The Live LIGHT LOOP for Friday, June 21, 2024 celebrates all things Live LIGHT - including the books, and courses, and resources, and community and coaching that can be found on https://livelight.ca/ and https://revtrev.com
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
Live LIGHT Academy has books and courses and resources and community and coaching to help you not conform but be transformed so you can have peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation. What I create always needs to HELP - Honour, Empower, be Life-giving and Pleasing to God Learn more at https://www.livelight.ca/about
How do I self-identify?
I am a wisdom loving, knowledge sharing, God marvelling, life celebrating, kingdom living, soul healing, Lord seeking, gift imparting, Spirit flowing, grace knowing, irenic follower of the Way. I hold you capable and Holy Spirit trustable to finish the good work He's started in you.
What Am I Learning?
Since Holy Spirit is trustable, everything is figureoutable and in His time God makes all things beautiful.
Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered TO having peace at all times and in every situation. https://revtrev.link/bless
Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Reflections and Devotional
Get the Live LIGHT Negativity Fast in Book form today. 47 days of reflections and devotionals to help you take thoughts captive and align with God's will for your life. https://revtrev.link/books
Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart Presale
Move from giving your problems a place of too much influence to having no fear of bad news even when it comes. This teaching is a game-changer if you want to avoid cognitive avoidance, cognitive dissonance and toxic behaviour. Learn why and how you can live with your whole heart today! Sign up for this pre-launch while it's available. https://revtrev.link/heart
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Do you trust God with your whole heart? What does your peace tell you and what does your busyness tell you? Would be like to know even when bad news comes you’d have peace? What would it feel like to trust God with your whole heart? As you trust God, the tool becomes effective.
Read the Notes of Sneak Peek at the CARE and Root Out Shame Tool
How to Root out Shame Tool - CARE
Confess
Confess the sinful ways you have responded to the shame root in your life.
Heavenly Father, I have used busyness to keep me from feeling shame and in response to the shame I feel by (insert activity). In doing this, I have given other people the right to determine my worth. I have not trusted what you say about me. I ask for your forgiveness for this sinful pattern and receive your forgiveness today. Help me to allow Holy Spirit to heal the root of shame in my life.
Ask
Ask the Father to remind you of people who have shamed you. Make the choice to forgive them.
Heavenly Father, I choose to forgive people who have shamed me. Specifically I choose to forgive (name the person) for shaming me by (incident). I release them into your hands and bless them in the name of Jesus.
Reveal
Ask the Father to break the lies you have come to believe about yourself.
Ask the Father, Son or Spirit to take you back to the place in your past where shame took root. You’ll be brought to a memory.
Describe the situation or picture.
Find where Jesus (or the Father, or the Spirit) is in the memory.
Ask Jesus (or the Father, or the Spirit) the lie you learned from the situation (there can be more than shame).
Renounce the lie(s).
Ask Jesus (or the Father, or the Spirit) what the truth is.
Agree with God and declare the truth.
If you have difficulty with this process get someone with Sozo, Theophostic, or Immanuel training to help you.
Engage
Get and give life-giving relationships
It is only through healthy relationships that the wounds of shame can ever be fully healed. You need to get into life-giving relationships that do not shame you into action or inaction. You need to commit to doing the same for others.
Challenge
Get rid of responding to shame in your life so you can you work and rest without feeling busy.
Next Steps
Check out theLive LIGHT Above the Negativity Course
Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered TO having peace at all times and in every situation. Learn to Live LIGHT Above the Negativity with your whole heart. Learn to take thoughts captive, tear down stronghold and demolish arguments set up against the knowledge of Christ.
As you go- how to use the gifts of Holy Spirit in the day-to-day of everyday. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the subtle ways the Holy Spirit equips us. Whether it’s a word of wisdom during a conversation with a friend, an act of kindness to a stranger, or a moment of patience in a stressful situation, these are all manifestations of the Spirit's work within us. We need to remember If you want to operate in the gifts, become aware of Him. Learn this and more in As you go - how to use the gifts of Holy Spirit in the day-to-day of everyday
Read the notes of As you go- how to use the gifts of Holy Spirit in the day-to-day of everyday
I want to start with a story today that many of you witnessed yourself. I’ll share the story a little differently, because Paul did the same when he didn’t want to boast.
Now I’m not boasting with this story, but I don’t know who’s listening to this now or later and I don’t want to not honour someone I should be honouring.
But it’s a good story.
So I’ll tell it like Paul did…in the second person.
The Story
There was a man who was in a church that had experts come in to tell the church how to do church better. By better, it was to do things the way the “experts” thought they should be done. Specifically it was so that evangelism would be done following the experts program.
By the way, this man had been heard saying. “An expert is a former drip under pressure.”
The man had, in the past, bought and read every book he could with the word “Evangelism” in the title, such as:
Books with Evangelism in the Title - some as gifts
Prayer Evangelism,
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God,
Evangelism by Fire,
Power Evangelism,
Honest Evangelism,
Servant Evangelism,
God-Centred Evangelism,
New and Ancient Evangelism,
The Lazy Way of Evangelism,
Conversational Evangelism,
Worship Evangelism,
Evangelism Made Easy,
Evangelism Explosion,
Biblical Evangelism,
Mere Evangelism,
The Celtic Way of Evangelism,
Effective Intercultural Evangelism,
Questioning Evangelism,
Recapturing Evangelism,
Evangelism: A Way of Life,
Evangelism for the Faint Hearted,
Evangelism in the Early Church,
Evangelism: Learning from the Past
Evangelism: For the Care of Souls
Evangelism: Doing Justice and Preaching Grace,
Evangelism through the local church,
The Master’s Way of Evangelism.
You get the idea.
It was a running gag.
Friends would call the man if they found a book with evangelism in the title and if he didn’t have it, they’d often buy it for him.
Guilt never did anybody any good
The man realized almost every book on evangelism—with a few notable exceptions—talked away, ignored or ridiculed the supernatural in the day-to-day-of-everyday. And he realized that Jesus taught his disciples to move in the supernatural so any method that ignored or ridiculed doing that was not something worth the time to listen to. All it could do would be to guilt people into doing evangelism and motivating with guilt never did anybody any good.
Bring Jesus wherever you go
And the man had practical experience in bringing Jesus wherever he went. In coffee shops when he’d meet with people, he had prophetic words that often had people in tears or laughing in tears because they knew God saw them. As the man walked down the street, God would point people out to him and the man—with permission—prayed and commanded healing and some of them were healed and all the people he prayed for knew God really loved them. On occasion in lines at stores the man would start up conversation with someone around him, and he’d give a word of knowledge and the one who he was talking to knew God knew them.
All those things came together…
1. thinking an expert was former drip under pressure, and
2. having the experts teach on a topic he knew a lot of different approaches and programs on, and
3. actively practicing how he knew Jesus taught his disciples to show the kingdom before you proclaim the kingdom, and
3. having the expert push an approach that put all the pressure on the person to feel guilty and ignore the supernatural, and…
…it led to a bit of sarcasm.
What happened on the day
The man was listening to message that he first heard and taught 20 years before. He knew the punchline. He could tell that—while the first time he heard it, and every time he personally used it, it was used to edify others—this expert was going to use make his listeners feel guilty.
Remember - motivating by guilt never did anybody any good.
So when the man heard the set up “What’s the one thing you’re not able to do to serve God in heaven?” The man decided to answer: “Heal the sick? Cleanse the lepers? Cast out demons? Raise the dead? Sounds like how Jesus expects us to do evangelism.”
The expert didn’t appreciate the input.
It didn’t fit his program.
But you see, when Jesus sent his disciples out to the towns of Judah, he told them… In the day-to-day of your everyday. …heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead and proclaim the Kingdom of God is near.
Why can you declare the kingdom of God is near?
Because as you go, you heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead.
You show the kingdom, so you can declare the kingdom is near.
That’s what evangelistic training gets wrong 99% of the time—it’s about the program, not the Kingdom.
The man had found that if he could get people excited about Jesus, they couldn’t stop talking about Jesus. If he could get people into God’s presence, they’d take His presence with them. If he taught them about compassion; they’d move in compassion. If he could show them what wisdom was; they chose to walk in wisdom. Motivating by guilt never did anybody any good.
What the man didn’t have time to say, is what I’m going to give you today as we look at Partnering with Holy Spirit: As you go - Using the Gifts in Daily Life
Can I pray?
Jesus told his disciples when he sent them out to the towns of Judah, As you go…heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 10:8).
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the day-to-day of everyday.
Yes, the gifts of Holy Spirit are given for the common good of the gathered church. We talk about practicing them in the gathered church. They should be operating whenever we gather. They are for the edification, exhortation and comfort of each other (1 Corinthians 14:3).
How many know, it’s wonderful when we don’t leave the gathered church the same way we came?
That’s often because of the work of Holy Spirit through willing participants.
The gifts of Holy Spirit are for US when we’re together.
Because...
We know we’re to test everything and hold to the good (1 Thessalonians 5:21), together is a good place to practice and grow in the gifts.
Everything is for the edification, exhortation and comfort of others (1 Corinthians 14:3), together is a great way to bless each other with the gifts.
Often times we become more aware of His presence together, it’s easier to operate in the gifts because His presence facilitates the gifts
The gifts of Holy Spirit are for US when we’re together. But… I have 3 buts…
You’ve got to be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15-16) People will see your hope, when you more and more naturally operate in the gifts.
Jesus taught “ As you go…heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 10:8)…AND He told his disciples to teach others everything He taught them. (Mathew 28:19) Which includes, as you go - show God’s Kingdom, proclaim His Kingdom.
And His presence is always with you. (Matthew 28:20) Remember… If you want to operate in the gifts, become aware of Him. Worship makes to more aware of His presence.
Problem
Life happens. We got things to do and places to be. We get notifications and emails and texts and video calls ad nauseam. Who’s got time to add more things to an already busy scheduled?
And people are messy. It’s not a predicable environment like we have most times we’re together.
And in the busy-ness of the day-to-day of our everyday - our problems seem bigger than our God.
He is always with us, but are we with Him?
Does this really matter?
Janine“Not that my voice needs to be heard, but it’s that my God needs to be seen.”
This happens when people see something in you that can’t be explained away by your personality or temperament or the way your family raised you.
What about a word of knowledge that shows the person you’re talking to God knows and loves them?
What if they knew they could come to you for wisdom?
What about a prophetic word that speaks life and hope to their situation?
What if they see faith arise in you see you change before their eyes?
What about an instant healing when doctors say it will take time or there is no hope?
What if they saw undeniable miracles in their situation?
What if you would discern spirits and a new reality became open to them?
These gifts are for us as believers. They are for unbelievers so that they can proclaim, “God is really among you!”
We live in a world that doesn’t have time for pretty programs, but they are desperate for real love. Paul makes it clear, the most excellent way to use these gifts is with love.
You may be the only Jesus someone sees today. Wouldn’t you like to show them a glimpse of his love for them?
How Holy Spirit taught me gifts out in public
Often God grabbed my attention when I was out for coffee with someone and all the hairs on my arms and neck would stand up. I’d check to see if a door was open or if I was sitting under an air conditioner, and if not I’d assume God had something great to give. I’d ask God what He loved about them and wait for the opportunity to share it. It was always a God-encounter moment.
After a while, I learned I could look for what God loved about people and share it with them and the profundity would be there just as if I sensed his presence and responded. I asked God why I didn’t get the tingling feeling too much and I felt him respond that He trusted me to do it .
Imagine
Imagine keeping in step with Holy Spirit and feeling the presence of God in the day-to-day of your everyday. Remember what it feels like to feel his presence so close that whether you turn to the right or to the left you’ll know what way you need to go.
You’ve been in that place. You’ve known His presence.
What if you could more and more feel His presence in the day-to-day-of your everyday?
You can. Jesus has a solution. It’s to ABIDE in Christ.
Read John 15:1-17
Read John 15:1-17 NKJV “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.
ABIDE in Christ Tool
A - Always Stay Connected B - Bear Fruit I - Integrate With His Love D - Decide to Obey His Leading E - Enjoy Loving Each Other
Let’s unpack this…
A - Always Stay Connected
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
V. 7 - my words abide in you
The Bible encourages believers to stay connected with God through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), reading the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17), worship (John 4:23-24), fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25), and by living a life that aligns with God's teachings and commandments (James 1:22).
Gratitude opens the gates of worship (Psalm 100:4). Worship leads to a greater awareness of his Presence. (Psalm 22:3) His Presence facilitates His gifts. (2 Kings 3:15).
Did you know that? Elisha called for a harpist so he could prophecy.
The presence of God sets us apart from all the people of the earth (Exodus 33:16). His presence provides counsel and guidance (Psalm 16:8) and brings comfort and protection (Psalm 23:4). Times of refreshing come from the presence of God (Acts 3:19) In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Where two are gathered Christ there (Matthew 18:20). His presence changes everything. If you want to operate in the gifts, become aware of Him.
Gratitude opens the gates of worship (Psalm 100:4). Worship leads to a greater awareness of his Presence. (Psalm 22:3) His Presence facilitates His gifts. (2 Kings 3:15).
Tip: If you’re feeling disconnected, repent and return to the things you did at first with thanksgiving
Am I staying connected?
B - Bear Fruit
"This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:8)
The growth of fruit is more God working in you and Holy Spirit finishing the good work He’s started in you, than it is about you having a checklist or gauging if you have 12% more patience than you had last year.
When you are part of him, and his word is part of you, you can’t help but become more and more and more like him. Holy Spirit grow the love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self control in you. This draws people to you and allows you to use the gifts Holy Spirit has given you to your level of faith, and personality you have. Most people who are terrified at talking to strangers, are really good friends to a small number of people.
If they can see the fruit in you, they’ll be open to gifts through you.
Let your light shine before people so that they’ll see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Tip: Don’t ignore OR downplay the fruit in your life - grow it to show it, but don’t point it out.
What would others say is the fruit I’m growing?
I - Integrate With His Love
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." (John 15:9)
How do you remain in His love? Perfect love comes from God and is shared through you to others. Everything we do needs to be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). Paul prayed “may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3: 18-19).
Do you remain in His love? You are loved. Live loved. Be led by your compassion.
Compassion is something you can tune into or tune off.
Tip..Jesus was moved by compassion…be led by your compassion. Don’t turn off your compassion.
Do I do everything in love?
D - Decide to Obey His Leading
"If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love." (John 15:10)
If we could get this, the world would be changed. If we believed that we live by the spirit, so we should keep in the spirit, our lives would be fun. The problem is most times most of us have seen someone say, “The Holy Spirit told me to do something”, that something never looked like wisdom.
Remember, James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.
That is wisdom and that is how Jesus will lead you.
Tip: Remember to obey His leading is to be led by wisdom.
In my heart, have I set apart Christ as Lord?
E - Enjoy Loving Each Other
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:11-13)
If you want to stay connected to God, you need to stay connected with his people. I’m not suggesting you need to be best friends with everyone, I am agreeing with the proverb that says "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." Proverbs 13:20. There is so much blessing that God has for us as we gather and walk with each other. We miss out when we live like “it’s Jesus and me”.
Tip: If you love the bridegroom you need to learn to love the bride. Learn to love each other.
Am I using my gifts in the church?
ABIDE
Presence of God + Fruit of Holy Spirit + Being led by compassion and wisdom + Walking with others = “these sign will follow those who believe”
The supernatural becomes natural as you ABIDE in Christ.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7
The supernatural becomes natural as you ABIDE in Christ.
When you ABIDE in Christ As you go… in the day-to-day of everyday… heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons and raised the dead. Show the Kingdom, proclaim the Kingdom.
Become aware of his presence, follow his compassion, are led by wisdom use the gifts and others exclaim “God is really among you.” You don’t have to point it out. You do have in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord and always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.
Can you do this?
The same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead is alive in you. He empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith. It’s not you, it’s Christ in you, you ABIDE in Christ with Holy Spirit’s help.
A - Always Stay Connected (15:5) B - Bear Fruit (15:8) I - Integrate With His Love (15:9) D - Decide to Obey His Leading (15:10) E - Enjoy Loving Each Other (15:11-13)
Challenge
Will you ABIDE in Christ?
His presence is always with you. Will you be with Him?
As you go, will you show God’s Kingdom then proclaim His Kingdom?
Can I pray for you?
Next Steps..
Check out the Live LIGHT - Shine Bright course on Live LIGHT Academy.
Move from guilt about not actively sharing your faith to effortlessly sharing Jesus' grace always Do you feel guilty when someone mentions evangelism? You may feel guilty for not doing enough. Maybe you've been taught you need notches in your belt. You might even be angry someone expects you to share your faith.
But what if what Jesus said was true? That you are the salt and you are the light and that you are His witness in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and the ends of the earth. What if living all that out was effortless and natural? Notice I didn't say "easy". Jesus died for us and told us to take up the cross and follow Him. I can't promise easy. I can promise trouble, because Jesus promised that to us as well. But it's effortless and naturally trouble... the kind of trouble that you rejoice in and count all of it as joy. Learn more and sign up https://revtrev.link/bright
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What I’ve Taught on Holy Spirit
Check out my messages and blog posts on Holy Spirit.
We’re in a good place whenever we honestly ask, “Is the Jesus of history the Christ of Faith?” Let’s look at both today. Study the links and decide for yourself. Holy Spirit will help you. He is drawing you here already.
Whenever we reach the point Thomas did when he saw Jesus on the cross but refused to believe He rose again until he saw the nail prints in His hands and the spear wound in His side, we're in a good place. Thomas was saying, “Unless the Jesus of history is the Christ of faith, I won’t believe”. And Jesus met him and showed him His hands and side.
Who was the Jesus of history?
He only did what he saw the Father do (John 6:38) and he only said what he heard the Father speak (John 12:49-50). Jesus was led by compassion (Matthew 14:14). He healed the sick (Mark 1:41) and honoured His mother (John 2:1-11, John 19:25-27) Forgiving Sinners (Luke 7:36-50), Jesus demonstrates compassion by forgiving a sinful woman who anoints his feet with oil, emphasizing mercy and grace over judgment.
Jesus is considered the most remarkable figure in history, central to our civilization. The timeline divides into 'BC' before him and 'AD' after him. He forgave sins, spoke of judging the world, and emphasized the importance of one's response to him in this life. C. S. Lewis argued that based on Jesus' claims, he couldn't be just a great moral teacher but must be either the Son of God, insane, or evil.
Regarding his character, even non-Christians often see Jesus as the epitome of selflessness. Dostoevsky described him as incomparable and perfect, with teachings considered the purest and best ever spoken. C. S. Lewis concluded that Jesus couldn't have been insane or evil, leading him to accept Jesus as God.
The evidence for Jesus' physical resurrection is strong, with over 500 eyewitnesses seeing him after his supposed death. The transformation of the disciples and the rapid growth of the Christian church are attributed to this event. The resurrection is seen as the living truth by many, with Lord Darling highlighting the overwhelming evidence supporting it.
Who is the Christ of Faith?
Jesus' purpose in coming was to sacrifice himself for humanity, described as giving his life as a ransom for many. His death on the cross, one of the cruelest forms of execution, is depicted vividly. Jesus' sacrifice is believed to be an act of love to free humanity from sin, with the word 'ransom' symbolizing his payment to set us free from bondage.
Jesus' death is seen as an act of love, where he bore the sins of humanity out of compassion. This act of sacrifice is described as a ransom paid by his blood on the cross to liberate all who believe in him.
Jesus lived (Flavius Josephus "Antiquities of the Jews," Book 18, Chapter 3, Paragraph 3). And He died (Tacitus "Annals," Book 15, Chapter 44). He rose again ( Pliny the Younger's Epistles, Book 10, Letter 96). His first followers all died because of what they said happen - that they saw the risen Lord. Who dies for a good person? Link to Why do we know Jesus Rose From the Dead
Did Jesus really die and rise again? Paul tells us if He didn’t, our faith is worthless and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:14-17) so it is an important question to settle in our for our faith.
Here are 7 Reasons Why I Know that Jesus Rose From the Dead
1. Eyewitness Accounts
Emphasizing the significance of eyewitness testimonies, various individuals and groups claimed to have seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion. These accounts are documented in the New Testament, with appearances to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and over 500 people at once. See John 20:11-18, Matthew 28:9-10, Luke 24:13-35, John 20:19-23, John 20:24-29, John 21:1-14, Matthew 28:16-20, 1 Corinthians 15:6-7
2. Empty Tomb
The discovery of Jesus' empty tomb is another critical point. The tomb was found empty by women, whose testimonies were not highly regarded at that time. This detail adds credibility to the story, as it would be unlikely to fabricate such information. See Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12 , John 20:1-10
3. Transformation of the Disciples
Initially fearful and in hiding after Jesus' death, his disciples became bold proclaimers of his resurrection after claiming to have seen him alive. This transformation from fear to courage, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom, supports the truth of their claims. See: John 20:19 vs Acts 4:13 and see below.
4. Early Christian Writings
Early Christian creeds and writings referencing the resurrection, some dating back to shortly after Jesus' death, suggest that belief in the resurrection was foundational to early Christian faith. This indicates that the belief was not a later development but an integral part of early Christianity. See: Justin Martyr "Dialogue with Trypho", Chapter 108. Tertullian "On the Resurrection of the Flesh", Chapter 48. Origen commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Book 2, Chapter 24.
5. Historical Impact
The rapid growth of Christianity from a small group to a major religious movement within a few centuries is used to argue for the authenticity of the resurrection. Such a significant impact is believed to be difficult to explain without an extraordinary event like the resurrection. There are reasons that Rome made it possible, but why Christianity and not the cult of Mithras? It had even more advantages in the same time period of Roman history.
6. Disciples Zeal
All (but maybe 1 - who was tortured and persecuted*) died because they told people Jesus rose from the dead.
Peter: Crucified upside down in Rome, around AD 64-68 during the persecution under Emperor Nero.
Andrew: Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece, around AD 60-70.
James, son of Zebedee: Beheaded in Jerusalem around AD 44 by Herod Agrippa I.
John*: Died of natural causes in Ephesus around AD 95-100, although there are some traditions that suggest he was martyred.
Philip: Martyred in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) by hanging or crucifixion around AD 80.
Bartholomew: Flayed alive and then either crucified or beheaded in Armenia or India.
Matthew: Killed by a sword in Ethiopia or Persia.
Thomas: Speared to death in Mylapore, India, around AD 72.
James, son of Alphaeus: Stoned and clubbed to death in Egypt or Jerusalem.
Thaddaeus (Jude): Martyred with arrows in Beirut or Edessa.
Simon the Zealot: Crucified in Persia or Samaria.
Matthias: Stoned and beheaded in Jerusalem.
Who dies for a good person or to sustain a lie? But this makes sense if they saw Jesus after his death.
7. The difference it’s made in my own life.
So far I’ve stuck with historical, researchable topics, but this reason is my most personal. I’ve confessed with my mouth “Jesus the Lord” and believed in my heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9) and I am saved… not only that I know one day I’ll be with Him forever, in a new glorious body and enjoy Him forever, but also from and through the crap that this life can be in the meantime.
Do you have another reason you believe Jesus rose from the dead? Tell me in the comments.
It’s been a long haul. We’ve all had to cope. We had to deal with the reality we’ve been facing. Do we know how to THRIVE? Learn how you can no matter what you're facing today.
The people of Israel were in for the long haul. Jerusalem would be destroyed. They would be taken away into captivity. But God wanted them to be encouraged. His plan was to prosper them and not to harm them. His plan was to give them a hope and future. Isaiah was encouraging them they could trust their maker through the tough stuff.
It’s been a long haul. We’ve all had to cope. We had to deal with the reality we’ve been facing. We know how to hope. Do we know how to THRIVE?
Last time I spoke I reminded you how we can HOPE at all times and in every situation
HOPE at all times and in Every Situation
H - Hold on to testimony - Revelation 12:11 O - Operate in reality - Hebrews 12:7 P - Pour out your heart to God - Philippians 4:6-7 E - Engage your whole heart with hope - Isaiah 40:27-31
But the word that is resonating with me for this year isn’t HOPE, it’s THRIVE. I don’t think it’s going to be all sunshine and rainbows this year. I think it’s a challenge for me to THRIVE in spite of anything that comes my way.
What does it mean to THRIVE?
I believe it means I can have peace and joy AND hope at all times and in every situation. I figured that’s a good definition for THRIVE - peace and joy and hope - it’s all part of the Kingdom. It’s bringing the Kingdom to earth. The Kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Paul starts his letter to the Romans and Peterson transliterates verses 16-17 this way.
Romans 1:16-17 It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.”
Are you ready to really live?
Has it been a while since you felt like you’ve really lived?
Guess what? Your standing with God hasn’t changed. His grace is still sufficient. You might have moved away. You might feel like it’s been a while since you’ve really lived. I want to help your feelings line up with your spiritual reality today.
You and I were made for so much more than to just survive. We were made to thrive.
How does the song go?
Joy unspeakable. Faith unsinkable. Love unstopped. Any thing is possible.
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Do not conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
Today I’m going to share with you the
How to THRIVE Tool
THRIVE
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2 I - Ignite my spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17 V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39 E - Embrace who God says I am - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
T - Tune into Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
How do you do that? The rest of the chapter shows us.
I’ve put it in an acrostic to help you remember - HUMBLE
HUMBLE Yourself Before God and Others
Galatians 5
H - Hope in his promises v.5 (wait patiently to receive) U - Understand faith expresses itself in love v.6 M - Maintain freedom by serving others in love v.13 B - Ban what the sinful nature craves v.16 (Crucify your passions and desires) L - Let the fruit of Spirit grow v.22 (they are going to grow, don’t get in the way) E - Enjoy peace with others v.26 (Follow the Spirit’s leading in every area)
That’s what Paul tells the Galatians it means to keep in step with the Spirit.
How have you been doing with that?
What would Holy Spirit tell you if you ask him if your keeping in step with him?
To THRIVE we need to be HUMBLE
To THRIVE we need to remember to be HUMBLE so we can tune into Holy Spirit.
H - Honest in your reflection
Proverbs 28:18 “The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.”
In order to THRIVE we need to be honest in three ways.
1. Honest with ourselves - admit when we’re struggling 2. Honest with those around us - be vulnerable when we need help 3. Honest with God - practice lament and admit we need his help through
Yes, we praise him in the storm. Yes, we praise him before the battle is won. Yes, we praise him before the answer comes, and when we do that with gratitude it changes our attitude.
Psalm 103:2 Let all I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
But we don’t put on plastic masks and say, “Thank you Jesus” when we feel everything but gratitude. We need to be honest in our reflection. We need to pour out our heart to God. We need to exchange our problems for his peace.
Are you honest in your reflection?
Do you turn from his gaze?
What would Holy Spirit impress on you if you asked him?
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18
R - Rest and to be Renewed
Psalm 127:2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
What is rest?
Isaiah 30:15-16 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’ But the only swiftness you are going to see is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you!
Have you been trusting in horses and trusting in chariots or have you been trusting in the name of the Lord?
Rest is trust.
REST is Trust
R - Relying on God to finish what he started - Philippians 1:6 E - Engaging his Rhythm of praying and obeying - Luke 5:16, John 5:19 S - Stewarding what he’s entrusted to you - 2 Peter 1:3 T - Thanking him for what he’s done and is doing, not worrying about what’s left undone 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It’s not sitting on your hands. It’s not waiting for God to do what he’s already told you in Scripture to do or impressed personally what you need to do.
Are you resting?
Remind yourself of what Jesus has done and promised to do for you.
Testimony and living out the prophecies over your life that allows you to grow in trust or start to trust again.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.”
Rest is our part… Yes Jesus gives us rest, but we need to take up his yoke and learn from him.
Renewal is God’s part.
5 Ways God Renews Me
1) My Strength -
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint
2) My Soul -
Psalm 23:3 He leads me by still water, he restores my soul
3) My Willing Spirit -
Psalmc 51:10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
4) My Mind -
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will
5) My Knowledge of God -
Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Your job is to rest in his love…let him give you his rest.
God’s job is to renew your strength, your soul, your willing spirit, your mind and your knowledge of Him.
Are you resting in His love?
Are you allowing and inviting him to renew you?
What would Holy Spirit say if you took the time to ask him?
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2
I - Ignite my spiritual fervour
Romans 12:9-17NIV Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
How do you ignite your fervour? How do you naturally do all these things? It can’t be a checklist. It can’t be overwhelming.
How do you ignite your spiritual fervour?
Repent and return to God’s presence. In his presence is fullness of joy.
Revelation 2:1-5 ‘To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
How was your faith expressed at the most thriving part of your life?
What are the things you did at first? Were you in the Bible? Were you spending a lot of time in prayer? Were you overwhelmed a love for others? Were you praying in the Spirit?
Faith is the natural response to the revelation of God. We know when we’re not in right relationship with God his revelation can be limited in our lives.
So what do we do?
James 4:7-8 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
Confession and Repentance are the tools God gives us to be in right relationship with him.
Can you look God in the eye?
Can you spend time alone with him in silence?
Do you need to ask Holy Spirit if you’re living offended at God?
What would Holy Spirit impress upon you if you took the time to ask?
When we go through the motions, when our goal is simply to cope, we can easily pull away from God. This is the danger in not meeting together. This is problem of not making space to connect with him. You’re prayer life will tell you if you’ve pulled away from God.
Have you withdrawn from God?
Confess and repent.
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2 I - Ignite my spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17
V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39
When we are in survival mode, we often forget that through the power and blood of Jesus Christ we have ultimate victory. Yes, we may face trials and difficulties, and even though they seem like they last forever, one day, they will be over, and we will have victory.
Romans 8:31-39 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How do you victoriously live?
STAND In Christ’s Victory
S - Stop giving God credit for the works of the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. - John 10:10 T - Treat all hardship as discipline knowing he will work all things together for good. - Hebrews 12:7-11 A - Agree to cast all your cares upon him, because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7 N - Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:11-13 D - Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything and thank him in all things, knowing that’s his will for you. - Philippians 4:6-7
Are you living victoriously?
Are you ready to thrive and not merely survive?
What would Holy Spirit impress upon you if you took the time to ask?
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2 I - Ignite my spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17 V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39 E - Embrace Who God says I am - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
The only opinion that really matters about me is God’s.
I need to take thoughts captive that disagree about what he says about me.
If I want to THRIVE I need to….
Erase shame. Embrace grace.
I need to erase shame.
How do I erase shame?
Believe him that when I confess my sin he is faithful and just to forgive me my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
If I don’t FEEL forgiven, I should consider repenting from the sin of unbelief. He will free me from that.
I should feel guilt from sin.
I should never feel shame for sin I’ve confessed and repented of.
Confession is agreeing with God that it’s sin. Repentance is turning around and doing the exact opposite. He has given me everything I need for life and godliness.
There is no shame in my game.
I also need to embrace grace.
What is grace?
God’s supernatural enabling to do what he tells me to do. He empowers me a accomplish every good work prompted by faith.
Do you embrace who God says you are?
Do you erase shame?
Do you embrace grace?
What would Holy Spirit impress upon you if you took the time to ask?
Conclusion
I don’t believe the year to come will be all rainbow and sunshine. I do believe he wants me to THRIVE and have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2
All creations longs for the children of God to be revealed. Will you choose to THRIVE and not merely survive?
Will you?
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in your reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2 I - Ignite your spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17 V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39 E - Embrace Who God says you are - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Challenge
Will you take time to listen to what Holy Spirit is telling you today? I’m going to give time for you to hear from God. He’ll likely speak directly to your heart. Don’t think you’re not hearing him if it’s not an audible voice. If you have a pen and paper you can write a question and write down his response. If you’re able to quite yourself and sense what He’s saying, do whatever your comfortable with. I’ll pray a prayer inviting Holy Spirit to speak and we’ll play some music quietly to help you hear what he says. We won’t spend a long time, but we will create a moment. His words are life. We need to hear what he’s saying. Take time to connect with him. After a moment, I’ll close us in prayer and there will be a few announcements before we go. But if you’re watching now or watching later…take the time to hear from God, knowing it’s his will for you to THRIVE.
I expect in this moment you will…
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25
Can I be still and know He is God?
H - Honest in your reflection - Proverbs 28:18
What does God think of me?
R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2
Can I rest in His presence?
I - Ignite your spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17
Will I be joyful in hope and patient in affliction?
V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39
Will I choose to thrive and not just survive?
E - Embrace Who God says you are - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What does it look like when I live out of who He says I am?
Let’s give him space right now to do that in our hearts.
The Live LIGHT LOOP for Friday, June 7, 2024 celebrates all things Live LIGHT - including the books, and courses, and resources, and community and coaching that can be found on https://livelight.ca/ and https://revtrev.com
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
Live LIGHT Academy has books and courses and resources and community and coaching to help you not conform but be transformed so you can have peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation. What I create always needs to HELP - Honour, Empower, be Life-giving and Pleasing to God Learn more at https://www.livelight.ca/about
How do I self-identify?
I am a wisdom loving, knowledge sharing, God marvelling, life celebrating, kingdom living, soul healing, Lord seeking, gift imparting, Spirit flowing, grace knowing, irenic follower of the Way. I hold you capable and Holy Spirit trustable to finish the good work He's started in you.
What Am I working on?
Working on connecting topic I’ve focussed on over time on RevTrev.com Check out
Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered TO having peace at all times and in every situation. https://revtrev.link/bless
Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Reflections and Devotional
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Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart Presale
Move from giving your problems a place of too much influence to having no fear of bad news even when it comes. This teaching is a game-changer if you want to avoid cognitive avoidance, cognitive dissonance and toxic behaviour. Learn why and how you can live with your whole heart today! Sign up for this pre-launch while it's available. https://revtrev.link/heart
