BIBLE STUDY: WEEK 2 (7/23/13

 

A STUDY ON EXPERIENCE OF A FRESH EXPLOSION OF FAITH
(By Beth Moore)  "A Taste of Believing God"

 

This is Chapter II

God can do what He says He can do:

The past few years that I have been a Christian has really convinced me that God can do what He says He can do, and my faith in Him has blessed me because He has answer my prayers continuously, He has kept this nation from going under, because of the few faithful ones that are praying; He has allowed us to see Him move on our behalf. God can do what He says He can do, and that is a true fact; let's look at what Beth has to say about that on page eighteen.
In the first paragraph I like what she says, "Most biblical tiles for God inseparably connect who He is to what He can do. For instance: as Savior, He saves; as Deliverer, He delivers; as Redeemer, He redeems; as Master, He assumes authority; as Bread of life, He provides; and as Almighty, He exerts divine strength. In short, God can do what He says He can precisely because He is who He says He is.  That blessed my heart! 
 

I wanted to understand these words (cessationism and sensationalism).  My computer didn't recognize the word cessationism.   I looked it up and this is what it says, "In Christian theology, Cessationism is the view that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, prophetic utterances and faith healing, ceased being practiced early in Christian Church history. Cessationists gene rally believe that the miraculous gifts were provided only for the foundation of the Christian Church during the time between the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, c. 33 AD, as described in the 2nd Chapter of Acts, and the fulfillment of God's purposes in history, usually identified as either the completion of the last book of the New Testament (Book of Revelation), or the death of John the Apostle, the last of the Twelve Apostles. The counterpart to Cessationaism is Continuationism which teaches that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit have remained available for use by the church ever since Pentecost. Disputes over Cessationism versus Continuationism have since led to denominational schisms within the Church."   Then I looked up the word sensationalism, and it says this "Sensationalism is a type of editorial bias in mass media in which events and topics in news stories and pieces are over-hyped to increase viewership or readership numbers. Sensationalism may include reporting about generally insignificant matters and events that don't influence overall society and biased presentations of newsworthy topics in a sensationalist, trivial or tabloid manner.
Some tactics include being deliberately obtuse, appealing to emotions being  controversial, intentionally omitting facts and information being loud, self-centered and acting to obtain attention.  Trivial information and events are sometimes misrepresented and exaggerated as important or significant, and often includes stories about the actions of individuals and small groups of people, the content of which is often insignificant and irrelevant relative to the macro-level day-to-day events that occur globally. Furthermore, the content and subject matter typically doesn't affect the lives of the masse and doesn't affect society, and instead is broadcast and printed to attract viewers and readers.
   
 I am going to read more now; As I read more I saw where she said that, "Sensationalism suggests that everything possible is also probable, while cessationism accepts only the presently probable as the presently possible.   Either extreme is wildly offensive to God!"  I felt she would say that after reading this far.  Ok, listen to this, "perhaps the most serious offense of sensationalism is its overwhelming tendency to be man-centered rather than God-centered, prioritizing what God can do over who He is."  Well said, Beth!

This is a good little book!  Beth gives us some scriptures in this chapter, and I want to explore them now.  Let's look at them now.  Start with………………..

Matthew 16:4:    "Wicked and adulterous generation."
If the modern body of Christ is set on cessationism or sensationalism, our choice is whether we'd rather be an unbelieving and perverse generation or a wicked and adulterous one. Both options share a commonality; Experience over faith is their underlying problem.  Sensationalism seeks an experience, and cessationism believes only what it personally sees and experience. 

As said earlier, either extreme is wildly offensive to God.  She also shared these scriptures too………

Hebrews 11:6: " But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Daniel 3:17: "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king."

Mark 9:23:  "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth"

Luke 1:37: " For with God nothing shall be impossible."
James 4:2: "Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not."

Matthew 9:29: "Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you."

I really enjoyed what she said on page 21; Beloved, God is "Wonderful" (Isaiah 9:6). In fact remove the wonders from God, and you can no longer call Him wonderful, AMEN! The wonderful factor of God still exists!  We must believe Him, not just believe in Him.
If I've missed sharing some good points, please feel free to share anything you get after you have read the scriptures, or the book. Thanks.

This was a good point for me on page 23 second paragraph, "Please don't misunderstand that believing God only involves believing Him for dramatic miracles. If we don't include believing Him for the miraculous, however, can you imagine the tragedy of all we could miss?"    Read on page 25 through 27, which raps up chapter II for us.   This is so important for us to remember, "We are surrounded by a dying and depraved world, mounting violence and the threat of mass destruction, disease, plague, enticing false religion, and a surging fury of satanic assault and seduction."  Those really describe our world today!   We are desperate for the wonders and miracles of God. We need Him to show His mighty arm and tell the world that He is alive, active, and very much with us.  I love that statement!  Then she ends it by saying this, "Believe that God can, Beloved. He is still in the miracle business."   I don't know about you, but I have really enjoyed this little book!  See you in chapter III

QUESTION:

1.   How do you know God can do what He says He can?
2.   What kind of Christian do you want to be?
3.   Will  you share a miracle with us today

BIBLE STUDY: WEEK 1 (7/16/13)

 

A STUDY ON EXPERIENCE OF A FRESH EXPLOSION OF FAITH

(By Beth Moore)  "A Taste of Believing God"

 

This is Chapter I

 

 God is who He says He is.
 
In chapter (1) "God is Who He says He is"  shed some light on my faith, because if God is who he says he is, then we are who He says we are, and we can have
whatsoever we say according to His Word.
 
 Scriptures:
 
  I read (Gen. 15:7; 17:1-2, Ex. 3:6-8; 3:14; 6:6, 8).  This is on page 9-10.  Knowing is so important. 
 
I have learned and still learning each day to put my trust in Him through knowing Him and Who He is in my life. That is why we must have a personal relationship with Jesus. "Know that the Lord is God"   I had to know in my knower that God was Who He said He was, I had to believe Him for myself, I had to change my percept  on Who God was in my life.
 
"Your Perception of God Controls Your Life"
 
 I enjoyed this chapter reading.  She talked about the patriarchs Abram and Moses, (Geneses 15:7, 17:1-2; Exodus 3:6-8, 3:14, 6:6,8). God constantly kept His identity and subsequent ability fresh in their minds. He kept reminding them of Who He was. "I am the Lord" Knowing that God is who he say He is, He is YHWH, our covenant Maker, He is Elohiym, The God over all creation.  In other words, you and I have got to know, not just hope or think that the One who cut covenant with us through the torn flesh of Jesus Christ is the same One who sits upon the universe's throne, having spoken the worlds into existence.  Surrounded by a society that spouts many gods but at best nobly agrees to equate them, you and I can know that the Lord is God.  Question, Why is this important?  Christ was concern about His disciples knowing Who He was; In Caesaria Philippi, Christ gathered His disciples around Him and asked them two vital questions that beg answers from us as well,  First, Christ asked, "Who do people say the Son of Man is? (Matthew 16:13).  Christ knew the potential power of popular opinion.  This is a good book!  Who we believe God is greatly affects our eternal destinies!  We must beware of recreating an image of God that makes us feel better. That's for sure; If in our pursuit of greater knowledge God seems to have gotten smaller, we are deceived.  Wow!  We must be careful. 
 
Then there is one more question, "Who do you say I am?  (Matthew 16:15-20)
" He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ."
As we consider God as Whom He says He is, we're wise to ask ourselves the question: Who do I say God is?  Many people and factors can influence who we've come to believe God is: That is so true, Beth!
 
In her last statement in Chapter one, Beth says this, Beloved, God invites us to participate in kingdom authority under the rule of His righteous will.  He extends staggering power to those willing to think with the mind of Christ rather than the mind of man.  God will also empower His children to bind untold evils and strongholds if we'd believe Him and cooperate with Him.  Where does this kind of existence begin?  With biblical answers to the pivotal question, "Who do you say that I am?"  God is looking for stewards willing to bind their own unbelief in the mighty name of Jesus and loose a fresh anointing of faith.
 
Questions:

1.  What your perception on God?
2.  What was revealed to Peter?
3.  What is revealed to you?

BIBLE STUDY: INTRODUCTION

A STUDY ON EXPERIENCE OF A FRESH EXPLOSION OF FAITH
(By Beth Moore)  "A Taste of Believing God"
 
 

 

Introduction:

My first question was "What is Faith?"

 

Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
In her introduction, Beth said, "God spoke to her heart and said, "You believe in Me, Beth. Now I want you to "believe me." That is faith to me!

Let's Pray:  "Father God, we come to You in praise and worship to You.  Father, in the name of Jesus, we approach the throne of grace boldly and confidently. May the Word of God come forth accurately and in love during our study? We ask You to anoint each person that participate with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of this study, so each can share what You give them through Your Holy Spirit.  We pray that as we study, we will have ears to hear the wisdom and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Let's start with that, because that statement was a blessing to my heart!  You know, this is how God speaks to us; well, I know He speak to me that way.  I could just hear Him.  Once upon a time I was hanging out clothes where I was living with an elderly woman who had a dryer, but wouldn't let me use it; I was out there hanging out those clothes just complaining away.  I heard God say in my spirit, "Claudia, you asked me to send you to a far-away country to help the, needed, but you are complaining about hanging out clothes because she has a dryer, and want let you use it."  How can you go to those far-away countries, and live among them the way they live and can't even hang out clothes on a line?  I was so shock!  You may say, why did you say that?  I just heard it that way. A true statement.  Listen to it again, "You believe In Me, Beth. Now I want you to "believe me!"  
Yes, we all believe in God, even the devil believes in God, amen.  That is what Jesus told his disciples. I enjoyed reading the introduction.   When I read it I was thinking about faith, "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" Also its weapon for us to use as in Ephesians 6………………..

Shield Faith What we see are Satan's attacks in the form of insults, setbacks and temptations.  But the shield of faith protects us from Satan's fiery darts.  With God's perspective, we can see beyond our circumstances and know that ultimate victory is ours.  Glory to God!  Let's examine FAITH.

What is the different between faith and believing?

Faith: Noun  (notice this)
1.    Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
2.    Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

Believing: Verb (notice this)
1.    Accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of: "the superintendent believed Lancaster's story".
2.    Accept the statement of (someone) as true.

In Beth's introduction, she talk about faith is the way believers jump on board with God and participate in countless wonderful things He has a mind to do. Faith happens when believers believe.  She challenges us to grow in faith as quoted from Apostle Paul.  As we study this book we will find the five-step as follow……….

1. God is Who He says He is
2. God can Do What He says He can do
3. I Am Who God says I Am
4. I Can do all Things Through Christ
5. God's Word Is Alive And Active In Me

 

A STUDY ON BETH MOORE'S BOOK

A STUDY ON EXPERIENCE OF A FRESH EXPLOSION OF FAITH

(By Beth Moore)  “A Taste of Believing God”

My first question was “What is Faith?”

Hebrews 11:1

Introduction/Chapter I

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

n her introduction, Beth said, “God spoke to her heart and said, “You believe in Me, Beth. Now I want you to “believe me.” That is faith to me!

Let’s Pray:  “Father God, we come to you in praise and worship to you.  Father, in the name of Jesus, we approach the throne of grace boldly and confidently. May the Word of God come forth accurately and in love during our study? We ask You to anoint each person that participate with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of this study, so each can share what You give them through Your Holy Spirit.  We pray that as we study, we will have ears to hear the wisdom and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s start with that, because that statement was a blessing to my heart!  You know, this is how God speaks to us; well, I know He speak to me that way.  I could just hear Him.  Once upon a time I was hanging out clothes where I was living with an elderly woman who had a dryer, but wouldn’t let me use it; I was out there hanging out those clothes just complaining away.  I heard God say in my spirit, “Claudia, you asked me to send you to a far-away country to help the, needed, but you are complaining about hanging out clothes because she has a dryer, and want let you use it.”  How can you go to those far-away countries, and live among them the way they live and can’t even hang out clothes on a line?  I was so shock!  You may say, why did you say that?  I just heard it that way. A true statement.  Listen to it again, “You believe In Me, Beth. Now I want you to “believe me!”  

Yes, we all believe in God, even the devil believes in God, amen.  That is what Jesus told his disciples. I enjoyed reading the introduction.   When I read it I was thinking about faith, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Also its weapon for us to use as in Ephesians 6………………..

Shield   Faith      What we see are Satan's attacks in the form of insults, setbacks and temptations.  But the shield of faith protects us from Satan's fiery darts.  With God's perspective, we can see beyond our circumstances and know that ultimate victory is ours.  Glory to God!  Let’s examine FAITH.

What is the different between faith and believing?

Faith: Noun (notice this)

1. Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

2. Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof

Believing: Verb (notice this)

1. Accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of: "the superintendent believed Lancaster's story".

2. Accept the statement of (someone) as true.

In Beth’s introduction, she talk about faith is the way believers jump on board with God and participate in countless wonderful things He has a mind to do. Faith happens when believers believe.  She challenges us to grow in faith as quoted from Apostle Paul.  As we study this book we will find the five-step as follow……….

1. God is Who He says He is
2. God can Do What He says He can do
3. I Am Who God say I Am
4. I Can do all Things Through Christ
5. God’s Word Is Alive And Active In Me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where am I going?

 

 

Have you ever felt like your life was just stale?  Felt like there was nothing in it.  I know it may sound strange, but some times that is how I feel, even though I know God’s Spirit is in me.  Believe me, it’s not God or His Holy Spirit, I have come to that knowledge of truth.  I do recognize that the problem lies within me, and the decisions I make.

 

Let me share just a little of my testimony of faith here.   I truly believe God has been with me since I can remember, but I didn’t respond to His Spirit.  And there is evidence in my life that points to God Himself, the Great Creator!   I can see God’s unchanging hand in my life down through the years.   On one occasion I was without a job for over three years, and I prayed to God for doors to be open for me to get a good paying respectful job.  This was during the 1990 census.    I responded to the ad for an administrator’s assistance.  I was very nervous about applying for this type of job with no experience.  I desired and needed this job bad.  I prayed and ask God to help me, mostly to give me strength to go and apply for this job.  I needed boldness to walk in that office and talk with this person, which was the administrator.  I fasted and prayed before I went.  I dressed properly and walked in that office like I had years of experience, and that was with the help of the Lord.  The administrator asks me to have a seat, I sit and the first thing he asked, did I have experience?  I didn’t lie, first of all I was trusting God for the job.  I said no, but I truly believe I could do the job.  He just looked at me.  He asked me, how fast you type.  I told him and he sit up a time for me to take a typing test.  I was so nervous!  I took that test but didn’t type as fast and accurate as I should have.  My next appointment with him was even more nervous.  I walked in and he asked me to have a seat, I sit and he said, “Claudia, if I give you this job would you prove yourself faithful and be here as needed?”  I said, yes sir I will.  I had the job because God provided for me, it was not because I had years of experience.   These are times when I knew God was with me, and when I get in situations and when I feel like I do today, I stand firm on God’s Word.  Yes, today I felt stale, but I am so sure in my inner-man that God is with me and He will provide, and He will see me through this pocket of time. 

 

 The question was “Where am I going?”  This is when the Word of God has to take effect in our lives.  Scriptures such as, “My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:19).  Back during the interview I stood on this scripture, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strength me.” (Philippians 4:13).  Where am I going?  Where is my life headed now?  What am I to do now?  These are questions that come to my mind.  The ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ in my life now is to take care of the elderly.  I do it with all my heart and strength, because God is leading me.  God is my way!  My life belongs to Him and only to Him.  My heart, spirit, and soul are pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 3:14).  God’s Word is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrows, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).  This why we must trust in God’s Word with all our hearts; and lean not unto our own understanding.  We must acknowledge Him in all our ways, so He can direct our path, and make it easier for us when time like these come upon us.  We must not be wise in our own eyes, we must fear the Lord, and depart from all evil.  God is righteous and want righteous people to live for Him. Please don’t forget that God love you and He sent His only begotten Son to die for your sins, so you wouldn’t have to live in or under condemnation.  We are told that once we receive Jesus as our Savior, then we no longer live under condemnation.  Read Romans 8:1, it says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”  I am living for the Lord, therefore, I am pressing each and every day for the Kingdom of God.  When my life gets upside down, then I look inside my spirit and I connect with the Kingdom of God.  The Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  (Romans 14:17).  Right now I am on my way to the Kingdom of God in my inner-man, so I can find that peace and joy.   Finally, my friends,  I say to you, when you are in a dark place of confusion, and you know Jesus is your Lord and Savior, reach within and find that peace and joy, and trust God always.  Now for those who don’t know the Lord, then please accept Him today as your Savior and He will see you through hard times.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you always and forever.  

 

You Are loved.

I AM PREPARING A UPDATE TESTIMONY NOW:

 

Hello everyone!  I have not been here to post. I do love to post God's Word, and share what is going on in my life.  Why, because I have been chosen for His glory, and desire to share.  Lately, I have been to busy, or should I say, I have not been doing what I desire.  I desire to sit at my desk and share God's Word with my friends.  I will share what I am writing soon.  May God bless you and keep you.

Wishing You A Blessed Season All Year long

I know, we hear this every year!  Is Jesus the reason for the season?  Yes!   When I meet Jesus and received Him into my heart I was in a season of hurt and pain.  Jesus gave me a reason to live!  I didn't know joy until I meet and received Him.   This season of celebration remember Jesus as the One Who made it all happen.  Remember the little babe in the manger, remember God sent His only Son to this earth to bring joy and glad tidings.  He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.  Remember all the good things that has happen to you, even when you thought there were no joy in your life God had sent His Son for you to have that joy, we just didn't receive Him.  Tis the season to be jolly, but don't let it stop in this season let it continue through the year, then you will find that peace and good will toward all mankind.  I love that statement "Jesus Is the Reason for the Season!"  


This story was on the radio. It is about a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children; after many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year---overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, get that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, make sure we don’t forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn’t take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don’t worry. We already crucified Him."

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don’t forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

Jesus is the Reason For The Season!

Prayerfully yours,
ChosenForHisGlory