Celia P

What are the implications of having access through the Spirit to the "mind of Christ"? We become set apart, seperated from the world. We now know the will, the thoughts of Our Heavenly Father. Our thoughts, and actions are now based upon His will. The Spirit directs us in His will. That our minds, characters will be changed, and Our Fathers business will become priority over worldly business, of which our families and friends may not understand or accept, therefore move away from us, become ashamed of us, and maybe even persecuted us, and cast us out. Our purpose in life changes, we now work for the Kingdom cause, trying to direct the lost sheep back to the shepherd, helping the vulnerable and needy, in all that we do, it is to bring glory to Abba, Father, because we love Him so. How does this Holy Spirit connection explain spiritual gifts such as prophecy, teaching, healing, etc.? The Spirit knows the mind of the Father therefore knows Fathers future plans not only for our lives, but also for the lives of others, so if it is Fathers will that we prophesie over someone, or an event, the Spirit will reveal what we need to know and say. When talking to, counselling worldly people, especially those close to us we can easily get caught up in their emotions around the issues that they face, and in return end up giving worldly advice. The Spirit convicts us, and brings to rememberence what we have been taught, therefore enables us to retract worldly advice, and replace it with sound, spiritual, scriptural counsel, which is, as I have found not always welcomed, but Father keeps sending them back for more???? The same Spirit that covered Jesus is now in us, therefore all miracles, healings that Jesus did, when He walked on earth, we are now also able to do, we just need a little faith. Love and Blessings to you all.. xx

Do people who aren't Christians have Christ living within them? No they do not have Him within them, In what Person do Christ and the Father make their home in us? The person they choose to make their home in. A person who has heard the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has believed that Jesus died for their sins. Who believes that after Jesus died and was buried, that God Our Father raised Him back to life. The person who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and understands what He did and why. A person who has been humbled and realises just how sinful, how wretched they are, a person with a soft, contrite heart, a person ready to receive. A person who realises that they would have been destroyed just like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah if Jesus did not sacrifice His life on the cross for them. The person who realises that they have been given another chance at life, to live it in a Godly way, and accepts it. What should you do to make them feel "at home" in you? Totally submit myself to the them. Form and maintain an intimate relationship with them. Be obedient, obey the teachings of Jesus Christ, keep my temple, body, clean from sin. How is the Home Analogy like the Temple Analogy. How might it differ? In the Old Testament Fathers power dwelt on the Arc, in the temple He instructed to be made, so that He could dwell with mankind on earth. Only a priest brought up to be holy, who was set apart, could enter the Holies of Holies and stand before Fathers throne. Jesus bore our sins with His body and covered us with His blood, we are now sons and daughters of the Most High, set aside, a Holy priesthood. Our bodies are now The Temple, where our Father dwells with us. How does the Spirit living within you affect your holiness of life? I feel truly blessed to know that I have been set apart. I want to please my Father in all that I say and do. I honour Father with my body, strive for righteousness, and righteous living, with the help of the Spirit who is able to convict me of wrong doings, and calls me to repentance. The Spirit strengthens me in removing sin from my life. Your witness to others? They see the visual change in me and the way I now live my life for Christ Jesus. Because the Holy Spirit has helped me to overcome certain situations in my life, I can testify with certainty, and surety, to others, that He exists. I can testify just how great our Heavenly Father is for sending His son to save those who believe, and how great Jesus is for His sacrifice, which enables us to reconciled back to the Father. Your spiritual power? The ability to decern, to heal, to prophesie. The ability to love my enemies, to put others first. The compassion I feel towards others who are suffering, and the support I am able to give through the strength of the Holy Spirit. The power seen in my prayer life, where I see prayers answered. On a numerous occasions I have prayed for someone and that prayer has been answered immediately. The peace I feel in the presence of chaos. Thank you Father. ???? Love and Blessings to you all.. xx

What does Jesus' reference to "the wind" teach us about people who have been born of the Spirit? That Father is in control, that He directs us, and sends us where He wills, when He wills. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

What does it mean to be "born of water and the Spirit"? I have always believed "of water" to mean being baptised by full emersion, and "Spirit" being filled with the Holy Spirit, which is a gift from Father, through repentance and belief in Jesus Christ, and what He did for us on the Cross, but this study has actually made me look at it differently. What do you think "water" refers to? A refreshing, conversion, renewing of ones spirit, by the imperishable seed of Our Heavenly Father. That same imperishable seed that conceived Jesus. Why have you come to this conclusion? By Jesus' statement, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to Spirit". If Father can create the world and all that is in it by speaking it into existence, conceive a child in the womb of a virgin woman (Mary), then surely He can change, or correct our DNA, our whole makeup, to become totally different people, with new hearts, and minds, set on Him and His will, the people He planned for us to be. How, then, would you paraphrase "born of water and the Spirit" to best bring out the full meaning? To humble ourselves, submit all to God Our Father, so that He can renew, refresh and reform us from the image of Adam and Eve, (sin), into the mirror image of Christ (righteousness). Father says, come to Me my child, and I will correct you, reform you into who I planned for you to be. Love and Blessings to you all.. xx

Why is it valuable to counsel with spiritual people in the Christian community when we're learning to discern God's voice? Father can use these people to assist and support us on our journey, and as they are spiritual people Father could also use them to speak to us. How is having a spiritual mentor helpful? They would be more mature in their walk with Christ and have more knowledge of scripture, a therefore able to answer certain questions we might have, stop us from making the same mistakes they might have made at the beginning of their walk. What is the danger of always going to another person to confirm God's word? That you will never be able to decern Fathers, but become reliant on the other person. Why is out-growing a mentor a common occurrence? We all learn at different paces, some are hungrier than others. Father calls us to become different parts of the body of Christ. Father might tell us to move away from that person and seek out someone else to assist us on the next part of our journey. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

Why is it necessary to recognize and then surrender our desires when we are seeking God's will. What happens if we neglect to do this? If we dont surrender our desires, we can misinterpret Fathers voice/answer because we have already made up our mind that we can have, do, say what we want, therefore not open to Fathers answer, to His will. How can holding on to sin distort what you think you are hearing from God? When we hold onto to sin, we are shutting Father out of our lives, we know certain things are wrong, but our desires make them right for us, because they make us happy, or we are trusting more in our plans for our lives, so we carry on doing the things we should not be doing, then the voice of desire, sin, becomes louder to block out Fathers voice of disapproval and correction. Just like Jonah, Father has a way of correcting us, and shifting us back onto the right path, if it is in His will to do so. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

Give an example of what the voice of the flesh -- our lusts and desires -- might sound like. "Your husband is not tired, or stressed out, he does not find you attractive anymore, but that old boyfriend of yours, he thinks you're amazing and is waiting for you to contact him." Give an example of what the voice of the world might sound like. "So now you have that great high paying job, you can go on holiday twice a year, buy that expensive flash car you always wanted, and buy that big expensive house with all those fancy hands free gadgets. Dont worry about your depressed neighbour who is struggling to make ends meet, the one who keeps asking you for a loaf of bread, that's their problem, they can get help from the government for their basic needs. Go enjoy your fancy life, you have earned it, you deserve it." Give an example of what the voice of the devil might sound like. "That person just did you wrong, you need to get them back for what they did." Why is a knowledge of the Scripture necessary for discernment of these voices? The knowledge of scripture tells us how to, and how not to act in all aspects of life. Tells use how Father wants us to live, what is right and wrong in His sight, how He wants us to treat others, regardless of how we are treated. When we have a knowledge of scripture we know how to react to these voices, and to decern if the voices we hear are from our Father or not. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

Why will a person have to make mistakes in the process of learning to discern God's voice? To decern right from wrong, what is Fathers will and what is not. The enemy is always there waiting to temp us down a different path, to trip us up. We have been living in our flesh for so long, with a worldly mindset, it takes a while to understand the enemies schemes, and to build up our armour to resist his attacks, and harmful worldly desires. If mistakes are part of the process, how can this be of God at all? Father already knows our weaknesses, and He is working it all out for for those who trust Him. Mistakes help us to mature, they build up our spiritual muscles. We might get caught out a few times, even with the same mistake, but eventually we realise it for what it is, and eventually turn away from it. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

Does Gideon ask for a sign because of his unbelief? No, he just wants to make sure that he is doing the right thing. What is the difference between Gideon's seeking confirmation, and "testing God" in a way that displeases God? Father knows what is in Gideon's heart and mind, He knows whether or not Gideon is testing Him, He knows that Gideon believes, trusts, and fears Him, and wants to do right by Him to stop the suffering of Isreal. Does God mind if we ask for confirmation? No When might God be upset with us for asking for confirmation? When there is a lack of trust, doubt, that He is able to do great things. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

When Nicodemus came to Jesus, do you think he was already born of the Spirit? No he wasn't. What is the difference between people who have experienced the second birth, and those who have only experienced the first birth? There is a change in people who have experienced the second birth. They now understand the things that they did not understand before, namely The Word, Scripture, and the Kingdom of God, the world and the ruler of the world. Our Fathers will, and the desire to be obedient to Him. The desire to reach out to a dying world, to minister to, and help others see the truth and the light, that Jesus Christ is The Way, The Truth and The Life. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

In Jesus' teaching on streams of living water from within, whom does he invite to drink? All who are thirsty. Who are wearied and troubled by the stresses of life. All who are searching, who are seeking truth. What does he promise to believers? That we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and rivers of living water will flow from us to refresh those who we come into contact with, those who are thirsty. To what degree has a spring of living water been fulfilled in your life? My life has been refreshed and restored, enabling me to comfort those around me. I recall the week leading up to my rebirth, an old school friend contacted me. I hadn't seen him in almost 34 years. Not only did we attend the same school, we attended the same sunday school, our mothers were sisters in Christ, but we never really spoke to each other until the day he contacted me. We agreed to meet up, but at that time I was in such a dark place with my depression, and I told him so. He himself was also in a dark place with depression, he had been seriously Ill for years with chrones disease. The following week after our meeting, was when I got saved, he was the first person I told. We met up and went for a meal, and I told him all about my amazing supernatural encounter with Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit. As I remember words were just uncontrollably flowing out of my mouth, about the greatness of Our Heavenly Father, and the amazing sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I was all a glow, on fire, I felt amazingly different, so full of love and compassion. We were there for hours, the resturant had closed and we were still sitting there, staff were sweeping around us, but not one of them asked us to leave, we could have sat there all night. My friend called me the next day, and he told me that the day before our meal he was visited by some muslims, and he was considering turning to Islam, but after our meeting at the resturant and hearing my testimony, and seeing the change in me, he has accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus???? Father knows exactly what He is doing, so many prayers were answered. He receives all the praise and glory??? Love and blessing to you all. Xx

In what sense does the Holy Spirit guide us into all truth? Like Jesus, the Spirit will only speak what He hears from the Father. Guiding us in all truth, wisdom and knowledge. Does this promise apply only to the apostolic age and its task of laying the foundations of the faith? Not at all. In what sense does it apply to us today? It is the same Spirit, with the same power, and Spiritual Gifts, that dwells with us today, teaching us the truth, the will of our Father, the ways of Christ, and reminding us of what He said and taught. Sending us out into the the world to speak the truth about the world and it's ruler, what is to come, and to bring the truth, light, comfort healing, and freedom to those who the Father has called to Himself to those who the Father draws near. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

How can pride corrupt our hearing from God? Pride can stop us from listening to sound advice, as pride developes a self desiring "know it all" attitude. If we know it why then would we need to listen to what anyone else has to say. Pride desires to glorify self, not ABBA. How do we protect ourselves from being deceived by our pride? By submitting to Fathers will daily. By praying continuously about everything throughout the day, and being patient in waiting for Fathers reply. By realising that we can not do anything without the Father. We can ask the Holy Spirit to take away anything in us that is not meant to be there, anything that is hindering us from hearing Father voice. Humble ourselves, empty ourselves of self daily, read scripture, "is that really something Father would have me do or say?" Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

What benefit is there to the disciples that Jesus goes away? Jesus will send The Helper What promise do we have in John 14:12 concerning the Spirit's power in believers? That we will be able to do great things, even greater than what Jesus did.

Why do we believe that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or power, but a Person? Because just like Jesus, He was sent from the Father. All three work together. If Jesus was sending Him in His place He would have to be of similar character and mindset. What kinds of functions that we attribute to persons does the Holy Spirit do? He is able to speak to and teach us. Comfort and correct us, Give us guidence, direction and advise. Why is it so easy to refer to the Spirit as "it" rather than "Him"? Those who have not been filled with the Holy Spirit would see Him as some kind of invasive entity or external universal force, only. I recall an occasion at work with my team leader who was a Christian. The day after I got saved, and filled with the Holy Spirt, I was booked in for supervision with her. I told her about everything that had happened the day before, how I heard the Gopel of Jesus Christ and believed in my heart, how I was changed instantly, how I was then brought to my knees in tears of repentance, and humbled in the presence of Our Holy Father and filled with the Holy Spirit of life. When I mentioned the Holy Spirit, she crindged and asked me how that felt, and asked if I didn't feel violated that something had entered my body. At that I experienced a mixture of emotions, shock and hurt, that she who claims to know the Lord would think that the Holy Spirit, who Jesus said He would ask the Father to send, violates our bodies in some way, and saddened that she has not yet experienced such an amazing feeling of love, power, and rebirth, that she has not felt the warm presence of Our Father radiating through her body and soul. I told her that it was not a violation, that I felt more alive now than I have done in my entire life, I could see she was still disgusted at the thought. ?? Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

Why is a willingness to obey without understanding the reasons for God's commands so important? Because Fathers way of doing things, is not the way we would do it, but His way is the best because He knows all things, and is working all things for His purpose. How does obedience sometimes help us understand God's workings? When we are obedient to Father, and do the things He tells us to do, sometimes it is the most difficult thing to do, but when we decide to be obedient, Father is right there by our side ministering to us to get us through the difficult times. We might not see it as we are going through it, but when we get through it and are victorious, when we have overcome all obstacles that were put in our way, we can look back and see exactly where and how Father was working. I recall after being saved I had a strong desire to give up my house, I wanted to become a missionary. It was a 4 bedroom house, all of my 5 children had left home, but Father kept on telling me to wait, so I waited. In the process of waiting a few of my children ran into difficulties so returned home for short periods, I got married, and I was able to accommodate 3 travelling missionaries for about 5 months, which was such a blessing. One of the missionaries I could tell was struggling on a spiritual level, she was young and quite childish in manner, which caused an environmental unbalance, amongst the other 2 missionaries, and my husband, but Father told me to stay with it, and to love her as one of my own, so I did. One day we had a disagreement, and I tried to lovingly correct her, but she didn't like it and left. She ended up in scotland. Everywhere she went, there were problems, which meant she had to leave, she ended up sleeping in her car. Father placed it on my heart to bring her back to Birmingham, my husband and the other 2 missionaries were telling me not to, but it was more important for me to obey Father, so I did. The other 2 missionaries eventually moved on, and the relationship between myself and my husband was very strained. To cut a long story short, as you can see there is so much to this story. Being obedient, bringing her back, gave her the opportunity to join a mission internship, with accommodation, where she has thrived, and was able to received all the spiritual love, help and support she needed, her internship has finished and she now works full time for the mission. Hallelujah???? As we go through life in obedience to Fathers will, we receives blessings in abundance, it increases our faith and our understanding of how He works. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

Why is a desire for a relationship with God more important than seeking to hear his voice? A relationship with Father gives us peace and comfort knowing that He is in control of all things, life and death. A relationship gives us an understanding of who He is and How he works in our lives and the lives of others. A relationship with the Father gives us the peace and comfort we need in this dying world. Father likes us to talk to Him just as we would talk to our earthly Father, telling Him our struggles, joys and desires. When we go through lifes trials, a relationship with Father increases our faith, as we trust in Fathers will for our lives. I call it Gods School, where we learn Godly lessons, then we get put to the test what we have learned , and to see if we can apply to life what we have read in the lesson plan. When we ask for patience, we dont just get it, we are faced with people and situations that try our patience, so that Father can help us work on it. Graduation day is amazing as you look back on where He has brought you from, and what He has brought you through. Its amazing ???? When we believe that nothing happens unless Father authorises it to happen, we know and have faith that things are happening for Fathers plan to be fulfilled in our lives. Having an intimate relationship with Father helps us to mature in Christ Jesus, to become more like Him. How does hearing his voice contribute to the relationship? Father knows what we need when we need it. He talks just at the right time when we need to hear from Him. We might be going through a difficult time, but He promises to be there for us directing our path, whether that be talking or nudging, it gives us that added sense of security, just when we need it. Why are we commanded to "press in" to know the Lord? So that we can know Him and trust His ways. So that He can replenish us, renew our faith, hope and strength as we continue on our journey. How does Paul's passion for a relationship with God inspire you? Paul is all about Christ, Christ is his life. He has given up everything worldly to follow Him, and trusts only in Him. Even so Paul in honest and humble in pointing out that he still has a way to go, that he is not perfect, but is striving to be, as Christ is perfect. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

What does it mean to "testify"? To bear witness to someone or something. In what way does the Spirit testify about Jesus? The Spirit testifies that Jesus is real, that He is alive. The Spirit brings to rememberence all that Jesus taught and said. The Spirit testifies to the Truth. Can you testify from personal knowledge about Jesus? Or were the apostles the only first-hand witnesses? Yes I have many testimonies about Jesus, from how He saved my life, a life like no longer wanted, suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts. How his teachings, and words have changed, comforted, strengthened me, and given me peace. How faith in Him, and the authority He has given me to heal, minister, and comfort others has brought glory to His name. How He has ministered to, and counselled me through some difficult times. How His love is ever present. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

What was Eli's counsel to Samuel, when he recognized that God was calling to the boy? To go and lie down and if he hears the voice again to say ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Was it good counsel? It was amazing council, because Eli knew it was the Lord calling Samuel, and confirmed this for Samuel. What is the significance of Samuel recognizing that he is a servant? When we humble ourselves before Father it enables us to hear His voice and receive council. Samuel recognising himself as a servant, signifies a man not built up with self pride, a man who is willing to serve, therefore in the right condition for Father to use him. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

In what sense is the Holy Spirit "another" Paraclete? Just like Jesus, The Holy Spirit teaches us the will of the Father, and helps us to walk in His statutes. Who was the initial Paraclete? Our Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua Hamashiach. In what way can the Holy Spirit replace him? The disciples were connected to the Father through Jesus. When Jesus ascended, returned to Father, He asked Father to send the Holy Spirit to live within us so that, we can still be continuously connected with Father, to bring into remembrance all that Jesus taught, in order to know and do Fathers will, and to be guided, and protected by Him. How was he "with" the disciples? He was with the disciples, as the Spirit was with Jesus, and Jesus abided with them. When will he be "in" them? When Jesus went back to the Father, Father sent the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of fire, power, and truth, to live in them, The Living Water of Life, to flow through them. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

Who sends the Holy Spirit? The Father or Jesus? The Father sent the Spirit, because Jesus asked Him to. It is through our belief in Jesus Christ why we are able to receive. Does it matter? No they all work together, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for a common purpose. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

Why does God sometimes not talk to us? Maybe it is because we have sinned, without repenting, or asking for forgiveness and have turned away from Him in guilt and shame. Maybe it is because He has nothing to say at that moment in time, He is probably working it out. Maybe it is because we are in the place where we need to be, doing what we need to be doing. Maybe we have been given our assignment and Father is waiting for us 'to go' to give us further instruction. When I was in my depressive state Father was there every second of the day, from the moment I woke up in the morning to the moment I fell asleep and all through the night. We had such amazing conversations, I could not have carried on without it, and He knew that. ABBA is soo good, Thank you Father ? At times I would vision a Father teaching his child to ride a bike. He holds on to the back, until he is sure that the child has mastered the art of balance and coordination, then he let's go. The child only realises when she talks to him and there is no answer. The father shouts keep going, you are doing it, you are doing great. Some children take great joy in the fact that they have achieved. Some panic and the father who is close by grabs hold of the bike to stabilise it and assures the child that he is still there . The child might become over confident too soon and then fall, and the Father runs to pick them up, dress their wounds, comfort, and correct them. But in all cases, the father is always there watching and waiting. Is it always because we aren't receptive? Not always. What should we do when we don't hear anything from God? Don't be afraid, be still or keep going, have faith, trust in, and wait on the Lord. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

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? By means of the power of the Holy Spirit. Why is this important for us as his disciples? So that we too can receive that same power from the Holy Spirit, to do the things that Jesus did. As human beings we are able to follow Jesus' examples. In what ways does Jesus serve as our example in ministry? We should walk in the Spirit daily, and invite the power of the Holy Spirit, through prayer to work His power through us. To daily submit and empty ourselves of self so that the Holy Spirit can take full control, to minister to and guide us. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

Sometimes God nudges you by giving you insight into the spiritual state of people around you. What should you be asking God about once you receive this insight about them? Is there something He wants me to do for them, say to them, give them, if so what. Have you ever had a nudge from God that resulted in a person receiving help? Yes on many occasions. My brother visited me one day on his way back from the doctors surgery. He had been prescribed another lot of antibiotics for his leg which was infected with cellulitis. He was really disheartened that it had not cleared up after many months of suffering pain. My brother is not a believer, and quite headstrong in his disbelief, as I witnessed this a few months prior, after I told him I had been saved, that was the last time I saw him until that day. Because I knew, and had experience of Fathers miraculous ability to save, heal and restore, I was moved with great compassion for his suffering and regardless of his disbelief I so desired to see him healed. I felt Father nudge me to pray for him. Dispite my fear of being verbally persecuted, I asked my brother if I could pray and ask God to heal his leg for him. At first he looked at me and laughed, and I remember thinking here we go again, another blowout or lecture on there being no God, but has the laughing subsided he said yes. I asked if I could lay my hand on his leg, and he said yes, then I asked in Jesus name for Father to heal his leg. Nothing immediately happened, then after a while he left. I spoke to Father and I asked him to not let me be put to shame, to prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, to show my brother His glory and power. I continued praying for my brother with such compassion that I was brought to tears. I continued to ask that he receives the healing he needs and for faith to be restored, and left if in Fathers hands, in Jesus name, that His will be done. The next day I received a text message saying that his leg was 95% better. After another day it was totally healed. But to this day even after seeing the supernatural abilities of our Father, he is still in a battle with faith and disbelief. Fathers will be done in all things. What did you learn from this? That Our Father is absolutely magnificently awesome. He is worthy to receive all the praise honour and glory. That a little faith can heal, can move mountains. That Father is in control. He knows His creation individually, therefore knows our every need. He chooses to save who He pleases. His plans are not our plans, His ways is not our ways, everything happens in His time. I did not voluntarily choose to believe, pick up my cross and follow Christ, I could say I wish that was the case because of the love that I have for Him now. I now know that it happened just the way it was meant to happen, to turn me into the person I am today. I was physically and mentally humbled brought to my knees, because that is where I needed to be so that I could hear Jesus' voice and believe. Totally emptied of self so that He could enter and take control. He nudged the person who invited me to the Christian meeting that day, then He nudged the pastor who prayed for me, to pray for me, then I received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah. Love and Blessings to you all. Xx

What's the similarity between God's brief, inarticulate nudges or promptings, and David's use of the Urim and Thummim to receive direction? They both give answers. What happens when David needs more than a "yes" or "no" answer? Father gives him more detailed instructions. Love and Blessings to you all..xx