(Matthew 12:31-32). What Is the Blasphemy of the Holy

1 2 SKIP’S NOTE

Dear Friend,

Welcome to the newest edition of Connection—the magazine. 2011 is zipping past, and summer (my favorite season, I’ll admit!) is almost over as I write this. As Christians, we’re called to point people toward Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us. But we don’t convince or convict anyone. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. In this issue, we’re focusing on the Holy Spirit—His person, His work, and the worship that is due Him. Our guest, Ron Rhodes, shares some thoughts on the role of the Holy Spirit in the inspiration of the biblical text. He explains how the Spirit had “complete superintendence of the human authors” of Scripture. Lenya has contributed a wonderful article on discovering the wonderful riches we have in the Holy Spirit. She explores the Spirit’s love, fullness, knowledge, understanding, power, and residence 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 purposes of the gifts of the Spirit. Our “From the Blog” section poses an interesting and important question: How and when do believers receive the Holy Spirit? Do we, as believers, need a separate baptism of the Spirit? And “Hot 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 go all the way through Revelation. So, congratulations! We’ve 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 Connection—the magazine. May you grow continually closer in your personal walk with Jesus Christ.

In His Strong Love,

Skip Heitzig

3 CONTENTS

3 Dear Friend

6 The Invisible, Personable & Powerful Holy Spirit 12 We Have This Treasure

16 The Holy Spirit in Inspiration 21 The Vault

22 Dead Pastors' Society 24 The Connection Radio Stations 25 From the Listener

26 Hot Spots

29 Fast Facts

30 Off the Cuff

32 From the Blog

34 The Gallery

Daily Devo: 35 October-December

44 Church'd Comics

45 Word Search

46 Next Issue

ISSUE 13 October - December 2011

4 a publication of

PUBLISHER Skip Heitzig skipheitzig.com

DIRECTOR Brian Nixon

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rebekah Hanson

MANAGING EDITORS Joan Polito Nancy Reimann Jerry Rood Penny Rose Laura Sowers

CONTRIBUTORS Lenya Heitzig John Owen Ron Rhodes Chuck Smith

DESIGN DIRECTOR Khanh Dang

OUR MISSION: Connecting you to God’s never-changing truth in ever-changing times.

Connection Communications 4001 Osuna Road NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505.344.9146

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5 6 77 SKIP’S ARTICLE

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, LET’S BEGIN.” THE FIRST LITTLE 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 oKIDS LOOKED AT EACH OTHER UNCOMFORTABLY. FINALLY ONE LITTLE GIRL STOOD UP AND SAID, “I’M SORRY, TEACHER, BUT THE BOY WHO BELIEVES IN THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ABSENT TODAY.”

We might say that those who believe in the get a hold of and use leads to self-exaltation Holy Spirit are absent today. Many believers and self-sufficiency. One who thinks of the in Jesus Christ could be described like the Holy Spirit and who at the same time imagines disciples in Ephesus, when Paul said to them, that he has received the Holy Spirit will almost “‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you inevitably be full of spiritual pride and strut believed?’ So they said to him, ‘We have not about as if he belonged to some superior so much as heard whether there is a Holy order of Christians.” God will never be used. Spirit’” (Acts 19:2). I think there are many But God will—if you allow Him—use you. believers who theoretically believe in the Holy Spirit; but for all practical purposes, He’s not There is not one reliable version of real to them. A.W. Tozer said, “The idea of the Scripture where the Holy Spirit is referred to Holy Spirit to the average church member is as an “it.” For example, in John 14:26 we read, so vague as to be non-existent.” “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you From beginning to end, the Bible mentions all things, and bring to your remembrance all the Holy Spirit. From Genesis 1:2: “The Spirit things that I said to you” (emphasis added). of God was hovering over the face of the Again, in the gospel of John we read, “When waters,” to Revelation 22:17: “The Spirit and He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide the bride say, ‘Come!’” He is everywhere in you into all truth; for He will not speak on His Scripture. In the gospel of John, Jesus, the own authority, but whatever He hears He will second person of the Trinity, introduces the speak; and He will tell you things to come. He third person of the Trinity to His disciples (see will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine John 14:16). Let’s answer two questions about and declare it to you” (John 16:13-14, emphasis the Holy Spirit: added). In John 14-16, Jesus uses 13 personal pronouns when He refers to the Holy Spirit. 1. Who is He—person or power? Personal pronouns are used for people—not 2. What is He—deity or dignitary? forces.

Let’s examine the issue of personality. Did Person or Power? you catch the names Jesus gives to the Holy Spirit? The “Helper” or “Comforter,” some The minute you imagine the Holy Spirit as a translations say. Does the name “Counselor” force (or an impersonal power) rather than a sound like a power to you? John 14:26 tells person, you face a problem. R.A. Torrey said, us, “He will teach,” John 15:26 says “He will “The concept of the Holy Spirit as a divine testify,” and John 16:8 says, “He will convict”— influence or power that we are somehow to and there are other examples.

8 SKIP’S ARTICLE

Just for kicks, I looked up the word person person, any relationship we have with God in Noah’s Dictionary—Noah Webster. Noah must include the Holy Spirit. Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language said, “We apply the word to living beings only, So the first question: person or power? possessed with a rational nature.” In other Answer: Person. words, to be a person, you need intelligence, you need emotion, and you need a will. The Holy Spirit exhibits all three aspects of Deity or Dignitary ? personality: Second question: deity or dignitary? Is • He exhibits intelligence. Jesus said the the Holy Spirit some important being like an Holy Spirit “will teach you” (John 14:26). This angel, or is He God? The qualifications of His implies that the Holy Spirit knows things— character show that He is God Almighty. that’s intelligence. • Hes i omniscient. Jesus said, “When He, the • He has a will. Paul said Spirit of truth, has come, He of spiritual gifts, “One and will guide you into all truth” the same Spirit works all (John 16:13). For the Holy Spirit these things, distributing To be aware of all to guide you into all truth, He to each one individually as must be aware of all truth. To He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11, truth means that He be aware of all truth means emphasis added). that He is omniscient—He is omniscient—He knows everything. That’s a • He has emotion. Paul description of God. told the Ephesians, “Do not knows everything. grieve the Holy Spirit of • He’s omnipresent. David God” (Ephesians 4:30). You That’s a description said, “Where can I go from cannot grieve an “it.” You Your Spirit? Or where can I can only grieve a person. of God. flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are Wouldn’t it sound weird there; if I make my bed in hell, if I said, “Boy, I grieved my plant today. It’s behold, You are there” (Psalm 139:7-8). so vexed. I was telling it to turn over a new leaf and it didn’t like that.” A plant can’t love Not only do we realize the deity of the Holy you, electricity can’t hate you, and a force Spirit by His qualifications and attributes, but can’t care for you. Since the Holy Spirit is a also by the validation of Jesus Christ. Jesus

9 If you don’t understand His person and personality, you’ll never appreciate the activities of the Holy Spirit.

said, “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with when we rely on the Holy Spirit, you forever” (John 14:16, emphasis added). Another is a key word. Here, it comes from we get what God can do. the Greek word alos, and means another of exactly the same sort. Jesus is the Helper, the personal and powerful—is living inside of Comforter, the Counselor, and the Friend. He you, it will show. You’ll lose interest in spiritual was the miracle-worker. He was God in human things: spiritual disciplines, prayer, and flesh. But He was leaving to suffer death on a worship. You’ll lose your appetite for the Word cross, burial, resurrection, and ascension into of God. You’ll lose your interest in church heaven. So in essence, He said, “I’m going and the comfort that can be found within to send you a Comforter—One just like Me.” the body of Christ. You’ll lose your appetite for God-centered preaching. You’ll replace An alos. Another Comforter; another divine Being. biblical instruction with human counsel and psychotherapy—because you’ll think they So the second question: deity or dignitary? have all the answers. You’ll start replacing Answer: Deity reliance upon God in prayer with reliance upon people’s advice in your ear. A. C. Dixon wrote, “When we rely on organization, we get what organization can do. When we rely on What Does It Matter? education, we get what education can do. When we rely on eloquence, we get what Does this really, truly matter? Does it matter eloquence can do. But when we rely on the that the Holy Spirit is a divine person? Jeremy Holy Spirit, we get what God can do.” Taylor put it this way, “It’s impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Isn’t it time to rely on God, the Maker of Helper is omnipotent.” heaven and earth, the Almighty? The Holy Spirit is ready to get hold of you and use It matters—a lot. If you don’t grasp who He you—and He’s everything that Jesus is. is, you’ll never appreciate what He does. If you S don’t understand His person and personality, you’ll never appreciate the activities of the SKIP HEITZIG Holy Spirit. is the author of the book You Can Understand the Book of Revelation and is the senior pastor at Calvary of In addition, if you are not aware that the Albuquerque. You can follow him on Twitter @skipheitzig third person of the Godhead—invisible, but

10 11 12 ho doesn’t love a story about found treasure? If you consider the ten W million viewers of the British PBS program Antiques Roadshow and the American counterpart of the same name, it’s apparent that many people do. Viewers remember the Spanish Conquistador helmet found in the rafters of the attic of a just-purchased home. Turned out, it was from the 15th century and worth $500,000. Then there was the woman with her father’s collection of jade objects he acquired while stationed in China. The value? A cool million!

For those who find the Roadshow too highbrow, Pawn Stars takes place in a Las Vegas pawnshop. The treasures on Pawn Stars are often odd, historic, and require test firing in the desert. This is the place to bring your Star Trek action figures, Civil War cannon, or signed, first edition Hemingway.

My own treasures are not so grand and probably wouldn’t bring money from anyone but me. In my office I have a small box containing personal treasures: a tiny "Millennium Falcon" spacecraft from Nathan’s vintage Star Wars collection, a calling card from my favorite pastry shop in Paris, a matchbook from the Tavern on the Green in Central Park, and a red ceramic bird given to me by Nathan and Janáe in remembrance of the blue origami birds at their rehearsal dinner.

Whether the upscale British Roadshow or the downtown Pawn Stars, people love to watch other people hit the jackpot. Wouldn’t it be great to learn that you have a priceless treasure at your fingertips?

Well, good news! If you’re a believer, you do: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us (2 Corinthians 4:7).

13 In Asian countries, it was customary to keep “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if gold and jewels in ordinary clay pots. Without I do not go away, the Helper will not come to intrinsic worth, the vessels were valuable you… And when He has come, He will simply for the treasure within. Paul likened convict the world of sin, and of himself and his fellow gospel workers to righteousness, and of judgment of sin” fragile earthenware pots—nothing special in (John 16:7-9). and of themselves, but valuable for the power and the Word of God contained within them. EN: The Holy Spirit comes in us at salvation.

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give PAUL’S PRAYER FOR OUR POWER you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither Paul pleaded with believers to respond sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, to God's sovereign provision. He himself for He dwells with you and will be in you” received the “gift of the grace of God given (John 14:16-17, emphasis added). to me by the effective working of His power” (Ephesians 3:7). Paul asked God to activate EPI: The Holy Spirit comes upon the saint at the power available to believers so they too, the baptism of the Spirit. could glorify God: “But you shall receive power when the Holy That He would grant you, according to the Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be riches of His glory, to be strengthened with witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all might through His Spirit in the inner man, Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the that Christ may dwell in your hearts through earth” (Acts 1:8, emphasis added). faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all With this foundation, let’s open the the saints what is the width and length and treasure chest of our riches in and through depth and height—to know the love of Christ the Holy Spirit. which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19). THE TREASURE OF INNER STRENGTH AND POWER This prayer is a series of petitions, each built upon the other. But before we explore the treasures of the Holy Spirit, let’s look at three The Holy Spirit is the person who imparts important—yet overlooked—words. God’s power to individual believers:

That He would grant you, according to the THREE POWERFUL PREPOSITIONS riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16). In grammar, prepositions are unassuming little words used to link nouns, pronouns, and The working of the Holy Spirit takes what phrases. Don’t be fooled by their size; these belongs to God and makes it ours. This is our words pack a punch. birthright in Christ, and it comes with a solemn purpose: “But you shall receive power when The words en or “in,” para meaning “with,” the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you and epi or “upon” unlock the treasures of the shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8). Holy Spirit and enable understanding of His power and presence. The word power comes from dunamis, which means “miraculous power, ability, abundance, PARA: The Holy Spirit is with us prior to might, power, strength, and might.” It is the salvation to convict us of sin and bring us to root from which we get the word dynamite. repentance: We are not to use this power recklessly to blow things up, but to stand ready to be His 14 witnesses in the world. Christian life. The more we come to understand the resident Holy Spirit, the more we will experience the fullness of God. THE TREASURE OF DWELLING WITH GOD THE TREASURE OF FULLNESS

The word dwell means to settle down and feel right at home in the permanent abode of That you may be filled with all the fullness of the owner. Sadly, for some, the Holy Spirit is God (Ephesians 3:19). more like an unwelcomed houseguest than the resident owner. Efforts to fill ourselves in worldly ways bring frustration and bondage: “And do not be drunk That Christ may dwell in your hearts through with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled faith (Ephesians 3:17). with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).

This refers to His ongoing, day-in, day-out A person filled with rage is dominated by residence in our lives. The Christian’s human hatred; a person filled with greed is dominated personality is Christ’s home. with the obsession to obtain or retain money. To be filled with the fullness of God means But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus to be so totally dominated by Him there is no from the dead dwells in you, He who raised room to add anything else. Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who When we are filled with God, we are dwells in you (Romans 8:11). emptied of self, and brimming with the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is meant to overflow The Holy Spirit comfortably resides within with personal gratification, purpose, and us and uses us to accomplish the Father’s satisfaction. will and purpose. What a beautiful picture of comfort and power under one roof. THE TREASURE OF LOVE THE TREASURE OF KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Love is evidence of a life yielded to the Lord. When Danny Sampson robbed a bank in With the Holy Spirit living and reigning in our Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, he used a hand- hearts, He is able to demonstrate His love in me-down gun and stole $6,000. After the us and through us. Royal Canadian Mounted Police captured him, they recognized the gun as an antique Colt To know the love of Christ which passes 45 worth $100,000. He had no idea what he knowledge; that you may be filled with all possessed. the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19).

As Christians, we are exhorted to know what We strive to lay hold of this knowledge we possess in Christ. The reason? Typically, and make it our own. In doing so, we are we neither use nor value what we don’t know strengthened and blessed. The Holy Spirit and understand. Danny Sampson serves as a brings a trove of treasures: strength and case in point. power, knowledge and understanding, abiding with God, living a full life, and most ...may be able to comprehend with all the importantly: love. Priceless. L saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of LENYA HEITZIG Christ which passes knowledge (Ephesians is an award-wining author and sought- 3:18-19). after speaker at conferences and retreats world wide. Visit Lenya's Corner at sheabq.org There are treasures to discover in the to read encoraging articles from Lenya.

15 16 by Ron Rhodes

17 17 JUST AS THE SAILORS WERE ACTIVE ON THE SHIP (THOUGH THE WIND, NOT THE SAILORS, CONTROLLED THE SHIP'S MOVEMENT), SO THE HUMAN AUTHORS WERE ACTIVE IN WRITING (USING THEIR OWN WRITING STYLES) AS THE SPIRIT DIRECTED.

Even though human beings were used in from error. They are exempt from the liability the process of writing down God's Word, they to mistake, incapable of error. In all their were all literally "borne along" by the Holy teachings they are in perfect accord with the Spirit. Commenting on this verse, theologian truth" (p. 113). And this "quality of freedom Charles Ryrie says, "The human wills of from error" is a direct result of the Holy Spirit's the authors were not the originators or the superintendence of the human authors of carriers of God's message. God did not permit Scripture. the will of sinful man to divert, misdirect, or erroneously record His message" (What You In Explaining Inerrancy: A Commentary, Should Know About Inerrancy, p. 47). Norman produced by the International Council of Geisler and William Nix explain that "God Biblical Inerrancy (headed up by such scholars moved and the prophet mouthed these truths; as J.I. Packer and Norman Geisler), we read God revealed and man recorded His Word" (A that inspiration… General Introduction to the Bible, p. 28). Involves a divine superintendence which Interestingly, the Greek word for "carried preserved the writers in their word choices from along" in 2 Peter 1:21 is the same word found using words that would falsify or distort the in Acts 27:15-17. The experienced sailors could message of Scripture. Evangelical Christians not navigate the ship because the wind have wanted to avoid the notion that biblical was so strong. The ship was being driven, writers were passive instruments like pens in the directed, and carried about by the wind. This hands of God, yet at the same time they affirm is similar to the Spirit's driving, directing, and that the net result of the process of inspiration carrying the human authors of the Bible as He would be the same. Calvin, for example, says wished. The word is a strong one, indicating that we should treat the Bible as if we have the Spirit's complete superintendence of the heard God audibly speaking its message. That human authors. Yet, just as the sailors were is, it carries the same weight of authority as if active on the ship (though the wind, not the God himself were heard to be giving utterance sailors, controlled the ship's movement), to the words of Scripture. That does not mean so the human authors were active in writing that Calvin believed or taught that God did in (using their own writing styles) as the Spirit fact utter the words audibly. But we are saying directed. that inspiration, however God brought it about, results in the net effect that every word of Hence, as theologian Robert Lightner Scripture carries with it the weight of God's concludes, "the Holy Spirit of God was the authority (pp. 17-18). R divine author of Scripture. Though He used erring humans as penmen, He supernaturally Excerpt taken from ronrhodes.org Used with Permission (miraculously) superintended them as they wrote, keeping them from all error and omission" (Evangelical Theology, p. 12). RON RHODES is president of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries. He is the author Edward J. Young, in his book Thy Word of over 50 books (including three Silver Is Truth, explains inerrancy this way: "The Medallion winners) and is a keynote speaker at conferences across the Scriptures possess the quality of freedom United States.

18 EVANGELICALEVANGELICAL CHRISTIANSCHRISTIANS HAVEHAVE WANTEDWANTED TOTO AVOIDAVOID THETHE NOTIONNOTION THATTHAT BIBLICALBIBLICAL WRITERSWRITERS WEREWERE PASSIVEPASSIVE INSTRUMENTS INSTRUMENTS LIKE LIKE PENSPENS IN IN THE THE HANDS HANDS OF OF GOD, GOD, YETYET AT AT THE THE SAME SAME TIME TIME THEY THEY AFFIRMAFFIRM THATTHAT THETHE NETNET RESULTRESULT OFOF THETHE PROCESS PROCESS OF OF INSPIRATION INSPIRATION WOULDWOULD BEBE THETHE SAME.SAME.

1919 20 THE VAULT

We know not the matter of the things for which we should pray, neither the object to whom we pray, nor the medium by or through whom we pray; none of these things know we, but by the help and assistance of the Spirit.

JOHN BUNYAN

The Holy Spirit is a person. He is not enthusiasm. He is not courage. He is not energy. He is not the personification of all good qualities, like Jack Frost is the personification of cold weather… He has will and intelligence. He has hearing. He has knowledge and sympathy and ability to love and see and think. He can hear, speak, desire, grieve, and rejoice. He is a person.

A. W. TOZER

Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.

CORRIE TEN BOOM

If we think of the Holy Spirit only as an impersonal power or influence, then our thought will constantly be, how can I get hold of and use the Holy Spirit; but if we think of Him in the biblical way as a divine person, infinitely wise, infinitely holy, infinitely tender, then our thought will constantly be, "How can the Holy Spirit get hold of and use me?”

R. A. TORREY

If Christians realized that God Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit really dwells within our bodies, we would be far more careful about what we eat, drink, look at, or read. No wonder Paul said, “I beat my body and make it my slave” [1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV]. This should drive us to our knees in confession.

BILLY GRAHAM

2121 DEAD PASTORS’ SOCIETY

featuring John Owen

Ye Ask Amiss

"The Spirit of God directs believers not only as to the matter, but as to the end of all their requests."

he Spirit of God alone directs believers The Spirit of God directs believers not only to Tpray, or ask for anything to right or proper as to the matter, but as to the end of all their ends. Men may lose all the benefit of their requests. He guides them therefore to design: prayers by proposing to themselves improper ends, as the apostle James affirms of some: 1. That all the success of their petitions may “Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, have an immediate tendency to the glory of to consume it on your lusts” (James 4:3). There God. Without His special aid we should aim only is nothing so excellent in itself, so useful to us, at self; our own profit, ease, and satisfaction. so acceptable to God in the matter of prayer, but it may be vitiated, corrupted, and rendered 2. He keeps them to this also, that the issue of vain, by an application of it to false or mistaken all their supplications may be the improvement ends. And that in this case we are relieved by of holiness in them, their conformity to God, the Holy Ghost is plain from the text under and nearer access to Him. When these ends consideration; for “helping our infirmities,” and are not aimed at, the matter of prayer may be teaching us “what to pray for as we ought,” He good, but our prayers themselves may be an makes intercession for us “according to the abomination. J will of God” (See Romans 8:26-27). He does it Excerpt taken from “The Work of the Spirit in in us, and by us, or enables us so to do. He Prayer” in the book The Holy Spirit: His Gifts and directs and enables us to make supplications Power by John Owen “according to the mind of God” and herein God is said to “know the mind of the Spirit;” JOHN OWEN (1616-1683) that is, His end and design in the matter of His was an English Protestant church leader, theologian, and academic requests. This God knows, that is, approves and administrator at the University of accepts. Oxford. As of 2007, the majority of Owen's voluminous works were still in print.

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24 Coming up on the Connection...

AIRING NOW In this series, Skip Heitzig looks at the life of Abraham, who was called the "friend of God." You'll find striking parallels between the life of this patriach and your own experiences. Learn how to leave a lasting impression on your world. Don't just live— make a mark with your life!

BEGINNING FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 In this series, From the Edge of Eternity, we will follow a believer from death into the different stages of eternity: the intermediate state, the resurrection of the body, the kingdom age, and the eternal state.

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

FROM THE LISTENER

Pastor Skip, Recently while working with Christian friends in China, I helped them download your sermons from iTunes. They have both made it a point to say how much they enjoy your sermons… Thanks for faithfully preaching the Word of God to all nations!

Jill (from China)

connectionradio.org/podcast 25 HOT SPOTS

26 by Skip Heitzig WHAT IS THE BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

THIS IS THE SIN FOR WHICH THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS. JESUS SAID, “THEREFORE I SAY TO YOU, EVERY SIN AND BLASPHEMY WILL BE FORGIVEN MEN, BUT THE BLAS- PHEMY AGAINST THE SPIRIT WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN MEN. ANYONE WHO SPEAKS A WORD AGAINST THE SON OF MAN, IT WILL BE FORGIVEN HIM; BUT WHOEVER SPEAKS AGAINST THE HOLY SPIR- IT, IT WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN HIM, EITHER IN THIS AGE OR IN THE AGE TO COME” (MATTHEW 12:31-32).

Misunderstanding these verses causes a lot of heartache to Christians. Recently someone came to me in tears, saying, “I’m convinced that I have offended the Holy Spirit and committed the unpardonable sin!” I put my arm around them and said, “It’s pretty evident that you haven’t committed the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit—because you’re still concerned about it. The fact that your heart isn’t hardened, that it even bothers you, proves that you haven’t committed it!”

27 The Pharisees to whom Jesus was speaking were revealing a condition of the heart. They had just seen Him heal a man who was blind and mute—an obvious miracle, done by the power of the Holy Spirit—and they attributed it to Satan (see Matthew 12:24). That indicates WHEN a willful, obstinate hardness of heart for which they felt no conviction at all. The work of the Holy Spirit is to point people to Jesus Christ. YOU HEAR For someone who’s been resisting that work to take this evidence and still be able to say, “That’s from Satan,” indicates their heart is desperately hard—and perhaps at the point of THE HOLY no return.

In Ephesians, Paul refers to a group of people “having their understanding darkened… SPIRIT because of the blindness of their heart… being past feeling” (Ephesians 4:18-19). And he wrote about those who had “their own conscience SAYING, seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2).

Billy Graham explained it this way: “The unpardonable sin is rejecting the truth about “CHANGE Jesus Christ. It is rejecting completely and finally the witness of the Holy Spirit which declares Jesus is the Son of God, who alone can save us from sin.” NOW”—

Why is that unpardonable? The writer of Hebrews says, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). If RECEIVE we keep resisting and fighting, eventually we can push away Christ for so long that we feel absolutely no conviction. The Spirit of God isn’t HIS striving with us at all anymore. That’s the worst condition a person could ever reach. If we hear the truth and get clever at deflecting it—saying “maybe later”—we can become so hardened HEEDING and so calloused that we don’t feel any longer.

There comes a time when God turns out the lights; when any further chance for salvation is WHILE finally lost. That’s why we are told, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). YOUR When you hear the Holy Spirit saying, “Change now”—receive His heeding while your heart is tender. Don’t become one of the “clever” ones HEART IS who deflect the truth. That is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

For anyone who has heard the gospel and TENDER. rejected it: While there is light, while there is feeling, respond! S

28 FAST FACTS

SOURCE: barna.org 2929 OFF THE CUFF

WITH PASTOR CHUCK SMITH

The Spirit wants to operate in our lives, sovereignly and according to His will. But He’ll do so in different ways.

Skip: Welcome, Pastor Chuck. I’d like to ask on Jesus Christ. Jesus said the Spirit would you a few questions concerning the power of not testify of Himself, but of Christ. The the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. How scriptural exercise of the gifts will always important is it for Christians to understand give you a fresh vision of Jesus Christ and spiritual gifts? His glory, causing you to fall in love with Him, and to be drawn to Him all over again. Your PASTOR CHUCK SMITH: The overarching heart will burst with love and appreciation principle is this: The true gifts of the Holy for what Jesus is and what He is able to do. Spirit, when manifested in a scriptural and This is the chief way by which you can tell correct way, will always focus people’s hearts whether any gift is a true manifestation of the

30 Holy Spirit. Is there a great deal of attention Skip: With that, what would the purpose of the drawn to the person exercising the gift? In gifts of the Spirit be? the magazines that various ministries send out, whose picture is on every other page? PASTOR CHUCK SMITH: In 1 Corinthians 12:7, To whom are they drawing attention? Who Paul teaches that the manifestation of the are they promoting? Who are they seeking Spirit is given to everyone for the profit of all. to raise up in the eyes of the people? A true The purpose of gifts of the Spirit is to benefit manifestation of the Holy Spirit always exalts the whole church; they are not given to us the person of Jesus Christ. That’s what the for our own personal profit. God doesn’t give Holy Spirit has come to do. me the word of knowledge so that I can go to the race track and clean up. There is a great evil today—men and women who seek to "You will see that every personally capitalize on the gifts of the Spirit. People have been touched by God through account of an empow- their ministries, and they take advantage ering of the church by of that fact. Maybe a friend or child has been healed, and they are so thrilled and the Spirit is unique." excited that they want to shower gifts of -Pastor Chuck Smith appreciation upon the person through whom God worked. Sadly, many people use God’s gifts to personally enrich themselves. But the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not given for Skip: Pastor Chuck, how would you say the personal enrichment. They are not toys for us Spirit works in a Christian’s life? to take and enjoy, to bring us satisfaction and pleasure as we’re sitting in the solitude of PASTOR CHUCK SMITH: The Spirit wants our homes. They are given so that the whole to operate in our lives, sovereignly and church might profit. God has given each of according to His will. But He’ll do so us a gift—we’re supposed to use these to in different ways. A person may feel bless the whole church. There is only one extraordinary sensations, or he may feel gift intended to edify the person exercising nothing at all. None of that discounts the it rather than the whole church—the gift of fact that God’s Spirit is at work in your speaking in tongues. In 1 Corinthians 14:4, life. That was my problem for a long time. Paul said, “He that speaketh in an unknown I didn’t receive the kind of experience I tongue edifieth himself.” The exercise of heard people talking about, so I felt I didn’t the gift of tongues in one’s own personal “have it.” I heard people say, “When I came devotions edifies oneself. This is the only gift to, I looked and—wow! It was 7 pm. I don’t designed for personal edification. The body WITH PASTOR CHUCK SMITH know where those five hours went.” Hearing isn’t edified through that gift unless there is these testimonies as a child, I understood an interpretation. So the general rule is that the phrase “when I came to” to mean an the gifts of the Spirit are for the profit of the unconscious state. I was certain that when whole body. a person was being baptized or filled with the Holy Spirit, he or she would be rendered unconscious. So I waited for years to be struck unconscious so I could “come to.” For more information, read Pastor Chuck Smith’s But it never happened to me like that. If you book Living Water: The Power of the Holy Spirit in Your Life read through the book of Acts, you will see that every account of an empowering of the church by the Spirit is unique. No single pattern covers all. It didn’t happen the same way in any two recorded cases. Let’s expect PASTOR CHUCK SMITH such differences. Let’s not try to confine God is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and the founder of the to a pattern. Let’s not put God in a box—let Calvary Chapel movement. He is the God be God and let Him be sovereign and author of over 15 books. move as He will.

31 FROM THE BLOG

32 he baptism of the Holy Spirit is a definite experience, normally occurring afterT salvation. It’s when the Holy The purpose Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, comes “upon” someone to energize of the baptism and empower him for service. of the Holy Shortly before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples Spirit is not that the Holy Spirit “dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). The Holy to speak in Spirit is “with” all of us, even before we are saved. He convicts us of our sin tongues, but to and brings us to faith in Christ. The moment we believe in Jesus as our empower us Savior, the Holy Spirit comes “in” us to dwell forever: “Your body is the temple to witness. of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God” (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Spirit takes possession of us, seals us, and indwells us. But there is a third experience. Jesus tells His followers to go out into all the world and preach the gospel. To do that successfully, we Just before His ascension, Jesus need the power of the Holy Spirit, which the baptism of told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem the Spirit provides. The Holy Spirit makes us effective for the “Promise of the Father”—the in our testimony for Christ and in our service to Him. baptism of the Holy Spirit (See Acts 1:4, 5). “You shall receive power when the The power of the Holy Spirit can turn cowards into Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you bold witnesses for the Lord. Think of Peter. He insisted shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, he would never forsake Jesus, even if everyone else and in all Judea and Samaria, and to did. Then he denied he even knew Jesus—three times. the end of the earth” (v. 8). The Spirit After Pentecost, he became a new man. He stood in came “upon” them in power to give front of thousands and proclaimed Jesus Christ as them the spiritual resources needed the only way to salvation. He had experienced the to boldly witness for Christ. This was a baptism of the Holy Spirit, who came “upon” him to new baptism. make him courageous. Throughout the book of Acts, believers are “filled with the Holy Spirit,” and they have a boldness that we don’t see in the Gospels.

The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not The Holy to speak in tongues, but to empower us to witness. But this empowerment must happen over and over Spirit is again. We must repeatedly avail ourselves to God to be effective, dynamic witnesses for Him. Why? “with” all Because we “leak”!

of us, even The baptism of the Holy Spirit and the filling of the Holy Spirit are identical, or nearly so. Paul said, “Be before we filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). A more literal translation might read, “Be constantly being filled with are saved. the Holy Spirit.” We constantly need a new filling of the Spirit so that we have Him flowing through—every moment. Let’s pray for continual filling! S

with Skip Heitzig 33 THE GALLERY

Seal us, O Holy Spirit, Grant us Thine impress, we pray; We would be more like the Savior, Stamped with His image today.

Seal us, seal us, Seal us just now, we pray; Seal us, O Holy Spirit, Seal us for service today.

Seal us, O Holy Spirit, Help us Thy likeness to show; Then from our life unto others Streams of rich blessings shall flow.

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

34 Excerpt taken from “Seal Us, O Holy Spirit” Words and Music: Isaac H. Meredith, 1900 DAILY DEVO through the Bible with Skip Heitzig

OCTOBER 1 Reflect: Submit to one OCTOBER 8 Read: Ephesians 2:1-2:22 another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Read: Philippians 2:7-2:9 Reflect: God is so rich in Reflect: When [Christ Jesus] mercy, and He loved us so Respond: “Submission isn’t just for wives. It is also for appeared in human form, He much, that even though we humbled Himself in obedience were dead because of our husbands, children, and parents.” to God and died a criminal’s sins, He gave us life when He death on a cross. Therefore, raised Christ from the dead. Return: Ephesians 5:31-6:4 God elevated Him to the place (It is only by God’s grace that of highest honor and gave you have been saved!) OCTOBER 5 Him the name above all other (Ephesians 2:4-5). Read: Ephesians 6:5-6:12 names (Philippians 2:7-9). Respond: “I was going my Respond: “As believers, we way on the path of life, but Reflect: Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able find that the way up is the God changed everything way down, and the way down when I met Jesus.” to stand firm against all strategies of the devil is always the way up.” Return: Ephesians 3:1-3:5 (Ephesians 6:11). Return: Philippians 2:10-2:12 “When you became Respond: OCTOBER 2 a friend of God, you inherited OCTOBER 9 Read: Ephesians 3:6-3:10 the Lord’s enemies.” Read: Philippians 2:13-2:17 Reflect: Both Gentiles and Return: Ephesians 6:13-6:24 Jews who believe the good Reflect: Live clean, innocent news share equally in the lives as children of God, riches inherited by God’s OCTOBER 6 shining like bright lights in children. Both are part of the Read: Philippians 1:1-1:7 a world full of crooked and same body, and both enjoy the perverse people (Philippians promise of blessings because Reflect: I am certain that 2:15). they belong to Christ Jesus God, who began the good Respond: “Christians need to work within you, will continue (Ephesians 3:6). glow in the dark, His work until it is finally living in purity before a “The disciples Respond: finished on the day when worldly audience that uncovered the secret that Christ Jesus returns” watches their every move.” God loves all people and (Philippians 1:6). Return: Philippians 2:18-2:30 anyone can be part of His Respond: “The Lord is not church.” going to rest in working with Return: Ephesians 3:11-3:21 you because you are still OCTOBER 10 under construction.” Read: Philippians 3:1-3:4 OCTOBER 3 Return: Philippians 1:8-1:11 Reflect: Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, Read: Ephesians 4:1-4:15 rejoice in the Lord. I never Reflect: I, a prisoner for OCTOBER 7 get tired of telling you these serving the Lord, beg you to things, and I do it to lead a life worthy of your Read: Philippians 1:12-1:18 I want you to know, safeguard your faith calling, for you have been Reflect: (Philippians 3:1). called by God (Ephesians 4:1). my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has hap- Respond: “The first way to Respond: “In the midst of pened to me here has helped guard our joy is to remember such inconsistency, we are to spread the good news that it’s easily lost.” called to be consistent” (Philippians 1:12). Return: Philippians 3:5-3:9 Return: Ephesians 5:1-5:20 Respond: “What appeared to be a disappointment was OCTOBER 11 OCTOBER 4 God’s appointment.” Read: Philippians 3:10-3:15 Read: Ephesians 5:21-5:30 Return: Philippians 1:19-2:6 Reflect: I press on to reach 35 the end of the race and from human thinking and from OCTOBER 20 receive the heavenly prize for the spiritual powers of this which God, through Christ world, rather than from Christ Read: 1 Thessalonians Jesus, is calling us (Colossians 2:8). 1:1-1:5 (Philippians 3:14). Respond: “Spiritual growth Reflect: As we pray to our Respond: “Are you involving comes through consistent God and Father about you, your whole self—heart, soul, nutrition from the Word of we think of your faithful work, mind, body, strength—with an God.” your loving deeds, and the eye on the prize?” Return: Colossians 2:11-2:13 enduring hope you have Philippians 3:16-3:21 because of our Lord Jesus Return: Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:3). OCTOBER 16 Respond: “For Christians, the OCTOBER 12 Read: Colossians 2:14-2:19 anticipation of Jesus’ return Read: Philippians 4:1-4:10 is one of the most powerful He canceled the Reflect: forces for purity.” Reflect: Don’t worry about record of the charges against anything; instead, pray about us and took it away by Return: 1 Thessalonians everything. Tell God what you nailing it to the cross 1:6-2:6 need, and thank Him for all (Colossians 2:14). He has done (Philippians 4:6). Respond: “The cross OCTOBER 21 Respond: “We need to be canceled the debt of the sins anxious for nothing, prayerful Read: 1 Thessalonians for humankind from the past, 2:7-2:11 in everything, and thankful present, and future.” for all things.” Reflect: As apostles of Christ Colossians 2:20-2:23 Return: Philippians 4:11-4:23 Return: we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like OCTOBER 13 OCTOBER 17 children among you. Or we Read: Colossians 1:1-1:18 Read: Colossians 3:1-3:9 were like a mother feeding Reflect: He existed before Reflect: Think about the and caring for her own anything else, and He holds all things of heaven, not the children… And you know that creation together things of earth we treated each of you as a (Colossians 1:17). (Colossians 3:2). father treats his own children Respond: “We can trust Respond: “Earthly concerns (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7, 11). Jesus Christ to hold the should not dominate our Respond: “Ask God to make universe—and our lives— thoughts.” you a balanced blend of truth together continually and Return: Colossians 3:10-3:17 and tenderness.” consistently.” Return: 1 Thessalonians 2:12 Return: Colossians 1:19 OCTOBER 18 OCTOBER 14 Read: Colossians 3:18-3:23 OCTOBER 22 Read: Colossians 1:20-1:29 Reflect: Work willingly at Read: 1 Thessalonians Reflect: Through Him God whatever you do, as though 2:13-2:20 reconciled everything to you were working for the Lord Reflect: We never stop Himself. He made peace with rather than for people thanking God that when you everything in heaven and on (Colossians 3:23). received His message from earth by means of Christ’s Respond: “Christians have a us, you didn’t think of our blood on the cross. This God-directed motivation for words as mere human ideas. includes you who were once working conscientiously and You accepted what we said as far away from God truthfully on the job.” the very word of God—which, (Colossians 1:20-21). Return: Colossians 3:24-4:5 of course, it is. And this word Respond: “Because we are continues to work in you who reconciled to God, we can believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13). clear the broken pathways OCTOBER 19 Respond: “Read God’s Word between ourselves and Read: Colossians 4:6-4:12 as your daily meal, and make others.” it a regular and vigorous Reflect: Let your habit.” Return: Colossians 2:1-2:7 conversation be gracious and 1 Thessalonians attractive so that you will have Return: 3:1-3:13 OCTOBER 15 the right response for Read: Colossians 2:8-2:10 everyone (Colossians 4:6). “Our words OCTOBER 23 Reflect: Don’t let anyone Respond: capture you with empty represent the Lord Jesus Read: 1 Thessalonians philosophies and high- Christ.” 4:1-4:6 sounding nonsense that come Return: Colossians 4:13-4:18 Reflect: God’s will is for you 36 to be holy, so stay away from in charge.” OCTOBER 30 all sexual sin. Then each of Return: 1 Thessalonians Read: 2 Thessalonians you will control his own body 5:19-5:28 and live in holiness and honor 2:13-2:15 (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Reflect: With all these things Respond: “The battle OCTOBER 27 in mind, dear brothers and regarding sex begins in the Read: 2 Thessalonians sisters, stand firm and keep mind.” a strong grip on the teaching 1:1-1:9 we passed on to you both in Return: 1 Thessalonians Reflect: [Those who refuse person and by letter 4:7-4:13 to obey the good news of our (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Lord Jesus] will be punished Respond: “As followers of OCTOBER 24 with eternal destruction, Jesus Christ, we must stay at Read: 1 Thessalonians forever separated from the our posts and not retreat just 4:14-4:17 Lord and from His glorious because some situations are power (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Together with [the difficult.” Reflect: “For the majority Christians who have died], we Respond: 2 Thessalonians of people on the earth, this Return: who are still alive and remain 2:16-2:17 experience will not be a warm on the earth will be caught up feeling as they pass through in the clouds to meet the Lord a tunnel and are embraced OCTOBER 31 in the air. Then we will be with by the light.” Read: 2 Thessalonians the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Return: 2 Thessalonians 1:10 3:1-3:2 Respond: “No matter what Reflect: Dear brothers and has happened to you in the sisters, we ask you to pray for past, remember that your OCTOBER 28 us. Pray that the Lord’s best days are yet to come!” Read: 2 Thessalonians message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it Return: 1 Thessalonians 1:11-1:12 goes, just as when it came to 4:18-5:1 Reflect: We keep on praying you (2 Thessalonians 3:1). for you, asking our God to Respond: “Nine-tenths of the OCTOBER 25 enable you to live a life worthy effectiveness for any ministry of His call. May He give you occurs from prayer.” Read: 1 Thessalonians the power to accomplish all 5:2-5:6 the good things your faith Return: 2 Thessalonians Reflect: You know quite well prompts you to do 3:3-3:5 that the day of the Lord’s (2 Thessalonians 1:11). return will come unexpectedly, Respond: “As you pray today, like a thief in the night. When ask God to accomplish His NOVEMBER 1 people are saying, “Everything will in your life and to enable Read: 2 Thessalonians is peaceful and secure,” then you to fulfill His good inten- 3:6-3:11 disaster will fall on them as tions.” suddenly as a pregnant Reflect: Dear brothers and Return: 2 Thessalonians sisters, we give you this woman’s labor pains begin. 2:1-2:3 And there will be no escape command in the name of our (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle Respond: “The emphasis is lives… refusing to work and on the Lord because when OCTOBER 29 Read: 2 Thessalonians meddling in other people’s the Day of the Lord arrives, business humankind’s day is over.” 2:4-2:7 (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11). Return: 1 Thessalonians Reflect: [The man of Respond: “Today, take a 5:7-5:12 lawlessness] will exalt moment and evaluate your himself and defy everything circle of friends.” that people call god and every OCTOBER 26 act of worship. He will even sit Return: 2 Thessalonians Read: 1 Thessalonians in the temple of God, claiming 3:12-3:15 5:13-5:18 that he himself is God Reflect: Be thankful in all (2 Thessalonians 2:4). NOVEMBER 2 circumstances, for this is Respond: “From the begin- Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 God’s will for you who belong ning of time, the devil has Reflect: May the Lord of to Christ Jesus wanted people to believe peace Himself give you His (1 Thessalonians 5:18). the key lie that humans are peace at all times and in every Respond: “You can divine.” situation. The Lord be with you maintain a grateful spirit as Return: 2 Thessalonians all (2 Thessalonians 3:16). you acknowledge that God is 2:8-2:12 Respond: “Peace is laying

37 your head on your pillow at think less of you because you in chains (2 Timothy 1:16). night in right relationship to are young. Be an example to Respond: “Each of us has God.” all believers in what you say, opportunities to reach out Return: 2 Thessalonians in the way you live, in your and encourage others; we 3:17-3:18 love, your faith, and your just need to be proactive in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). looking for the opportunity NOVEMBER 3 Respond: “In the past and seizing it.” Read: 1 Timothy 1:1-1:5 century, some of the most Return: 2 Timothy 1:17-1:18 Reflect: I am writing to powerful spiritual movements Timothy, my true son in the have been initiated and led NOVEMBER 12 faith. May God the Father and by youth.” Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-2:13 Christ Jesus our Lord give you Return: 1 Timothy 5:1-5:10 Reflect: You have heard me grace, mercy, and peace teach things that have been (1 Timothy 1:2). NOVEMBER 8 confirmed by many reliable Respond: “Faithfulness and Read: 1 Timothy 5:11-5:17 witnesses. Now teach these excellence of character open Reflect: Elders who do their truths to other trustworthy the door to fruitfulness.” work well should be respected people who will be able to Return: 1 Timothy 1:6-1:11 and paid well, especially those pass them on to others who work hard at both (2 Timothy 2:2). NOVEMBER 4 preaching and teaching Respond: “Are you taking in Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-1:15 (1 Timothy 5:17). enough nourishment and “If the church is not giving out to others?” Reflect: This is a trustworthy Respond: faithful in meeting the needs Return: 2 Timothy 2:14-2:26 saying, and everyone should of its minister, then it is a poor accept it: “Christ Jesus came testimony to the unbelievers in NOVEMBER 13 into the world to save the community.” sinners”—and I am the worst Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-3:17 of them all (1 Timothy 1:15). Return: 1 Timothy 6:1-6:6 Reflect: All Scripture is Respond: “Recognizing who inspired by God and is useful you are in the light of who NOVEMBER 9 to teach us what is true and God is always produces a Read: 1 Timothy 6:7-6:11 to make us realize what is humble reaction.” Reflect: We brought nothing wrong in our lives. It corrects Return: 1 Timothy 1:16-1:20 with us when we came into the us when we are wrong and world, and we can’t take teaches us to do what is right NOVEMBER 5 anything with us when we (2 Timothy 3:16). Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-2:5 leave it (1 Timothy 6:7). Respond: “The words of Reflect: There is only one Respond: “Ask God to reveal Scripture are the direct result God and one Mediator who how you can use what you of God’s ‘breathing’ through can reconcile God and have, however little or great men.” humanity—the man Christ the amount, for His glory.” Return: 2 Timothy 4:1-4:6 Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Return: 1 Timothy 6:12- Respond: “As the God-man, 2 Timothy 1:3 NOVEMBER 14 Jesus Christ was the Read: 2 Timothy 4:7-4:11 perfect—and only possible— NOVEMBER 10 Reflect: I have fought the Mediator between a holy God Read: 2 Timothy 1:4-1:5 good fight, I have finished the and sinful mankind.” Reflect: I remember your race, and I have remained Return: 1 Timothy 2:6-2:15 genuine faith, for you share faithful (2 Timothy 4:7). the faith that first filled your Respond: “Are you living NOVEMBER 6 grandmother Lois and your today so you won’t die with Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-3:10 mother, Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). any regrets?” Reflect: This is a trustworthy Respond: “Are you practicing Return: 2 Timothy 4:12-4:22 saying: “If someone aspires ‘trickle-down spirituality’ in to be an elder, he desires an your family?” NOVEMBER 15 honorable position” Return: 2 Timothy 1:6-1:7 Read: Titus 1:1-2:1 (1 Timothy 3:1). Reflect: As for you, Titus, Respond: “The key is to NOVEMBER 11 promote the kind of living that always be open to God’s Read: 2 Timothy 1:8-1:16 reflects wholesome teaching direction in your life.” Reflect: May the Lord show (Titus 2:1). Return: 1 Timothy 3:11-3:16 special kindness to Respond: “With doctrine Onesiphorus and all his family firmly in place, you can build NOVEMBER 7 because he often visited and a solid life to withstand any Read: 1 Timothy 4:1-4:12 encouraged me. He was never storm of doubt, fear, or Reflect: Don’t let anyone ashamed of me because I was hardship.” 38 Return: Titus 2:2-2:15 Christ we can always come obedience to Christ.” boldly into God’s presence.” Return: Hebrews 12:2-13:25 NOVEMBER 16 Return: Hebrews 5:1-5:5 Read: Titus 3:1-3:10 NOVEMBER 25 Reflect: If people are causing NOVEMBER 21 Read: James 1:1-1:16 divisions among you, give a Read: Hebrews 5:6-5:12 Reflect: Temptation comes first and second warning. Reflect: You have been from our own desires, which After that, have nothing more believers so long now that you entice us and drag us away. to do with them (Titus 3:10). ought to be teaching others. These desires give birth to Respond: “The body of Instead, you need someone sinful actions. And when sin is Christ—the church—must be to teach you again the basic allowed to grow, it gives birth protected from those who things about God’s word. You to death (James 1:14-15). would willfully release the are like babies who need milk Respond: “After momentary poison of sin and resentment and cannot eat solid food delight comes spiritual into the congregation.” (Hebrews 5:12). corruption.” Return: Titus 3:11-3:15 Respond: “Sharing spiritual Return: James 1:17-1:21 truth is a mark of Christian NOVEMBER 17 maturity.” NOVEMBER 26 Read: Philemon 1:1-1:18 Return: Hebrews 6:1-8:13 Read: James 1:22-1:27 Don’t just listen to If he has wronged Reflect: Reflect: God’s word. You must do what you in any way or owes you NOVEMBER 22 it says. Otherwise, you are anything, charge it to me Read: Hebrews 9:1-9:12 only fooling yourselves (Philemon 1:18). Reflect: With His own blood— (James 1:22). “Anything we owed not the blood of goats and Respond: “Perhaps the most God was charged to Jesus’ calves—He entered the Most Respond: common occurrence of account; as our substitute, Holy Place once for all time self-deception is when we He paid the debt in full.” and secured our redemption forever (Hebrews 9:12). listen to the Word of God, Return: Philemon 1:19-1:25 Respond: “When you hear nod in agreement, and never these whispers from Satan, put the principles into NOVEMBER 18 remember that it’s the lamb practice.” Read: Hebrews 1:1-1:7 that is inspected, not the one Return: James 2:1-2:13 Reflect: Long ago God spoke who brings the lamb.” many times and in many ways Return: Hebrews 9:13-10:25 NOVEMBER 27 to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these Read: James 2:14-2:20 final days, He has spoken to NOVEMBER 23 Reflect: How foolish! Can’t us through His Son Read: Hebrews 10:26-11:1 you see that faith without good deeds is useless? (Hebrews 1:1-2). Faith is the Reflect: (James 2:20). Respond: “Jesus was God’s confidence that what we final message.” hope for will actually happen; Respond: “Living faith is that which leads to willful Return: Hebrews 1:8-1:14 it gives us assurance about things we cannot see obedience as a lifestyle (Hebrews 11:1). rather than an isolated NOVEMBER 19 event.” Read: Hebrews 2:1-2:9 Respond: “For faith to be worthwhile, it must be both Return: James 2:21-2:26 Reflect: We must listen very sure and unwavering.” carefully to the truth we have NOVEMBER 28 heard, or we may drift away Return: Hebrews 11:2-11:3 Read: James 3:1-3:9 from it (Hebrews 2:1). NOVEMBER 24 Reflect: The tongue is a Respond: “Ask God today to small thing that makes grand begin a revival with your life.” Read: Hebrews 11:4-12:1 speeches. But a tiny spark Return: Hebrews 2:10-2:18 Reflect: Since we are can set a great forest on fire surrounded by such a huge (James 3:5). crowd of witnesses to the life “The tongue has NOVEMBER 20 of faith, let us strip off every Respond: power to do evil—but you can Read: Hebrews 3:1-4:16 weight that slows us down, exert willpower over it.” Reflect: So let us come boldly especially the sin that so to the throne of our gracious easily trips us up. And let us Return: James 3:10-3:18 God. There we will receive His run with endurance the race mercy, and we will find grace God has set before us NOVEMBER 29 to help us when we need it (Hebrews 12:1). Read: James 4:1-4:5 most (Hebrews 4:16). Respond: “We each run our Reflect: What is causing the Respond: “Because of Jesus own race of personal quarrels and fights among

39 you? Don’t they come from the rity and growth are always evil desires at war within you? marked by a strong appetite DECEMBER 8 (James 4:1). for God’s Word.” Read: 2 Peter 2:1-2:22 Respond: “As followers of Return: 1 Peter 2:11-2:25 Reflect: They prove the truth Christ, we should be driven of this proverb: “A dog returns to spread peace throughout DECEMBER 4 to its vomit.” And another the world in the hearts of our says, “A washed pig returns to neighbors.” Read: 1 Peter 3:1-3:15 the mud” (2 Peter 2:22). Reflect: You must worship Return: James 4:6-4:10 Respond: “It is actually better Christ as Lord of your life. And to have never received the NOVEMBER 30 if someone asks about your grace of God than to have Christian hope, always be received it and thrown it away Read: James 4:11-4:13 ready to explain it by returning to the waste and Reflect: Look here, you who (1 Peter 3:15). filth of [our] former lives.” say, “Today or tomorrow we Respond: “All Christians 2 Peter 3:1-3:5 are going to a certain town should know what they Return: and will stay there a year. We believe and why they made DECEMBER 9 will do business there and the choice to follow Christ.” Read: 2 Peter 3:6-3:11 make a profit” (James 4:13). Return: 1 Peter 3:16-3:22 Respond: “When God Reflect: Since everything superintends your schedule, around us is going to be interruptions and diversions DECEMBER 5 destroyed like this, what holy can become exciting Read: 1 Peter 4:1-4:12 and godly lives you should live (2 Peter 3:11). adventures rather than Reflect: Dear friends, don’t annoying distractions.” be surprised at the fiery trials Respond: “Our lives should reflect eternal values Return: James 4:14-5:10 you are going through, as if something strange were because one day we will happening to you leave this world to live forever DECEMBER 1 (1 Peter 4:12). in the next.” Respond: “During such times, Return: 2 Peter 3:12-3:14 Read: James 5:11-5:16 your faith will be tested, but Reflect: The earnest prayer of only a faith that is tested is a DECEMBER 10 a righteous person has great faith that can be trusted.” Read: 2 Peter 3:15-3:18 power and produces 1 Peter 4:13-4:19 wonderful results Return: Reflect: You must grow in the (James 5:16). grace and knowledge of our Respond: “Remember, Jesus DECEMBER 6 Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. said that God knows exactly All glory to Him, both now and Read: 1 Peter 5:1-5:8 (2 Peter 3:18) what we need.” forever! Amen . Reflect: Stay alert! Watch “As we grow in James 5:17-5:20 Respond: Return: out for your great enemy, the our faith, we should become devil. He prowls around like a more gracious toward DECEMBER 2 roaring lion, looking for others.” Read: 1 Peter 1:1-1:10 someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Return: 1 John 1:1-1:5 Reflect: You love [Christ] even though you have never seen Respond: “When it comes to DECEMBER 11 Him. Though you do not see temptation, live with care and Him now, you trust Him; and caution.” Read: 1 John 1:6-1:10 you rejoice with a glorious, Return: 1 Peter 5:9-5:14 Reflect: If we confess our sins inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8). to [God], He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to “Our joy comes as Respond: cleanse us from all wickedness we see our visible lives under DECEMBER 7 (1 John 1:9). the control of the invisible Read: 2 Peter 1:1-1:10 God.” Respond: “Confession comes Reflect: Those who fail to from the repentant heart of Return: 1 Peter 1:11-1:25 develop in this way are someone who acknowledges shortsighted or blind, sin and desires to turn from it.” DECEMBER 3 forgetting that they have been Read: 1 Peter 2:1-2:10 cleansed from their old sins Return: 1 John 2:1-2:7 Reflect: Like newborn babies, (2 Peter 1:9). you must crave pure spiritual Respond: “We must be milk so that you will grow into looking for ways to grow DECEMBER 12 a full experience of salvation. closer to Christ and to Read: 1 John 2:8-2:14 Cry out for this nourishment become stronger in our Reflect: I have written to (1 Peter 2:2). faith.” you who are God’s children Respond: “Spiritual matu- Return: 2 Peter 1:11-1:21 because you know the Father. 40 I have written to you who are away from anything that less thousands of His holy mature in the faith because might take God’s place in your ones” (Jude 1:14). you know Christ, who existed hearts (1 John 5:21). Respond: “Walking with God from the beginning. I have Respond: “Anything we set in means that you prefer God, written to you who are young higher esteem than the Lord pursue God, please God, and in the faith because you are our God is an idol.” proclaim His Word when you strong. God’s word lives in Return: 2 John 1:1-1:5 have the opportunity.” your hearts, and you have won Return: Jude 1:15-1:19 your battle with the evil one DECEMBER 17 (1 John 2:14). Read: 2 John 1:6-1:10 “No matter what DECEMBER 21 Respond: If anyone comes to stage you are in this lifelong Reflect: Read: Jude 1:20-1:24 your meeting and does not growth process, God is Reflect: All glory to God, who teach the truth about Christ, committed to your maturity. is able to keep you from don’t invite that person into Are you?” falling away and will bring you your home or give any kind of 1 John 2:15-20 with great joy into His Return: encouragement (2 John 1:10). glorious presence without a DECEMBER 13 Respond: “Rightly used, the single fault (Jude 1:24). gift of discernment brings Respond: “The secret to Read: 1 John 2:15-20 great benefit to God’s surviving and even thriving is Reflect: Do not love this world people, sparing the body to remain rooted in the soil of nor the things it offers you, for from embarrassment and God’s love and truth.” when you love the world, you error and guiding it toward Return: Jude 1:25-Revelation do not have the love of the obedience.” 1:20 Father in you (1 John 2:15). Return: 2 John 1:11-1:13 Respond: “Be careful not to DECEMBER 22 allow your affections to revert DECEMBER 18 to pointing to false loves.” Read: 3 John 1:3-1:7 Read: Revelation 2:1-2:8 I have this complaint 1 John 3:1-3:2 I could have no Reflect: Return: Reflect: against you. You don’t love Me greater joy than to hear that or each other as you did at DECEMBER 14 my children are following the Read: 1 John 3:3-3:10 truth (3 John 1:4). first! (Revelation 2:4). Respond: “Your Respond: “If our service Reflect: All who have this keeps us from spending time eager expectation will keep encouragement will make your pastor’s day, and it in His presence, or if it makes themselves pure, just as us difficult to live with, some- (1 John 3:3). might come at just the right [Christ] is pure thing is terribly wrong.” “Looking forward time.” Respond: Revelation 2:9-3:22 to that ultimate change Return: 3 John 1:8-1:14 Return: should push us onto our tip- DECEMBER 23 toes and fuel our desire for DECEMBER 19 Read: Revelation 4:1-4:11 Christ’s return.” Read: Jude 1:1-1:4 Return: 1 John 3:11-3:24 Reflect: As I looked, I saw a Reflect: Dear friends, I had door standing open in heaven, been eagerly planning to write and the same voice I had DECEMBER 15 to you about the salvation we heard before spoke to me like Read: 1 John 4:1-4:10 all share. But now I find that a trumpet blast. The voice Reflect: If someone claims I must write about something said, “Come up here, and I will to be a prophet and does not else, urging you to defend the show you what must happen acknowledge the truth about faith that God has entrusted after this” (Revelation 4:1). Jesus, that person is not from once for all time to His holy “Are you living people (Jude 1:3). Respond: God. Such a person has the today in such a way that spirit of the Antichrist, which Respond: “Make sure that when the trumpet blares, you heard is coming into the everything you believe lines you’ll be ready to meet your world and indeed is already up with what God has already Lord at the gate?” here (1 John 4:3). revealed, and defend it!” Return: Revelation 5:1-5:4 Respond: “Any teaching Return: Jude 1:5-1:7 about Jesus Christ that is contrary to the teaching in DECEMBER 24 the Bible should be rejected.” DECEMBER 20 Read: Revelation 5:5-7:17 Return: 1 John 5:1-5:10 Read: Jude 1:8-1:14 Reflect: “Stop weeping! Look, Reflect: Enoch, who lived in the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the seventh generation after the heir to David’s throne, has DECEMBER 16 Adam, prophesied about won the victory…” Then I saw Read: 1 John 5:11-5:21 these people. He said, “Listen! a Lamb that looked as if it had Reflect: Dear children, keep The Lord is coming with count- been slaughtered, but it was

41 now standing between the second death holds no power, NOTES: throne and the four living but they will be priests of God beings and among the and of Christ and will reign twenty-four elders with Him a thousand years (Revelation 5:5-6). (Revelation 20:6). Respond: “How wonderful is Respond: “The millennium is our great Lion who became God’s answer to the phrase a Lamb!” from the Lord’s Prayer, ‘Thy Return: Revelation 8:1-11:19 will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.’” DECEMBER 25 Return: Revelation 20:8-20:15 Read: Revelation 12:1-12:10 Reflect: She gave birth to a DECEMBER 29 son who was to rule all Read: Revelation 21:1-21:15 nations with an iron rod. And Reflect: I saw the holy city, her child was snatched away the new Jerusalem, from the dragon and was coming down from God out of caught up to God and to His heaven like a bride beautifully throne (Revelation 12:5). dressed for her husband Respond: “The baby born in (Revelation 21:2). Bethlehem conquered sin Respond: “Today are you, and death for all who trust in the bride of Christ, living in Him.” preparation for this Return: Revelation 12:11-12:17 wonderfully strange new world?” DECEMBER 26 Return: Revelation 21:16-22:10 Read: Revelation 13:1-14:20 Reflect: All the people who DECEMBER 30 belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones Read: Revelation whose names were not written 22:11-22:21 in the Book of Life before the Reflect: He who is the world was made—the Book faithful witness to all these that belongs to the Lamb who things says, “Yes, I am coming was slaughtered soon!” Amen! Come, Lord (Revelation 13:8). Jesus! (Revelation 22:20). Respond: “The Antichrist will Respond: “Soon we won’t be everything the world says be able to tell others about it wants, while Jesus is every- Christ, to encourage, or to thing the world truly needs.” disciple others. So while we Return: Revelation 15:1-18:24 wait, let’s get busy.” Return: Psalm 23 DECEMBER 27 Read: Revelation 19:1-19:11 DECEMBER 31 Reflect: I saw heaven Read: Psalm 40:3, opened, and a white horse Isaiah 43:19, Ezekiel 36:26, was standing there. Its rider John 13:34, Ephesians 4:24 was named Faithful and True, Reflect: I am about to do for He judges fairly and wages something new (Isaiah 43:19). a righteous war Respond: “The best New (Revelation 19:11). Year’s resolution you can Respond: “This will be the make is to turn your life event to fulfill all our long- completely over to Christ.” ings, the victorious second Return: Genesis 1:1-1:31 coming of Christ.” Return: Revelation 19:12-19:21 DECEMBER 28 Excerpts taken directly from The Daily Read: Revelation 20:1-20:7 God Book: Through the Bible by Skip Reflect: Blessed and holy are Heitzig. Unless otherwise indicated, all those who share in the first Scripture quotations are taken from the resurrection. For them the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. 42 43 CHURCH'D COMICS

by Dominic Sedillo

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