The Holy Spirit's Guidance in Business and Life --Abstract and Introduction

ABSTRACT

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S GUIDANCE IN MAX INTERNATIONAL

Rick E. Meyer

Readers: J. Lanier Burns, Charles M. Gibbs

The volume and speed of worldwide information and technology exponentially escalates creating a tsunami effect upon the church, society and business. This phenomenon provides greater opportunity for success, as well as severity of failure. The faster one drives a vehicle on a curvy, obstacle-filled road, the more one relies on quick guidance. The only source of true guidance originates from the triune God.

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, resides in every believer. An error free guidance system’s benefit exists only to the extent of the believers’ ability to listen, discern and respond to His guidance or promptings. Thus, the purpose of this research project.

This project will examine the impact of obedience and disobedience to the Holy Spirit on Max International associates as well as other business leaders. To what extent, if any, do the consequences of disobedience vary dependent upon whether unintentional or intentional? We will also investigate their methods of verifying the non-audible guidance or promptings of the Holy Spirit as opposed to selfish and deceitful non-audible inner voices or promptings.

 Introduction

In May 1935, my grandfather Kenneth stopped his farm equipment on his land along the Republican River one mile south of Bloomington, Nebraska. His head swiveled west in response to the thundering roar. An unforgiving, unstoppable eight-foot wall of water carrying trees, soil, homes, barns and possibly bodies of livestock and people loomed in the distant. He quickly directed his equipment to the high, safe ground. He then rescued another farmer and his horses along the river bottom, assuring their safety and continuation of life. Emily anxiously watched her husband of less than a year, from the house on higher ground.

Reports on the radio warned of these impending flood waters in the Republican River valley in southern Nebraska resulting from heavy rains in eastern Colorado and western Nebraska. Consequently, my grandpa and others prayed and positioned themselves and their families in or near safety with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Some ignored the warnings, they perished.

Grandpa and Grandma Kahrs continued seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance until their physical deaths in 1996 and 2005. The remainder of his life, Grandpa disallowed leaving tractors on the river bottom overnight due to the potential flooding. Kenneth and Emily Kahrs survived grasshopper plagues, dust bowls and the depression as newlyweds in the 1930s, followed by the rationing of farm supplies and groceries during World War Two.

They lived with my great-grand parents who also vigorously prayed for God’s provision and guidance. God provided for them and their six children. My great-grandmother regularly listened to and watched Billy Graham’s crusades from the beginning, praying that one her descendants would enter the ministry. As one of her descendants, I am now completing my studies at Dallas Theological Seminary with a paper ministering to the significance of recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in business. A long-time personal friend of the Graham’s serves as the first reader and grader of this paper. God’s guidance certainly radiates in this circumstantial thread.

The exponentially increasing volume and speed of worldwide information and technology resembles an eight-foot wall of water impending upon the church, society and business. This phenomenon provides greater opportunity for success, as well as severity of failure.

Will we heed warnings and guidance necessary for survival? Or will we ignore the warnings and perish? The faster one drives a vehicle on a curvy, obstacle-filled road, the more one relies on quick guidance.

The only source of guidance originates from the triune God, who the Holy Spirit as the third person of the trinity, resides in every believer (John 14:26; Acts 1:38; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 3:3, 6:2; 2 Tim 1:14). A guidance system’s benefit exists only to the extent of the believers’ ability to listen, discern and respond to His non-audible voice or promptings. Thus, the purpose of this research project.

Steven K. Scott co-founded Max International (Max), The American Telecast Corp., Total Gym Fitness, and numerous other companies. Max International produces and distributes various health products including Cellgevity, which causes an increase of intracellular production of glutathione. Two of the world’s top physicians engineered the glutathione enhancement product that benefits the consumer through reducing inflammation and serving as a powerful antioxidant.

 New York Times best-selling author Steven K. Scott authored seven books including, Mentored by a Millionaire; The Richest Man Who Ever Lived; The Greatest Words Ever Spoken; The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived; and The Jesus Mission.

Mr. Scott includes a Bible study open to all attendees following meetings and conferences with business leaders. His topics include mapping the Holy Spirit’s calling. During a dinner conversation with Mr. Scott in February 2012, he shared that he frequently falls asleep listening to the New Testament on his smart phone.

 My mentor Charles Gibbs, and his mentor Jerry Boggus, are Max businessmen. Both have built numerous successful businesses in relationship marketing and other sectors. These businesses have and do serve as catalysts for leading many to believe in Christ as their Savior. Additionally, current believers deepen their relationships with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In the 1990s, speaker and author Dennis Peacock spoke of the significance of marketplace ministry, taking the church to businessmen and women instead of hoping for them to enter a church’s door. Jesus and the disciples, representing the early church, actively engaged in Marketplace ministry.
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Discerning Character

Discerning Character

• Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44).
• God, the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, is the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17, 15:26, 1 John 4:6).

We can best judge character, including our own, by comparing to the character of the one whom we seek to represent. Does our character resemble the character of God as presented in the Bible?

 

We have all sinned and fallen short (Romans 3:22-23), the key is turning to God through belief in Christ by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and seeking His character.

 

Today's Prayer:

 

Lord God, help each of us seek you, representing your character each and every moment of our lives. Lift up servants in every sector of business and government who believe and trust you, denouncing the father of lies, desiring to serve and represent you in serving your people.

 

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

 

Pray

In the last year at DTS, I have asked Dr. Pentecost, Dr. Toussaint and Chaplain Bill on separate occassions, "What, if anything, would you do differently in your life if given the opportunity?"

Each one separetely answered, "Pray more."

Each of these men's prayer life is considered exceptional by anyone's standards. A powerful lesson and opportunity for increasing prayer for you and me.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve a perpetually growing relationship through the word and prayer in Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve, Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

In regards to Leadership: The Godly avoid choosing or desiring to Lead, rather they passionately seek serving the ONLY Leader, God the Father, Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:
Lord, place your desires on my heart. Cause me to perpetually hunger and thirst for relationship with you in your Word, associating with other believers, worship and continual prayer with you--seeking and extending your guidance, protection and mercy.

Thank you Father, in the name of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Context

How important is context of scripture to proper interpretation and application?

Begin by considering the significance of context in communications with your family--spouse, parents, children, siblings-- friends, co-workers, employees and customers.

For example, suppose an employee's car is in the shop for routine, schedule maintainence during the work day. Then they receive an emergency call saying they need to come to the hospital as soon as possible because a loved one just arrived in critical condition.

Unfortunately, you are in an important meeting that the participants cannot reschedule in the forseeable future, thus unable to drive them to the hospital. Consequently, you look at your employee in need, "Go ahead, take my car."

Does this indicate that anyone, anytime, may take your car? Of course not! Yet many of us errantly quote and interpret scripture with the same errancy.

However, does your telling the employee reveal your generous and concerned character? Yes!

The context suggests that your character leads you to generously assisting employees, and others when needed per the circumstances.

Next time you read and study the Bible, consider the context. Begin with considering the: Audience, Circumstances, Geography, Events before and After this passage.

See Christ, Beleive Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

Weight Loss

The purpose of maintaining our health resides in stewardship of the body that God blessed each of us with. Our bodies serve as tools or implements to serve God. We do not worship or idolize our body, rather take care of it to the best of our ability to enable the energy and health to serve God in serving others.


A top scientist at the University of Michigan designed this Meta Switch Weight Loss System.

My mentor, Charles Gibbs, in Little Rock, AR lost 8 pounds and two inches off of his waist from beginning September 7, 2013 to September 21, 2013 (two weeks).

The Meta Switch Weight Loss System:

• Lowers your metabolism 
• Maintains your heart rate
• Decreases your desire for excessive eating

Meta Switch Weight Loss System Overview

Learn more

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ through optimal health and weight!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

Training

It is impossible for an imperfect person to perfectly train imperfect people.

Perfect training exists only in the minds of those ignoring humankind's depravity.

Conversation

As a child, I was painfully shy. This shyness continued into early adulthood. As a Christian, I eventually recognized that shyness originated from adequate faith and love of Christ. Shyness originates from inward focus and/or concern of what others think.

Today, I love meeting and visiting with people! This includes when traveling. God created each man and woman, regardless of their acknowldging Him in trinity--three persons--Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit--one God.

When we love the Lord with all of our heart, mind and soul; we love others as much as we love ourselves (Mt 22:37-39). Living the greatest commandment neccessitates obeying and living the second greatest commandment of loving other people.

When we love God and love others, we naturally want to converse with others, including discussing our greatest love, God. Moreover, knowing God results in our knowing His provision and sovereinty of and over all.

When I know and love God, I know that all government officials and corporate leaders lead under His power and dominion regardless of their beliefs. They may rebell against Him, however they can never act over Him.

I freely visit with others out of love of God and people. I freely request the Holy Spirit to guide and bless all conversation. I am free of seeking approval or fearing condemnation of any man, including corporate or government officials. Every knee will bow at the name of Jesus (Romans 14:11; Phillipians 2:10).

When we love God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit with all of our heart, mind, and soul; and love others as much as we love ourselves shyness and fear or concern of human officials dissipates.

All great leaders seek first the kingdom of God, and encourage others to do the same. All leaders who prevent or discourage seeking the Lord Jesus Christ will ultimately fail.

Our love of God and recognition of His dominion over all affects our love and view of people. These both affect our desire and willingness to converse with others, including the topics.

Today, let the light of Christ shine in your life, eyes, face, hands and voice. Engage others, including strangers in meaningful conversation.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com
www.max.com/chuch/337072

Glutathione

In July 2011, my ability to focus and concentrate in studying and meetings improved. I began sleeping even deeper than before with increased REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. I previously thought that I slept soundly. 

Even when I consumed extra beverages (non-alcoholic) before bedtime, I slept soundly the entire night. My dreams increased in vibrancy, and remained memorable in the morning. My running consistently improved, and I no longer suffered frequent injuries as I had for the previous several years. 

 

I entered a world-renowned seminary on academic probation in August of 2011. I had been a poor student from kindergarten through the fifth and final year of my undergraduate studies. I previously lacked focus, and desire to apply myself.

 

The two years of graduate school to date, have resulted in my receiving more 'A's than I did from kindergarten to receiving my Bachelor's degree, combined. Previously schools gave 'A's for anything at or above 90%--often times with curves, conversely graduate school requires a 94% (A-) or higher—with no curves.

 

I returned to competitive training in December 2012. I now recover from workouts as I did during my hay days of late twenties. The increased energy enabled me to lose over forty pounds.

My resting heart rate beats at an all-time low of 31 beats per minute (bpm), compared to 36 bpm in my twenties. My allergies affect me less and less each of the past two years.

 

The increased intracellular glutathione levels provide amazing benefits!

 

My Applied Research Project (equivalent of a thesis) for my Masters in Christian Leadership discusses business leaders receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit, including those associated with the company making and distributing this product.

 

My professor who serves as the primary reader of my Applied Research Project, and has an additional Ph.D. in neuroscience, encouraged me to share this company and product with the world.

 

 

At an annual business convention in Salt Lake City in early September, I met Dr. Herbert T. Nagasawa who developed this breakthrough technology, which enhances intracellular glutathione levels by 300% greater than all other known methods.

 

My entire life consists of exercising caution to speak boldly, until acquiring knowledge beyond certainty.

My word, conviction and reputation illuminate my representing Christ, living in His image. He calls us to do the Will of the Father (Mt. 7:21).

 

I BOLDY stake my word and reputation—how I represent Christ—in saying, everyone owes it to themself, their family, business associates and friends to check out the health benefits of glutathione.

Visit www.max.com/337072

 

 

• Do you desire better health?
• Would you like more energy?
• How would live differently if you could recover from workouts or any activity more quickly, perhaps similar to how you did ten to twenty years ago?
• Would enhanced health, quicker recovery and more energy positively influence interactions with your children, grandchildren, family, friends, co-workers and clients?

Increased intracellular glutathione provides increased energy, and enhanced health. Glutathione levels inversely affect the severity over seventy diseases according to the U.S. Government's website PubMed. Increased glutathione levels improve the probability of lessening the diseases.

 

Visit http://www.max.com/337072

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

 

  

Servant Zone

Life's great joys reside in the Servant Zone. Serve whoever God places in your path with skills to enhance their relationship with Christ Jesus.

Thursday night @ Denver International, a mother of three waited to board the plane to Salt Lake City (her kids remained with relatives). Less than two hours before, she receive a phone call revealing her husband, a professional race car driver, severely crashed--that is All that she knew.

She was grateful to receive my prayers and the prescription of scripture. I shared that I could not promise physical results, however God does promise inner-peace beyond human understanding when we know and trust Him. She already knew Him.

Last night, Jenny gleefully introduced me to her husband, Mark, as they deplaned in Denver. He wore a neck brace with no broken bones, yet in much pain.

The Holy Spirit often guides our timing while opening our eyes, ears, hearts and mouth to serve Him in serving His people. All glory belongs to the God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit--one God, three persons, co-equal, co-eternal.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve, Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

The Greatest Love

Excerpt from 2004, 2005 and 2007 Memorial Day Address for the American Legion: The Greatest Love

"The Bible instructs us in John 15:12-13 to love others as Christ loves us; Christ says the Greatest love a person can display is laying down one’s life for friends as Jesus did for us. Jesus says “you are my friend if you do what I command”. 

 

You, the Veterans, answered Christ’s command, as every person who serves in defending our great nation is laying down their life for their Friends, their fellow Americans and mankind around the globe. 

 

My fellow Americans, each of these Veterans has laid down their life for Freedom & Liberation, Freedom for America and all of the Free World.  You have displayed the Greatest Love.

 

Yes, you who were blessed with life after the last shot in the last battle of the war you fought or served in; laid down your life. Did you not give up months and years of your lives to serve?

 

Flint Whitlock in his recent book “The Fighting First”; tells the story of the Big Red One from Omaha Beach, to the hedge rows, Battle of Aachen, the Hurtgen Forest to the Battle of the Bulge, states that 60 years later the surviving veterans still have nightmares from battle.  

 

Perhaps some, if not all of you, still have nightmares from battle.  The fact of memories lingering forever in your mind, whether from 60+ years or less than a month ago; are further evidence of laying down your life for mankind.

Naturally, some have or still do wonder why you survived while others did not. The only answer I have is that each day anyone awakens, regardless of age or state of health, God is saying “I have plans for you - today”.

 

God has led his people into battle and victory, since nearly the beginning of time.  We are in constant pursuit of World Peace, which is World Hope. 

 

The Biblical definition for Peace is not the absence of negative, rather the presence of positive, the presence of HOPE, the presence of Christ--the Prince of Peace. Jesus continues to bring hope despite the continual presence of evil."

 

World, National, State, Community, Family or Individual resides only in the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

 

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

Beauty in the Eye of the Grateful and Joyful

I completely agree with the old adage:
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

In conjunction with this, we may continue:
Beauty is in the gratitude and joy of the beholder.

The eye is the lamp of the body (Mt. 6:22). When our gratitude and joy saturates our body, mind and soul (1 Thes 5:16-18); spiritual discernment separates the proverbial wheat from the chaff.

Chaff free wheat glistens in the light, thus beautiful. Spiritual discernment enables the grateful and joyful to see the Creator in creation, thus beautifully sparkling in His light.

Chaff and evil remain ugly. However, humbly seek the Lord (Mt. 6:33) and His spiritual discernment, thus seeing the Creator's presence in everything representing Him. These things remain beautiful.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Knowledge

The person who knows everything, knows nothing.

Truth is independent of agreement.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

Encouragement

Encouragement is an instrument of divine change. ~ Charles M. Gibbs

 The blessing occurs for both the encourager and encouragee. Sincerely encouraging others generates the endorphin release associated with the runner's high. Keep the Faith!

A few weeks ago, I listened to an old tape of Denis Waitley speaking at a business convention for Fred and Linda Harteis in Pittsburgh, PA. During Denis' presentation on the Pyschology of Winning, he stated that endorphins are 200X more powerful than morphine.

Even if he misspoke, suppose endorphins are only 2X -- 3X more powerful than morphine, that is powerful!

When we walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) we receive promptings to encourage others. Often they appear suddenly, and defy human logic. "Why should I encourage this person? Do they even like me?"

Our motive for encouraging others resides in obedience to God, to benefit those we encourage. Dr. Stan Toussaint points out that Acts 16:9-10 illustrates that true obedience acts immediately. Consequently, upon receiving the prompting to enourage, we must do so as quickly as possible.

This obedience to God, living according to His will (Matthew 7:21), triggers a release of endorphins--at least to myself and others with whom I have discussed this topic--despite the logic defying or outward circumstances of the situation.

Encouragement is lifting-up others, encouragement often serves as a catalyst to greatness.

You are a child of God. Keep the Faith--Trust Him, always!

Encourage others!

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Yoke with “I AM”

Food for Thought:

 

Only when we Yoke with the "I Am," may we declare, "I will."

 

    "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

(Matthew 11:29-30; NASB95)

 

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' " (Exodus 3:14; NASB95)

 

"Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which

have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure';" (Isaiah 46:9–10; NASB95)

 

In yoking with Christ, we submit to His Will, which directly correlates with the Father's Will. We in submitting to the Father's ("I AM") Will, we assuredly declare, "I will" according to the

Father's Will. When we have access to and opportunity for submission to the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-wise God of the universe, why should we desire saying, "I will" to anything but His

will?

 

Perhaps you wonder what must you do to yoke yourself with Christ. First you must receive salvation. How does one receive salvation?

"And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and after he brought them out, he said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They said,

'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.' And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house." (Acts 16:29–32; NASB95)

 

Then ask the Lord to place His desires on your heart. Study the Bible diligently for His truth, rather than man's motive. Desires He places on your heart will always agree with biblical truths.

 

Seeking His will, asking Him to place His desires on my heart (Psalm 37:4-7), opens doors which previously appeared impossible to approach. His desires on my heart led to my entering seminary two years ago. His desires on my heart, led to my reentering competitive running. His desires on my heart led to my speaking to international audiences. His desires on my heart, through the suggestions of professors and fellow students, led to my considering a radio ministry. All of these serve to serve Christ and glorify the triune God in all that I do. This glorifying occurs because of Him and His goodness, mercy, sovereignty and provision.

 

"It is not me, rather Christ who is in me." "I can't, Christ can, We are."

 

How will submission or further submission change your life?

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

Keeping Fit While Traveling

Contributed by Mike Manning

mikemanningmusings.blogspot.com 

Even for a dedicated person with an established fitness routine, it can be difficult to stick to it while on the road. There are several reasons for this including lack of time, being too tired, and lack of facilities. Fortunately, there are many different ways to overcome these and other obstacles. Continuing to exercise while out of town can keep one feeling fit and can help work off some of the extra calories from dining out for three meals a day.

Today most hotels have a fitness center, but many of them have only the minimum equipment like a few treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines and potentially a universal machine. Additionally, the gym is usually in a tiny, low-funded room that does not have the type of equipment needed to continue one's routine. This is where research comes in before booking a hotel. On a recent trip to Maui I was able to book a hotel with a great fitness studio by checking through a travel site beforehand. I looked through all the Maui hotels and was able to find out which ones had the best fitness areas in my budget. I would suggest anyone traveling to do this same type of research in the future.

An alternative to working out in the hotel gym is exercising in the hotel room itself. Many hotels offer a fitness channel on the television. These channels will have several fitness programs cycle throughout the day. All of the routines will be designed to be performed in a smaller space with minimum equipment. Some of the programs will utilize equipment that can be borrowed from the front desk. One can also prepare their own workout routine or use one from the Internet like this one from Shape magazine.

Fitness while on the move is becoming somewhat easier as airports are responding to customers' desire to be more active. Some locations are offering marked walking paths while others meditation rooms for travelers to practice yoga or simply stretch and relax. Many in-terminal restaurants are also beginning to offer healthier options. For passengers travelling through Baltimore, Dallas Fort-Worth or San Francisco will be able to follow well-marked paths through the terminals to complete short half to one-mile routes. Adding this activity during a trip will not only help a person stick to an exercise routine, but will help offset issues that can be caused by air travel like cramped limbs or blood clots.

 

Performance Thermostat

My warm-up and cooldown splits this past week are faster than many of my previous runs--still plenty of room for improvement. I recognized that my performance thermostat became stuck on "complacent plodder" instead of "competitive runner."

Have you recently checked and/or adjusted the setting of your performance thermostat?

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

P.S. I originally discussed "Performance Thermostat" in a Toastmasters speech in or about 2000 AD in Hastings, NE.

The Past

A brief break during the exhaustion of the end of the school year and finals week.

 

My past, like your past, includes heartaches and disappointments. However, reflecting on my past results in my being grateful, joyful and prayerful (1 Thessalonians 5:16-20). Reflection illuminates God's hand in everything, working for the good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

 

Reflection illuminates God's purpose in your life, which includes you being joyful, grateful and prayerful (1 Thessalonians 5:16-20).

 

Yes, life is tough as we endure the challenges. However, God's prosperity results in those who believe the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, receiving internal peace, joy and gratitude beyond human comprehension.

 

Even though I am exhausted now, I know that I will reflect on these challenging days of intense studying at Dallas Theological Seminary with joy and gratitude. Because, time will brightly illuminate God's hand in this time—even more so than now.

 

What challenges are you experiencing? Trust Christ as your Savior, receive the indwelling Holy Spirit and His internal peace. Internal peace exists independent of external circumstances, independent of all the "junk" that may occur in your life. How will you reflect on this challenge in six-months, or twenty-years.

 

I better return to studying!

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

Hope

Course Summary

Eschatology

 

Foreword

"The message of hope in Jesus is so simple, and remains timeless," Amy Grant.
"When the dream is big enough, the facts do not count!"


Dexter Yager shared this wisdom thousands of times while building a multi-billion dollar international business. He and his wife Birdie led—by the power of the Holy Spirit—many to Christ in their Sunday morning worship services held in conjunction with weekend business conferences. Dexter adamantly spoke about, inspired, and led people to develop a "BIG DREAM!!!" In other words, when "Hope" is big enough, the facts do not count. The dream and hope overcome the facts, only to the extent of their truth. Conversely, deceptive promises and false hope yield destructive discouragement.


As Christians, our greatest hope and dream originates with an eternal relationship—eternal life—with God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This dream enables us to overcome the emotional effects from the facts of sickness, death, financial challenges, hunger, cold, hot, floods, droughts, loneliness, and all the other effects of total depravity on us as humans. Biblical eschatology illuminates this hope from Genesis to Revelation; Adam to Noah to Abraham to Melchizedek to Moses to David to Christ in the flesh and his ultimate return and our serving Him. These present God's love, grace, faithfulness, sovereignty and provision. Thus our hope grows on the diamond—non-erodible—base of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.


Hope in Christ and the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit enhances our internally overcoming sin's physical manifestation. Their presence and hope internalizes our spiritual and emotional peace despite the aforementioned effects of depravity. Additionally, the eschatological, eternal, perspective magnanimously shrinks the time and price of any earthly suffering.

Introduction

My immediate and eschatological hope increases proportionately, perhaps exponentially, with increased faith. Faith increases with each hearing and acquisition of greater understanding of God's word. Logically, knowledge of the holy, omniscient, omnipotent, Creator of the Universe and Savior of all who believe should yield increased hope. Our deepest, innermost yearnings—apart from sin—long for God's presence, character and attributes. This course increases my knowledge—thus belief—of God's fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled promises, as well as His sovereignty and provision. Consequently, increasing my hope and optimism increases the enthusiasm with which I am able to convey the message of hope and knowledge to the world. This past weekend I wrote and posted an article, "Holy Spirit in YOU!", prompted while pondering this paper and studying for this course's second exam. This courses' journey from Genesis to Revelation, studying the conditional and unconditional covenants and promises, along with God's men of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Melchizedek, Moses, and David provides amazing perspective in considering this same God indwells all believers in the Trinitarian person of the Holy Spirit. Even though I have long had this knowledge, and some degree of understanding, I became amazingly overwhelmed Friday while studying and pondering the significance of this gift—another layer of my understanding crystalized for greater revelation. As a result, this blog quickly transformed from thoughts to words: Holy Spirit in YOU! This course, and DTS, inspires and enables me to share hope with others, especially in the MarketPlace. I seek to convey the message of hope as emphasized in the course notes and material in an impactful dialogue with businessmen and women. Greater recognition of God's sovereignty and provision increases my cognizance of His working through me to impact men, women, families and business. I am humbled! God willing, I plan to continue this type of applied ministry. Holy Spirit The consideration of the indwelling Holy Spirit leads to the following rhetorical inquisitions: What does this relationship entail on an immediate personal level—how does the Holy Spirit affect my daily thoughts, words and actions? How does having the indwelling Holy Spirit affect my God-confidence, as opposed to self-confidence? What does this provide in my life, moment to moment, in relationships of all natures, work and studying? What does the presence of Holy Spirit enable in my life, how might understanding and acting on this understanding affect families, communities, states, nations, churches, organizations and businesses? How does this affect my immediate, mid-term and long-term perspective? How does the indwelling Holy Spirit affect my Goals? How does this affect my Effort and Performance? Do I have an excuse for submitting anything less than my best effort to Him? How does the presence of the Holy Spirit in me, affect my Attitude? Am I fully, or at least to the best of my ability, submitting to His presence and power? How does His presence, guidance, sovereignty, provision and wisdom affect my hope and the hope of those whom God places in my life's path?

Christ

The message of hope begins with Creation, and the first suggestion of the trinity (Gen 1). Continuing with God creating man in "our" (God's) image. God's sovereignty, while continually evident shines through with Melchizedek whose name, 'king of righteousness' and place of kingship, Salem, 'king of peace' foreshadow Christ.

Semester Blogs

While pondering this course and this paper due at the end of the semester, I wrote several blogs in response to the material, reflecting application to my ministry.
Hope = Joy

"Hope is empty, unless Joy follows. Joy always follows authentic Hope. A person's Joy reflects their placement of Hope." ~ Charles M. Gibbs (My mentor from Little Rock, AR)


Prayer Yields Joy (Joy derives from Spirit filled Hope)
Be joyful
always; pray
continually, give thanks
in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV))

Leader Servant: Encouragement

(Encouragement generates Hope to the encourage and encourager)

"If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best." (Romans 12:8)
"Encouragement is an instrument of divine change." ~ Charles M. Gibbs
Leader Servant: Hope and Joy

As Leader Servants, how do we generate infectious hope and joy in ourselves and organization? Let's examine scripture, the pure word of God. Wisdom originates from God.

    ^"aAnd not only this, but ¹we also ^bexult in our tribulations (afflictions), knowing that tribulation (affliction) brings about ^cperseverance; and ^aperseverance, ^bproven character; and proven character, hope; and hope

^adoes not disappoint, because the love of God has been ^bpoured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

  
 

    "^aConsider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter ^bvarious ¹trials, knowing that ^athe testing of your ^bfaith produces ^1cendurance. And let ^1aendurance have its perfect ²result, so that you may be ^3bperfect and

complete, lacking in nothing."

    "^aRejoice (Be Joyful (NIV)) always; ^apray without ceasing; in everything ^agive thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ^aDo not quench the Spirit; do not despise ^aprophetic ¹utterances. But ^aexamine

everything carefully;
^bhold fast to that which is good; abstain from every ¹form of evil. "

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult

in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:1–2 (NASB95))."

Summary

This course instills greater hope in both the immediate present, the rest of earthly life, and eternal life. My relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit continually deepens as a result of greater knowledge and understanding. Just when I begin errantly thinking that I understand a great deal in my relationship with God, He reveals greater depths of understanding. To be clear, I never thought I knew everything, rather this course helps me understand how little I knew before. The underlying message of God's sovereignty and provision throughout history and eternity magnifies my hope. I have submitted my running to the Lord many times, and achieved success as a result.


Yet, for some reason, I lack this same level of submission in most other areas of my life. I no longer have to doubt whether I am a capable speaker, writer, minister, friend, son, brother or any other area I am asked to serve. Rather, acknowledge that it is not me, rather Christ who is in me, knowing that I can't, He (Christ) can, We (Christ and I) are. Yes, I must exert myself physically, emotionally and spiritually to the best of my ability. However, submission assures that God provides all the sufficiency. This course enabled deeper understanding and relationship provides the God-confidence to speak and provide God-led counsel to international business leaders.


I better understand that I don't have to have all the answers of how I will support myself after completing my degree in December. I better understand that the same God who led and interacted with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Melchizedek, Moses, David, all the apostles and disciples and who will return again for His people, lives in me. Wow—Powerful Hope!!! The God of provision and sovereignty past is the God of provision and sovereignty present, future and eternal.


Furthermore, His unfulfilled promises in the Abrahamic Covenant provide powerful reminders that He remains active and Christ will return—Powerful Hope! This course helps me better understand the realness of God's love and activity in our lives. This continual growth of greater understanding provides excitement and hope in future growth and hope in the Lord. What will I understand this afternoon, tomorrow, next week, next month or next year that I fail to consider or comprehend now? This consideration yields significant hope in my growth, and the ability to serve the Lord in helping others grow.


An additional gain of this course consists in the reminder to allow God, through His Word and Spirit, to mold my views instead of attempting to mold His Word to my preferences in any one moment. This includes the lesson from those who would like to change their minds but refuse to because they are published under an opposing position. This course content magnifies the need to remain humble, saying "As I now understand…" or "To the best of my ability, I view this position this way because—or based on…." Writing this reminds me of one professor stating last semester that he changed his understanding regarding a particular point he stated in a well-known Bible commentary. I hope to continue as a just fraction of this type of life-long student!


This course helps me better understand and comprehend personal hope in God as existing in a foundation of diamonds—non-erodible—for personal growth and relationship. My HOPE overflows.

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Holy Spirit in YOU!

Each of my life's significant failures results from my all-absorbing laser-focus on my power and my absolute dependence on self and fellow man.


Conversely, each of my life's significant achievements result from my all-absorbing laser-focus on the power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in me and my absolute dependence on His power, sovereignty and provision. "It is not me, rather Christ who is in me," "I can't, He (Christ) can, We (Christ and I) are."

I have written several times about applying this while running races and facing tragedies such as my dad's death, the same all-consuming recognition and dependence occurs in every aspect of life. Running on Faith
Power of Light
  

At times, the enemy attempts to fog my awareness and dependence on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit with deceptive phrases such as, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."

Jesus dying, resurrecting, and ascending in conquering death and forgiving the sins of each believer so they may have eternal life, magnanimously epitomizes "If it seems too good to be true," as does the reality of every believer of the Lord Jesus Christ receiving the indwelling Holy Spirit. Yet, both are true for each believer of Christ.


Satan and the demons seek to destroy our believing Christ as our Savior, they seek to fog our heart, mind and soul from recognizing, communicating and acting with the power of the Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Satan and his demons strongly desire for man's (includes both genders) reliance placed upon other people, thus away from God.

No believer in communication with, and dependence on, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit relies upon another man. Rather, he/she relies on God who works through other men and women.


The believer knows that God's sovereignty and provision exceed and prevail humankind's shortcomings and failures, thus the believer remains patient, peaceful, joyful, prayerful and trusting regardless of external circumstances. I have previously written about this internalized peace after being asked to resign because I am, "Too honest."


My friend Jacqueline just posted this on Facebook, I read her post after completing the previous paragraph (printed with permission):

"Car window was smashed and ipad + computer stolen, in broad day light. The police officer and I chatted for 1.5 hours about Christ, life, and not letting bad things distract us from the plans God has for us. Bummer when bad stuff happens. Choosing to respond with joy and faith."

 

"I really enjoy annoying Satan. Evil wants us to be distracted by trials so that we lose focus on doing good. God lets us fight evil with joy and comfort. Trust me, I am upset about the documents and hard work that is lost (it was a work computer)...and for a second, I started to condemn myself for leaving the stuff in the car. But then God reminded me that condemnation is useless, AND, that He has given a lot of really great opportunities for me to focus on accomplishing right now. I'll be more fulfilled using my energy to focus on producing good instead of wallowing in the negative and condemnation. I'm not mad at the thief at all, just a learning experience in aligning my thoughts with God."

"And something cool JUST happened. I have been praying for an opportunity to know my neighbors better. As a result of my broken window sitting in the parking lot, a neighbor JUST came and knocked on my door and I got to cha with her!! I believe even more good is about to result from this!"

Jacqueline's response radiates the presence, power, joy and peace of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in her life!!

Conversely, another friend Sue (not her real name) responded to her misfortune, "To the punk who smashed out my rear windshield...karma will be coming for you."

Sue's response radiates with the power of anger, and revenge of Hinduism and Buddhism (i.e. karma).

How will and do you respond to adversity? How does your relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit affect your attitude, perspective, goals, effort, performance and achievements? 


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Education and Truth

Food for Thought:
This past Sunday, a guest speaker in our Sunday School class, stated that according to the Independent School District 85% of high school graduates in Dallas metroplex lack the educational skills to enter college. Yet, some of the schools are extraordinary.

Considering that God is Truth, in denying God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit, one denies Truth. While I understand that church and school are two separate places, why do schools adamantly deny Truth? Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Love and Truth mandate interrelating.

What value does education possess, that denies the foundation of Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding and Truth?

God created everything! Everything includes everything—chemistry, physics, biology, math, algebra, calculus, differential equations, engineering, languages, grammar, poetry, reading, writing, electricity, etc., etc. He serves as the foundation of all creation, all that exists.

The key to improved education—Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding and Truth—begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This relationship results in loving God, and consequently others and self. This relationship introduces students of all ages to the foundation of Creation, thus the foundation of meaningful education and application.

Conclusion: America does not have an Education problem, rather a Spiritual problem. Yet, the Department of Education denies Truth. Once before speaking at a Public School, the Superintendent—a friend from church—politely warned me to avoid mentioning God in my presentation. That week, he received warnings against the mention of God's name in School.

Many wonderful teachers exist who are in relation with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I applaud their persistence, diligence and love in working with our nation's youth. I pray the Godly teachers will continue teaching, exposing the Light of Christ, who is Truth, to those living in spiritual darkness.

As Christian citizens, let's expose God's Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Love and Truth to the world with the fruit of the Spirit.

    "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22–23, NASB95)

 

In so doing, our education and economy will follow in an upward trend. Because, these leads to actions in response to God's love based on Truth.

 
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Image

A lifelong friend of my mother recently posted on my mom's Facebook wall, "We were watching the local Waco news and they were talking about runners in a race in Dallas, and who should appear on the screen but Rick!! It was a side shot of him, but he looks so much like your Dad, I knew it was him!!"


Due to geographical distance, I have seen Georgette only a few times over the years. Yet, she "knew it was" me because I represented the image of my grandfather, whom she knew well.

God created you and I in His image (Genesis 1:25-26, 5:1, 9:6; 1 Co 11:7; Ro 8:29; Jas 3:9; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10). This includes a portion of God's spiritual, character attributes. (Man certainly makes NO claim of being any god!)

As believers in Christ Jesus—indwelt by the Holy Spirit—let's strive to interact with the world in such a way that when people see only a "side shot" of us, they say, "he/she looks (interacts) so much like Christ, I knew it was him/her!!"?

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Soteriology Doctrinal Statement

God exists in Holy Trinity as Father, Son—the Lord Jesus Christ—and Holy Spirit, co-equal, co-eternal. One God, three persons, as Missio Dei. God created man as Imago Dei. Upon belief in Jesus Christ, man is indwelled by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.


Original sin, beginning with the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, is imputed to all mankind. God responded to Adam and Eve with the first animal sacrifice to cover the effects of sin, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Sin results in man's total depravity, affecting the heart and mind while resulting in spiritual, physical, and eternal death, along with spiritual warfare with Satan.


Man's salvation depends upon Christ's substitutionary, sacrificial death for man; providing redemption, reconciliation, propitiation, and justification by grace with belief in, through and by Jesus Christ at the Cross. Justification results in our sanctification.


The gospel of salvation is the message of God's grace. Grace comes through the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins for those who believe and accept this message for eternal life with God. The relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit results in our producing spiritual fruit, including works pleasing to God. Forgiveness of sins comes only through faith in Christ's death and resurrection, and his substitutionary atonement.


I believe God chooses and leads people of all ages and mental capacities to respond to Him. Man is saved from eternal damnation, the consequence of sin, immediately upon the aforementioned belief in Christ (z). The believer develops maturity while walking in the Spirit.


Believers receive the promised Holy Spirit sent by Christ from the Father and forgiveness of sins from our belief in Christ as Lord who died for our sins. This provides us with spiritual regeneration, resulting in impartation
of eternal life along with the sealing, Baptism, anointing, indwelling and filling of the Spirit.


Conversely, scripture clearly states that unbelievers, those rejecting belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior, will not be saved.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
Health
www.rickEmeyer.com

[1] Mt 1:18-23; 3:16-17; 4:1-4; 10:20-22; 12:15-18, 28, 31-32; 22:41-45; 28:18-20; Mk 1:8-12; 12:35-37; Lk 1:30-35; 1:41-45; 1:67-69; 2:25-30; 3:21-22; 4:1-14, 16-19; 10:21-22; 11:13; 12:8-12; Jn 1:32-34

[1] Acts 20:28; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:5-8; Col 1:15-18; 2:9; Heb 1:2-6; Ti1:3-4; 2:13; 2 Pt 1:1; Jn 1:1-3; 1:18; 8:58; 10:30; 20:28; Mt 28:19

[1] Jn 14:26; Rom 8:26; opera ad extra trinitatis indivisa sunt – ‘the external works of the Trinity are undivided.’ (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology, 43)

[1] Mt 28:19; Acts 5:3-4, 9; 2 Cor 3:17-18

[1] Jn 14:6-11, 26; 15:26; Rom 8:27; 1 Cor 2:10-13; 12:11

[1] “Missio Dei, the Latin phrase literally denotes the ‘mission of God.’ This signifies “God’s own sending; and God sending us.” (Horrell, J. Scott; The Trinity and Mission: The Starting Point of Soteriology, DTS Missions Conference; Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, 1-8)

[1] Image of God: Gn 1:26, 5:1, 9:6; 1 Co 11:7; Ro 8:29; Jas 3:9; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10. “Likeness to God. Man is unique among the creatures in that he is like God and therefore able to have communion and fellowship with God” (Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1017). This likeness includes spiritual attributes of God, while avoiding becoming a god in any context, means or imagination.

[1] Acts 3:14-19; “Spirit of Christ”, Jn 13-16 “Jesus’ farewell discourse”, “For Jesus” the Spirit is a Spirit of sonship and assurance” c.f. Rom 8:15-16 (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology,35-56)

[1] (Horrell, J. Scott; The Trinity and Mission: The Starting Point of Soteriology, DTS Missions Conference; Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, 5-6)

[1] Rom 3:23; This sin is unavoidable to every human, because of Adam and Eve’s Fall in the Garden of Eden. However, this sin is also forgiven with belief in Christ as discussed later in this statement.

[1] Resulting from disobedience or unfaithfulness, followed by pride and ambition, “The defection was infidelitas, a lack of trust in God and His Word” turning man inward to self and away from God. (J. Lanier Burns, ST103 Angelogy, Anthropology, and Hamartiology class notes, DTS Fall 2012)

[1] Gn 3:1-14

[1] Gn 3:21

[1] Our thoughts, words and actions contrasting God’s holy—perfect—character.

[1] “The image of God in mankind has been defaced but not erased (annihilation of man)” The will of the Creator enables the retention of dignity in humanity. (J. Lanier Burns, ST103 Angelogy, Anthropology, and Hamartiology class notes, DTS Fall 2012)

[1] Eph 2:3, 4:18-19; Ti 3:3; Jn 8:34

[1] Eph 4:17-18; 1 Cor 2:14; Rom 8:7; Col 1:21

[1] Eph 2:1-5; Col 2:13; Jn 3:36; 1 Jn 5:11-12

[1] Gn 3:19; Heb 2:14-15

[1] Rv 20:14-15; 2 Thes 1:8-9

[1] 2 Cor 4:3-4; Heb 2:14-15; Eph 2:1-2, 6:10-17; 1 Jn 3:7-10; Jn 8:44; (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “Sin, Fall and Its Effects”, 11-12)

[1] Rom 3:23; “Salvation” appears 111t in 108 verses in the OT (Logos Bible Software 5, NASB95 Bible)

“The OT deals with salvation in a promissory and provisional way.” (The Cross and Salvation; Demarest, Bruce; “Introduction to The Doctrine of Salvation,” P. 25-31)

[1] Gn 22:1-9; Ex 12:12-13, 21-23; Jn 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7; Leviticus 1:2-5; 3:2, 16:1-34; Is 53:3-10; The Greek preposition ““Anti” means “in place of” (Lk 11:11), “instead of” Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 8)

[1] Redemption’s definition, “The act of paying the ransom / price to purchase something.” “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law; he himself paid the price to free sinners from the power, consequences, and condemnation of sin.” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 9); Redemption (Eph. 4:1) “Sin paid for”, (Toussaint, Stanley D.; BE106 Acts and the Epistles, Class Notes, Fall 2012)

[1] Rom 5:10; Mt 5:24; Definition-“To reconcile,” “to make peace; trade enmity with friendship” Eph 1:10; 2:16; Col 1:20-22 (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 11)

[1] 1 Jn 4:10; Rom 3:25; Heb 2:17; Lev 17:11; “Divine Wrath”; Propitiation—God is Satisfied (1 Jn. 2:2)—God can now turn toward man. Man must now turn to God—Reconciliation—Redemption (Eph. 4:1 “Sin paid for”), (Toussaint, Stanley D.; BE106 Acts and the Epistles, Class Notes, Fall 2012)

[1] “To justify; vindicate; treat as just/righteous,” “righteous, just, upright” Lk 18:9-14; Acts 13:38-39; Ro 1:17; 3:19-26, 28; 4:1-5; 5:1,9; 8:29-30; 2 Co 5:21 Gal 2:16 Eph 1:4; Ti 3:4-7 (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 12)

[1] Rom 5:1-8:39; Jn 3:14-21; Acts 16:30-31; Mk 16:16; Eph 2:4; 2 Thes 2:16; Rv 1:5

[1] “make holy, set apart for as sacred to God” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 22); “The method of justification determines the method of sanctification,” Dr. Stanley D. Toussaint.

[1] (The Cross and Salvation; Demarest, Bruce; “Christ Died for Sins Once for All (1 Pt 3:18), The Doctrine of Atonement,” P. 147-199)

[1] Rom. 4:1-17; 11:6; Gal. 3:8-9; Eph. 2:8-9; Grace includes forgiveness, salvation, regeneration, repentance and the love of God: In the OT hesed which often meant “steadfast love” and occasionally “loyalty”, “an attitude of faithfulness”; also ḥēn meaning “favor” specifically undeserved favor—action—from a greater (often divine) authority to a lesser authority (D. R. W. Wood and I. Howard Marshall, New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 433). God’s Riches at Christ Expense: Man possesses, nor may he/she acquire, any merit for salvation away from Christ on the Cross as discussed in this statement and the referenced scripture.

[1] Hos 13:4-14

[1] Acts 1:9

[1] “Sin is any disposition or act contrary to God.” (J. Scott Horrell, Dallas Theological Seminary, ST104A Soteriology, Class Notes, Class definition of sin)

[1] “eternal” root:αιων appears 194t in 162 verses in the NT; “Salvation” appears 111t in 108 verses in the OT (Logos Bible Software 5, NASB95 Bible)

[1] Jn 1:17, 3:36, 6:40, 11:25; Rom 5, 6:23; Is 43:11; Mt 25:46;

[1] Gal 5:22-26

[1] Jas 2:14-26; Heb 11:6

[1] Eph 2:8-9; Acts 15:1-12, 16:29-31; Man fails to earn any salvation through his efforts, spiritual fruit, works, sacraments or circumcision; rather “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…”

[1] Jn 13:18, 15:16, 19

[1] Lk 1:41; Ps 22:9-10, 71:5, 139:16; Is 49:1; Jer 1:5,

[Z] The Bible lacks any reference to the inability to believe based on age or health. Belief occurs spiritually, as opposed to intellectually. Ro 8:26-27 says the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when our own cerebral capacities prove inadequate. Paul, writing by the power of the Holy Spirit, says “we,” thus including himself as a called apostle by the will of God (Ro 1:1); Paul avoids a conditional statement, including the consideration of age or IQ (intelligent quotient). Ro 8:31-39 states nothing separates us from the love of God, surely this includes knowing / believing in Him. “Nothing” must omit the limitations of age and mental health. If not, what other limitations might one include to undermine the meaning of “nothing”? Therefore, God through the interceding of the Holy Spirit provides each person the ability to believe according to God’s will. Additionally, Dallas Theological Seminary Professor Dr. Lanier Burns states that sin makes people crazy. This verifies the lack of cerebral adequacy of all humans, due to original sin.

[1] Rom 6:23

[1] Acts 16:30-31

[1] Jn 3:16-20

[1] 1 Cor 2:6; Eph 4:13; Heb 5:14, 6:1; The Natural Person (2 Cor 2:14, rejects “the things of the Spirit of God”), The Spiritual Man (1 Cor 2) represents the ideal Christian, The Infant Christian (1 Cor 3) Immature Christian—“fleshen, implying weakness”, The Carnal Christian (1 Cor 3:3-4)—poor testimony, willfully denies spiritual growth (Toussaint, Stanley D., TAI Series (Think About It): People Come in Four Sizes)

[1] Is 42:5; Rom 8:4; Gal 5:16, 25;

[1] John 14:26, 20:22; Acts 2:38; ‘spirit’ Heb. rauch; Gk. pneuma – “the expulsion of wind or breath, the idea of air in motion. ‘Spirit’ expresses, ‘the breath of life’, power, energy and life.” ‘Divine Spirit’  -- “the energy of life in God”; filled with the Spirit Jn 2:19-22 (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology, 16-17, 22) Synonyms used: Comforter, Counselor, Helper.

[1] Jn 14:26;

[1] Jn 3:3-7; Ti 3:5-7; 1 Pt 1:3, 23; 1Jn 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4,18

[1] Jn 3:15-16, 36; Eternal, eternity, or permanent appears 94t in the Bible (NASB95) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013)

[1] Eph 1:13-14; 4:30 2 Co 1:22 “down payment”; The sealing and confirmation of loving trust between the Father and the Incarnate Son. (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology,49);Seal or Sealing appears 32t in the NT (NASB95) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013)

[1] 1Co 12:13; Acts 1:5,8; 11:15-17; Baptize or one of its derivatives appears 71t in the NT (NASB95) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013)

[1] 2 Cor 1:21-22; 1 Jn2:20, 27

[1] Jn 14:16-17; Ro 8:9-11, 16; 1Co 6:19; “another Counselor”; We receive the Holy Spirit once.

[1] Lk 1:5; Eph 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 5:3; 6:3,5,8; 9:17; Rom 15:13; A Christian often has many “filling of the Spirit” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 19-22) and (Toussaint, Stanley D.; BE106 Acts and the Epistles, Class Notes, Fall 2012) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013, NASB95)

[1] 1 Ti 5:8; Heb 3:12

[1] Rev 21:8; Jn 3:16-21, 14:6; Acts 16:30-31; Rom 1:18-20; Paul, in Acts, specifically states that belief in Jesus is required for salvation. While the Bible speaks of predestination (Rom 8:29-30; 1 Cor 2:7; Eph 1:5-12), Christians should continually evangelize—spread the good news of Jesus Christ—as instructed in the Great Commission (Mt 28:16-20). Paul provides an excellent example of evangelizing to everyone despite the personal consequences (c.f. Missionary Journeys in Acts)