Yehovah's method for empowering His people to accomplish His will
Being filled with the Spirit is not an event peculiar to the book of Acts. In fact, Yehovah has been filling His servants with His Spirit for thousands of years before the Spirit's baptism was poured out in Acts. When we are filled with the Spirit, we are empowered to carry out His will. Yehovah fills His servants for His purpose, and the result of that filling changes depending on His objective.
As we view this subject in the totality of Scripture, we will see the Spirit's annointing and empowerment in the lives of His servants. It is this author's hope that you will see that being filled is not singled out to the granting of spiritual gifts, but is given to His people - for the service of His people. Yehovah may annoint and empower you to be a bold witness in your workplace, to pray over a sick person, to care for the needy, to be a strong leader, or a host of other reasons that He may lead you in.
Written by Dr. Christian Pope | Continue Reading
A series on the original, Hebraic concept of discipleship.
At the outset of this study it is imperative that a distinction is made on how we should understand Scripture. In the discussion of interpretation, one of the most popular verses used is 2 Timothy 2:15,
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We commonly put great emphasis on the words "study" and "rightly dividing".1 However, I propose that we put the emphasis on "to show thyself approved unto God". Our spiritual forefathers did not primarily look at Scripture as a way to simply understand doctrine, prophecy, systematic theology, facts about God, etc., but looked into it as a way to emulate the goodness of God, to please Him. When "rightly divided", the Scriptures enables a behavior in us that honors God, in service to Him and to our fellow man. Any study that does not develop these kindnesses is a fruitless study and is not "rightly dividing".
Written by Dr. Christian Pope | Continue Reading
This flowchart is intended to help explain the different roles that trials and temptations have in our lives. As with all subjects on this site, this chart represents the best understanding this author has of the subject who welcomes constructive feedback. (Click on the image for a larger view.)
Written by Dr. Christian Pope | Continue Reading
How to improve your relationship by fighting
In the Art of Marital Fighting, there are rules you need to follow. As a couple, you both get to play and be referee at the same time. Speaker becomes Player, and Listener becomes Referee - you take turns playing. Each player is limited to a maximum of one minute.
Written by Dr. Christian Pope | Continue Reading
