Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians

The Beginnings of All Things Created
Lesson 7

The LORD GOD's Spirits of Ministry and Miracles,
Power, Persuasion, Promise

People of the world have created an imaginary god that finds them so lovable, so forgivable, so charming, so good, that he will overlook every shortcoming, every sin, as long as they try their hardest to be good. This childlike dream suggest that this imaginary god is completely without thoughts of himself, and his whole purpose of existence is to have the pleasure of loving them. After all, they wrongly think, he's their daddy, and daddies always love their children, even the naughty ones.

There are eight areas that the Spirit of Ministry and Miracles prepares a Christian. These areas of focus allow a Christian to share the divine nature of Christ and the LORD GOD. Before the Christian can receive this ministry, he must first conquer his lust, so he can escape the corruption that is in the world. Once he has overcome his lust, the Spirit of Ministry will prepare a Christian in faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.

The LORD GOD called you towards Him. He chose you over many other people, to come closer to Him through Jesus Christ. He saw something in you that was special to Him. Your goal should be focused on making Him certain that He made the right decision in calling you closer to Him and selecting you to be part of the Kingdom. This is done through your diligent and constant study of the Word of God as He reveals it to you.

Spirit of Ministry and Miracles

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:5 AV)

If there are miracles from the LORD GOD, there will be a ministry from the LORD GOD. Ministry means to fully supply nourishment. To receive nourishment from the LORD GOD, means to be fed completely by Him. When a person is fed the spiritual things of the LORD GOD, he receives a new understanding of the things of the LORD GOD. Therefore....there is always a specific reason for a miracle to occur. The Spirit of Ministry and Miracles performs His actions for specific reason. If we are blessed by a miracle from the LORD GOD, then we are also blessed by the ministry He brings from the LORD GOD.

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15 AV)

To fully understand the deep meaning of 2 Cor 9:6-15, we must first identify the meanings of some of the words. Specifically, the deep meaning for the words "soweth", and "seed" and "reap" will reveal to us the deep word meanings spoken in above Scripture. The deep meanings and concepts of these words have been explained to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Parable of the Sower. As we review this parable, pay attention also to the reason for parables in the first place.

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:3-23 AV)

We will be referring to this Scripture often in our studies. Matthew 13:3-23 highlights the way Jesus Christ expects us to learn. He explains that he uses parables so his people can understand, but the people not belonging to him will not understand. He demands from his people that they look deeply into the words and concepts of the Word of God to find the real meanings spoken in truth with the Word of the LORD GOD. The true and real meanings of the words in the LORD GOD's Word often represent deep concepts. We call these representative words "typology".

We will not be studying Matthew 13:3-23 in depth today, but we are going to borrow some of the typology revealed so we can apply it to our study of 2Cor 9:6-15, and learn more about the Spirit of Ministry and Miracles.

Notice how Jesus gives new meaning to the words "sow", "seed" and "reap".

Now lets apply the revealed typology to 2 Cor 9:6-15:

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15 AV)

Now we're getting to the meat of our study concerning the Spirit of Ministry and Miracles...

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. (Colossians 2:18-19 AV)

Voluntary humbleness is play acting, and a chosen behavior acted by a person to achieve something.

Involuntary humbleness is a condition that exists honestly, which a person experiences as a result of being in obedience to something greater than himself.

Voluntary humbleness is self-focused, involuntary humbleness is not. This Scripture warns Christians to not to be tricked and deprived by dishonest displays of humility.

A man that would do this is self focused, self-centered, and vain. Pay close attention to this Scripture! The worship of angels, and intruding into those things not seen by man should be avoided by a Christian! That is a black and white, easily understood, Scripture passage, and one that every Christian needs to heed in these "New Age" movements that focus on the presence of angels. Later on in your studies, you will learn how Lucifer is using the angel movement to pave his way into a powerful position. Until then, know with certainty that the angel movement is something you want to stay away from.

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:4-11 AV)

The LORD GOD called you towards Him. He chose you over many other people, to come closer to Him through Jesus Christ. He saw something in you that was special to Him. Your goal should be focused on making Him certain that He made the right decision in calling you closer to him and selecting you to be part of the Kingdom. This is done through your diligent and constant study of the Word of God as He reveals it to you.

Spirit of Persuasion

And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak. So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD? And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. (1 Kings 22:14-23 AV)

History - 2 Chronicles 18:1-34 King Ahab wanted to go to battle at Ramothgilead and consulted his prophets as to the outcome of the war before he committed his forces. His prophets told him that he would prosper and be victorious in battle. King Ahab wanted to make certain, so he called for Micaiah, a known and proven prophet of the LORD GOD. Micaiah sarcastically told him to go and prosper, that his people would return in peace (but indicated the King would not be returning). This upset King Ahab, and he pointed out that he knew Micaiah would always prophesize evil against him.

Micaiah then proceeded to tell him the true prophesy from the LORD GOD, and even how his prophets were able to be so wrong with their prophesies. King Ahab chose not to listen to Micaiah, but instead followed after the other prophets. In the end, the King was killed in battle, and all men returned to their countries in peace.

Spirit of Power

Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. (Psalms 106:7-8 AV)

The difference between the Spirit of Might and the Spirit of Power - The Spirit of Might controls the right hand of the LORD GOD. The Spirit of Power goes forth to accomplish the Works of the Spirit of Might. All of their Works are done together.

Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand? (Job 26:14 AV)

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. (Luke 4:13-14 AV)

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: (Romans 1:3-5 AV)

Jesus Christ receives this Spirit of Power as a result of the Spirit of Holiness and his resurrection from the dead. Jesus Christ has the same Spirit of Power inside Him that the LORD GOD has as a result of his resurrection. The Spirit of Power was not one of the original Spirits that rested on Jesus Christ on earth. This Spirit came to him after his resurrection as he assumed his position in heaven at the right hand of the LORD GOD.

Spirit of Promise

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14 AV)

Up to the time of Abraham, mankind was under consideration by the LORD GOD. Abraham is the man chosen by the LORD GOD to establish His Kingdom of God on. Abraham is chosen for the Kingdom of God, and promised land, greatness and blessings by the LORD GOD for him and all his people. The LORD GOD promised Abraham that a blessing to all those that blessed him and his family, and a cursing to all those that cursed him and his family.

This is the same promise that is given to Christians through Jesus Christ.

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:19-22 AV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3-14 AV)

Many Christians believe that once they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, and believe in their salvation through the shedding of Christ's blood, that they receive redemption and the Kingdom of God at that point. This is a misconception.

Christians are sealed by the Spirit of Promise to secure them for the rest of the promise that will come when they enter the Kingdom of Heaven. They do not receive full redemption on earth, but rather, they receive the promise of redemption. This requires a Christian to maintain his faithful belief in Jesus Christ completely as he lives. When the Christian physically dies, and his spirit comes to the Kingdom of Heaven, the seal that was placed on his soul by the Spirit of Promise is examined, and the Christian is given full redemption, (deliverance, salvation) and allowed to enter into the Kingdom.

At a person's baptism in Jesus Christ, death is brought to him. At the moment the baptismal waters cover that person, he dies. At the moment of his death, all sin dies with him. The wages of sin are death, and through baptism, these sins receive death. As the Christian comes out of the baptismal waters, he is resurrected into a new life and the promise of salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of God. This promise is sealed by the Spirit of Promise inside the heart of the believer's soul.

Part of the Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Heaven. When a Christian experiences physical death of the body, his spirit immediately is received by the Kingdom of Heaven, and the seal is examined. This seal denotes that the bearer has been promised redemption through faith in the salvation through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Christian is given redemption at that moment, and allowed to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Kingdom of God. Through this redemption at the gates of Heaven, the Christian enters into Kingdom completely delivered and redeemed from all the sins he did when he was on earth. Thanks be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

WARNING......Some churches, religious doctrines, cults and false prophets believe that the Kingdom of God is established on earth at this very time, and that they are responsible for the maintenance of that Kingdom. They claim they hold the keys, and control their snared people with rituals, powers, and trickery. This belief is false.

To believe the Kingdom of God is present on earth, requires a Christian to reject the Spirit of Promise and claim his rightful inheritance to the Promise of the LORD GOD here on earth. If the Kingdom of God is here now, then there would be no need for a seal to be placed upon a soul in earnest as a promise for the inheritance to come.

Allow things to work in the LORD GOD's Time, in the LORD GOD's Will and in the LORD GOD's Way. Your redemption is guaranteed by the Spirit of Promise, and you will receive your inheritance as a result. Believe. Study. Understand. Don't allow any church, and cult, any doctrine or any practice the ability to open that seal on this earth by exerting their power and control. That seal has been placed on you by the LORD GOD's Spirit of Promise, as the result of your faith in redemption through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The seal should remain intact, until you are given the opportunity to redeem it in heaven as promised.

Cite Article Source

MLA Style Citation:
McFarland, Kathy L. "The LORD GOD's Spirits of Ministry and Miracles, Power, Persuasion, Promise." The Beginnings of All Things Created Jan 2005.   <http://www.guidedbiblestudies.com/002spi7.htm>.

APA Style Citation:
McFarland, Kathy L. (2005, January) "The LORD GOD's Spirits of Ministry and Miracles, Power, Persuasion, Promise." The Beginnings of All Things Created Retrieved   from http://www.guidedbiblestudies.com/002spi7.htm

Chicago Style Citation:
McFarland, Kathy L. (2005) "The LORD GOD's Spirits of Ministry and Miracles, Power, Persuasion, Promise." The Beginnings of All Things Created (January), http://www.guidedbiblestudies.com/002spi7.htm (accessed )

About the Author

Kathy L. McFarland is a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and Author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She is a Religious Studies student of Liberty University, Hebrew language student attending Israeli taught Ulpan and a Homeschool parent teaching the things of God. She is also well-known as a child advocate of innocent children tortured and suffering from the abuse of sexual perversion, out-of-control violence, and pathetic neglect by a carnal world gone mad.

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