LHIM Weekly Bible Teaching

God has graciously provided us with a diverse community of faith. Rather than judging or worrying about our differences, let’s strive to love one another. When issues come up, we can work them out rather than dividing. Romans 12:3-8 God just loves diversity. We see this so clearly by looking at how many kinds of fish, or dogs, or flowers he made. Within the church too, we find lots of diversity with respect to gifts. Rather than worrying about differences, let’s work together to serve God as a community. Romans 12:9-13 The great key to community unity is love. Rather than thinking of yourself as a spectator or, even worse, a critic, get involved and find ways to contribute to the community of faith. Romans 12:14-18 All groups of people face conflict from time to time. Thankfully Jesus did not leave us without clear guidance on what to do when you’re offended (Mat 18:15-17, 21-22). Romans 14:1-6 Some of us are weaker in our faith while others are stronger. We should cut each other some slack and prioritize community over our individual rights. Romans 14:13-20 It’s easy to judge one another on secondary issues that are not clearly stated in the Bible. Everyone has their own shortcomings and limitations, which may be quite different than yours. Romans 16:17-19 Divisiveness, however, is to be avoided. The issue is not whether or not you should stay part of the community, but how can you work the issue out that’s bothering you in a godly way. Pastor Sean used the Bible version NRSVUEThe post You Belong 4: Community Unity first appeared on Living Hope.

Your identity in Christ is received, not achieved. You belong because of God’s grace, you are adopted into His family, and your identity is grounded in what Christ has already done. Romans 6 teaches that your old self died with Christ: “Your old self was crucified with Him.” Your former identity isn’t improved — it’s executed. The old lies—“Only what you see is real,” “Your choices don’t matter,” “You can’t change”—no longer define you. Scripture calls you to “consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God.” Colossians 3:3 declares that your life is now hidden with Christ in God—covered, secure, and protected. God sees you as a new creation, not as your past. Galatians 2:20 shows that Christ now lives in you. Christianity is not you trying harder but Christ expressing His life through you. Your strength is not your own. Because of this new identity, you belong to a new kingdom: “Sin shall not be master over you.” Shame no longer names you. You now live by faith in the Son of God. You live out your identity by declaring truth (Romans 6:11), renewing your mind (Colossians 3:2), and walking by the Spirit (Romans 8:14). Scripture replaces old labels with God’s identity: free, loved, new, forgiven, empowered, never alone, God’s workmanship, secure, victorious, chosen, strengthened, and without condemnation. You are dead to sin, alive to God, hidden with Christ, and Christ lives in you. This identity is a gift — now live like you belong.The post You Belong 3: Your New Identity in Christ first appeared on Living Hope.

When we first believe and repent, we receive God’s spirit, which adopts us into his family. Like Octavius whom Julius Caesar posthumously adopted, we must accept our adoption and live it out. When we do, we will suffer. Thankfully, our inheritance as God’s children far outweighs any suffering we must face today. Romans 8:11 The spirit of God is the primary activating agent for resurrection on the last day. We receive the spirit when we first believe in the gospel and repent of our sins (Titus 3:3-7; Eph 1:13-14). Romans 8:12-14 There’s something inherently wrong with us. Paul calls this impulse to do what is wrong, “the flesh” (Rom 7:14-15, 21-24). If we choose to be led by the spirit, we can gain freedom from the flesh. By acting like God, we are the children of God (Gal 3:6-7). Romans 8:15-16 Receiving God’s spirit also means that we’ve been adopted into God’s family. Just as Octavius had to believe and act on his posthumous adoption by Julius Caesar, so too we must believe and act upon our adoption by God. Romans 8:17 Because we are God’s adopted children, we are also heirs. To be an heir is to be destined to receive an inheritance. Heirs of God means that we will receive our inheritance from God—eternal life in the kingdom of God (Mat 5:5; Luke 12:32). Romans 8:18 All who want to live a godly life in Christ will suffer persecution (2 Tim 3:12). Although we don’t seek out suffering, it is inevitable if we stand for God in this fallen world. Our suffering matters, but we must remember to keep it in perspective of the coming glory.The post You Belong 2: Adopted Into God’s Family first appeared on Living Hope.

Science Assumes Intelligent Design cannot be challenged.  Christianity has assumed that Jesus is God and the debate is over. The Gospel the Apostles Preached After forty days of instruction, the apostles proclaimed: God sent, raised, and exalted Jesus. (Acts 2:22–36; 3:13; 5:30–31) Their gospel: what God did through a man, not what God became in a man. Acts 10:38 – “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth… for God was with Him.” John’s Message about the Word “The Word became flesh” reveals God’s wisdom and power embodied in Jesus. “My flesh… for the life of the world” shows flesh as God’s provision, not incarnation. (John 1:14; 6:51) Proverbs 8:22–30 – Wisdom beside God from the beginning. The True Accusation Jesus was condemned for claiming to be the Messiah, not God Himself. Mark 14:61–64; Matthew 26:63–65; Luke 23:2–3 The inscription read: “King of the Jews,” not “God of the Jews.” (John 19:19–22) The Law of Agency In Jewish thought: “A man’s agent is as himself.” Jesus spoke and acted fully in God’s Name. (Exodus 23:21; John 5:43; 14:10; 17:11) Conclusion God didn’t become man to save us—He sent a man, His Son, to reveal and redeem. 1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 5:19; Acts 2:36The post Who Told You That? Jesus Is a God-Man first appeared on Living Hope.

Bible version: NRSVUE (New Revised Standard Version Updated) The common view is that God is three persons in one being or substance. Each of the persons is fully God, but the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Spirit, and the Spirit is not the Father. Problem 1: Believing that God is three persons contradicts scriptures that speak of God as a singular individual—as a one, not a plurality (Deut. 4:35, 39; 6:4-9; Isa. 43:10-11; 44:6; 45:5-6; 1 Kgs. 8:60; Mal. 2:10; Mark 12:28-34; John 17:3; Rom 3:30; Eph 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:5; Jas. 2:19). Just imagine how well-known scriptures would change if God were three persons (John 3:16; Jer. 29:11). Problem 2: If God were three persons we find serious logical difficulties. Questions multiply. Why doesn’t the Bible say God is three persons or explain the idea? Why wasn’t it included in the preaching in the book of Acts? How is belief in three persons not tritheism? If the spirit is a person, what’s his name? Why doesn’t anyone pray to the spirit? Why doesn’t the spirit receive worship or give greetings? Problem 3: The tri-personal idea slowly evolved over time. Tertullian first used the word trinitas, but didn’t recognize the Father, Son, and Spirit as coequal. Origen of Alexandria developed the concept of eternal generation, but he too believed the Father was greater than the Son. It’s not until Gregory of Nazianzus in the mid to late fourth century that we get a clear statement of God as three persons in one being (Fifth Theological Oration 31). Solution: The Bible teaches that the Father is the only true God (John 17:3), Jesus is his Son, the Messiah, and the spirit is their presence in the world.The post Who Told You That? God Is Three Persons first appeared on Living Hope.

Bible version: NASB-95 (New American Standard Bible-95) The devil disguises evil in sweetness and fun during Halloween, using candy and costumes to draw children toward practices that Yahweh calls detestable. There is nothing sweet or fun about the darkness of the occult or the celebration of death. Witches and sorcerers are evil and are destined for the lake of fire. Revelation 12:9; 20:2-3; Ephesians 2:1-3 Prince of the power of the air – invisible, pervasive, and surrounding human life like the air we breathe. Demons and unclean spirits are recorded in the Gospels over 80 times. Ephesians 6:12; John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11 One of the greatest tools of the adversary is secrecy. He wants everyone to think he is not real. Deuteronomy 18:9-22 Divination is seeking knowledge or guidance through the occult or magical methods, such as interpreting signs, consulting spirits, or using objects (like lots, stars, or entrails). His son or his daughter pass through the fire – 2 Kings 17:7-18 Divination – 2 Kings 21:1-9 Practices witchcraft Interprets omens Sorcerer – Exodus 22:18 “you shall not allow sorcerers to live” Cast spells Medium – Levities 19:31; 20:6, 27 Spiritist One who calls upon the dead – Isaiah 8:19 1 Samuel 28:3-25; 1 Chronicles 10:13–14 Saul did many evil things all worthy of death, however, consulting the medium sealed his demise. Exodus 8:18-19 The magicians and sorcerers duplicate the first two plagues then they told Pharaoh this was way over our heads “this is the finger of God.” Acts 8:5-13 Phillip overpowered Simon. Acts 16:16-19 Paul cast the spirit of divination out of the slave girl. Acts 19:14-20 The power of God destroyed the power of the spiritist. 1 John 4:4 Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the worldThe post Who Told You That? There Is No Spiritual Warfare first appeared on Living Hope.

Bible version: REV (Revised English Version) True faith is a matter of the heart and is “trust” and “allegiance” to Jesus, which fundamentally changes how a person lives. This is contrary to the popular idea that “faith alone is all you need.” While salvation is granted solely by grace through faith, and not by works, the Bible teaches that genuine faith is never alone and must be evidenced by obedience and loving action. Faith is not something we merely do in our mind; rather, it is something that happens in our heart that then changes how we live. Popular Christian culture promotes the idea that “As long as I believe in Jesus, how I live doesn’t really matter that much.” This is not what the Bible says. Faith is “trust,” “allegiance,” and “dependence.” Faith is not mental assent or agreement with an idea. It is a disposition of the heart that results in outward action in one’s life. But Jesus said, “Only believe!” Mark 5:35-42 (cf. Luke 8:49-56) Some take Jesus’ words out of context and make it seem like he was saying that is all a person needs—period. Faith is required for God’s power to operate effectively in a person’s life. But “faith” is never truly alone. It is always accompanied by obedience. Galatians 2:16 We are declared righteous by trust, not by our works. The basis for salvation is trust (i.e., faith). Our works do not contribute to the gift of salvation that we have received. Titus 3:5-7 God saved us, but not because of our works. Acts 16:31 (cf. Romans 10:9-13; John 3:16-18) “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” James 2:14-26 True faith is a faith that works! When you trust God, there will be a change in your life according to that trust. Galatians 5:13 Freedom is not being “free from all things.” It is freedom with purpose—to love one another as Jesus loved us. That means serving one another and not doing whatever we want.The post Who Told You That? Faith Is All You Need first appeared on Living Hope.

Bible version: NRSVUE (New Revised Standard Version Updated) The common view is that the saved go to heaven at death to be with Jesus and their loved ones. Although it’s not clear what we’ll do there, we know that we will enjoy eternal bliss. Problem 1: Going to heaven contradicts scriptures that speak of the righteous living on earth, including the land promise God made to Abraham and his descendants (Gen 12:7; 13:14-15; 15:18-21; 17:7-8; 22:17-18; 24:7; 26:4; 28:13; 35:12; Ex 3:17; 6:8; Lev 25:38; Deut 1:8; Josh 21:43; Ps 105:11; Jer 7:7; 11:5; 32:22; Ezek 20:6, 42; Acts 7:3-5; Rom 4:13; Gal 3:29; Eph 2:12-13, 19) as well as many other texts (Ps 2:7-8; 37:9-11, 21-22, 27-29, 34; Pr 2:21; Is 11:6-9; 60:20-21; Ezek 36:26-28; Dan 2:44; 7:27; Zech 14:9; Mat 5:5; 6:10; Luke 13:28-29; Rev 2:26-27; 5:9-10; 11:15; 21:2-4). Problem 2: Going to heaven undermines God’s original intention for creation. God made the kind of world (Gen 1:31) and people (Gen 2:7) he wanted in the beginning. His plan is to fix what went wrong, not give up on it (Rom 8:19-23; Is 45:18). Problem 3: Going to heaven devalues resurrection. Assuming the dead are living in heaven, what’s the point of the resurrection of the dead? Why would people want their bodies back after living in disembodied bliss in heaven for centuries? The Bible teaches that when people die, they are “asleep” until Christ returns to “awaken” them (Dan 12:2; John 5:28-29; 6:39-40; 1 Cor 15:21-23). Life will be much like it is now, but with the elimination of everything wrong with the world— including violence, sickness, and death. It will be paradise.The post Who Told You That? The Saved Go To Heaven first appeared on Living Hope.

Bible version: NRSVUE (New Revised Standard Version Updated) The common view of hell is that it is a place of separation from God where the unrighteous suffer eternal conscious torment (ECT) in a fire with no relief and no hope of escape. Problem 1: ECT contradicts scriptures that speak of the destruction of the wicked, including Gen 3:19-23; Ps 1:6; 37:9-11, 20-22, 28-29, 34, 37-38; 92:7; 145:20; Prov 2:21-22; 12:7; 24:10-20; Is 66:15-16, 23-24; Mal 4:1-3; Mat 3:11-12; 7:13-14; 10:28; Jn 3:16; 5:28-29; Rom 6:23; 2 Thes 1:6-9; Heb 10:26-27; 2 Pet 2:6, 12-13; 3:7. Problem 2: ECT violates the ethic of proportional justice. Torturing the wicked forever is out of proportion to their crimes. Since we know that Yahweh judges with righteousness and equity (Ps 9:7-8), he cannot also be excessive in his punishment. Problem 3: ECT implies that God is cruel. If you had a friend who was so sensitive and offendable that he wished to punish his enemies by tormenting them forever, what would that tell you about his character? God is not sadistic; he is loving, gracious, merciful, and just (Ex 34:6-7; Deut 32:4; Jer 9:24). When the day of judgement comes, the dead will rise and stand before the judge (Rev 20:11-15). Those not in the book of life will be annihilated. In Rev 20:10 (and 14:9-11) John saw a vision of people getting eternally tormented in a lake of fire. In Rev 21:7-8, we learn that the symbol of people getting tormented in a lake of fire actually refers to “the second death.”The post Who Told You That? Hell Is a Place of Eternal Torture first appeared on Living Hope.

Bible version: NASB-95 (New American Standard Bible-95) We can evaluate God and His actions rightly based upon the parameters He has given in the Scriptures about Himself. When someone says “God did this” or “God did that” we must see if it fits with what we know about God. Romans 11:33-36; Genesis 1:1-5 God is much bigger than we can know, a thimble compared to an ocean. However, there is much about Him that we can know by His creation and His Word. Ignorance and wrong teaching has muddled our thimble. GOD HAS INTEGRITY – HE CANNOT LIE Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2 GOD IS LOVE – 1 John 4:16 GOD IS ALWAYS JUST – Deuteronomy 32:3-4; Psalm 89:14 GOD IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL James 1:17; Lamentations 3:22-23; GOD IS LIGHT WITHOUT ANY DARKNESS 1 John 1:5 God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. GOD KNOWS THE HEART OF MAN Jeremiah 17:10; Psalm 139:1-4 GOD KNOWS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING – Isaiah 46:9-10 Humans have free will – Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15; Isaiah 1:19-20; 2 Chronicles 15:2, 4, and 15; Matthew 23:37 Adam, Eve and Cain had self-determination – Genesis 4:7 Cherubim and angels have free will – Ezekiel 28:12-19; Isai-ah 14:13-14 The devil is the cause of evil, not God -2 Corinthians 4:4, 11:3; Revelation 12:9 What is the cause of war? – James 4:1-3 Who is the cause of death? – Hebrews 2:14; John 10:10The post Who Told You That? God Is Responsible for Everything That Happens first appeared on Living Hope.

Bible version: NET (New English Translation) Like the ancient texts in The Mummy, God’s “backwards” truths become the key to real victory and transformation. 1. The Bible is not Boring — It’s a Living Adventure The Bible is alive and powerful: “For the word of God is living and active…” (Hebrews 4:12). Features real stories of adventure and faith, such as David vs. Goliath, Paul’s shipwreck, and the Resurrection. These are eyewitness accounts, not legends (2 Peter 1:16). 2. The Bible is not Bigoted — It’s Radically Inclusive God’s love is extended to every nation and people group. Women are empowered: Deborah, Mary Magdalene, Priscilla. Outsiders are welcomed: The Ethiopian eunuch receives the gospel (Acts 8). Scriptures: Galatians 3:28, John 3:16, Revelation 7:9 highlight inclusivity. 3. The Bible is not Backwards — But it is Backwards to the World God’s wisdom often challenges worldly values. True success means honoring God above all else, as modeled by Jesus. “Backwards” actions: forgiving enemies, generosity, sacrificial living. Scriptures: Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 1:18 demonstrate the power and purpose in “backwards” living. Psalm 1:1–3: Those who delight in God’s law are deeply rooted and blessed. The post Who Told You That? The Bible is Boring, Bigoted, & Backwards first appeared on Living Hope.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; Happy are those who take refuge in him. The lost are those who have yet to take refuge in God. They haven’t tasted and seen that Yahweh is good. These are the people we are called to reach. Luke 19:1-2 Zaccheus was a bad man, engaged in a despicable profession that betrayed and exploited his own people. Luke 19:3-6 Jesus noticed Zaccheus. He wasn’t so busy or task-oriented that he missed the wealthy man who had climbed the tree. As a high-status rabbi, inviting himself over to Zaccheus’s house was a huge honor to Zaccheus. Luke 19:7 There will always be critics when you spend time with the lost. Even so, we want to be like Jesus and seek out those who are spiritually hungry. Luke 19:8-9 Zaccheus repented on the spot. He’s ready to change his life. Love calls for a response. Martin Luther King used to say that love had within it a redemptive power. Luke 19:10 Jesus came to seek out and to save the lost. If you want to be like Jesus, you, too, should seek out the lost. Those who are lost really need help (Eph 2:12).The post Reaching the Lost first appeared on Living Hope.

Phase 1: The Garden of Eden ( Gen 1:26; 2:17 ) God’s policies were minimal and simple: ( 1 ) have children, ( 2 ) rule the world, and ( 3 ) don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Phase 2: The Old World ( Gen 4:26; 5:22 ) People invoked the name of God. Enoch walked with God, but over time, wickedness and violence spread like a plague resulting in the great reset of Noah’s flood. Phase 3: The New World ( Gen 9:1-11; 11:6-9 ) God initiated three changes in policy: ( 1 ) humans could now eat meat, ( 2 ) no more global floods, and ( 3 ) capital punishment for murderers. Sadly, humanity rebelled with the result that God confused the languages. Phase 4: Covenant with Abraham ( Gen 12:1-3 ) After Abraham trusted God, God committed to him and his descendants to be their God, bless them, and give them a land. Phase 5: Covenant with Israel ( Exod 20:1-17 ) After rescuing Israel from Egypt, God gave Moses laws to write down. In the 40th year, God provided updates and new laws ( Exod 21:2 vs. Deut 15:12-14, 17 ). Phase 6: New Covenant ( Luke 22:19-20; Jer 31:31-32; Psalm 110:4; Heb 8:13; 7:11- 12, 22; Gal 3:23-26 ) Jesus brought new instruction. His death ratified a new covenant, that opened up a new relationship on the basis of faith not ancestry. Phase 7: The Kingdom of God ( Dan 7; Rev 21-22 ) When Christ returns, he will resurrect the faithful, establish God’s kingdom on earth, and usher in an age of enduring peace, justice, and loveThe post Progressive Revelation first appeared on Living Hope.

Fail forward and don’t expect things to work out the first or 20th time. Find your superpower and put it to work in the church. We need your light and the gifts that God placed in you! 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 A Family Forged in Crisis Romans 12:4-5 You have to be ready for crisis by belonging and participating in the community of God. Isaiah 41:10 Revelation 21:3-4 Facing Cosmic Fear Together Staying in the fold of God keeps us safer together in numbers. Psalm 78:4-7 Acts 2:39 2 Timothy 1:5 Plant Hope in the Next Generation Ephesians 2:19 Galatians 3:28-29 A Chosen Family by Grace not by Genes Acts 4:32-35 Hebrews 10:24-25 Guarding our words in order to build others up and not tear them down Ephesians 4:29-32 Galatians 5:13-15 Colossians 3:12-14The post Fantastic 4 and Belonging in Christ first appeared on Living Hope.

The works that the man Jesus did, we can do also—because like him, we have been given the spirit and the Word to empower us. Anything God asks of us, He makes possible. His power works in us to carry it out. John 14:12. Truly, truly – “Pay close attention—what I’m about to say is absolutely certain.” Jesus wants us to be convinced, without doubt, that his works could be continued and even expanded through his followers Luke 4:18–19. The Gospels confirm that Jesus fulfilled everything Isaiah foretold. Acts 10:38. What he did was God’s will and God’s work, not his own. Acts 2:22. God performed through him Acts 2:22; 1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 5:15. It is essential to affirm Jesus’ humanity if we are to believe his words in John 14:12. Each Gospel records that the holy spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism (Matt. 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–23; John 1:29–34). God wanted it to be unmistakable that Jesus was empowered by the spirit to carry out his mission. Luke 4:1, 14; 5:17. The spirit God gave Jesus enabled him to perform miracles, wonders, and signs. And in the same way, God has given us His spirit so that He may work through us to accomplish His purposes. Isaiah 61:1-3; 42:1-7. Jesus also had faith in the Scriptures. John 14:12. We too have God’s spirit, and we too have His Word. As Jesus trusted God to work through him, we can believe that God will work through us.The post Superman and the Real Superpower first appeared on Living Hope.

Love Isn’t Always Easy. Love Costs Something. Love Sees Beyond the External. Love Isn’t Always Easy Loving someone can be risky and difficult. It takes vulnerability and can be hard. 1 Cor 13:4-7. Loving someone is easy when people are nice but can be quite a challenge when there is tension, disagreement, or pride involved. Luke 19:1-10. Jesus’ was judged for his association with people that others viewed as “sinners” and “unclean”. Love Costs Something Loving someone often requires sacrifice and giving of yourself in ways that are not preferred (or undesirable). John 15:9-13, 17. Jesus commanded his followers to love each other as he loved them and to be willing to sacrifice everything. John 13:1-15, 34-35. The example Jesus left his disciples is to be willing to do the lowest task in serving each other. By loving each other in this way, you will make known to other people that you are Christ’s disciples. Love Sees Beyond the External Appearances can be deceiving. What is on the outside is not what is important, but what is on the inside is what matters. 1 Samuel 16:1-12. As humans, we can get caught up with thinking about how things look and miss the more important traits of who a person is. Romans 2:11. God does not show favoritism but welcomes everyone to come to Him through His Son, Jesus. John 4:1-30. Jesus’ disciples only saw a Samaritan woman and missed the whole point of what was happening.The post Film Series 2: How to Train Your Dragon and Christian Love first appeared on Living Hope.

The Karate Kid movies and shows have resonated with people for more than four decades. One aspect that draws us to watching them is the desire we all have for a mentor or a student. Jesus was the ultimate Myagi, teaching and training his disciples throughout his ministry. Before departing, he told us that we too should make disciples of all nations. Mark 6:7-13. After Jesus had spent a little time with his disciples, he instructed them and sent them out. They were to do the same sorts of things that Jesus himself was doing. Mark 6:30-44. Upon returning from their missionary trip, the twelve reported back to Jesus what happened with great excitement. Jesus continued to challenge and train them. When a crowd of 5,000 men were hungry, he told them, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 9:33-37. Jesus taught them about humility. Rather than seeking to be the greatest, he told them to look to the example of a child. Luke 14:25-32. Jesus set the bar high for becoming a disciple. Although the call is open to anyone, only those who put him first can be true disciples. People should count the cost prior to following Jesus. Luke 6:40. The goal of Christian discipleship is to become like Christ. We aim to both follow his words and imitate his example. Matthew 10:24-25. As they ridiculed and called Jesus names, so they will do to you if you genuinely follow him. John 8:31-32. Disciples don’t just believe in Jesus, they also continue in his words, living out his teachings. John 13:35. The most important indicator of authentic discipleship is if we love each other. See also John 15:8-10.The post Film Series 1: Karate Kid and Christian Discipleship first appeared on Living Hope.

His name is far more than a label—it represents the power, presence, and authority of Jesus Himself. When Peter explained the healing of the lame man, he was essentially saying, ‘It was the very person and power of Jesus, alive and active, that made this man whole.’ John 16:23-27. We pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 3:1ff. In the name of Jesus Christ, the lame man walked. Acts 3:16. “Name” means much more than a label. It implies Jesus’ power, presence, and authority. Peter is saying: “It is the very person and power of Jesus, active and present, that healed this man.” Acts 4:1-12. There is no other name by which we can be saved. Acts 4:17-20. Do not speak in this name. Acts 16:16-18. Demon was cast out by his name. Philippians 2:5-11. In the end, everyone will bow to that name.The post Power in His Name first appeared on Living Hope.

What is the “good news of the kingdom of God” that Jesus preached? Put simply, it’s everything wrong with the world made right. The perfect world God originally intended has been damaged by humanity’s sinful actions, but God hasn’t given up on the earth. His plan of redemption has already been set in motion. We have a real hope that solves real problems in the real world. Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:23; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2. The “gospel of the kingdom of God” is the message Jesus preached. Genesis 1:1-31. God created the world to be good. Genesis 2:7-25. God has always desired a love relationship with humanity. 1 Corinthians 13:5. Love does not demand its own way. God gave humanity freedom to choose Him or not. Genesis 3:1-24. Adam and Eve chose to trust the serpent (Satan) rather than God. Humanity’s sin gave Satan influence over the earth, resulting in pain (v.16), natural disasters (v. 17-18), relationship conflicts (v. 16), and death (v. 19). Worst of all, sin separated humanity from God. Genesis 3:15. God promises hope. Revelation 21:1-3. God will once again dwell on the earth with humanity. Revelation 21:4-7. God will destroy death forever. No more crying or pain. Revelation 22:1-2. God will bring back the tree of life. Eternal life will be freely available. Revelation 22:3. There will no longer be any curse. All the curses that resulted from sin (Gen. 3:1-24) will be undone. Revelation 22:4-5. Man’s dominion over the earth will be restored. Under God, and in right relationship with him, humans “will reign forever and ever.” What God wanted in the beginning, He gets in the end. The good news of the Kingdom of God is: everything wrong with the world made right. Hebrews 6:19. Hope is “the anchor of our souls.” To survive the storms of life, we must know what our hope is! Our hope isn’t ethereal, wishy-washy, boring, or irrelevant. We have a real hope that solves real problems in the real world.The post God’s Dream first appeared on Living Hope.

The conclusion of the Ephesians’ series focuses on spiritual warfare and how to combat the evil we are faced with. As we put on the whole armor of God, we can stand against the wiles of the devil. 2 Corinthians 4:4   Spiritual warfare Matthew 13:19 – The wicked one; Mark 4:15 – Satan; Luke 8:12 – The devil 1 Peter 5:8 – Adversary; 1 Thessalonians 3:4 – Tempter; Revelation 12:10 – Accuser Ephesians 2:1-3   Three fronts 1. The world, 2. Demons, 3. Lust of our flesh   Air is unseen by influential Ephesians 6:11-13   Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. He functions undercover, cleverly camouflaged in secrecy. People end up as puppets Ephesians 1:18-23   Jesus already won the battle. 14 – 4:17-23   This is now your lie; 1:1-14 your truth now 14 – 4:21-24   Righteousness is the new you. Live right, 15 – Peace 1:2; 6:23; 2:14-17; 4:3 16 – Faith 2:8-9; 3:12, 17 – Faith is a full realization of your own inability and absolute confidence in God’s ability. 17 – Helmet of salvation – 1:13 -14, 2:7, 3: 9-11 17 – The sword of the spirit; the Word of God 18 – Pray – Matthew 6:9-13: 1:15-23; 3:14-21The post Ephesians Part 12: Dress for Battle first appeared on Living Hope.