The Bible, God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit

The Bible

The Bible records the history and future of the universe. It is the true revelation of God through His prophets and His Son Jesus Christ. There is no discrepancy between the Bible, and the facts of science, or world history. The Bible was given to man from God. People have tried desperately to destroy the Bible and destroy those who have lived to preserve it. No other book has changed the world as much as the Bible has.

1. It claims to be the inspired Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
2. It is a difficult book. (1 Corinthians 2:14-16)
3. It is a book of oneness. (2 Peter 1:21) (the Bible has no discrepancies!)
4. Claims special power. (Hebrews 4:12)
5. Commands the believer to study the scriptures. (2 Timothy 2:15)

God

The Bible reveals God as the only Infinite and Eternal Being, having no beginning and no ending. He is Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is the supreme personal intelligence, and righteous ruler of His universe. He is Life and therefore, the only source of life. (John 5:26)

Man is natural and cannot know God by wisdom. (Job 11:7) God is a person who can only be known by revelation. In the Old Testament He reveals Himself to and through His prophets. In the New Testament He reveals Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 1:1-3)

1. The existence of God. (Hebrews 11:5)
2. The personality of God. (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
3. The nature of God. (1 John 4:8)
4. The grace of God. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Jesus Christ the Son of God

Christianity is different from every other religion on earth. Christianity is not merely a religion - it is based on the Son of God who came and lived on earth as Jesus Christ. He is the key subject of each book of the New Testament and fulfills all the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. (Revelation 17:14) Jesus Christ is glory - exalted above all creatures, having all power in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18)

1. Jesus Christ. (John 1:1)
2. The Humanity of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:3)
3. The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ. (Luke 1:26-35)
4. The Death of Jesus Christ. (Philemon 2:8)
5. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:1-20)
6. The Ascension and Second Coming of Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:9-11)

The Holy Spirit

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon men to empower them for service - but when they were disobedient, the Holy Spirit departed from them. When David sinned against the Lord, David prayed "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me." (Psalms 51:11)

In the New Testament, after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, filling and empowering him for service. Jesus Christ called the Holy Spirit the Comforter: "If I not go away, the Comforter will not come to you, but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come He will..."

1. Convict men of the sin of unbelief. (John 16:8-9)
2. Convict men that Jesus is the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:3-4)
3. Convict men that the power of Satan has been broken. (John 16:11)
4. Regenerate the believer. (John 3:5, Titus 3:5)
5. Indwell the believer. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
6. Seal the believer. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
7. Baptize the believer. (Acts 1:5, 1 Corinthians 12:13)
8. In-fill the believer. (Ephesians 5:18)
9. Empower the believer. (Acts 1:8)
10. Lead the believer. (Galatians 5:16-18)
11. Administer spiritual gifts to the believer. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)

The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost to remain with the Church until it is complete and presented the Lord Jesus at His coming.

1. Luke 3:16 - John baptizes.
2. Matthew 12:31-32 - Sins against the Holy Spirit.
3. Acts 7:51 - do not resist the Holy Spirit.
4. Ephesians 4:30-32
5. 1 Thessalonians 5:19
6. 1 John 1:9
7. Isaiah 59:1-2
8. Acts 5:1-11
9. Galatians 5:22-26

The Holy Spirit indwells every believer. You may be immature, weak and imperfect, but if you have been born again of the Spirit (John 3:3-7), He dwells in you (1 Corinthians 6:19 and Romans 8:9). Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Acts 2:4 and Acts 4:31 shows the Apostles filled with the Holy Spirit. Read Acts 8:26-40.

The Abundant Life is a Life filled with Holy Spirit and...

1. Filled with joy (Ephesians 5:19-21)
2. Ready for service (Acts 6:3, Acts 11:22-24)
3. Power to be a witness (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4-7)
4. Filled with the Spirit and ready for the hour of persecution (Acts 7:54-60)
5. "Walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16-26)
6. Led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14)

Desire Him to fill you. Ask Him to fill you. Believe that He does fill you, and understand what it means. (John 4:14, John 7:37)