“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” - James 2:26 Issue 12, Nov ’09

Faith&Works“For as the body without the spirit is dead,

so faith without works is dead also”

- James 2:26

Issue 12, Nov ’09

The writers and subjects for this month are:

► Faith - Bro. Andrew Parker (TFY)Dealing with the Judge Samuel, called “The Faith of Samuel”

► Works - Bro. Mike Movassaghi (TFY) Will be leading us in a practical Study, called “The Power of God”

The Faith of Samuel The Faith of Samuel

Bro Andrew Parker

Email: [email protected]

November 2009“The Faith of Samuel”

1 Sam v 10- 11. Hannah wanted a son and vowed to God that if a son was given then she would give the son to God.

• This relates to a vow we have to make at baptism, we make a covenant with God that we are giving our lives only to him.

It should also show us the role of parents, to appreciate the gift of a child from God. As Hannah did, parents should see a child as a blessing and do all that is possible to bring them up to a life pleasing unto God.Samuels name reflects Hannahs joy that her faith had been rewarded. Samuel is made up of the Hebrew Shamah 8085 and El. El being a name of God; specifically Strength and Power, and Shamah meaning to hear or listen. So she recognized that Samuel was a gift , and she acknowledges that God listens and answers prayers. Remember that a period of at least 9 months had passed from when the record says she prayed for a son, yet when Samuel is born, she remembers that her prayer has been answered and thanks God for it.Hannah’s faithfulness gives us not only a wonderful example of the power of prayer but also the correct process of prayer.


1) She approaches the Father in complete humility. Ch 1 V 11. “And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid”. Describing herself as the servant or slave.2) In verse 12 we see that she continues to pray or multiplies her prayer.. Likewise let us seek God in prayer often, confessing our sin and asking for all things.3) When receiving an answer, we should offer our thanks to the Lord for remembering us, as he remembered Hannah. Vs 19 ...”and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her”

The question could be asked, why would Hannah want a son only to have to give it up as soon as it had been weaned? Our natural instinct is to want to raise and care for a child, but beyond the young age that Samuel was given into the arms of Eli and therefore God. Perhaps Hannah’s prayer for a child was more than a maternal desire, but instead Hannah was dissatisfied with the state of Israel; wanting a child to serve God and correct the people of Israel. She was being totally unselfish in wanting to give to God all that she could; a man to lead Israel in a Godly manner out of the spiritual wilderness that Israel had found itself in.

Hannah giving her only son to the Lord, bears great similarity with her ancestor Abraham, and how through faith he was willing to give his son to God. Of course Hannah was not required to kill her only child, but she granted him to God instead.


So Samuel was to dwell in the Lord’s house for all of his life, and from an early age he would have been aware of the importance of his future life’s work. This concept of dwelling in the lords house is well expressed by David. “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, and behold the beauty of the Lord, and to Enquire in his temple” (Psalm 27 v4) It is here then that we start to see similarities between Samuel and Christ. As Jesus said to his mother “wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2 vs 49.) It was clear that even at an early age, Christ was totally focused upon the life work that he knew he had to do. This was the same with Samuel, he was aware of his life being dedicated to God and it was his focus in life. Could we say that the lives of Samuel and Christ differ from our own, in that they did not have the burden of a career to follow?How would our discipleship improve without the distraction of a time filling career? We would certainly have more time to use, but we still have to decide if we dedicate that time to God or ourselves.So Samuel began his work assisting Eli. Due to Eli’s old age and failing eyesight, Samuel would have been responsible for general tasks in the tabernacle, however he had to observe Eli’s sons in their wickedness. Perhaps then we can draw further comparisons between Samuel and Jesus. As Samuel observed the sinful practices of Eli’s sons, Jesus was also seeing the false teaching of the Law, from those elders that he questioned (Luke 2 vs 46-47)


Furthermore….

Sam 2 vs 26. He grew in favour with both God and man as Jesus also did in Luke 2vs52. As Christ had to explain to his mother v49 that he had to be about his fathers business. Also Samuel had to be seperated from his Mother and given to do only that of spiritual matters and to be about Gods business. This is also found in proverbs 3 vs 4 “And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man”.

Chapter 3 of Samuel, details the occasion of Samuel receiving his first prophecy from the Lord.

This was without a doubt a very difficult prophecy to have to deliver to Eli, yet Samuel faithfully obeyed and gave the prophecy to him. When Samuel was commanded to go to Bethlehem to anoint a new King he feared for his life (Sam 16 vs 1-4). In the same manner Christ had a hard message to preach to the people, it was a message that he knew would upset the leaders of the Jews; yet he faithfully delivered it despite knowing that it would provoke them to kill him.“I must work the works of him that sent me ” (John 9 vs 4)


Two verses in the chapter show to us Samuel’s faithfulness. Vs 10 “And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.”

So Samuel addresses himself humbly as the servant, in the same way as his mother did. Vs 20 “And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.” The word ‘established’ here can also be translated as be faithful. So we could paraphrase the verse as ‘And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was going to faithfully take on the job of being a prophet of the Lord.Samuel’s faithfulness was in part due to being a man of prayer and obedience. He is noted for this in Psalm 99 vs 6.. “Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the Lord and he answered them”

And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. (Sam 7vs5)

But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD (Sam 8vs6)

Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. (Sam 12:17-19)

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. (Sam 15 vs 11) November 2009“The Faith of Samuel”

The main message of Samuel’s life was “If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only” (Sam 7 vs3). This is very much a message still applicable to us and society today. We must seek to put God at the forefront of all we think and do, and put away anything that gets in the way.Of course we cannot consider a man of faith without considering the divine commentary of Hebrews. Hebrews 11 vs 32-40. Read the passage, and note especially vs 39 which describes Samuel as having obtained a good report through faith.This is something that we should earnestly desire, that at the time of Jesus’s return, we may be considered to have been faithful, even in a very small way in comparison to Samuel or Christ.


November 2009“The Power of God”

Email: [email protected]

The Power of GodThe Power of God

Mike Movassaghi

Plan of ActionPlan of ActionPlan of ActionPlan of Action The importance of doctrine

God

The Power of God

The Holy Spirit & Holy Spirit Gifts

Holy Spirit today


The importance of The importance of DoctrineDoctrineThe importance of The importance of DoctrineDoctrine As Christadelphians we have a number of

fundamental doctrines that we hold dear.

We must have an understanding of these things.


A Trusted SourceA Trusted SourceA Trusted SourceA Trusted Source When we come to read the

scriptures, it is important that we know we can trust the source. The Apostle Paul writes these words to Timothy:

2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by

inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine

profitable – helpful or advantageous

The Bible is the only source we need when learning about doctrine.


One GospelOne GospelOne GospelOne Gospel The Apostle Paul is so confident in what we

taught that he is able to write these words:

Galatians 1:8

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him

be accursed.

The Gospel he taught was the truth


One GospelOne GospelOne GospelOne GospelGalatians 1:9

As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.


Good Good DoctrineDoctrineGood Good DoctrineDoctrine1Timothy 4:6

If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you shall be a good minister of

Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good

doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.


Good Good DoctrineDoctrineGood Good DoctrineDoctrineWhen we come to study doctrine we

must consider the words of the Lord Jesus Christ:

1Timothy 6:3-4

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus

Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;


Good Good DoctrineDoctrineGood Good DoctrineDoctrine1Timothy 6:3-4

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions

and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings,

evil surmisings,



Language Language LessonLessonLanguage Language LessonLesson HEBREW

Spirit – ruach

GREEK

Spirit – pneuma

Ghost – pneuma

Holy – separate or set apart

When we look at the Hebrew and the Greek for word spirit in the Bible, words mean breath or wind. In the New Testament, we read the ghost, this is a bad translation and means the same as the word spirit! The word Holy means “set apart”


The power of God is part of God, and it is not possible to separate the two. Imagine trying to separate Dumbledore from his magic... It is not possible. It is imperative to have an understanding of what God is.

One God

He has “human form” – James 3:9

Gabriel stands in his presence – Luke 1:19

We read in srcipture of his:

Right Hand, Arm, Eyes, Ears, Back parts

BUT:

God is spirit – John 4:24

John 6:63

GodGodGodGodJas 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.


The Spirit of The Spirit of GodGodThe Spirit of The Spirit of GodGod

GOD

SPIRITThe spirit of God comes out from him, in the same way

that light comes from a light bulb. You cannot have light without the bulb, you cannot have the spirit without God.


The Power of The Power of GodGodThe Power of The Power of GodGod

Anything of him and from him...

His power and his words...


The Power of The Power of GodGodThe Power of The Power of GodGodGod’s Spirit is His power by which He achieves all His purposes.


ByBy His Spirit God:His Spirit God:ByBy His Spirit God:His Spirit God:

Created all things Gen. 1:1,2; Ps. 33:6;

Gives life to all creatures Ps. 104:30; Job 34:14,15

Communicated His purpose through His prophets 2 Tim. 3:16; Deut. 18:18; Num. 12:6,7

Empowers and equips His angels to carry out His purposes Ps. 104:4; 103:20


The Holy The Holy SpiritSpiritThe Holy The Holy SpiritSpirit The purpose of God is to bring life...

John tells us the Lord Jesus brought life

➔ John 1:4

The Holy Spirit is a “set apart” spirit... to bring sanctification


AngelsAngels Psalm 34:7

1 Peter 3:22

Hebrews 1:14

The Angels are at work in our lives and indeed the whole

world through the God’s Spirit.

The Angels are spirit beings.


The Gift of the Holy The Gift of the Holy SpiritSpirit

In the time of Moses

➔ Numbers 11:24-25 – Given to 70 men to help Moses lead the people in the Wilderness

➔ Exodus 35:30-31 – To assist in the building of the tabernacle

1 Peter 1:21 – Holy men of spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit – the writing of the scriptures

In the time of Jesus & the Apostles

In the future

The Spirit for a Specific Purpose


The Disciples The Disciples CommissionCommission Mark 16:16 To preach the gospel

➔ To preach the salvation that comes in the Lord Jesus Christ

How could you preach without your Bible?

➔ The disciples did not have a Bible, they needed something to help them remember what they had been taught. We can use the Bible.


The Purpose of the Holy Spirit The Purpose of the Holy Spirit GiftGift Time of Jesus – What’s the point John 14:25

➔ Comforter Helper➔ Bring into remembrance

John 16:26-27➔ Comforter Helper➔ Been with me from the beginning 11 disciples

To Assist in the spreading of the gospel


The Purpose of the Holy Spirit The Purpose of the Holy Spirit GiftGift Luke 24:44-48

➔ opened their understanding➔ you are witnesses➔ send the promise of the father➔ tarry in the city of Jerusalem

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he opened the scriptures and taught his disciples, everything about himself, so they could preach the gospel. They are told they have to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the father (the holy spirit), this would help them remember and aid them in their preaching.


The Purpose of the Holy Spirit The Purpose of the Holy Spirit GiftGift

Acts 1:4-5

➔ tarry in the city of Jerusalem V8

➔ shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem...➔ (v12) they returned to Jerusalem


The Gift of the Holy The Gift of the Holy SpiritSpirit Acts 2:1-4

➔ The 12 Disciples (Apostles) receive the Holy Spirit


Holy Spirit GiftsHoly Spirit Gifts I Corinthians 12-14, deal with the holy spirit

and holy spirit gifts.

➔ Written to a specific Ecclesia in the 1st Century, who had specific problems (look at the begin verses of preceding chapters (particularly ch 7).

➔ They had the Holy Spirit Gifts➔ The Apostle Paul is writing to help them with

these problems.


I Corinthians 12-14I Corinthians 12-14 Chapter 12 – all had different gifts – an

ecclesia must work together.

Chapter 13 – the most important thing is love... The gifts must be used for the right reason in love. They will come to an end.

Chapter 14 – We must do things that edify the ecclesia (verses 1-6)

Holy Spirit GiftsHoly Spirit Gifts 1 Corinthians

12:28

➔ First apostles➔ Second prophets➔ Third Teachers

1 Corinthians 12:28

After that

➔ Miracles➔ Gifts of healing➔ Helps➔ Governments➔ Diversity of tongues

Remember the purpose: To bring into

remembrance...

- To spread the gospel - To give credibility

Note the emphasis that is put on the spirit gifts. The most important is that they were able to preach. The other gifts

were an addition.November 2009“The Power of God”

1 Corinthians 13: 8-121 Corinthians 13: 8-12 The gifts had to be used for the right reason

& in love

Part & Perfection!

Perfect The Complete Thing (Neuter)

Spirit Gifts

The Bible

Childish

Mature

Temporary

AbidesForever


1 Corinthians 13: 8-121 Corinthians 13: 8-12 1Co 13:8-10 Love never fails: but whether there

be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

The prophecies, tongues and knowledge will pass away. At the time of the Apostle Paul knew in part... he only knew what had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part (The Holy Spirit) will be done away .


1 Corinthians 13: 8-121 Corinthians 13: 8-12 It has been suggested that which is perfect is the

kingdom... If this is the case it would require both prophesying, knowledge and the speaking of tongues to be around today.

The maturity would come sooner rather than later – Ephesians 4:1-16. When the maturity of the Bible and the maturity of the scriptures is reached the gifts would cease.

But what will remain until the kingdom is faith, hope and love. And even faith and hope will come to an end – Why? In the kingdom faith and hope will be no longer needed. But love will continue.


1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians 13131 Corinthians 1 Corinthians 1313Faith, Hope & Love

Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen

Romans 8:24 – For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why doth he yet hope for?


The Complete The Complete BibleBibleThe Complete The Complete BibleBibleThere are many verses in scripture that point to the completion of the Bible. A book has been written by an non Christadelphian (Victor Budgens), it is called Charismatics and the Word of God. It shows many verses that prove that the verses in Corinthians are talking about the holy spirit gifts ceasing when the complete Bible is written; one particular verse is Revelation 22:19, when the final words of Revelation were penned by John we needed no further writings from God, the Bible is perfect... The perfect tool for preaching. November 2009“The Power of God”

1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians 13131 Corinthians 1 Corinthians 1313

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.


The Holy SpiritThe Holy SpiritThe Holy SpiritThe Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is a very important doctrine and one that we must understand. I hope this presentation has given you an overview of the power of God. It is by no means an exhaustive study. I would encourage each one of us to continue to study God’s word and gain a greater understanding of these things. If you want any more help or guidance on the things in this presentation please contact me.


Documents

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” - James 2:26 Issue 12, Nov ’09