Philippians1.2

Q2. (1 Corinthians 2:10-16) What are the implications of having access through the Spirit to the “mind of Christ”? As the Holy Spirit searches the mind of Christ as well as our own mind THE implications and the possibilities are endless. The more we find ourselves thinking and acting like Christ, then all the more that GOD will find us faithful and do so much more through us. As this happens our JOY would be so overwhelming and humbling at the same time, literally we could all things 'through Christ that strengthens us', even more so because we have become a son of GOD through the Spirit. Pleasing 'ABBA' daily would become an addiction . How does this Holy Spirit connection explain spiritual gifts such as prophecy, teaching, healing, etc.? As a son or daughter of GOD we have the authority to speak what the Holy Spirit tells us and also we are allowed to use the gifts to heal and bless those in need, esp when the Holy Spirit guides us to a specific person. "10 God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.... 16 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?' [quoting Isaiah 40:3] But we have the mind[100] of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 16)

Q1. (Romans 8:9-11; John 14:23) Do people who aren't Christians have Christ living within them? ALL people are born with a 'spot' in them that GOD has reserved for Himself. It is a place of hunger that people can spend their whole life trying to fill to feel satisfied but to no avail until they invite the 'Spirit of GOD' into their heart. When we focus on that spot and treat it like a Temple then 'Christ' will come to dwell in it and then the spirit of this sinful world moves out. In what Person do Christ and the Father make their home in us? The Holy Spirit is the resident that represents The Father and the Son living within those that invite 'Them' in. What should you do to make them feel "at home" in you? When the 'Spirit of Truth is invited in 'He' will tell and show you how to live righteously , just listen and obey and surrender your heart to Him. How is the Home Analogy like the Temple Analogy. How might it differ? The Temple is a place where GOD will meet with His people, a place of Holiness where you visit ; but your home ( that 'GOD SPOT') is His place to dwell where there is a full time relationship and conversation with the Holy Trinity, within each surrendered heart. How does the Spirit living within you affect your holiness of life? Your witness to others? Your spiritual power? As the Holy Spirit resides within an individual , your love for God overrides your desire for the things of this world and your spirit becomes anew and alive because of His Righteousness ; which in turn will be a witness to others that there has been a change ( for the better ) that they will see and feel in you that prayerfully gives them a hunger to have that same JOY living in them. You will have a power to overcome and deny the ways of this world as you surrender your heart more and more to the HOLY Spirit, then the Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit take over, it is then that GOD can really use you to do some pretty wonderful things for the Kingdom of GOD. "9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness." "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living (oikeō) in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in (enoikeō) you. (Romans 8:9-11) "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:23)

Q 4. (John 3:8) What does Jesus’ reference to “the wind” teach us about people who have been born of the Spirit” GOD'S ways are mysterious and powerful. To many they are strange and confusing and quit contrary . Much like a tornado coming to a town near you , people are lost as to what to do , until it is upon you . Yet to those filled with "the wind" ( the Holy Spirit of GOD ) it is like having a direct line to the weather station and getting the latest forecast and early warnings , so as to guide you through any storm and away from any danger. That same wind ( that still small quiet voice of the Holy Spirit ) also allows you to read with clear understanding the roadmap left to us by GOD - His BIBLE. Being born of the Spirit allows one to read clearly that roadmap which leads straight to the KINGDOM of GOD. * An extra bonus is you are also given by the Spirit the 'Password' to enter that Kingdom once you find it : password " Jesus loves me ". "The wind (pneuma) blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit (pneuma)." (John 3:8)

Q3. (John 3:5-7) What does it mean to be “born of water and the Spirit”? WATER REPRESENTS LIFE , SPIRIT REPRESENTS WISDOM. Water refreshes and restores and it also cleanses both the inner man's soul from sin and the outer man's flesh from the ways of the world which would lead to death. The Spirit guides our path and opens our eyes to the Kingdom of GOD and GOD's Truth !!! What do you think “water” refers to? Why have you come to this conclusion? As Nicodemus became aware that Jesus was the Fount of 'Living Water', we too are willing to be water baptized as we have our eyes opened as to who Jesus really is , and what HE has done for us. So the water can be physical as a day of remembrance that we have surrendered to the LORD; it is also because we have tasted the 'spiritual water' that the Holy Spirit has led us to that we begin to surrender. So what came first : i have seen it both ways where some run to get baptized because they have tasted first and others have walked through the baptism and then tasted of His goodness at a later time. Water = ( first birth ) Body, soul and mind cleansed and all given over freely to the LORD ( second birth ) and allowing the Holy Spirit to change us into the likeness of Christ ( in time , it's a journey .). How, then, would you paraphrase “born of water and the Spirit” to best bring out the full meaning? The Key to the Kingdom of GOD is by " being washed from the ways of the World and filled with the Spirit of GOD, the Spirit of Truth." 5 "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'" (John 3:5-7)

Q2. (John 3:1-8) When Nicodemus came to Jesus, do you think he was already born of the Spirit? Nicodemus was following the 'Living Water' for as yet he was not born again of the Spirit. He had seen enough and was 'splashed' enough by all the miracles Jesus had done. Nicodemus had a pure heart for his God and wanted more than the Law itself could give, he sought the freedom that Jesus portrayed and the super strength that Jesus surely walked in ( not being afraid of the Jewish council or the Romans ), and the Wisdom that Jesus spoke may even have surpassed the wisdom Nicodemus , the great scholar ,may have known at that point. He respected Jesus as a Rabbi and could see Jesus was anointed by God, this too could have intrigued him to seek Jesus out. ( all the time being quietly pushed by the Holy Spirit , that the Lord may use him soon ). What is the difference between people who have experienced the second birth, and those who have only experienced the first birth? If you have ever drunk 'pure clean water' you find it really hard to drink city or even most bottled water ever again. Pure water refreshes in a way you cant express enough to people who have not ever had that pleasure. So it is the same with the 'second birth'. When your eyes and ears and heart have been opened to God's revelations you see everything anew and afresh and even see your own sins for what they are ( ooouuch !) , what an eye-opener it can be, especially for those that thought they where living a godly life . And the experience of experiencing GOD , ( through the HOLY Spirit ) is exciting and humbling for sure. There is little or no way to share and explain this to people only born of the first birth ( flesh ) for their heart is still on the things of this world and not of the Kingdom of GOD. That's why we pray for the Holy Spirit to open their eyes and send other laborers into their lives. That they may see that the 'Kingdom of GOD' that Jesus spoke of brings 'Eternal life' and the World system will only lead to death. ( Eternal separation from their Creator, GOD .)

Q1. (John 7:37-39) In Jesus' teaching on streams of living water from within, whom does he invite to drink? The greatest party ever given was now opened to all. Anyone and everyone has been given a cup to dip into the 'Well of LIFE'. Only requirement is to be thirsty for righteousness, a 'Righteousness' that can only come from the LORD. What does he promise to believers? When we have had enough to drink and are satisfied we find the Holy Spirit opening our eyes and hearts to others who are thirsty and to others that never tasted this precious water, that never heard of the Holy Spirit and that overflowing Joy that He pours into our spirit. We become a 'Well for the Lord 'where others can come and get refreshed as the Holy Spirit pours through us to them. To what degree has a spring of living water been fulfilled in your life? At the end of every day i take account of the living water that has poured through me; it totally reflects in proportion to the amount of time i spend in prayer , in reading the Word and my time alone with the LORD. When all three are in conjunction with each other my day is very rich indeed. Sadly life gets in the way and those days are not as plenty as they once were. *( this precious study has supercharged me again and the water is flowing steadily once again. Thank you ) "'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified." (John 7:37-:39)

Q5. (John 16:12-15) In what sense does the Holy Spirit guide us into all truth? Whatever GOD says is Truth !!! Whatever HE says happens . The HOLY SPIRIT is speaking to us what HE hears the Father and the Son say. Jesus told us what the Father said and about the Kingdom of GOD, now the Holy Spirit tells us what Jesus would have us know and understand. He is the Spirit of Truth ( John 15:26) ; as we listen and follow the Holy Spirit we will be walking in truth as well. "The Holy Spirit guides us into these all truths by the teachings of Jesus and the inspired Word of God. For we know Jesus is the truth" (John 14:6), Does this promise apply only to the apostolic age and its task of laying the foundations of the faith? The first apostles had Jesus teach them of things to come. Then the Holy Spirit indeed guided them to give birth to the first church by laying strong foundations that were based on the promises in the Old Covenant and seeing them fulfilled. Seeing God fulfilling those promises gave them that hope and faith that God would do all that was promised and now revealed by the Holy Spirit to them. Sadly some of those promises had painful consequences but the Holy Spirit blessed them with whatever it took to see it through. In what sense does it apply to us today? God's Word is not only Truth , it is alive and active in those willing to receive it. The Truth will set us free as it reveals whatever sin is present ; The Holy Spirit is the one who gets our heart to open , to receive and to change. He also blesses us with 'discernment' - what is truth and what are the lies of the Evil one. “the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Q4. (John 16:5-7; 14:12) What benefit is there to the disciples that Jesus goes away? From the beginning of man's time GOD had a plan for us. Jesus' part as the 'suffering servant' was now completed and upon His return to the Father He would then send the Holy Spirit to assist us in completing the next part of GOD's plan, for without the Holy Spirit's help and power it would not be possible. What promise do we have in John 14:12 concerning the Spirit's power in believers? The timing was soon upon then as Pentecost ( the Feasts of Weeks where all the Jews from around the world would be in Jerusalem ), where GOD would get the greatest glory , it was then that the Holy Spirit would give birth to the Church as we now know it. A Church of Jesus Christ filled with Power from above , with Wisdom , Knowledge and Understanding given to all who would freely receive by Faith. With this power we would do Greater things then Jesus Himself ( and HE did alot, way too many to write down ) . Yup, GOD has a plan, and we are blessed to be a part of it because Jesus did go away. "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)

Q3. (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13a) Why do we believe that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or power, but a Person? When our Lord referred to the Comforter, the Holy Spirit , Jesus himself addressed the Spirit as 'HE' ; at least three times that we know about. What kinds of functions that we attribute to persons does the Holy Spirit do? In the 18 scriptures that refer to the activities of the Holy Spirit we see such actions as HE teaches, guides , empowers, sanctifies, He dwells and searches and is even grieved. There are more found in Acts, John , 1st Corinthians, Romans and Ephesians . Why is it so easy to refer to the Spirit as “it” rather than “Him”? Just as like when a person sees a dove and it flies away they would ask "where did it go ? But if that dove was their pet bird ( and knowing the gender of such ) they would say " where did HE go ? " So it is the same when someone has the Holy Spirit dwelling in them , respect and real knowledge says to say HE; sadly those without the comfort of the Holy Spirit will address the Holy Spirit as it ( even some well meaning Christians ). "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit (neuter noun), whom (neuter pronoun) the Father will send in my name, He (masculine pronoun) will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26) "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit (neuter noun) of truth who (neuter pronoun) goes out from the Father, He (masculine pronoun) will testify about me." (John 15:26) "When He (masculine pronoun), the Spirit (neuter noun) of truth, comes, he (no pronoun in Greek) will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13a)

Q2. (John 15:26-27) What does it mean to “testify”? To Testify is to share what an individual knows as being an eye-witness , with first hand knowledge of a particular situation . In what way does the Spirit testify about Jesus? Through the Gifts of Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding the Holy Spirit Today testifies, to those willing to listen, about the Truth of Jesus Christ. Can you testify from personal knowledge about Jesus? Through reading the Holy scriptures the initial picture of Jesus was introduced to me but after receiving the Holy Spirit the truth of Jesus came into my life and now my walk is a witness of how Jesus has changed me , that's something that people can see and when i share about it that Joy is personal. Or were the apostles the only first-hand witnesses? The apostles and the 5 thousand that were fed and many others were first hand witnesses. The lady with the issue of blood was most definitely a witness too and willingly testified about Jesus. * I also believe Jesus has shown Himself to many others during these two thousand years, just like Paul at Damascus, they also can be called first hand witnesses.

Q4. Who sends the Holy Spirit? The Father or Jesus? Discipline is the Key in the Kingdom. God the Father, Jesus ( Yeshua ) the Son and the Holy Spirit act as one and they act in a set order. Jesus waits upon the Father, and intercedes for Us . I believe this is where the decision is made as to whom is to be Blessed with the Holy Spirit. Jesus says that those whom the Father has given Him can not be taken from Him ( John 6:39; 10:29 ), with this it would seem that it is God the Father who sends the Holy Spirit to those that Jesus requests. Does it matter ( who sends the Holy Spirit ) ? In this context , with discipline and order in mind, i would say it is the Father who gives the Command to send the Holy Spirit , to those agreed upon. Just as a Lieutenant hears the needs of his soldiers He must also request from His General for the major supplies needed , then he administers the request. ( discipline and order ! ) * Note : A good general, that knows his staff, will also give them permission to make major decisions on their own. Jesus may have Grace ( in this sense ) to send the Holy Spirit to whom He wills yet it is still under the Father's authority. * * ( Submission to 'our' authority would also be a subtle lesson for us ( as disciples ) to learn from this example. Wait upon the LORD for His peace through His Spirit before we act on anything , amen. ) John 6:39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. John 10:29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

Q3. Did Jesus do miracles by reason of being the unique Son of God, or by means of the power of the Holy Spirit upon him ? (Luke 3:22; 4:1, 14a; 4:18-19; 5:17b; 10:21; Acts 10:38a) The purpose of Jesus doing any of the numerous miracles was to bring Glory to the Father above; as the Holy Spirit would empower His Fleshly body, He administered to the different needs presented to Him. * Why is this important for us as his disciples ? Jesus passed on that power of healing and even reviving the dead, to bring attention to the Kingdom of Heaven and also to show us that we too could see miracles happen through us as we also surrender and wait upon the Holy Spirit. * In what ways does Jesus serve as our example in ministry? In His love and obedience to the Father and submitting to the Holy Spirit for power He shows us that holy path. Jesus was a 'Faithful disciple ' to the Father, then He discipled others and then Jesus showed us and told us ( as disciples ) to make other disciples for the Kingdom.

Q2. (John 5:19; Philippians 2:6-7) What does Jesus' statement, "the Son can do nothing by himself," indicate about his relationship with the Father? Teamwork !!! Just that simple. The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are the greatest example of perfect teamwork. Each knows their part and are willing to take on that responsibility. Jesus was obedient to their plan and lived and grew among us as a normal boy to man till the day the Holy Spirit empowered him at His baptism. Why did Jesus have to "empty himself" from his heavenly glory when he became a man? The whole game plan of bringing us home ( to the Kingdom of God ) took Jesus to show us how a 'mere mortal' can do it, thus He had to leave His Godly powers behind. Jesus' lifestyle teaches us that through the Holy Spirit we can really find the path to Salvation then entry into the Kingdom of God. "Whatever the Father does the Son also does." (John 5:19) "the Son can do nothing by himself," "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." (Philippians 2:6-7)

Q1. (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20; Luke 3:21-22) In what ways is the Holy Spirit active in establishing Jesus’ core identity as Son of God as Jesus came to earth? Back in Genesis a Redeemer / Messiah was Promised. In Luke and Matthew we see the fulfillment of that promise. A Virgin birth was always the first test, so Mary was not so shocked at the concept more likely honored that it was her being chosen, so she gladly received the gift from the Holy Spirit. Joseph had to put his pride aside and believe as well that the Holy Spirit ( God's blessings) was with them. When it was time to start His ministry Jesus followed the rules. *( a person wishing to be Rabbi in those days had to be 30 years of age to start ); so it seems on that special day that the Father attended that graduating ceremony for His Son Jesus ' baptism , with the Holy Spirit descending and the Father proclaiming from heaven : " You are my Son, whom I love I am well pleased ". It does not get much better than that. Sadly only those touched by the Spirit would have heard and understood, otherwise that entire group would have started following Him immediately, then his desert walk would never have been the same. And so it is today , only those with ears to hear and eyes to see truly can call Jesus ( Yeshua ) their LORD. How does the Holy Spirit establish your core identity as a disciple of Jesus? No one can say 'JESUS is LORD ' except through the Holy Spirit. ( 1 Corinthians 12:3 ) When Jesus left HE TOLD US TO WAIT for the Comforter , the Holy Spirit. I was walking as a Christian for a while never understanding the HOLY Spirit's role. One day about three years into my walk i was introduced to understanding HIS role in my life. Once i invited Him into my life my total understanding of who Jesus really is became crystal clear and so did His WORD. It is through the constant workings of the Holy Spirit that we can be " sold out to Jesus' on a daily basis. Calling it just a core seems an understatement to me , His essence is everywhere. "Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." ( 1 Corinthians 12:3 )

Q4. (Joel 2:28-32; Ezekiel 36:26-27; 37:14; 39:29) What promises do we find in Joel and Ezekiel concerning the Holy Spirit? Who are the recipients of these promises? And 'afterwards' - God makes and keeps His Promises, especially concerning the giving of His Spirit, but it is conditional on our part. Both Joel and Ezekiel help us to realize that only those who truly repent and proclaim the name of the Lord shall be saved. It is a volunteering army of believers that receive a 'new heart' and have the Holy Spirit put 'within' them. To the Jew first - starting with the original church of Jewish apostles, ( as Peter tells us ) then to all Gentiles and finally to the remnant of Israel after that Great and awesome day of the Lord. As the LORD tells us ( Ezekiel 36:22,23 ) He does it all 'for His name sake'.

Q3. (Isaiah 11:1-2; 42:1; 61:1-2) What promises does God make through Isaiah the prophet concerning the Holy Spirit and the Messiah? A new thing that God is doing for Isaiah's generation is bringing the awareness of a Promise of a soon coming Messiah, a suffering servant, and that this Servant of the Lord would be identified by supernatural blessings. Isaiah shows God's faithfulness as a promise keeper and a provider where he shares that the Holy Spirit of the Lord will come upon the promised Messiah, a descendant of David. Along with the Spiritual wisdom, knowledge, understanding and power, this Servant ( we know to be Yeshua / Jesus ) would glorify the Father above with great reverence ( fear of the Lord ). Isaiah also tells us that God would intern show a similar reverence for His suffering Servant , in whom HE would delight for HE has put His Spirit on him. ( Isaiah 42:1) How were these fulfilled? Isaiah also mentions some of the future things this suffering Servant would be doing. Jesus acknowledges what was written of him as he reads from ( Isaiah 61:1-2 ). He himself confirms that the Holy Spirit is on Him, proven by the works He has done and will continue to do; healing, loosening, and proclaiming the Day of Vengeance of our God and Father as well as to comfort all who mourn.

Q2. (Numbers 11:16-29) What enables the 70 Elders to lead the people? UNITY, in the Spirit. They were given the same mind of thought , so as to Judge the people with the Heart of God, with a Grace and mercy only our loving Father could provide. What happens when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? They were initiated into the army of God and this was confirmed by their acts of prophecy; God knowing their heart even blesses the two who were late , and they were blessed where they were and God continues to do the same today , He meets us where we are , its a matter of the heart. Why does Moses long for the Spirit to come upon all God’s people? Moses know that once the Holy spirit touches a person , that old self starts to die and people will no longer be 'stiff-necked' but will begin to listen, and listen to the Word of God. * ( It is a lot easier traveling with a few million happy people , is a thought that probably crossed his mind .) Also Knowing God as he did i am sure he wished that blessing on the others .

What is the primary purpose of God putting his Spirit upon selected individuals in the Old Testament? To shed Light . It is the Wisdom, knowledge and Understanding from above that is poured out when needed. In dark times especially GOD will receive the Praise and Glory as HE indwells in some and upon others to bring 'Light' , HIS Light , to His people and to the world when man veers off course or needs rescuing. People in days of the Old Covenant forgot what their Grandparents ( Adam to Noah) knew about GOD. So HE starts over with Father Abraham , and every generation thereafter the Holy Spirit would reveal more and more about their God to them , through words and miracles as needed. In every generation God has blessed individuals with the Holy Spirit for leadership , for correction of His people, be they the Jews of old or the Gentiles of today. He also blesses us with 'hope' as HE speaks through those HE chooses . The greatest hope being a Redeemer in the person of Christ and the eternal salvation that follows those that seek HIM with all their heart. What effect does the Spirit seem to have upon their relationship with God? God's will is to have a personal relationship with each of us. Through His Holy Spirit we get to know about God and to feel His presence when we truly seek Him ( not for what HE can give us but just for who HE is ..... our ABBA. ) Then we will gladly do His bidding, whatever HE will ask of us, amen.

Shalom, I have been blessed to walk in the grace and power of the Holy Spirit since the mid 80's and i never cease to be amazed about how much more there is to know and grow in the Lord , by His Spirit. Recently retired and living in south fla. Love sharing about the Lord yet 'posting' is somewhat new to me. I remain ever grateful for this course and this group.