Connection Magazine 2011 Fall

8/4/2019 Connection Magazine 2011 Fall

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Dear Friend,

Welcome to the newest edition of Connectionthe magazine. 2011 is zipping past, and summer(my favorite season, Ill admit!) is almost over as I write this.

As Christians, were called to point people toward Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us. But wedont convince or convict anyone. Thats the work of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity.In this issue, were focusing on the Holy SpiritHis person, His work, and the worship that is dueHim.

Our guest, Ron Rhodes, shares some thoughts on the role of the Holy Spirit in the inspirationof the biblical text. He explains how the Spirit had complete superintendence of the humanauthors of Scripture.

Lenya has contributed a wonderful article on discovering the wonderful riches we have inthe Holy Spirit. She explores the Spirits love, fullness, knowledge, understanding, power, andresidence in our daily lives.

In Off the Cuff, I ask Chuck Smith, senior pastor at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, some important

questions about how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of believers, and we discuss the purposesof the gifts of the Spirit.

Our From the Blog section poses an interesting and important question: How and when dobelievers receive the Holy Spirit? Do we, as believers, need a separate baptism of the Spirit? AndHot Spots addresses the unforgiveable sin: the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

And we continue in our daily devo section, God Daily, in the book of Ephesians. This time, we goall the way through Revelation. So, congratulations! Weve made it through the entire Bible!

I pray you are continuing to study and apply the Scriptures daily, and hope you will be truly

blessed by the resources and articles in this edition of Connectionthe magazine. May you growcontinually closer in your personal walk with Jesus Christ.

In His Strong Love,

Skip Heitzig

SKIPS NOTE


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ISSUE 13 October - December 2011

CONTENTS

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Dear Friend

The Invisible, Personable &Powerul Holy Spirit

We Have This Treasure

The Vault

The ConnectionRadio Stations

Hot Spots

From the Listener

Fast Facts

From the Blog

The Gallery

Daily Devo:October-December

Church'd Comics

Word Search

Next Issue

Of the Cuf

Dead Pastors'Society

The Holy Spiritin Inspiration


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a publication of

PUBLISHERSkip Heitzig

skipheitzig.com

DIRECTORBrian Nixon

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFRebekah Hanson

MANAGING EDITORSJoan Polito

Nancy ReimannJerry RoodPenny Rose

Laura Sowers

CONTRIBUTORSLenya Heitzig

John OwenRon RhodesChuck Smith

DESIGN DIRECTORKhanh Dang

OUR MISSION:

Connectingyou to Gods

never-changingtruth in

ever-changingtimes.

Connection Communications

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We might say that those who believe in theHoly Spirit are absent today. Many believersin Jesus Christ could be described like thedisciples in Ephesus, when Paul said to them,Did you receive the Holy Spirit when youbelieved? So they said to him, We have notso much as heard whether there is a HolySpirit (Acts 19:2). I think there are many

believers who theoretically believe in the HolySpirit; but for all practical purposes, Hes notreal to them. A.W. Tozer said, The idea of theHoly Spirit to the average church member isso vague as to be non-existent.

From beginning to end, the Bible mentionsthe Holy Spirit. From Genesis 1:2: The Spiritof God was hovering over the face of thewaters, to Revelation 22:17: The Spirit and

the bride say, Come! He is everywhere inScripture. In the gospel of John, Jesus, thesecond person of the Trinity, introduces thethird person of the Trinity to His disciples (seeJohn 14:16). Lets answer two questions aboutthe Holy Spirit:

1. Who is Heperson or power?

2. What is Hedeity or dignitary?

Person or Power?The minute you imagine the Holy Spirit as a

force (or an impersonal power) rather than aperson, you face a problem. R.A. Torrey said,The concept of the Holy Spirit as a divineinfluence or power that we are somehow to

get a hold of and use leads to self-exaltationand self-sufficiency. One who thinks of theHoly Spirit and who at the same time imaginesthat he has received the Holy Spirit will almostinevitably be full of spiritual pride and strutabout as if he belonged to some superiororder of Christians. God will never be used.But God willif you allow Himuse you.

There is not one reliable version ofScripture where the Holy Spirit is referred toas an it. For example, in John 14:26 we read,But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom theFather will send in My name, He will teach youall things, and bring to your remembrance allthings that I said to you (emphasis added).Again, in the gospel of John we read, WhenHe, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide

you into all truth; for He will not speak on Hisown authority, but whatever He hears He willspeak; and He will tell you things to come. Hewill glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mineand declare it to you (John 16:13-14, emphasisadded). In John 14-16, Jesus uses 13 personalpronouns when He refers to the Holy Spirit.Personal pronouns are used for peoplenotforces.

Lets examine the issue of personality. Didyou catch the names Jesus gives to the HolySpirit? The Helper or Comforter, sometranslations say. Does the name Counselorsound like a power to you? John 14:26 tellsus, He will teach, John 15:26 says He willtestify, and John 16:8 says, He will convictand there are other examples.

o

N A TYPICAL SUNDAY IN A LOCAL CHURCH, A SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WAS

REVIEWING THE APOSTLES CREED. THE TEACHER ASKED EACH CHILD TO REPEAT ONE PART

THEY HAD COMMITTED TO MEMORY. THE NEXT CHILD RECITED THE NEXT LINE, AND SO ON.

ONE PARTICULAR SUNDAY, THE TEACHER SAID, OKAY, CLASS, LETS BEGIN. THE FIRSTLITTLE BOY STOOD UP AND BEGAN, I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, THE MAKER OF

HEAVEN AND EARTH. HE SAT DOWN AND A LITTLE GIRL STOOD UP AND SAID, I BELIEVE IN

JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD. SHE SAT DOWN AND THERE WAS A LONG SILENCE AS THE

KIDS LOOKED AT EACH OTHER UNCOMFORTABLY. FINALLY ONE LITTLE GIRL STOOD UP AND SAID, IM

SORRY, TEACHER, BUT THE BOY WHO BELIEVES IN THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ABSENT TODAY.


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Just for kicks, I looked up the word personin Noahs DictionaryNoah Webster. NoahWebsters Dictionary o the English Languagesaid, We apply the word to living beings only,possessed with a rational nature. In otherwords, to be a person, you need intelligence,you need emotion, and you need a will.The Holy Spirit exhibits all three aspects of

personality:

He exhibits intelligence. Jesus said theHoly Spirit will teach you (John 14:26). Thisimplies that the Holy Spirit knows thingsthats intelligence.

He has a will. Paul saidof spiritual gifts, One andthe same Spirit works all

these things, distributingto each one individually asHe wills (1 Corinthians 12:11,emphasis added).

He has emotion. Paultold the Ephesians, Do notgrieve the Holy Spirit ofGod (Ephesians 4:30). Youcannot grieve an it. You

can only grieve a person.

Wouldnt it sound weirdif I said, Boy, I grieved my plant today. Itsso vexed. I was telling it to turn over a newleaf and it didnt like that. A plant cant loveyou, electricity cant hate you, and a forcecant care for you. Since the Holy Spirit is a

person, any relationship we have with Godmust include the Holy Spirit.

So the first question: person or power?Answer: Person.

Deity or Dignitary ?Second question: deity or dignitary? Is

the Holy Spirit some important being like anangel, or is He God? The qualifications of Hischaracter show that He is God Almighty.

Heisomniscient.Jesussaid,WhenHe,theSpirit of truth, has come, Hewill guide you into all truth(John 16:13). For the Holy Spirit

to guide you into all truth, Hemust be aware of all truth. Tobe aware of all truth meansthat He is omniscientHeknows everything. Thats adescription of God.

Hes omnipresent. Davidsaid, Where can I go fromYour Spirit? Or where can Iflee from Your presence? If Iascend into heaven, You arethere; if I make my bed in hell,

behold, You are there (Psalm 139:7-8).

Not only do we realize the deity of the HolySpirit by His qualifications and attributes, butalso by the validation of Jesus Christ. Jesus

To be aware of alltruth means that Heis omniscientHeknows everything.Thats a description

of God.


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SKIP HEITZIGis the author of the book You CanUnderstand the Book o Revelationand is the senior pastor at Calvary ofAlbuquerque. You can follow him onTwitter @skipheitzig

said, I will pray the Father, and He will giveyou another Helper, that He may abide withyou forever (John 14:16, emphasis added).Another is a key word. Here, it comes fromthe Greek word alos, and means another ofexactly the same sort. Jesus is the Helper, theComforter, the Counselor, and the Friend. He

was the miracle-worker. He was God in humanflesh. But He was leaving to suffer death on across, burial, resurrection, and ascension intoheaven. So in essence, He said, Im goingto send you a ComforterOne just like Me.An alos. Another Comforter; another divineBeing.

So the second question: deity or dignitary?Answer: Deity

What Does It Matter?Does this really, truly matter? Does it matter

that the Holy Spirit is a divine person? JeremyTaylor put it this way, Its impossible forthat man to despair who remembers that hisHelper is omnipotent.

It mattersa lot. If you dont grasp who Heis, youll never appreciate what He does. If youdont understand His person and personality,youll never appreciate the activities of theHoly Spirit.

In addition, if you are not aware that thethird person of the Godheadinvisible, but

personal and powerfulis living inside ofyou, it will show. Youll lose interest in spiritual

things: spiritual disciplines, prayer, andworship. Youll lose your appetite for the Wordof God. Youll lose your interest in churchand the comfort that can be found withinthe body of Christ. Youll lose your appetitefor God-centered preaching. Youll replacebiblical instruction with human counsel andpsychotherapybecause youll think theyhave all the answers. Youll start replacingreliance upon God in prayer with reliance

upon peoples advice in your ear. A. C. Dixonwrote, When we rely on organization, we getwhat organization can do. When we rely oneducation, we get what education can do.When we rely on eloquence, we get whateloquence can do. But when we rely on theHoly Spirit, we get what God can do.

Isnt it time to rely on God, the Maker ofheaven and earth, the Almighty? The Holy

Spirit is ready to get hold of you and useyouand Hes everything that Jesus is. S

If you dont understand His person andpersonality, youll never appreciate the

activities of the Holy Spirit.

when we rely on the Holy Spirit,we get what God can do.
https://twitter.com/skipheitzighttps://twitter.com/skipheitzig


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ho doesnt love a storyabout found treasure?If you consider the tenmillion viewers of theBritish PBS program

Antiques Roadshowand the Americancounterpart of the same name, itsapparent that many people do. Viewersremember the Spanish Conquistadorhelmet found in the rafters of the atticof a just-purchased home. Turned out,it was from the 15th century and worth

$500,000. Then there was the woman withher fathers collection of jade objects heacquired while stationed in China. Thevalue? A cool million!

For those who find the Roadshow toohighbrow, Pawn Stars takes place in a LasVegas pawnshop. The treasures on PawnStars are often odd, historic, and requiretest firing in the desert. This is the place

to bring your Star Trek action figures,Civil War cannon, or signed, first editionHemingway.

My own treasures are not so grandand probably wouldnt bring money fromanyone but me. In my office I have a smallbox containing personal treasures: atiny "Millennium Falcon" spacecraft fromNathans vintage Star Wars collection, a

calling card from my favorite pastry shopin Paris, a matchbook from the Tavernon the Green in Central Park, and a redceramic bird given to me by Nathan andJane in remembrance of the blue origamibirds at their rehearsal dinner.

Whether the upscale British Roadshowor the downtown Pawn Stars, people loveto watch other people hit the jackpot.

Wouldnt it be great to learn that you havea priceless treasure at your fingertips?

Well, good news! If youre a believer,you do: But we have this treasure inearthen vessels, that the excellence othe power may be o God and not o us(2 Corinthians 4:7).

W


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In Asian countries, it was customary to keepgold and jewels in ordinary clay pots. Withoutintrinsic worth, the vessels were valuablesimply for the treasure within. Paul likenedhimself and his fellow gospel workers tofragile earthenware potsnothing special inand of themselves, but valuable for the powerand the Word of God contained within them.

PAULS PRAYER FOR OUR POWER

Paul pleaded with believers to respond

to God's sovereign provision. He himselfreceived the gift of the grace of God givento me by the effective working of His power(Ephesians 3:7). Paul asked God to activatethe power available to believers so they too,could glorify God:

That He would grant you, according to theriches o His glory, to be strengthened withmight through His Spirit in the inner man,that Christ may dwell in your hearts throughaith; that you, being rooted and groundedin love, may be able to comprehend with allthe saints what is the width and length anddepth and heightto know the love o Christwhich passes knowledge; that you may belled with all the ullness o God(Ephesians3:16-19).

This prayer is a series of petitions, eachbuilt upon the other. But before we explore thetreasures of the Holy Spirit, lets look at threeimportantyet overlookedwords.

THREE POWERFUL PREPOSITIONS

In grammar, prepositions are unassuming

little words used to link nouns, pronouns, andphrases. Dont be fooled by their size; thesewords pack a punch.

The words en or in, para meaning with,and epi or upon unlock the treasures of theHoly Spirit and enable understanding of Hispower and presence.

PARA: The Holy Spirit is with us prior tosalvation to convict us of sin and bring us torepentance:

It is to your advantage that I go away; or iI do not go away, the Helper will not come to you And when He has come, He willconvict the world o sin, and orighteousness, and o judgment o sin(John 16:7-9).

EN: The Holy Spirit comes in us at salvation.

And I will pray the Father, and He will giveyou another Helper, that He may abide with you oreverthe Spirit o truth, whom theworld cannot receive, because it neithersees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him,or He dwells with you and will be in you(John 14:16-17, emphasis added).

EPI: The Holy Spirit comes upon the saint atthe baptism of the Spirit.

But you shall receive power when the HolySpirit has come upon you; and you shall bewitnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in allJudea and Samaria, and to the end o theearth(Acts 1:8, emphasis added).

With this foundation, lets open the

treasure chest of our riches in and throughthe Holy Spirit.

THE TREASURE OF INNER

STRENGTH AND POWER

The Holy Spirit is the person who impartsGods power to individual believers:

That He would grant you, according to theriches o His glory, to be strengthenedwith might through His Spirit in the innerman (Ephesians 3:16).

The working of the Holy Spirit takes whatbelongs to God and makes it ours. This is ourbirthright in Christ, and it comes with a solemnpurpose: But you shall receive power whenthe Holy Spirit has come upon you; and youshall be witnesses to Me (Acts 1:8).

The wordpower comes from dunamis, whichmeans miraculous power, ability, abundance,might, power, strength, and might. It is theroot from which we get the word dynamite.We are not to use this power recklessly toblow things up, but to stand ready to be His


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witnesses in the world.

THE TREASURE OF DWELLING

WITH GOD

The word dwell means to settle down and

feel right at home in the permanent abode ofthe owner. Sadly, for some, the Holy Spirit ismore like an unwelcomed houseguest thanthe resident owner.

That Christ may dwell in your hearts throughaith (Ephesians 3:17).

This refers to His ongoing, day-in, day-outresidence in our lives. The Christians human

personality is Christs home.

But i the Spirit o Him who raised Jesusrom the dead dwells in you, He who raisedChrist rom the dead will also give lie to your mortal bodies through His Spirit whodwells in you (Romans 8:11).

The Holy Spirit comfortably resides withinus and uses us to accomplish the Fatherswill and purpose. What a beautiful picture ofcomfort and power under one roof.

THE TREASURE OF KNOWLEDGE

AND UNDERSTANDING

When Danny Sampson robbed a bank inOttawa, Ontario, Canada, he used a hand-me-down gun and stole $6,000. After theRoyal Canadian Mounted Police captured him,they recognized the gun as an antique Colt45 worth $100,000. He had no idea what hepossessed.

As Christians, we are exhorted to know whatwe possess in Christ. The reason? Typically,we neither use nor value what we dont knowand understand. Danny Sampson serves as acase in point.

...may be able to comprehend with all thesaints what is the width and length anddepth and heightto know the love oChrist which passes knowledge (Ephesians3:18-19).

There are treasures to discover in the

Christian life. The more we come tounderstand the resident Holy Spirit, the morewe will experience the fullness of God.

THE TREASURE OF FULLNESS

That you may be lled with all the ullness oGod (Ephesians 3:19).

Efforts to fill ourselves in worldly ways bringfrustration and bondage: And do not be drunkwith wine, in which is dissipation; but be filledwith the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

A person filled with rage is dominated byhatred; a person filled with greed is dominated

with the obsession to obtain or retain money.To be filled with the fullness of God meansto be so totally dominated by Him there is noroom to add anything else.

When we are filled with God, we areemptied of self, and brimming with the HolySpirit. The Christian life is meant to overflowwith personal gratification, purpose, andsatisfaction.

THE TREASURE OF LOVE

Love is evidence of a life yielded to the Lord.With the Holy Spirit living and reigning in ourhearts, He is able to demonstrate His love inus and through us.

To know the love o Christ which passesknowledge; that you may be lled with allthe ullness o God (Ephesians 3:19).

We strive to lay hold of this knowledgeand make it our own. In doing so, we arestrengthened and blessed. The Holy Spiritbrings a trove of treasures: strength andpower, knowledge and understanding,

abiding with God, living a full life, and mostimportantly: love. Priceless.

LENYA HEITZIGis an award-wining author and sought-after speaker at conferences andretreats world wide.

Visit Lenya's Cornerat sheabq.orgto read encoraging articles romLenya.

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by Ron Rhodes

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JUST AS THE SAILORS WERE ACTIVE ON THE SHIP (THOUGH THEWIND, NOT THE SAILORS, CONTROLLED THE SHIP'S MOVEMENT), SOTHE HUMAN AUTHORS WERE ACTIVE IN WRITING (USING THEIR OWN

WRITING STYLES) AS THE SPIRIT DIRECTED.

Even though human beings were used inthe process of writing down God's Word, theywere all literally "borne along" by the HolySpirit. Commenting on this verse, theologianCharles Ryrie says, "The human wills of

the authors were not the originators or thecarriers of God's message. God did not permitthe will of sinful man to divert, misdirect, orerroneously record His message" (What YouShould Know About Inerrancy, p. 47). NormanGeisler and William Nix explain that "Godmoved and the prophet mouthed these truths;God revealed and man recorded His Word" (AGeneral Introduction to the Bible, p. 28).

Interestingly, the Greek word for "carriedalong" in 2 Peter 1:21 is the same word foundin Acts 27:15-17. The experienced sailors couldnot navigate the ship because the windwas so strong. The ship was being driven,directed, and carried about by the wind. Thisis similar to the Spirit's driving, directing, andcarrying the human authors of the Bible as Hewished. The word is a strong one, indicatingthe Spirit's complete superintendence of the

human authors. Yet, just as the sailors wereactive on the ship (though the wind, not thesailors, controlled the ship's movement),so the human authors were active in writing(using their own writing styles) as the Spiritdirected.

Hence, as theologian Robert Lightnerconcludes, "the Holy Spirit of God was thedivine author of Scripture. Though He used

erring humans as penmen, He supernaturally(miraculously) superintended them as theywrote, keeping them from all error andomission" (Evangelical Theology, p. 12).

Edward J. Young, in his book Thy WordIs Truth, explains inerrancy this way: "TheScriptures possess the quality of freedom

from error. They are exempt from the liabilityto mistake, incapable of error. In all theirteachings they are in perfect accord with thetruth" (p. 113). And this "quality of freedomfrom error" is a direct result of the Holy Spirit's

superintendence of the human authors ofScripture.

In Explaining Inerrancy: A Commentary,produced by the International Council ofBiblical Inerrancy (headed up by such scholarsas J.I. Packer and Norman Geisler), we readthat inspiration

Involves a divine superintendence which

preserved the writers in their word choices romusing words that would alsiy or distort themessage o Scripture. Evangelical Christianshave wanted to avoid the notion that biblicalwriters were passive instruments like pens in thehands o God, yet at the same time they armthat the net result o the process o inspirationwould be the same. Calvin, or example, saysthat we should treat the Bible as i we haveheard God audibly speaking its message. That

is, it carries the same weight o authority as iGod himsel were heard to be giving utteranceto the words o Scripture. That does not meanthat Calvin believed or taught that God did inact utter the words audibly. But we are sayingthat inspiration, however God brought it about,results in the net efect that every word oScripture carries with it the weight o God'sauthority(pp. 17-18).

RON RHODESis president of Reasoning from theScriptures Ministries. He is the authorof over 50 books (including three SilverMedallion winners) and is a keynotespeaker at conferences across theUnited States.

Excerpt taken from ronrhodes.orgUsed with Permission

R


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EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS HAVE

WANTED TO AVOID THE NOTIONTHAT BIBLICAL WRITERS WEREPASSIVE INSTRUMENTS LIKE

PENS IN THE HANDS OF GOD, YET AT THE SAME TIME THEYAFFIRM THAT THE NET RESULT OF

THE PROCESS OF INSPIRATIONWOULD BE THE SAME.

EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS HAVE

WANTED TO AVOID THE NOTIONTHAT BIBLICAL WRITERS WEREPASSIVE INSTRUMENTS LIKE

PENS IN THE HANDS OF GOD, YET AT THE SAME TIME THEYAFFIRM THAT THE NET RESULT OF

THE PROCESS OF INSPIRATIONWOULD BE THE SAME.

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We know not the matter of the things for whichwe should pray, neither the object to whom we

pray, nor the medium by or through whom wepray; none of these things know we, but by thehelp and assistance of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a person. He is not enthusiasm.He is not courage. He is not energy. He is not thepersonification of all good qualities, like Jack Frost

is the personification of cold weather He has willand intelligence. He has hearing. He has knowledgeand sympathy and ability to love and see and think.

He can hear, speak, desire, grieve, and rejoice.He is a person.

Trying to do the Lord's work in your ownstrength is the most confusing, exhausting,

and tedious of all work. But when you arefilled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministryof Jesus just flows out of you.

If we think of the Holy Spirit only as animpersonal power or influence, then our thoughtwill constantly be, how can I get hold of and use

the Holy Spirit; but if we think of Him in thebiblical way as a divine person, infinitely wise,

infinitely holy, infinitely tender, then our thoughtwill constantly be, "How can the Holy Spirit get

hold of and use me?

If Christians realized that God Himself in the

person of the Holy Spirit really dwells within ourbodies, we would be far more careful about whatwe eat, drink, look at, or read. No wonder Paulsaid, I beat my body and make it my slave

[1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV]. This should drive us toour knees in confession.

JOHN BUNYAN

A. W. TOZER

CORRIE TEN BOOM

R. A. TORREY

BILLY GRAHAM

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THE VAULT


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DEAD PASTORS SOCIETY

eaturing John Owen

Ye Ask AmissThe Spirit of God alone directs believers

to pray, or ask for anything to right or properends. Men may lose all the benefit of theirprayers by proposing to themselves improperends, as the apostle James affirms of some:Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss,to consume it on your lusts (James 4:3). There

is nothing so excellent in itself, so useful to us,so acceptable to God in the matter of prayer,but it may be vitiated, corrupted, and renderedvain, by an application of it to false or mistakenends. And that in this case we are relieved bythe Holy Ghost is plain from the text underconsideration; for helping our infirmities, andteaching us what to pray for as we ought, Hemakes intercession for us according to thewill of God (See Romans 8:26-27). He does it

in us, and by us, or enables us so to do. Hedirects and enables us to make supplicationsaccording to the mind of God and hereinGod is said to know the mind of the Spirit;that is, His end and design in the matter of Hisrequests. This God knows, that is, approves andaccepts.

The Spirit of God directs believers not onlyas to the matter, but as to the end of all theirrequests. He guides them therefore to design:

1. That all the success of their petitions mayhave an immediate tendency to the glory ofGod. Without His special aid we should aim only

at self; our own profit, ease, and satisfaction.

2. He keeps them to this also, that the issue ofall their supplications may be the improvementof holiness in them, their conformity to God,and nearer access to Him. When these endsare not aimed at, the matter of prayer may begood, but our prayers themselves may be anabomination.

JOHN OWEN (1616-1683)was an English Protestant churchleader, theologian, and academicadministrator at the University ofOxford. As of 2007, the majority ofOwen's voluminous works were still inprint.

Excerpt taken from The Work of the Spirit inPrayer in the book The Holy Spirit: His Gits and

Power by John Owen

"The Spirit of God directs believers not only as to the

matter, but as to the end of all their requests."

J


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Check connectionradio.org for a station near you that airs the Connection.

connectionradio.org/podcast

Coming upon the Connection...

Pastor Skip,Recently while working with Christian friends inChina, I helped them download your sermons fromiTunes. They have both made it a point to say howmuch they enjoy your sermons Thanks for faithfully

preaching the Word of God to all nations!

Jill(from China)

FROM THE

LISTENER

BEGINNINGFRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

In this series, From the Edge

o Eternity, we will follow abeliever from death into thedifferent stages of eternity:the intermediate state, the

resurrection of the body, thekingdom age, and the

eternal state.

AIRING NOWIn this series, Skip Heitziglooks at the life of Abraham,who was called the "friend ofGod." You'll find strikingparallels between the life ofthis patriach and your own

experiences. Learn how toleave a lasting impression onyour world. Don't just livemake a mark with your life!
http://connectionradio.org/podcasthttp://connectionradio.org/podcast


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by Skip Heitzig

THIS IS THE SIN FOR WHICH THERE IS NO

FORGIVENESS. JESUS SAID, THEREFORE ISAY TO YOU, EVERY SIN AND BLASPHEMYWILL BE FORGIVEN MEN, BUT THE BLAS-PHEMY AGAINST THE SPIRIT WILL NOT

BE FORGIVEN MEN. ANYONE WHO SPEAKSA WORD AGAINST THE SON OF MAN, ITWILL BE FORGIVEN HIM; BUT WHOEVERSPEAKS AGAINST THE HOLY SPIR-IT, IT WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN HIM,

EITHER IN THIS AGE OR IN THE AGE TOCOME (MATTHEW 12:31-32).

WHAT IS THE BLASPHEMYOF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

27

Misunderstanding these verses causes a lot of heartache to Christians. Recentlysomeone came to me in tears, saying, Im convinced that I have offended the HolySpirit and committed the unpardonable sin! I put my arm around them and said, Itspretty evident that you havent committed the blasphemy of the Holy Spiritbecauseyoure still concerned about it. The fact that your heart isnt hardened, that it evenbothers you, proves that you havent committed it!


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The Pharisees to whom Jesus was speakingwere revealing a condition of the heart. Theyhad just seen Him heal a man who was blindand mutean obvious miracle, done by thepower of the Holy Spiritand they attributedit to Satan (see Matthew 12:24). That indicatesa willful, obstinate hardness of heart for whichthey felt no conviction at all. The work of the

Holy Spirit is to point people to Jesus Christ.For someone whos been resisting that workto take this evidence and still be able to say,Thats from Satan, indicates their heart isdesperately hardand perhaps at the point ofno return.

In Ephesians, Paul refers to a group ofpeople having their understanding darkenedbecause of the blindness of their heart being

past feeling (Ephesians 4:18-19). And he wroteabout those who had their own conscienceseared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2).

Billy Graham explained it this way: Theunpardonable sin is rejecting the truth aboutJesus Christ. It is rejecting completely andfinally the witness of the Holy Spirit whichdeclares Jesus is the Son of God, who alonecan save us from sin.

Why is that unpardonable? The writer ofHebrews says, How shall we escape if weneglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3). Ifwe keep resisting and fighting, eventually wecan push away Christ for so long that we feelabsolutely no conviction. The Spirit of God isntstriving with us at all anymore. Thats the worstcondition a person could ever reach. If we hearthe truth and get clever at deflecting itsaying

maybe laterwe can become so hardenedand so calloused that we dont feel any longer.

There comes a time when God turns out thelights; when any further chance for salvation isfinally lost. Thats why we are told, Behold, nowis the accepted time; behold, now is the day ofsalvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

When you hear the Holy Spirit saying, Change

nowreceive His heeding while your heart istender. Dont become one of the clever oneswho deflect the truth. That is the blasphemy ofthe Holy Spirit.

For anyone who has heard the gospel andrejected it: While there is light, while there isfeeling, respond! S

WHEN

YOU HEARTHE HOLYSPIRIT

SAYING,CHANGENOWRECEIVEHIS

HEEDINGWHILEYOUR

HEART ISTENDER.


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FAST FACTS

SOURCE: barna.org

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30

OFF THE CUFF

The Spirit wants to operate in our lives, sovereignly andaccording to His will. But Hell do so in diferent ways.

WITH PASTOR CHUCK SMITH

Skip: Welcome, Pastor Chuck. Id like to ask

you a ew questions concerning the power o

the Holy Spirit in the lives o believers. How

important is it or Christians to understand

spiritual gits?

PASTOR CHUCK SMITH: The overarchingprinciple is this: The true gifts of the HolySpirit, when manifested in a scriptural andcorrect way, will always focus peoples hearts

on Jesus Christ. Jesus said the Spirit wouldnot testify of Himself, but of Christ. The

scriptural exercise of the gifts will alwaysgive you a fresh vision of Jesus Christ andHis glory, causing you to fall in love with Him,and to be drawn to Him all over again. Yourheart will burst with love and appreciationfor what Jesus is and what He is able to do.This is the chief way by which you can tellwhether any gift is a true manifestation of the


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Holy Spirit. Is there a great deal of attentiondrawn to the person exercising the gift? Inthe magazines that various ministries sendout, whose picture is on every other page?To whom are they drawing attention? Whoare they promoting? Who are they seekingto raise up in the eyes of the people? A truemanifestation of the Holy Spirit always exalts

the person of Jesus Christ. Thats what theHoly Spirit has come to do.

Skip: Pastor Chuck, how would you say the

Spirit works in a Christians lie?

PASTOR CHUCK SMITH: The Spirit wantsto operate in our lives, sovereignly andaccording to His will. But Hell do soin different ways. A person may feelextraordinary sensations, or he may feelnothing at all. None of that discounts thefact that Gods Spirit is at work in yourlife. That was my problem for a long time.I didnt receive the kind of experience Iheard people talking about, so I felt I didnthave it. I heard people say, When I cameto, I looked andwow! It was 7 pm. I dont

know where those five hours went. Hearingthese testimonies as a child, I understoodthe phrase when I came to to mean anunconscious state. I was certain that whena person was being baptized or filled withthe Holy Spirit, he or she would be renderedunconscious. So I waited for years to bestruck unconscious so I could come to.But it never happened to me like that. If youread through the book of Acts, you will see

that every account of an empowering ofthe church by the Spirit is unique. No singlepattern covers all. It didnt happen the sameway in any two recorded cases. Lets expectsuch differences. Lets not try to confine Godto a pattern. Lets not put God in a boxletGod be God and let Him be sovereign andmove as He will.

Skip: With that, what would the purpose o the

gits o the Spirit be?

PASTOR CHUCK SMITH: In 1 Corinthians 12:7,Paul teaches that the manifestation of theSpirit is given to everyone for the profit of all.The purpose of gifts of the Spirit is to benefitthe whole church; they are not given to usfor our own personal profit. God doesnt giveme the word of knowledge so that I can go tothe race track and clean up. There is a greatevil todaymen and women who seek topersonally capitalize on the gifts of the Spirit.People have been touched by God throughtheir ministries, and they take advantageof that fact. Maybe a friend or child hasbeen healed, and they are so thrilled and

excited that they want to shower gifts ofappreciation upon the person through whomGod worked. Sadly, many people use Godsgifts to personally enrich themselves. Butthe gifts of the Holy Spirit are not given forpersonal enrichment. They are not toys for usto take and enjoy, to bring us satisfaction andpleasure as were sitting in the solitude ofour homes. They are given so that the wholechurch might profit. God has given each of

us a giftwere supposed to use these tobless the whole church. There is only onegift intended to edify the person exercisingit rather than the whole churchthe gift ofspeaking in tongues. In 1 Corinthians 14:4,Paul said, He that speaketh in an unknowntongue edifieth himself. The exercise ofthe gift of tongues in ones own personaldevotions edifies oneself. This is the only giftdesigned for personal edification. The body

isnt edified through that gift unless there isan interpretation. So the general rule is thatthe gifts of the Spirit are for the profit of thewhole body.

"You will see that everyaccount o an empow-ering o the church by

the Spirit is unique."-Pastor Chuck Smith

PASTOR CHUCK SMITHis the senior pastor of Calvary ChapelCosta Mesa and the founder of theCalvary Chapel movement. He is theauthor of over 15 books.

For more information, read Pastor Chuck Smithsbook Living Water: The Power o the Holy Spirit in

Your Lie


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FROM THE BLOG

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33with Skip Heitzig

The baptism of theHoly Spirit is adefinite experience,normally occurring

after salvation. Its when the HolySpirit, the third person of the Trinity,comes upon someone to energizeand empower him for service.

Shortly before His arrest andcrucifixion, Jesus told His disciplesthat the Holy Spirit dwells with youand will be in you (John 14:17). The HolySpirit is with all of us, even before weare saved. He convicts us of our sinand brings us to faith in Christ. Themoment we believe in Jesus as ourSavior, the Holy Spirit comes in us to

dwell forever: Your body is the templeof the Holy Spirit who is in you, whomyou have from God (1 Corinthians 6:19).The Spirit takes possession of us, sealsus, and indwells us. But there is a thirdexperience.

Just before His ascension, Jesustold His disciples to wait in Jerusalemfor the Promise of the Fatherthebaptism of the Holy Spirit (See Acts 1:4,5). You shall receive power when theHoly Spirit has come upon you; and youshall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem,and in all Judea and Samaria, and tothe end of the earth (v. 8). The Spiritcame upon them in power to givethem the spiritual resources neededto boldly witness for Christ. This was a

new baptism.

Jesus tells His followers to go out into all the worldand preach the gospel. To do that successfully, weneed the power of the Holy Spirit, which the baptism ofthe Spirit provides. The Holy Spirit makes us effective

in our testimony for Christ and in our service to Him.

The power of the Holy Spirit can turn cowards intobold witnesses for the Lord. Think of Peter. He insistedhe would never forsake Jesus, even if everyone elsedid. Then he denied he even knew Jesusthree times.After Pentecost, he became a new man. He stood infront of thousands and proclaimed Jesus Christ asthe only way to salvation. He had experienced thebaptism of the Holy Spirit, who came upon him to

make him courageous. Throughout the book of Acts,believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, and they havea boldness that we dont see in the Gospels.

The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is notto speak in tongues, but to empower us to witness.But this empowerment must happen over and overagain. We must repeatedly avail ourselves to Godto be effective, dynamic witnesses for Him. Why?Because we leak!

The baptism of the Holy Spirit and the filling of theHoly Spirit are identical, or nearly so. Paul said, Befilled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). A more literaltranslation might read, Be constantly being filled withthe Holy Spirit. We constantly need a new filling ofthe Spirit so that we have Him flowing througheverymoment. Lets pray for continual filling!

The purpose

of the baptism

of the HolySpirit is not

to speak in

tongues, but to

empower us

to witness.

The Holy

Spirit is

with all

of us, even

before we

are saved.

S


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THE GALLERY

Seal us, O Holy Spiri t,Grant us Thine impress, we pray;We would be more l ike the Savior,

Stamped with His image today.

Seal us, seal us,Seal us just now, we pray;Seal us, O Holy Spiri t,

Seal us for service today.

Seal us, O Holy Spiri t,Help us Thy likeness to show;Then from our life unto others

Streams of rich blessings shall flow.

Seal us, O Holy Spiri t,Make us Thine own from this hour;Let us be useful, dear Master,Seal us with witnessing power.

Excerpt taken from Seal Us, O Holy Spirit Words and Music: Isaac H. Meredith, 1900

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DAILY DEVOthrough the Bible with Skip Heitzig

OCTOBER 1Read: Ephesians 2:1-2:22Reflect: God is so rich inmercy, and He loved us somuch, that even though wewere dead because o oursins, He gave us lie when Heraised Christ rom the dead.

(It is only by Gods grace thatyou have been saved!)(Ephesians 2:4-5).

Respond:I was going myway on the path of life, butGod changed everythingwhen I met Jesus.

Return: Ephesians 3:1-3:5

OCTOBER 2Read:Ephesians 3:6-3:10

Reflect:Both Gentiles andJews who believe the goodnews share equally in theriches inherited by Godschildren. Both are part o thesame body, and both enjoy thepromise o blessings becausethey belong to Christ Jesus(Ephesians 3:6).

Respond: The disciplesuncovered the secret that

God loves all people andanyone can be part of Hischurch.


OCTOBER 3Read: Ephesians 4:1-4:15Reflect: I, a prisoner orserving the Lord, beg you tolead a lie worthy o yourcalling, or you have been

called by God (Ephesians 4:1).Respond: In the midst ofsuch inconsistency, we arecalled to be consistent


OCTOBER 4Read: Ephesians 5:21-5:30

OCTOBER 5Read: Ephesians 6:5-6:12Reflect: Put on all o Godsarmor so that you will be ableto stand irm against allstrategies o the devil(Ephesians 6:11).

Respond: When you becamea friend of God, you inheritedthe Lords enemies.


OCTOBER 8Read: Philippians 2:7-2:9Reflect: When [Christ Jesus]appeared in human orm, Hehumbled Himsel in obedienceto God and died a criminalsdeath on a cross. Thereore,God elevated Him to the place

o highest honor and gaveHim the name above all othernames (Philippians 2:7-9).

Respond: As believers, wefind that the way up is theway down, and the way downis always the way up.

Return: Philippians 2:10-2:12

OCTOBER 9Read: Philippians 2:13-2:17Reflect: Live clean, innocentlives as children o God,shining like bright lights ina world ull o crooked andperverse people (Philippians2:15).

Respond: Christians need toglow in the dark,living in purity before aworldly audience thatwatches their every move.


OCTOBER 10Read: Philippians 3:1-3:4Reflect: Whatever happens,my dear brothers and sisters,rejoice in the Lord. I neverget tired o telling you thesethings, and I do it tosaeguard your aith

(Philippians 3:1).Respond: The first way toguard our joy is to rememberthat its easily lost.


OCTOBER 6Read: Philippians 1:1-1:7Reflect: I am certain thatGod, who began the goodwork within you, will continueHis work until it is inallyinished on the day whenChrist Jesus returns

(Philippians 1:6).Respond: The Lord is notgoing to rest in working withyou because you are stillunder construction.


OCTOBER 7Read: Philippians 1:12-1:18Reflect: I want you to know,my dear brothers and sisters,that everything that has hap-pened to me here has helpedto spread the good news(Philippians 1:12).

Respond: What appearedto be a disappointment wasGods appointment.


Reflect:Submit to oneanother out o reverence orChrist (Ephesians 5:21).

Respond: Submission isntjust for wives. It is also forhusbands, children, andparents.


OCTOBER 11Read: Philippians 3:10-3:15Reflect: I press on to reach


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OCTOBER 15Read: Colossians 2:8-2:10Reflect: Dont let anyonecapture you with emptyphilosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come

OCTOBER 16Read: Colossians 2:14-2:19Reflect: He canceled therecord o the charges againstus and took it away bynailing it to the cross(Colossians 2:14).

Respond: The crosscanceled the debt of the sins

for humankind from the past,present, and future.Return: Colossians 2:20-2:23

OCTOBER 20Read: 1 Thessalonians1:1-1:5Reflect:As we pray to ourGod and Father about you,we think o your aithul work,your loving deeds, and theenduring hope you have

because o our Lord JesusChrist (1 Thessalonians 1:3).Respond: For Christians, theanticipation of Jesus returnis one of the most powerfulforces for purity.Return: 1 Thessalonians1:6-2:6

OCTOBER 23Read: 1 Thessalonians4:1-4:6Reflect: Gods will is or you

OCTOBER 21Read: 1 Thessalonians2:7-2:11Reflect:As apostles o Christwe certainly had a right tomake some demands o you,but instead we were likechildren among you. Or wewere like a mother eedingand caring or her ownchildren And you know thatwe treated each o you as aather treats his own children

(1 Thessalonians 2:6-7, 11).Respond: Ask God to makeyou a balanced blend of truthand tenderness.Return: 1 Thessalonians 2:12

OCTOBER 22Read: 1 Thessalonians2:13-2:20Reflect: We never stopthanking God that when youreceived His message romus, you didnt think o ourwords as mere human ideas.You accepted what we said asthe very word o Godwhich,o course, it is. And this wordcontinues to work in you whobelieve (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Respond: Read Gods Wordas your daily meal, and make

it a regular and vigoroushabit.Return: 1 Thessalonians3:1-3:13

OCTOBER 17Read: Colossians 3:1-3:9Reflect: Think about thethings o heaven, not thethings o earth(Colossians 3:2).

Respond: Earthly concernsshould not dominate ourthoughts.

Return: Colossians 3:10-3:17

OCTOBER 18Read: Colossians 3:18-3:23Reflect: Work willingly atwhatever you do, as thoughyou were working or the Lord

rather than or people(Colossians 3:23).Respond: Christians have aGod-directed motivation forworking conscientiously andtruthfully on the job.Return: Colossians 3:24-4:5

OCTOBER 19Read: Colossians 4:6-4:12

Reflect: Let yourconversation be gracious andattractive so that you will havethe right response oreveryone (Colossians 4:6).Respond: Our wordsrepresent the Lord JesusChrist.Return: Colossians 4:13-4:18

OCTOBER 12Read: Philipp ians 4:1-4:10Reflect: Dont worry aboutanything; instead, pray abouteverything. Tell God what youneed, and thank Him or allHe has done (Philippians 4:6).Respond: We need to be

anxious for nothing, prayerfulin everything, and thankfulfor all things.


OCTOBER 13Read: Colossians 1:1-1:18Reflect: He existed beoreanything else, and He holds allcreation together(Colossians 1:17).

Respond: We can trustJesus Christ to hold theuniverseand our livestogether continually andconsistently.

Return: Colossians 1:19

OCTOBER 14Read: Colossians 1:20-1:29Reflect: Through Him Godreconciled everything to

Himsel. He made peace witheverything in heaven and onearth by means o Christsblood on the cross. Thisincludes you who were oncear away rom God(Colossians 1:20-21).Respond: Because we arereconciled to God, we canclear the broken pathwaysbetween ourselves and

others.Return: Colossians 2:1-2:7

the end o the race andreceive the heavenly prize orwhich God, through ChristJesus, is calling us(Philippians 3:14).Respond: Are you involvingyour whole selfheart, soul,mind, body, strengthwith aneye on the prize?


rom human thinking and romthe spiritual powers o thisworld, rather than rom Christ(Colossians 2:8).

Respond: Spiritual growthcomes through consistentnutrition from the Word ofGod.Return: Colossians 2:11-2:13


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OCTOBER 24Read: 1 Thessalonians4:14-4:17Reflect: Together with [theChristians who have died], wewho are still alive and remainon the earth will be caught upin the clouds to meet the Lordin the air. Then we will be withthe Lord orever(1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Respond: No matter whathas happened to you in thepast, remember that yourbest days are yet to come!Return: 1 Thessalonians4:18-5:1

OCTOBER 27Read: 2 Thessalonians1:1-1:9

Reflect: [Those who reuseto obey the good news o ourLord Jesus] will be punishedwith eternal destruction,orever separated rom theLord and rom His gloriouspower(2 Thessalonians 1:9).Respond: For the majorityof people on the earth, thisexperience will not be a warmfeeling as they pass througha tunnel and are embraced

by the light.Return: 2 Thessalonians 1:10

OCTOBER 30Read: 2 Thessalonians2:13-2:15Reflect: With all these thingsin mind, dear brothers andsisters, stand irm and keepa strong grip on the teachingwe passed on to you both in

person and by letter(2 Thessalonians 2:15).Respond: As followers ofJesus Christ, we must stay atour posts and not retreat justbecause some situations aredifficult.Return: 2 Thessalonians2:16-2:17

OCTOBER 31

Read: 2 Thessalonians3:1-3:2Reflect: Dear brothers andsisters, we ask you to pray orus. Pray that the Lordsmessage will spread rapidlyand be honored wherever itgoes, just as when it came toyou (2 Thessalonians 3:1).Respond: Nine-tenths of theeffectiveness for any ministry

occurs from prayer.Return: 2 Thessalonians3:3-3:5

NOVEMBER 1Read: 2 Thessalonians3:6-3:11Reflect: Dear brothers andsisters, we give you thiscommand in the name o our

Lord Jesus Christ: Stay awayrom all believers who live idlelives reusing to work andmeddling in other peoplesbusiness(2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11).

Respond: Today, take amoment and evaluate yourcircle of friends.Return: 2 Thessalonians3:12-3:15

NOVEMBER 2Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:16Reflect: May the Lord opeace Himsel give you Hispeace at all times and in everysituation. The Lord be with youall (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Respond: Peace is laying

OCTOBER 28Read: 2 Thessalonians1:11-1:12Reflect: We keep on prayingor you, asking our God toenable you to live a lie worthyo His call. May He give youthe power to accomplish allthe good things your aithprompts you to do(2 Thessalonians 1:11).Respond: As you pray today,ask God to accomplish Hiswill in your life and to enableyou to fulfill His good inten-tions.Return: 2 Thessalonians2:1-2:3

OCTOBER 29Read: 2 Thessalonians2:4-2:7Reflect: [The man olawlessness] will exalthimsel and dey everythingthat people call god and everyact o worship. He will even sitin the temple o God, claimingthat he himsel is God(2 Thessalonians 2:4).

Respond: From the begin-ning of time, the devil haswanted people to believethe key lie that humans aredivine.

Return: 2 Thessalonians2:8-2:12

OCTOBER 25

Read: 1 Thessalonians5:2-5:6Reflect: You know quite wellthat the day o the Lordsreturn will come unexpectedly,like a thie in the night. Whenpeople are saying, Everythingis peaceul and secure, thendisaster will all on them assuddenly as a pregnantwomans labor pains begin.

And there will be no escape(1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).

Respond: The emphasis ison the Lord because whenthe Day of the Lord arrives,humankinds day is over.Return: 1 Thessalonians5:7-5:12

OCTOBER 26Read: 1 Thessalonians

5:13-5:18Reflect: Be thankul in allcircumstances, or this isGods will or you who belongto Christ Jesus(1 Thessalonians 5:18).Respond: You canmaintain a grateful spirit asyou acknowledge that God is

in charge.Return: 1 Thessalonians5:19-5:28

to be holy, so stay away romall sexual sin. Then each oyou will control his own bodyand live in holiness and honor(1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).Respond: The battleregarding sex begins in themind.

Return:1 Thessalonians

4:7-4:13


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your head on your pillow atnight in right relationship toGod.Return: 2 Thessalonians3:17-3:18

NOVEMBER 3Read: 1 Timothy 1:1-1:5Reflect: I am writing toTimothy, my true son in theaith. May God the Father andChrist Jesus our Lord give yougrace, mercy, and peace(1 Timothy 1:2).Respond: Faithfulness andexcellence of character openthe door to fruitfulness.

Return: 1 Timothy 1:6-1:11

NOVEMBER 4Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-1:15Reflect: This is a trustworthysaying, and everyone shouldaccept it: Christ Jesus cameinto the world to savesinnersand I am the worsto them all (1 Timothy 1:15).

Respond: Recognizing whoyou are in the light of whoGod is always produces ahumble reaction.


NOVEMBER 8Read: 1 Timothy 5:11-5:17Reflect: Elders who do theirwork well should be respectedand paid well, especially thosewho work hard at bothpreaching and teaching

(1 Timothy 5:17).Respond: If the church is notfaithful in meeting the needsof its minister, then it is a poortestimony to the unbelievers inthe community.Return: 1 Timothy 6:1-6:6

NOVEMBER 12Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-2:13Reflect: You have heard meteach things that have beenconirmed by many reliablewitnesses. Now teach thesetruths to other trustworthypeople who will be able topass them on to others(2 Timothy 2:2).Respond: Are you taking inenough nourishment andgiving out to others?


NOVEMBER 13Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-3:17Reflect:All Scripture isinspired by God and is useulto teach us what is true andto make us realize what iswrong in our lives. It corrects

us when we are wrong andteaches us to do what is right(2 Timothy 3:16).Respond: The words ofScripture are the direct resultof Gods breathing throughmen.


NOVEMBER 14Read: 2 Timothy 4:7-4:11

Reflect: I have ought thegood ight, I have inished therace, and I have remainedaithul (2 Timothy 4:7).

Respond: Are you livingtoday so you wont die withany regrets?Return: 2 Timothy 4:12-4:22

NOVEMBER 15Read: T itus 1:1-2:1

Reflect:As or you, Titus,promote the kind o living thatrelects wholesome teaching(Titus 2:1).Respond: With doctrinefirmly in place, you can builda solid life to withstand anystorm of doubt, fear, orhardship.

NOVEMBER 9Read: 1 Timothy 6:7-6:11Reflect: We brought nothingwith us when we came into theworld, and we cant takeanything with us when weleave it (1 Timothy 6:7).Respond: Ask God to revealhow you can use what youhave, however little or greatthe amount, for His glory.Return: 1 Timothy 6:12-2 Timothy 1:3

NOVEMBER 10Read: 2 Timothy 1:4-1:5Reflect: I remember yourgenuine aith, or you sharethe aith that irst illed yourgrandmother Lois and yourmother, Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5).Respond: Are you practicingtrickle-down spirituality inyour family?Return: 2 Timothy 1:6-1:7

NOVEMBER 11Read: 2 Timothy 1:8-1:16Reflect: May the Lord showspecial kindness toOnesiphorus and all his amilybecause he oten visited andencouraged me. He was neverashamed o me because I was

in chains(2 Timothy 1:16).Respond: Each of us hasopportunities to reach outand encourage others; wejust need to be proactive inlooking for the opportunityand seizing it.


NOVEMBER 5Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-2:5Reflect: There is only oneGod and one Mediator whocan reconcile God andhumanitythe man ChristJesus (1 Timothy 2:5).Respond: As the God-man,Jesus Christ was the

perfectand only possibleMediator between a holy Godand sinful mankind.Return: 1 Timothy 2:6-2:15

NOVEMBER 6Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-3:10Reflect: This is a trustworthysaying: I someone aspiresto be an elder, he desires anhonorable position

(1 Timothy 3:1).Respond: The key is toalways be open to Godsdirection in your life.Return: 1 Timothy 3:11-3:16

NOVEMBER 7Read: 1 T imothy 4:1-4:12Reflect: Dont let anyone

think less o you because youare young. Be an example toall believers in what you say,in the way you live, in yourlove, your aith, and yourpurity(1 Timothy 4:12).Respond: In the pastcentury, some of the mostpowerful spiritual movements

have been initiated and ledby youth.Return: 1 Timothy 5:1-5:10


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NOVEMBER 16Read: Titus 3:1-3:10Reflect: I people are causingdivisions among you, give airst and second warning.Ater that, have nothing moreto do with them (Titus 3:10).

Respond: The body ofChristthe churchmust beprotected from those whowould willfully release thepoison of sin and resentmentinto the congregation.Return: Titus 3:11-3:15

NOVEMBER 21Read: Hebrews 5:6-5:12Reflect: You have beenbelievers so long now that youought to be teaching others.Instead, you need someoneto teach you again the basicthings about Gods word. Youare like babies who need milkand cannot eat solid ood(Hebrews 5:12).

Respond: Sharing spiritualtruth is a mark of Christianmaturity.Return: Hebrews 6:1-8:13

NOVEMBER 25Read: James 1:1-1:16Reflect: Temptation comesrom our own desires, whichentice us and drag us away.These desires give birth tosinul actions. And when sin isallowed to grow, it gives birthto death (James 1:14-15).Respond: After momentarydelight comes spiritualcorruption.Return: James 1:17-1:21

NOVEMBER 26Read: James 1:22-1:27Reflect: Dont just listen toGods word. You must do whatit says. Otherwise, you areonly ooling yourselves(James 1:22).Respond: Perhaps the mostcommon occurrence ofself-deception is when welisten to the Word of God,nod in agreement, and neverput the principles intopractice.

Return: James 2:1-2:13

NOVEMBER 27Read: James 2:14-2:20Reflect: How oolish! Cantyou see that aith withoutgood deeds is useless?(James 2:20).Respond: Living faith is thatwhich leads to willfulobedience as a lifestyle

rather than an isolatedevent.Return: James 2:21-2:26

NOVEMBER 28Read: James 3:1-3:9Reflect: The tongue is asmall thing that makes grandspeeches. But a tiny sparkcan set a great orest on ire(James 3:5).

Respond: The tongue haspower to do evilbut you canexert willpower over it.Return: James 3:10-3:18

NOVEMBER 29Read: James 4:1-4:5Reflect: What is causing thequarrels and ights among

NOVEMBER 22Read: Hebrews 9:1-9:12Reflect: With His own bloodnot the blood o goats andcalvesHe entered the MostHoly Place once or all timeand secured our redemptionorever (Hebrews 9:12).

Respond: When you hearthese whispers from Satan,remember that its the lamb

that is inspected, not the onewho brings the lamb.Return: Hebrews 9:13-10:25

NOVEMBER 23Read: Hebrews 10:26-11:1Reflect: Faith is theconidence that what wehope or will actually happen;it gives us assurance aboutthings we cannot see(Hebrews 11:1).Respond: For faith to beworthwhile, it must be bothsure and unwavering.

Return: Hebrews 11:2-11:3

NOVEMBER 24Read: Hebrews 11:4-12:1Reflect: Since we aresurrounded by such a hugecrowd o witnesses to the lieo aith, let us strip o everyweight that slows us down,especially the sin that soeasily trips us up. And let usrun with endurance the raceGod has set beore us(Hebrews 12:1).Respond: We each run ourown race of personal

obedience to Christ.Return: Hebrews 12:2-13:25

NOVEMBER 17Read: Philemon 1:1-1:18

Reflect: I he has wrongedyou in any way or owes youanything, charge it to me(Philemon 1:18).

Respond: Anything we owedGod was charged to Jesusaccount; as our substitute,He paid the debt in full.Return: Philemon 1:19-1:25

NOVEMBER 18

Read: Hebrews 1:1-1:7Reflect: Long ago God spokemany times and in many waysto our ancestors through theprophets. And now in theseinal days, He has spoken tous through His Son(Hebrews 1:1-2).Respond: Jesus was Godsfinal message.Return: Hebrews 1:8-1:14

NOVEMBER 19Read: Hebrews 2:1-2:9Reflect: We must listen verycareully to the truth we haveheard, or we may drit awayrom it (Hebrews 2:1).Respond: Ask God today tobegin a revival with your life.Return: Hebrews 2:10-2:18

NOVEMBER 20Read: Hebrews 3:1-4:16Reflect: So let us come boldlyto the throne o our graciousGod. There we will receive Hismercy, and we will ind graceto help us when we need itmost (Hebrews 4:16).

Respond: Because of Jesus

Christ we can always comeboldly into Gods presence.Return: Hebrews 5:1-5:5

Return: Titus 2:2-2:15


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you? Dont they come rom theevil desires at war within you?(James 4:1).

Respond: As followers ofChrist, we should be drivento spread peace throughoutthe world in the hearts of ourneighbors.

Return: James 4:6-4:10

NOVEMBER 30Read: James 4:11-4:13Reflect: Look here, you whosay, Today or tomorrow weare going to a certain townand will stay there a year. Wewill do business there andmake a proit(James 4:13).Respond: When Godsuperintends your schedule,

interruptions and diversionscan become excitingadventures rather thanannoying distractions.Return: James 4:14-5:10

DECEMBER 1Read: James 5:11-5:16Reflect: The earnest prayer oa righteous person has greatpower and produceswonderul results(James 5:16).Respond: Remember, Jesussaid that God knows exactlywhat we need.Return: James 5:17-5:20

DECEMBER 4Read: 1 Peter 3:1-3:15Reflect: You must worship

Christ as Lord o your lie. Andi someone asks about yourChristian hope, always beready to explain it(1 Peter 3:15).Respond: All Christiansshould know what theybelieve and why they madethe choice to follow Christ.

Return: 1 Peter 3:16-3:22

DECEMBER 8Read: 2 Peter 2:1-2:22Reflect: They prove the trutho this proverb: A dog returnsto its vomit. And anothersays, A washed pig returns tothe mud(2 Peter 2:22).Respond: It is actually betterto have never received thegrace of God than to havereceived it and thrown it awayby returning to the waste andfilth of [our] former lives.

Return: 2 Peter 3:1-3:5

DECEMBER 9Read: 2 Peter 3:6-3:11Reflect: Since everythingaround us is going to be

destroyed like this, what holyand godly lives you should live(2 Peter 3:11).

Respond: Our lives shouldreflect eternal valuesbecause one day we willleave this world to live foreverin the next.Return: 2 Peter 3:12-3:14

DECEMBER 10

Read: 2 Peter 3:15-3:18Reflect: You must grow in thegrace and knowledge o ourLord and Savior Jesus Christ.All glory to Him, both now andorever! Amen (2 Peter 3:18).

Respond: As we grow inour faith, we should becomemore gracious towardothers.Return: 1 John 1:1-1:5

DECEMBER 11Read: 1 John 1:6-1:10Reflect:I we coness our sinsto [God], He is aithul and justto orgive us our sins and tocleanse us rom all wickedness(1 John 1:9).

Respond: Confession comesfrom the repentant heart ofsomeone who acknowledges

sin and desires to turn from it.Return: 1 John 2:1-2:7

DECEMBER 12Read: 1 John 2:8-2:14Reflect: I have written toyou who are Gods childrenbecause you know the Father.

DECEMBER 5Read: 1 Peter 4:1-4:12Reflect: Dear riends, dontbe surprised at the iery trialsyou are going through, as isomething strange werehappening to you(1 Peter 4:12).

Respond: During such times,your faith will be tested, butonly a faith that is tested is a

faith that can be trusted.Return: 1 Peter 4:13-4:19

DECEMBER 6Read: 1 Peter 5:1-5:8Reflect: Stay alert! Watchout or your great enemy, thedevil. He prowls around like aroaring lion, looking orsomeone to devour(1 Peter 5:8).

Respond: When it comes totemptation, live with care andcaution.Return: 1 Peter 5:9-5:14

DECEMBER 7Read: 2 Peter 1:1-1:10Reflect: Those who ail todevelop in this way areshortsighted or blind,orgetting that they have beencleansed rom their old sins(2 Peter 1:9).Respond: We must belooking for ways to growcloser to Christ and tobecome stronger in ourfaith.Return: 2 Peter 1:11-1:21

DECEMBER 2Read: 1 Peter 1:1-1:10

Reflect: You love [Christ] eventhough you have never seenHim. Though you do not seeHim now, you trust Him; andyou rejoice with a glorious,inexpressible joy(1 Peter 1:8).

Respond: Our joy comes aswe see our visible lives underthe control of the invisibleGod.Return: 1 Peter 1:11-1:25

DECEMBER 3Read: 1 Peter 2:1-2:10Reflect: Like newborn babies,you must crave pure spiritualmilk so that you will grow intoa ull experience o salvation.Cry out or this nourishment(1 Peter 2:2).Respond: Spiritual matu-

rity and growth are alwaysmarked by a strong appetitefor Gods Word.Return: 1 Peter 2:11-2:25


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DECEMBER 13Read: 1 John 2:15-20Reflect: Do not love this worldnor the things it oers you, orwhen you love the world, youdo not have the love o theFather in you (1 John 2:15).Respond: Be careful not toallow your affections to revertto pointing to false loves.Return: 1 John 3:1-3:2

DECEMBER 17Read: 2 John 1:6-1:10Reflect: I anyone comes toyour meeting and does notteach the truth about Christ,dont invite that person intoyour home or give any kind oencouragement (2 John 1:10).Respond: Rightly used, thegift of discernment bringsgreat benefit to Godspeople, sparing the body

from embarrassment anderror and guiding it towardobedience.

Return: 2 John 1:11-1:13

DECEMBER 21Read: Jude 1:20-1:24Reflect:All glory to God, whois able to keep you romalling away and will bring youwith great joy into Hisglorious presence without asingle ault (Jude 1:24).Respond: The secret tosurviving and even thriving isto remain rooted in the soil ofGods love and truth.Return: Jude 1:25-Revelation1:20

DECEMBER 22Read: Revelation 2:1-2:8Reflect: I have this complaintagainst you. You dont love Meor each other as you did atirst!(Revelation 2:4).

Respond: If our servicekeeps us from spending timein His presence, or if it makesus difficult to live with, some-thing is terribly wrong.

Return: Revelation 2:9-3:22

DECEMBER 23Read: Revelation 4:1-4:11Reflect:As I looked, I saw adoor standing open in heaven,

and the same voice I hadheard beore spoke to me likea trumpet blast. The voicesaid, Come up here, and I willshow you what must happenater this(Revelation 4:1).Respond: Are you livingtoday in such a way thatwhen the trumpet blares,youll be ready to meet yourLord at the gate?


DECEMBER 24Read: Revelation 5:5-7:17Reflect: Stop weeping! Look,the Lion o the tribe o Judah,the heir to Davids throne, haswon the victory Then I sawa Lamb that looked as i it hadbeen slaughtered, but it was

DECEMBER 18Read: 3 John 1:3-1:7Reflect: I could have nogreater joy than to hear thatmy children are ollowing thetruth (3 John 1:4).

Respond: Yourencouragement will makeyour pastors day, and itmight come at just the righttime.Return: 3 John 1:8-1:14

DECEMBER 19Read: Jude 1:1-1:4Reflect: Dear riends, I hadbeen eagerly planning to write

to you about the salvation weall share. But now I ind thatI must write about somethingelse, urging you to deend theaith that God has entrustedonce or all time to His holypeople (Jude 1:3).

Respond: Make sure thateverything you believe linesup with what God has alreadyrevealed, and defend it!

Return: Jude 1:5-1:7

DECEMBER 20Read: Jude 1:8-1:14Reflect: Enoch, who lived inthe seventh generation aterAdam, prophesied aboutthese people. He said, Listen!The Lord is coming with count-

less thousands o His holyones (Jude 1:14).Respond: Walking with Godmeans that you prefer God,pursue God, please God, andproclaim His Word when youhave the opportunity.Return: Jude 1:15-1:19

DECEMBER 14Read: 1 John 3:3-3:10

Reflect: All who have thiseager expectation will keepthemselves pure, just as[Christ] is pure (1 John 3:3).Respond: Looking forwardto that ultimate changeshould push us onto our tip-toes and fuel our desire forChrists return.Return: 1 John 3:11-3:24

DECEMBER 15Read: 1 John 4:1-4:10Reflect: I someone claimsto be a prophet and does notacknowledge the truth aboutJesus, that person is not romGod. Such a person has thespirit o the Antichrist, whichyou heard is coming into theworld and indeed is alreadyhere (1 John 4:3).

Respond: Any teachingabout Jesus Christ that iscontrary to the teaching inthe Bible should be rejected.Return: 1 John 5:1-5:10

DECEMBER 16Read: 1 John 5:11-5:21Reflect: Dear children, keep

away rom anything thatmight take Gods place in yourhearts (1 John 5:21).

Respond: Anything we set inhigher esteem than the Lordour God is an idol.Return: 2 John 1:1-1:5

I have written to you who aremature in the aith becauseyou know Christ, who existedrom the beginning. I havewritten to you who are youngin the aith because you arestrong. Gods word lives inyour hearts, and you have wonyour battle with the evil one

(1 John 2:14).Respond: No matter whatstage you are in this lifelonggrowth process, God iscommitted to your maturity.Are you?Return: 1 John 2:15-20


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now standing between thethrone and the our livingbeings and among thetwenty-our elders(Revelation 5:5-6).Respond: How wonderful isour great Lion who becamea Lamb!Return: Revelation 8:1-11:19

DECEMBER 25Read: Revelation 12:1-12:10Reflect: She gave birth to ason who was to rule allnations with an iron rod. Andher child was snatched awayrom the dragon and wascaught up to God and to Histhrone (Revelation 12:5).Respond: The baby born inBethlehem conquered sinand death for all who trust inHim.


DECEMBER 29Read: Revelation 21:1-21:15Reflect: I saw the holy city,the new Jerusalem,coming down rom God out oheaven like a bride beautiullydressed or her husband(Revelation 21:2).Respond: Today are you,the bride of Christ, living inpreparation for thiswonderfully strange newworld?Return: Revelation 21:16-22:10

DECEMBER 30Read: Revelation22:11-22:21

Reflect: He who is theaithul witness to all thesethings says, Yes, I am comingsoon! Amen! Come, LordJesus!(Revelation 22:20).Respond: Soon we wontbe able to tell others aboutChrist, to encourage, or todisciple others. So while wewait, lets get busy.Return: Psalm 23

DECEMBER 31Read: Psalm 40:3,Isaiah 43:19, Ezekiel 36:26,John 13:34, Ephesians 4:24Reflect: I am about to dosomething new(Isaiah 43:19).Respond: The best NewYears resolution you canmake is to turn your lifecompletely over to Christ.

Return: Genesis 1:1-1:31

Excerpts taken directly rom The DailyGod Book: Through the Bible by SkipHeitzig. Unless otherwise indicated, allScripture quotations are taken rom theHoly Bible, New Living Translation.

NOTES:

DECEMBER 26Read: Revelation 13:1-14:20Reflect:All the people whobelong to this world worshipedthe beast. They are the oneswhose names were not writtenin the Book o Lie beore theworld was madethe Bookthat belongs to the Lamb whowas slaughtered(Revelation 13:8).

Respond: The Antichrist willbe everything the world saysit wants, while Jesus is every-thing the world truly needs.Return: Revelation 15:1-18:24

DECEMBER 27Read: Revelation 19:1-19:11Reflect: I saw heavenopened, and a white horsewas standing there. Its riderwas named Faithul and True,or He judges airly and wagesa righteous war(Revelation 19:11).Respond: This will be theevent to fulfill all our long-

ings, the victorious secondcoming of Christ.


DECEMBER 28Read: Revelat ion 20:1-20:7Reflect: Blessed and holy arethose who share in the irstresurrection. For them the

second death holds no power,but they will be priests o Godand o Christ and will reignwith Him a thousand years(Revelation 20:6).Respond: The millennium isGods answer to the phrasefrom the Lords Prayer, Thy

will be done in earth, as it isin heaven.



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IfyouhavenotalreadyreceivedJesusChristasyourLordandpersonalSaviordoitnow.Pleasedontwait.Withasincereandrepentantheart,pray:

Father, I know I am a sinner. I repent of my sin, and turn away from it. I turn to Jesus. I believe thatJesus died on the cross and rose again, saving all who believe in Him. Fill me with Your Spirit andcome into my life. Transform me. Make me into a new creation. I pray this in Jesus name, amen.

Ifyouprayedthisprayer,pleasecontactCalvaryofAlbuquerque:505.344.0880There are people waiting to hear from you!

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