The Gospel Explained

GOSPEL OF GOD “... My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55 : 8

THE GOSPEL EXPLAINED

Revised Edition

NOT FOR SALE Compiled by W.H. Kühn [email protected]

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17 ... God is love. 1 John 4:8

Contents Introduction .............................................................................4 Chapter 1. God’s Living Word ...............................................5 Chapter 2. The Messiah .......................................................10 Chapter 3. Christ Jesus’ Teaching .......................................14 Chapter 4. His Death and Resurrection ...............................19 Chapter 5. The Holy Spirit ....................................................21 Chapter 6. Salvation in Jesus Christ: How to obtain it..........23 Chapter 7. Summary ............................................................27

“... He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts…” Luke 1:51

All scriptures in this booklet are from NIV except where mentioned otherwise. In general, pronouns referring to God begin with capital letters. I have used small letters as it appears in the NIV.

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Unfortunately, to the eyes of the world, Christianity is a traditional religion — an ideology (even fantasy) with some power which unites like - minded people. True Christianity however comes from God’s Truth, which draws people unto his Son; to the Throne of Grace where we are born into the Everlasting Kingdom of God Almighty. I have been there; that’s how I know that eternal life is a reality. My soul had looked unto the Son — and I saw God — our King, our High Priest and the Source and Fulfillment of all Prophecy; and I accepted his salvation for me. Who is God and how does he reveal himself to people (to anyone who really seeks to know him!)? God reveals himself to us through his Word — the Prophetic Scripture called the Holy Bible, and by his Spirit. With this booklet I want to help you on to the road of discovering the wonderful reality of God and the abundant life awaiting you once your spiritual eyes have been opened by him. What I ask of you is that you read this with an open, non-judgmental mind; earnestly calling and then waiting on God to reveal to you his Truth. Take the trouble to look up in a Bible, all these scriptures (especially the ones that are not written out in this booklet). If you read the Bible superficially, it makes for some interesting reading. When God unlocks the eternal meaning of the scriptures for you, you will stand in reverence. Note: much of Biblical prophecy have bearing on events concerning the Jewish nation through the ages and the end time. Read the following: Romans 11: 25-36; Zechariah 2; Isaiah 49.

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1. The Holy Bible : God’s Living Word Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:10,11 The Bible was written over a span of sixteen centuries by forty writers — people from all walks of life, but with one thing in common: they were motivated by the Holy Spirit. (Jeremiah 1:4-10; Isaiah 49:5,6; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Ecclesiastes 12:11) The Bible and parts there -of have been translated into 2000 of the 6000 + languages and dialects of the world, remaining faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts. (Read the preface in the publication “THE HOLY BIBLE New International Version”) {Note: The book, “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” by Josh Mc Dowell (Campus Crusade for Christ) is a well-researched, methodical analysis on the historic authenticity and validity of the Bible. Order at [email protected]}

The Bible consists of two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. (But the separation is really artificial) The Old Testament (Tenach) This was the Scripture of the Jewish people when Jesus Christ lived on earth two thousand years ago; and it still is today, because the Jews have not yet accepted God’s miracle of mercy. (Isaiah 8:14; Zechariah 12:10-14) The Old Testament tells us of God’s walk with the Jewish people (who are descendant from Abraham) He gave them his Law through Moses after he had led them out of Egypt from their bondage as slaves; and ordained codes, rites as well as an ordering of the twelve tribes (incorporating a priesthood to intercede for them); all of which consecrated them, in order that through them, he would achieve his Purpose. Over a period of some 1000 years (which included 70 years in captivity in Babylon) he spoke to his People through the Prophets and made known his Purpose — the Messiah (Anointed One) who would bring God with people and redeem them from their sin. Here follow some of God’s promises of his Messiah (bear in mind that ultimately all Scripture revolves around him): To Abraham : Genesis 22:18 (Approx 2000 B.C.) ...and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you obeyed me. To David: Psalm 40: 6-8 (See Hebrews 10:5-7) Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you have prepared for me; Burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. (Refer Psalm 50:23) Then I said, “Here I am, I have come — it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

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Psalm 118:19-27 Open for me the gates of righteousness, I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give thanks for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone*; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. O Lord, save us; O Lord grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.** The Lord is God and he has made his light shine upon us. *

See Luke 20:17,18

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Matthew 21:9; Matthew 23:39

Read Psalm 45* (of the Korahites from the time of the kings) and Psalm 72 (*Psalm 45; refer Revelation 19:6-10) Through the Prophet Isaiah: Isaiah 7:14 ...the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel* *

Immanuel: “God with us”

Isaiah 9:6 ...to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 28:16-18, 21 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious corner stone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring-line and righteousness the plumb-line; Hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. Your covenant with death will be annulled, your agreement with the grave will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will be beaten down by it…” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror… The Lord will rise up as he did at Mount Perazin, he will rouse himself as in the Valley of Gibeon — to do his work, his strange work, and to perform his task, his alien task. Read Isaiah 34 (v8: “Zion’s cause”, refer Psalm 72:12-14)

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Isaiah 40:10,11 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd : he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart ; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 42:1-4 Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope*. * Good News Bible : Distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching. Read Isaiah 52:7-15 Isaiah 53 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth… After the suffering of his soul he will see the light (of life) and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities… For he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. Read all of Isaiah 53 Isaiah 61:1,2 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, …

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Isaiah 63:1-6 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendour, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?* “I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; Their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support;** So my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me. I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground.” *

Read Revelation 19:15,16

** Refer Matthew 26::31-35, 40-43, 52-54, 69-75. Clearly help referred to is not in a physical sense. Read Matthew 26:52,53. Also read Psalm 14:2,3. However, the scattering of Jesus’ followers is not the crux of this sentence; merely affirmation...The Book of Revelation describes the forceful coming of God’s kingdom into an unholy realm—only through his Holy Intercession—read Revelation 5:1-14. (Note: Matthew 26:52 refer Revelation 19:15) Isaiah 11:9, 10 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious. Isaiah 60:22 The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do it swiftly. Also Read the following passages: Genesis 3:15; Genesis 14:18; Genesis 28:10-22; Exodus 23:20,21(?); Exodus 25; Exodus 12:46 — refer Numbers 9:12 and Psalm 34:20; Isaiah 35 and Isaiah 48:12-22 (Note: Isaiah 48:12-15 refers to Cyrus the Great of Persia.); Ezekiel 34:11-26; Jeremiah 31:15;Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Jeremiah 33:14-18; Micah 5:1-5; Haggai 2:7-9; Daniel 7::13,14,27; Zechariah 6:12,13 and Zechariah 9:9-17; Zechariah 11:12,13; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Proverbs 18:24; Psalm 17:15; Psalm 87; Psalm 110; Psalm 24; Malachi 4: 4-6 — refer Matthew 11:14 and Luke 1:17.

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Joel 2: 28 (Refer Isaiah 42:16) "And...I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions…' In Old Testament times, God had anointed only certain servants with His Spirit, eg. the prophets and the leaders of the Israelites from Moses to the judges and kings (Read Numbers 11:17,29; Judges 3:10; I Samuel 10:6,7; I Samuel 16:13). Through the Messiah we can now all receive this holy anointing by grace.

2. The Messiah (The Christ) 9

The Messiah did come; two thousand years ago. His name is Yeshua (Jesus) which means: “The Lord saves.” He was not an earthly king, and prophets called him Lord. So who was he? More importantly, who is he? The New Testament John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. One of Jesus’ apostles was a man named John. He wrote the Book of John in the New Testament. (He also wrote the three Letters of John and the Book of Revelation). It is his testimony of the miracle of Jesus Christ. It also tells of a prophet called John the Baptist, who had been anointed to witness to the fact that Jesus was the promised Messiah. John the Baptist said this about Jesus: John 3:31-36 “...The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” Jesus said this about himself: John 3:16,17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Why was it necessary to save the world? God made us with a free will. He had created mankind in his own image. But it is our nature to reject him (ie. to sin), even those of integrity. Why? Because the human spirit (essence of being, given by God) is under the will of satan (the “prince” of this tainted Creation) and remains so until we willingly choose to return to God. This fallen state has brought death upon us; not only in a (now) finite physical universe, but also a second death for our spirit. (Genesis 3:22,23) What is evil? The devil (satan/ lucifer/ beelzebub- “lord of the flies”) is the cause of evil. In 10

short, evil (sin) exists because of rebellion against God. It represents the rejection of the Nature of God. Satan had been one of the angels of God (“guardian cherub” indicates that he had had some power in Creation); but he raised himself against God by deliberate intent. His love (kindled by the Creator Spirit) gave way to dishonest trade, violating the sanctity of life. Read Isaiah 33:1 refer Genesis 3:4,5. Also read Isaiah 14:12-23 (Babylon as a type of satan’s rule— corruptor and oppressor of God’s people) and Ezekiel 28:1-19 (King of Tyre as an example of his father, satan) God cast him out of heaven, along with a third of the angels that had joined him. These are the powers and principalities that hold this fallen creation captive. John 8:43,44 [Jesus]: “...Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” God gave the Jews a means to make atonement for their iniquity by regular sacrifice of animals. Also, every year in a commemorative sacrifice of lambs (Passover) they remembered how God had shown them mercy in Egypt when his Angel of Death (or, “the destroyer”), moving throughout the land, passed by their homes displaying sacrificial blood of lambs on the doorposts. (This event also led to their freedom from bondage as slaves in Egypt). However, God had made provision to reunite us with him. In fact, all of creation as we know it, exists for this purpose. (Romans 9:16-18; Romans 11:32; Ephesians 1:9,10; Isaiah 43:4; Ezekiel 28:18) Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. In John 14:6,7 Jesus says: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” How can we know that Christ Jesus really is the Son of God — and God! — and how can it be? John 1:10-14, 16-18 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 11

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. John 6:44 [Jesus]: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day…” John 7:17 [Jesus]: “...If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own…” John 8:31,32 [Jesus]: …“If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:54,58 Jesus replied: “If I glorify myself my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” “I tell you the truth”…, “before Abraham was born, I am.” John 10:14,15 [Jesus]: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and they know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:30 [Jesus]: “...I and the Father are one.” Luke 3:22-23 ...the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." John 14:26 [Jesus]: “...But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:20 [Jesus]: That day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Revelation 22:12, 13, 16 “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and Last, the Beginning and the End… 12

I, Jesus have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Read Romans 1: 2-5 Read Ephesians 4:7-13 Read Hebrews 3:1-6 Read John 17:1-26 The Righteous Servant: Through his Messiah, Christ Jesus, God’s heart was manifest with his corrupted creation; in order that Jesus (called both Son of Man and Son of God) would be the perfect intercessor to redeem us from the curse of sin. He is our key to life and the will of God. Jesus Christ was a real man*, born in the line of King David; though not conceived from his blood line - Psalm 51:5,14. He had no part of our inherent iniquity and was one with God. (John 10:34-36) He lived his Testimony and Calling, in the strength of the Lord, to bring the Kingdom of God with us and to be unto us, the Eternal High Priest. When God turned his face from Jesus on the cross, he entered into the abyss which Satan’s rebellion had wrought. Jesus died the death of man, but rose from the grave unto Victory! God did this strange work to undo the curse of death, through the shedding of Innocent blood, and unite all he possibly could, with him. It was an act of pure love; the ultimate intercession. (Ps. 136:12; Is. 52:10) God’s Presence Poured Out in Three-fold Form The Eternal Father manifested the Eternal Son in the world, through the Eternal Spirit. The Son (the source and fulfillment of all prophecy) is our salvation. The Father, the Son and Holy Spirit are God — The One and Only! (Deut 6:4) Only the Holy Spirit can convince you that this is the truth. *Hebrews 2:9,14,15 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. ...so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil — and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word…

3. Christ Jesus’ Teaching 13

Isaiah 11:4,5

•He is the Way John 14:6, 7 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

•Love * fulfills God’s Law (*Godly love (Greek: Agape)= to care) Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied : “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” John 13:34 “A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Matthew 5:3-10 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Read Matthew 5:43-48 Read Luke 10:25-37 Read 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 and Romans 13: 8-10 (The apostle Paul writing)

•Forgiveness Mark 11:25 “And when you stand praying ; if you hold something against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

•Mercy and Salvation 14

John 3:16,17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 6:58 “... This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your fathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” Read Luke 15:11-32 Read Luke 23:39-42

•The World Rests on Shaky Foundations Read Matthew 24:7

•Satan : Ruler of this World John 8:43, 44 “Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Matthew 15:19, 20 “… For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’…” Matthew 12:30, 35 “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters… The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil out of the evil stored up in him…” John 10:10 “...The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Read Matthew 4:1-11 Read John 14:30,31; John 16:11 and Revelation 12:10-12

•Obedience (faithfulness)

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Matthew 5:17, 18 “Do you think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets? I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” John 14:23 Jesus replied: “If anyone loves me he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Luke 11:28 [Jesus] replied : “Blessed...are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” John 8:32 “...Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Read Luke 6:46-49 and John 12:47,48—refer Revelation 19:15.

•Change Matthew 18:3, 4 “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 6:21 “...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…”

•Be Born Again John 3:5, 6 “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit…” Note: “Water” in the above scripture refers most likely to the “Living Water” which flows from the Throne of God. (ie. Eternal life— refer 1John 5:6-8)

•Empowerment Acts 1:8 “...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth.” Luke 10:17-20 16

...“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all power of the enemy ; nothing will harm you. However do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” •Prayer When we pray, we envoke the Power of God in the world by the authority of the Name that is above all names and authorities. I can testify to the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God. The fervent prayers of the righteous have great power, says the Word. The essence of Jesus instruction for prayer is that we should be praying in the Truth and not sacrifice unholy prayers. (See also Romans 8:26,27 and Ephesians 6:18) Intercession is the essence of the Gospel. Read Revelation 8: 1-5 Also remember, every word we speak will ultimately be accounted for. Curse or Blessing? Read Luke 6: 27-42 and Matthew 18:6,7 Whatever you do toward someone contrary to the Will of God, is a curse unto them and yourself (unrighteousness begets unrighteousness — Isaiah 9:18-21). It can be obvious acts of malice like criminal deeds, violence or slander; or more subtle, like deceit, unfaithfulness, sexual immorality, or worldliness; religiosity and self-righteousness, or fortune telling and spiritism. When people (Read: the devil) come against you/ violate your will like this, you have to respond in the Will (Son) of God. In that way you will be a blessing — an intercessor who brings God’s Will (and Judgment) down into every situation. This will put you on the front lines in spiritual warfare; and the Lord’s favour will rest on you. On the subject of curses, the occultic crafts and fortune telling need special mention because it represents the culmination of sin in a very crude way. Read Ezekiel 13: 17-23 Read Isaiah 47: 5-15 Read Acts 16: 16-19 - A final word on prayer: If you need intercession for any condition, affliction or circumstance, I recommend Stanger Christian Centre. Go to: www.stangerchristiancentre.co.za Phone them on: 032-551 2419/551 1836 (Office hours) ( South Africa +2732) Fax: 032-552 5411 Address: PO Box 232 Ballito 4420 17

Also ask to receive their monthly newsletter “Faith in the Word” (Free of charge).

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (the apostle Paul writing): I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

•Summary The teaching of Jesus can be summed up in one sentence: “ The Kingdom of God has come near.”

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4. His Death and Resurrection John 7:7 “...The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify that what it does is evil…” John 10:17, 18 “...The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” Luke 22:19, 20 And he took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ...he took the cup saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Living New Testament:…..”This is my body, given for you. Eat in remembrance of me”…”This wine is the token of God’s new agreement to save you — an agreement with the blood I shall pour out to purchase back your souls.” Read John 6:51 and Leviticus 17:11 Mark 15:34, 37-39 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried in a loud voice, …”My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” With a loud cry Jesus breathed his last. The curtain* of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God.” * The heavy curtain which separated the Most Holy (where only the high priest was allowed to enter once a year) from the rest of the temple. The darkest moment ever (which the human mind cannot fully understand) occurred when God turned away from Jesus on the cross. In that moment he became sin: the holy Lamb of God took sin upon himself when he died, clearing our debt. In Psalm 22, David prophesied of the extremely brutal death of Jesus (Read Isaiah 52:14(!)) through which he triumphed over Satan. (Habakkuk 3: 11-15) Psalm 22:30, 31 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn — for he has done it. Luke 24:5-7 In their fright the woman bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to 19

them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, …’The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Luke 24:26, 27 “...Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:30, 31 ...he took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. Luke 24:49 “...I am going to send you what my Father has promised ; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

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5. The Holy Spirit John 14:15-21 “If you love me you will obey what I command. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever — the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans ; I will come to you. Before long the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you will also live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John 16:7, 13-15 “But I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and make it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” Read John 16:5-11 (John 16:8-11 refer Luke 20:18) John 3:5-8 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 7:38 “...Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” Read John 4::13, 14 and 23, 24 Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 1 John 3:24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that 21

he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. Romans 8:14, 16 ...because those led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ...The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Galatians 4:6, 7 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son ; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10 ...as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” — but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. Acts 2:17 ‘In the last days’, God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.’ Acts 2:39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call. Luke 11:13 “...If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” Read Luke 11:9-13

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6. Salvation in Jesus Christ. How to obtain it. John 11.25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies…” Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find ; knock and the door will be opened to you. (A)

Believe

Roman 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (B)

Turn from sin

Romans 3:23, 24 ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 1:8, 9 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Revelation 3:19 ...so be earnest, and repent. Read Psalm 103:12 and Hebrews 9:14 Read Luke 15:3-10 (C)

Jesus has paid the price for your eternal salvation.

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no-one else for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which they must be saved. 1 Corinthians 15:55, 57 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?”

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But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we may die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone the new has come. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (D) Forgive unconditionally everyone who has ever wronged you. Set them free in the name of Jesus. Matthew 6:14, 15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Quote: “...though they know not what they do… let the Cross draw man to you.” Hillsong– God He Reigns (2005)

(E)

Commit yourself to God

Study his Word which reveals his Will. Make effort to always be found where God’s heart is. Remember, the spirit of anti Christ in the world is very real and will seek to undermine your efforts for God. Matthew 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. The Sinners prayer Pray this prayer as a confirmation to God that you are responding to his call on your life. I have written my own version containing the words of a song from Hillsong Australia: Father God, I come to you in the Name of Jesus Christ. “Nothing I can do can make you love me more; nothing that I’ve done will make you close the door.” I believe in your power of forgiveness by the most precious blood of your Lamb. Lead me and guide me that I may always be found where your heart is. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Baptism 24

Baptism in water is a declaration before living spirits, of forgiveness of sin and resurrection from death. Baptism is not a mere symbolic gesture. It has been ordained by God, and was first executed by John the Baptist: Mark 1:4, 5 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins...confessing their sins they were baptized by him in the Jordan river. Baptism is so important for the new Christian that Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist, perhaps as an example of obedience: Matthew 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying “I need to be baptized by you and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lightning on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 28:19 [Jesus]: “...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Read Acts 8:26-39 and Acts 10:44-48 Read 1 Peter 3:21 Read 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 (Old Testament) (F)

Now know

John 1:12, 13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. Galatians 3:13, 14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Isaiah 43:1 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Read Ephesians 2:1-10 (G)

Live a new Life

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2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Matthew 9:16, 17 “No one sows a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment...Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins...No, they pour new wine into new wineskins and both are preserved.” −You are now a child of God. Galatians 4:6, 7 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba*, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (*Abba: Equivalent to “Dad”) Read Ephesians 5:1-21 Go To: http://www.biblegateway.com

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7. Summary Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Read 1 Corinthians 2: 6-16 You can see what matters is the willingness to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ in faith, since our intellect can neither conceive God nor fathom his love for us. Real faith is produced in us by the Holy Spirit, it is not a work of ourselves, although we build on it. We receive the perfect righteousness of Christ through his atonement — the undoing of the fruit of unrighteousness in us (death), and so God is with us and in us. I suggest you order the booklet “Experience the Holy Spirit” from Stanger Christian Center. (032-551 2419 / 551 1836). When we decide to live by our righteousness by remaining faithful to the Spirit through obedience to the Word, and not seek to clothe ourselves with rebellion through disobedience, we remain in God. By living a consecrated life you honour the covenant with Christ — In fact, it is the hearts desire of the Church to present herself without spot or blemish before her Bridegroom. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-19 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire... Which church to attend Visit any Christian congregation that does not compromise the message of God’s Word. You may not feel at home in many of the traditional churches as they are caught up in too much of their own religions doctrine. Steer clear of the Roman Catholic Church. They do good work, noting the likes of Mother Theresa. But a recent official statement that the pope is the sole “representative” of God, is worrying. More worrying though, their “bible” abounds with scriptures of questionable origin. In any way, all the different churches are members of the one Church of Jesus Christ, of which he is the cornerstone. But beware of movements that will mislead you. Be very wary of all kinds of “wonderful miracles” happening at some congregations, such as the Toronto Blessing phenomena. (Counterfeit the working of the Spirit) 1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

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Read Matthew 7: 15-23; Jeremiah 14:14 and 2 Thessalonians 2:11 If you are not sure contact Stanger Christian Center for guidance. Read what the apostle Paul instructs church members in Romans 12: 1-21 Also read Ephesians 4: 10-16; Hebrews 10: 24,25 and Psalm 134 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore! Amen. Jude 1: 24,25 Go To: http://www.biblegateway.com Go To: http://www.stangerchristiancentre.co.za

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Glossary God: Omnipotent, omnipresent Creator of all things. Life giver and Restorer. He poured out his Presence unto us, in order to have a deep personal relationship with us. Heart: “ Wellspring of Life” Holy Spirit: The Spirit of the Most High who dwells inside the world; to seek, find and occupy (fill) the hearts of people once underway to death under the Law of God. Jesus Christ is the Intercessor (High Priest) through whom God’s Spirit came into an unholy Creation — even to the realm of death, to free its captives. By Christ’s Will the Holy Spirit falls upon his Church. Iniquity: Not having God’s Law in our hearts Intercession: Standing in the gap between men and God. Lord: God in the world by his Spirit ( 2 Cor. 3: 17,18) Order of Melchizedek: Christ’s royal priesthood in the world; anointed with the Holy Spirit (Gen. 14:18-20) Prophet: Someone who receives Word from the Lord. Often concern future events, but not necessarily. Righteousness: In right standing with God. Sons of men: Mankind (Ps. 8:4,5) Son of God: Jesus’ Divinity was not relative, it is absolute. (As God is working, so Jesus is working)

Inspired Reading, 29

1.The Hiding Place—Corrie Ten Boom 2.From Curse to Blessing—Derrick Prince (Derrick Prince Ministries) 3.The Heavenly Man (The remarkable true story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun) — Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) Order at www.asiaharvest.org

DVD/CD’s 1.Shalom Jerusalem— Paul Wilbur 2.Jerusalem Arise— Paul Wilbur 3.Lion of Juda—Paul Wilbur These three CD’s from Paul Wilbur are a series of concerts held live in Jerusalem. They follow on one another in the series as I numbered them here. (Distributor: Integrity Music/hosanna!). The DVD of “Shalom Jerusalem” is available at GOSPEL DIRECT. It is great to watch, bringing to mind Isaiah 49:21. The DVD of “Jerusalem Arise” is out overseas and GOSPEL DIRECT can try to order it for you. Other music you should have in your collection: “Worship Series” by Hillsong (Australia) : a 3 CD set in a nice blue box with a photograph of a lovely lady (Darlene Zschech) on the front. Also get “Hallelujah, the best of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir”

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Notes

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