said, shortly before he died, “Mother, God has never left me.” Knowing that God also revealed His presence to Ric and provided him with supernatural assurance, greatly comforted us during those dark days. It continues to provide solace.

• God is Spirit

“No one has ever seen God” (John 1:18), because “God is Spirit” (John 4:24). Yet, He allows man to see evidence of His Presence through manifestations of His Spirit. Primarily, Scripture records these as fire and a cloud, an intensely brilliant light of glory, a dove, and Jesus in person.

  •       God Revealed His Spirit through Fire and a Cloud. God spoke through a burning bush when He told Moses to rescue the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (Exod. 3:2). Later, as Moses led them out of Egypt “the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light” (Exod. 13:21). After they arrived at Mt. Sinai where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, “the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain” (Exod.24:17)

  •      God Revealed His Spirit through an intensely brilliant Light of Glory. The radiance of God’s Glory is blindly brilliant; He “lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Tim. 6:16). On Mt. Sinai, Moses asked God to show him His glory. God replied, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exod. 33:20) (Our mortal bodies must become immortal in order to withstand the brilliance of the glory of His Presence.)

Although, on Mt. Sinai, God did allow Moses a glimpse of His back. “When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen” (Exod. 33:22,23). When Moses came down from the mountain, his face had to be veiled because it reflected God’s Glory.

When Moses finished building the Holy Tabernacle of Worship, God sent His approval when “The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exod. 40:34). 

In the New Testament, God’s Glory illuminated Jesus when He, Moses, and Elijah supernaturally appeared. “There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matt. 17:2).

When God was ready for His Salvation Message to be spread over the world, His brilliant glory had a profound effect on Saul of Tarsus; he fell to the ground blinded, and arose transformed to become the first evangelist— Paul the Apostle. He was empowered to blaze a path through spiritually uncharted pagan lands with the Gospel of Christ. Satan and all his fury could not stop him. Jeers, deprivation, floggings, shipwreck, serpent bites, and stonings could not deter him. He charged on, until the Romans shackled him in the death-row dungeon.

I stood in that cold, damp, stone dungeon and felt austere isolation. I imagined Paul feeling moments of terror, knowing his beheading was imminent. Even so, the power of God’s glory sustained Paul till the end when he wrote, “The time has come for my departure.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award . .. to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

  •       God Revealed His Spirit as a dove. God chose the gentle dove to convey His Presence when He announced to the world that Jesus was His Son: “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’”) Matt. 3:16, 17).

       

  •       God Revealed His Spirit in Jesus. Jesus is the physical manifestation of God’s Spirit.

  •       The Father and Son Are One

The name Jesus means God with us. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Ccl. 1:15). “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Col. 2:9). Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Heb. 1:3)

 

In the beginning God, His Spirit, His Word were all one. God equates His Word to Himself. His Word (His Son) took on human form and became Jesus in the flesh.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him [Word] nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men . . . The Word because flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:1—4, 14).

We see God’s Spirit through Jesus’ attitudes and actions. His life exemplified love, mercy and compassion as He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, delivered those who were bound from demonic powers, and spoke words of forgiveness, peace and hope. He told the woman caught in adultery, “Then neither do I condemn you . . . Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).

Jesus read in the Synagogue from Isaiah about Himself,

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18,19).

I complimented a prominent man on his life of benevolent acts. Since we knew each other only socially, He said, “You do not know me.” For forty years I had seen his Christian life, therefore, I knew his heart. We know God’s heart because we have seen Jesus’ life. Jesus said, “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him” (John 14:7).

       

  •      God Ministers as The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit

In trying to understand the Trinity, we have all heard the example about ice and steam also being water. We might also consider the likeness of some sons to their dad. We have heard the expression, “Like father, like son. . . “ We know this means the two are so much alike that they think alike, and their decisions would be the same. The Spirit of the Father is The spirit of The Son is the energizing, empowering Holy Spirit. The three are the same, with different ministries.

      

  •       God Creates and Sustains with Unlimited Power

For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Col. 1:16, 17).

Scripture comes to life as we meditate upon the wonders of our thriving world. Visualize the vast oceans, the majestic mountains, and the dense forests. Hear the trumpeting elephant, the bleating sheep and purring kitten. See the hummingbird suspended in air. Touch the velvety rose and smell the fragrance. Watch the fluttering butterfly, see the flurry of snowflakes, and hold the newborn baby.

Look through the microscope and cells multiplying and atoms dividing. Look through the telescope and scan the heavens. Eons of light years behind the farthest star are much more. The galaxies are as the sands of the seashore synchronized to revolve in a heavenly ballet. The power of God’s Word spoke it into place. We have all seen God’s awesome power as lighting lashed across the sky with its loud clashing thunder. In the midst of it all we have felt God’s reassuring presence reminding us, “Do not be afraid, for I have created all things, I sustain all things, and I have promised, “I will never leave you. . .“ (Heb. 13:5)

As we daily contemplate the beauty and power of God’s creation, our faith increases. We also fill our minds with treasured memories which may later sustain us during the bleak times of life—when we must dwell upon what is good to find peace for our souls.

    

  •       Our Father Has Tender Emotions

In Scripture, we see not only God’s nature, character, and creation but also, His emotions. The Bible records every situation common to man, and also God’s feelings about them. Yes, His judgment has fallen at times throughout man’s history. But, not without warnings, pleadings, and grief on God’s part.

We see evidence of God’s sorrow when He said about His chosen people, the Israelites, “How I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, which have turned away from me, and by their eyes, which have lusted after their idols” (Ezek. 6:9). When righteous judgment fell against Moab and Kirheres for their wicked ways, God mourned through the weeping prophet, Jeremiah, “Therefore I wail over Moab, for all Moab I cry out, I moan for the men of Kir Hareseth” (Jer. 48:31).

We see Jesus’ love and feel the grief of His rejection as he laments over the wayward Israelites, “0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing (Matt. 23:37)

God’s love always reaches out to His children. Even while the Israelites were in foreign captivity because of their wickedness, God faithfully promised: “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak...” (Ezek. 34:11, 16). Then, without any merit on the Israelites’ part, God promised them a thousand year Utopia on this earth, and Paradise forevermore—if-they would only love and follow Him.

Jesus wept when Lazarus died (John 11:35). This was more than wiping away a few tears. Lazarus, Martha and Mary were like family members. When Herod beheaded His beloved disciple, John, Jesus went off to be alone in His grief (Matt. 14:13). He loves us with the same intensity.

The closer we draw to Him, the clearer we will see Him. The effects of seeing Jesus sustained Stephen, one of the seven deacons in the first Jerusalem Church, before he was stoned to death. His spirit rose beyond the circumstance, and instead of being afraid, Stephen’s face looked like an angels’ as he “looked up to heaven and saw the g of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 1 he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God’” (Acts 7:55, 56).

Like Stephen, you and I need to turn our eyes heavenward to seek Jesus’ face, as we diligently study His word. Even so, study as we may, we will always long to see Him more clearly. In “Nothing But Christ!” David Wilkerson writes:

Ever since the Cross, all spiritual giants have had one thing in common ... they became lost in the glorious vastness of Christ; and they died lamenting they still knew so little of Christ, yet wanted so much more knowledge of Him. So it was with all the disciples with early church fathers; with Luther, Zwingli, and the Puritans; with the pious English preachers over the past two hundred years ... Wesley, Fletcher, Whitefield, Mueller ... And so it was and is with the pious Americans—Tozer, Ravenhill, and many others.

Though we cannot know God as well as we want to, experience His involvement in every area of our lives. He empowers us to love Him, and our fellow man. He gives inexpressible joy and peace, even in the midst of our trials. He blesses, protects, and relieves our pains more times and in more ways than we will know.

A sweet Christian friend, whose son had just committed suicide, told me, with moist eyes and a serene smile, “Jesus has not left me for one moment. He has given me strength and comfort through these past few days that I never dreamed possible.”

A loving family member wrote about God’s unceasing love, “The Lord has blessed us. When we fall down, He picks us up. When we doubt He gives us faith. And, when we cry, He wipes our tears. When we falter He gives us courage. And, most of all, when we fail Him, He forgives us always. I now know why we love Him more than anyone else. He is6ur Father, our best friend and counselor who is within reach at all times. It amazes me how long it takes for some of us to reach out for Him when His arms are open at all times. But, once we grab hold, we never want to let go.”

Now that we know more about our Father in Heaven, and have reviewed the wonders of His creation, we feel like joining the vast choir of Christians throughout the centuries and jubilantly sing, “Oh Lord our God, How great thou are!”

 

HOW GREAT THOU ART

-by Carl Boberg

Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder —

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,

I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed,

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee;

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

 

Notes to Chapter II

1. A. W. Tozer, Pursuit of God (Penn.: Christian Publications, n.d.),p. 50.

2. Hannah Whitall Smith, The God of All Comfort (New Jersey:

The Christian Library, 1984), p. 10.

3. Catherine Marshall, Beyond Ourselves (N.Y.: Avon, 1968), pp. 231, 232.

4. David Wilkerson, “Nothing But Christ!” (Lindale, Texas, World Challenge, Inc., 1985), P. 2.

5. Carl Boberg, 1859—1940 Trans. by Stuart K. Hine, 1899 “How Great Thou Art,” Songs of Inspiration (Burbank, Calif.: Manna

Music, Inc., 1955), p. 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

        How To Confront Temptations

 

Recognize The Three Avenue of  Temptation

1. Lust of the Flesh — If it feels good, do it.

2. Lust of the eye - I want what I see

3. Pride of Life —It will make me feel important

We can overcome temptation. Jesus is our high priest and our strength. We have His promises and His Presence: “. . . we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb. 4:15,16).

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb. 2:18)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted (tested) beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted (tested), he will also provide a way out . . . “ (1 Cor.

“Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil” (Prov. 4:26,27). To stay on that firm path, there are steps we can take that will help us avoid evil. 10:13).

1. Have a Firm Commitment

To resist temptation our desire to please God must be stronger than the enticement. If we love God and draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8) and we will gain strength. Paul wrote, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Rom. 13:14) .

2. Know God’s Word

Jesus responded to Satan’s temptations: “It is written. . . . “ Satan knows how to slant Scripture to his advantage. We must study Scripture and know it so well that we instantly recognize a misquotation or wrong interpretation, and counter it with Truth. God’s Word is our weapon against Satan, it is the “Sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17)

3. Pray

When we pray, our Father provides strength to overcome. He tells us to “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Matt. 26:41). Then, “... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).

4. Discipline Our Thoughts

Since temptation enters as a thought, we must keep our thoughts under control. Paul writes, “. . . take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5)

5. Select Companions and Activities

Avoid obvious temptations. For example, young people should stay away from peers who would entice them to use drugs and alcohol. This is true for adults too. We all should choose other friends; we all must find strength among those who have strength.

6. Be Busy About Our Father’s Business

We must be headed in a positive direction when temptations come. As we are “about our father’s business,” walking in His Spirit, we will not be as tempted to “gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Gal. 5:16)

7. When Temptation Comes, Simply Say, “NO!”

After the last temptation in the wilderness, Jesus commanded, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matt. 4:10) “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” (Matt. 4:11).

 

“Resist the devil and he will flee from you”

(James 4:7).

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Monday 3/15/04

 

The Intercessory Power Prayer!  

 

I believe the following prayer is one of the most powerful intercessory prayers possible. It will most likely cause the unsaved or wayward Christian to pay attention to God. It is in line with scriptural principles.

“Lord, May your Holy Spirit come and work mightily, according to your transforming power, in the life of (name) ____________

This prayer has merit because we do not ask the unregenerate or wayward person to do anything. Rather, we go to God, who is totally dependable. We ask Him to do, with unreserved power, that which is the mission of His Holy Spirit—to transform lives.

When His Holy Spirit comes, He will do basically three things: He “will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). This means

·             He will cause a person to be miserable about his sins.

·             He will reveal Jesus Christ as righteousness.

·             He will give an awesome sense of impending judgment

against unrighteousness.

Another reason we know that God will respond is “The Lord is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9) . Not only that, but God is eager for us to ask for His Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, “If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13). He has already told us to pray for others, too.

God’s Holy Spirit continues His work after the one for whom we are praying receives Jesus Christ as Lord. This time, He will work from the inside, transforming the new Christian’s nature and influencing him to do God’s will. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose”. (Phil. 2:13)

God’s Spirit will also teach. Jesus said, “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth . . . He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you” (John 16:13,14).

Surely, as we pray in God’s will, with the powerful help of His Holy Spirit, in time, we shall see transformed lives. The exception to this prayer response is the person who has hardened his/her heart against God and has rejected God’s Holy Spirit with finality-the unpardonable sin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTIANS

HAVE SPECIAL ABILITIES CALLED “GIFTS”

1 Cor. 12-13-14

 

        Many people believe that Holy Spirit power was only for the first century apostles and that the supernatural gifts of the Spirit have ceased. Logically, this is because they do not see power in their churches, and do not know to expect anything more.

       The reason the manifestation of Pentecostal power has waned through the centuries is because of apathy, unrepeated sin, unbelief, lack of prayer and Bible study. Consequently, today there are too many church members who are “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (Tim 3:5). They are ritualistically worshiping, without getting really serious about walking with God.

       God’s Spirit has not lost His power. Nor has the New Covenant, sealed with Jesus’ blood, been broken. Twentieth-century Christians need spiritual gifts just as the earlier Christians. Special abilities enable Christians to serve dynamically in various ministries.

       When he ascended on high, he ...gave gifts to men to prepare God’s people for works of service so, that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  (Ephesians 4:8, 12, 13)

 

        Paul preached a great sermon explaining the gifts to the confused church at Corinth. Imagine him standing behind the pulpit in our church today teaching “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware…There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but same Lord. There are different kinds of workings, but the same God works all of them in all men.

 

1CO 12:4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.    1CO 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,  to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

 

    Then Paul compares the gifts and their use with the diverse functions of the body such as the eye, hand, and feet. Each serves a different purpose. He concludes.

    1Cor 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues

 

       Expounding on this, churches need the unique abilities of preachers, teachers, musicians, administrators, nursery workers, secretaries, kitchen workers, fellowship organizers, and even janitors who have hearts to serve.

       Our abilities must match our responsibilities. In The Seasons of Life Charles Swindoll presents a clever analogy of his frustration when he tried to emulate admired preachers’ styles: “For over ten pears in the ministry 1-a rabbit-worked hard at swimming like a duck or flying like an eagle ... this rabbit quit the swim team and gave up flying lessons .. I learned it was OK to be me ... So relax ... cultivate your own capabilities.  “Spirit of sonship with My Father, and a spirit of love, joy, and peace. I was gentle, patient and understanding, with wisdom, knowledge, and discernment.

• The Gift of Love energizes the special abilities. Paul insets the classic chapter on love in the midst of his instructions about spiritual gifts: “I show you a still more excellent way.

 Jesus overflowed with energizing love

  • A Woman who had been bleeding for year reached through the crowd just to touch His clothing, and she was healed instantly “MK 5:30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?")

      God wants his children to be conductors through whom His love can flow Jesus said,

 “ …these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name…they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well” (Mark 16:18)

 

       We have all felt the effects of love in a touch... A man’s pat on the shoulder can give another man reassurance and comfort .A touch thrills a sweetheart and soothes a crying baby. Love in a touch is therapeutic. We all know that tests have proven that new babies who are seldom touched are prone to wane, whereas those who are cuddled will, in normal circumstances, develop emotionally, mentally and physically. When Christ’s Spirit energizes the human touch, there will he a touch of the Divine. Miraculous things will happen.

     A woman came to me recently thanking God for her healing that happened several years ago. I remembered her at the altar when she asked our pastor to anoint her with oil, according to James 5:14. Due to a hip injury, she had been in severe pain for years. Several gathered around her to pray. I knelt and put my hand on her hip.

     Tears welled when she said, “As everyone prayed, I felt surrounded by love. When someone touched my hip, warmth flowed through it, and my hip stopped hurting. At the end of the prayer I looked down to see who had touched me.” I replied, “I remember. I did nothing but focus my attention on God and his Love in the Name of Jesus Christ and asked Him to allow me to be a vessel through whom his love could flow.”

     As we realize the power of love more fully we understand why our Father tells us to ‘turn the other cheek” and “don’t let the sun go down on our wrath.” He does not want anger, bitterness and resentment to interfere with our receptivity. Jesus’ Spirit is still comforting and healing through His children with love.

      To put the gifts in perspective, Our Father wants us to “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy,” (1 Cor 14:1) “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev 19:10) Our primary goal is to tell others about salvation that is available through Jesus Christ; spiritual healing is more important than physical healing.

      Gifts can become a false doctrine when magnified beyond their purpose; some people place such emphasis on the more dramatic gifts that Jesus loses the limelight. We must keep our eyes on Him, and simply use our individual divinely bestowed gifts as tools for worship and service.

 

• Spirit Empowered “To Serve

    It is not enough to simply be filled with God’s love; we must also do what God wants us to do. Like Jesus, we must “be about our Father’s business”-with a servant nature. As Jesus felt compassion toward the sick, the lonely, the needy and the lost, we too will desire to help them. “The Son of Man did not come to he served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45) Jesus considers service so Important that he sees our efforts to help others as a service unto Himself:

      For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' …whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

(Matthew 25: 35, 36, 40b)

 

       Jesus’ ministry on earth lasted three years. That was only long enough to show His disciples what would have to he continued through the centuries. Just before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He delegated to His followers the authority necessary to continue His work, and He commissioned them to go:

     …, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:18, 19)

       After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:19-20)

      The power is in the last verse. Just as “the Lord worked with them,’’ through the power of His Holy Spirit and caused the healings, and other supernatural occurrences to take place. He also works with us and through us Jesus clarifies the fact that this includes us in His prayer to Our Father

 

      As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [as the gospel is spread through the generations to us today.] 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:18, 20, 21)

      Please reread that amazing verse. It is hard for us to comprehend the awesome fact that just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one, He wants our spirits to be in one with them: “Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me(Galatians 2:20) The truth of this verse is the power of the next verse:

     I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12)

      What are the works He wants us to continue? Jesus described His ministry when He stood in the Synagogue and read from the prophecy of Isaiah, concerning Himself: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord favor (Luke 4:18,19)

      Since many people believe that the mighty Holy Spirit ministry was only for Jesus and His apostles, let’s prove it applies to us today: Jesus trained other disciples. First, He called the Twelve together, and ‘gave them power and authority to drive our all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent out to preach the kingdom of God is near you, (John 10: 1, 9) 

     The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." Jesus replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions [symbolic of Satan the serpent, and all his evil spirits] and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." ( Luke 10: 17-20)

 

      Jesus got excited and “rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit” when He saw His followers were learning to use the authority in His name over sickness and evil spirits while proclaiming the Kingdom of God.  “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.” (Luke 10:21)

     Since then, through the centuries the Kingdom of God has been proclaimed from Holy  Land through Asia, the vast the vast Roman Empire, and over the world to us today. This obviously means that you and I are to continue the ministry that Christ began.

      The need is great. Jesus said. Look on the fields: for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35) The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. (Luke 10:2)

     I think of these Scriptures when I drive to church through a cotton farming area. When I see the white fields. I try to imagine how many individual cotton bolls are out there. The ones that are not brought in. will be plowed under.

      When Jesus said there arc not enough workers in His field, we know that means numerous souls will be lost if they are not brought into His kingdom. We must also be concerned for their special needs. You and I have work to do.

     

When the Gifts will Cease

     As long as we need the gifts for service, we will have them. “God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable (Rom. 11:29).  The next Scripture reveals when we will no longer need them.

     “..where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away… For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears…Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  (1 Cor. 13:8-10, 12).

 

      Jesus is the only perfect one. When he returns in the Rapture, PERFECTION will have come. When we see Him face to face we will no longer need our unique gifts for earthly ministries, because we will have left this earth and will be with Him in heavenly places.

      In conclusion, now that we have studied Our Father’s primary will for our lives, we see that being filled with His Spirit is the only way we can be sensitive to His guidance in all areas of our lives—and. be empowered to effectively carry on His work on earth.  In Sit, Walk, Stand Watchman Nee writes our summary:

         "God never asks us to do anything we can do … Yet, by his grace; we are living it and doing it. The life we live is the life of Christ lived in the power of God, and the work we do is the work of Christ carried on through us by his Spirit whom we obey."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Christianity Alive Continues