How to Discover and Enjoy The Very Presence

How to Discover and Enjoy The Very Presence of God… Right Here on Earth! Gingrichs Mennonite Church

What is Our Part? We must… 1. draw near to God 2. approach Him with a true, sincere heart 3. approach Him in full assurance of faith Responses: “I’ll do it!” “I’ll be transparent!” “I’ll exercise my faith!”

Session four: Spiritual Life Required!

Life in the Spirit: The renewed spiritual nature of mankind

Ephesians 2: 18 For through Him we both have access to the Father.

Ephesians 2: 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Ephesians 2: 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Entering into the presence of God is a spiritual event

Ephesians 2: 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Spiritual life is required to enter the presence of God

Ephesians 2: 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. ? Spiritual life is required to enter the presence of God

What is Our Part? We must… ? 1. draw near to God 2. approach Him with a true, sincere heart 3. approach Him in full assurance of faith Responses: “I’ll do it!” “I’ll be transparent!” “I’ll exercise my faith!”

FYI This message is based on Pauline theology I will be using a literal translation of the Spirit Body Soul Scriptures

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is a kind of life that happens at a spiritual level – a level that regular human beings cannot perceive or understand with their natural abilities. • “Life in the Spirit” is a kind of life that happens in a spiritual realm – a realm that regular human beings are not capable of reaching, entering or seeing. Thank you, Antonio… Big Help!

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is the kind of life that can only be lived by those who have been born of the Spirit – i. e. , those regular human beings who, as a result of a second [new] birth, have the capacity to be and function like spiritual human beings. C’mon…

Life in the Spirit • Regular human beings… • Spiritual human beings…

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is of a spiritual nature “That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ” (John 3: 6 )

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is of a spiritual nature “That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ” (John 3: 6 )

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is of a spiritual nature “That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ” (John 3: 6 )

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is of a spiritual nature “That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ” (John 3: 6 ) It is a matter of birth! You do not improve or revert to the other. These are two different kinds of life!

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is of a spiritual nature Flesh God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. ” flesh (John 4: 24 )

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is of a spiritual nature Soul God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. ” soul (John 4: 24 )

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is of a spiritual nature God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. ” (John 4: 24 )

Life in the Spirit • “Life in the Spirit” is of a spiritual nature God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. ” (John 4: 24 Jesus is not comparing “apples to oranges” but…“apples to apples. ” )

Life in the Spirit • Regular human beings… • Spiritual human beings… • Flesh… Soul… Spirit…

God’s original creation

God’s original creation Body Soul

God’s original creation Body Soul

God’s original creation Rule of the game: All based on trust and obedience. It was indeed very good! (Genesis 1: 31) God led–they followed! Spirit Body Soul There was no other way!

God’s original creation Sadly, this was about to change. Satan used his power of persuasion to deceive humanity. Spirit Body Soul

God’s original creation “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’? ” Spirit Body Soul

God’s original creation Spirit Body Soul “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. ” (Genesis 3: 4 -5)

God’s original creation “So when the woman saw… she took of its fruit and ate… and he ate… Spirit Body Soul Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew… (Genesis 3: 6 -7)

Fallen humanity A deadened spirit Spirit Body Soul

A regular human being Spirit Body Soul

Why is this so important? What a difference does it make?

The Nature of Man Spirit Body Soul

The Nature of Man Spirit Body Soul

The Nature of Man Fallen creatures are self-centered: Spirit Body Soul • They consistently think about themselves first. • They want to be like God. • They think they are superior creatures!

The Nature of Man What the fallen creature needs to believe… Spirit Body Soul = Spirit

The Nature of Man • In this bipartite view —i. e. , just two parts, body and soul—the thinking about the soul goes something like this: Spirit Body Soul

The Nature of Man Brains • The soul is what makes us different from animals: animals Creativity Complex reasoning, emotions and feelings; volition; conscience; creativity; etc. • The soul is, therefore, the spiritual portion of humankind! Spirit Body Emotions Soul Determination

The Nature of Man • The soul is what makes us different from animals: animals Complex reasoning, emotions and feelings; volition; conscience; creativity; etc. Conclusion: • The soul is, therefore, the spiritual portion of humankind! Spirit Body Soul

The Nature of Man • The soul is what makes us different from animals: Complex reasoning, emotions and feelings; volition, conscience; creativity; etc. Conclusion: • The soul is, therefore, the spiritual portion of humankind! Spirit Body Soul = Spirit

The Nature of Man • But this is a way of thinking that came from pre-Christian thinkers— those who had no idea of the spiritual dynamics that would be made available by Jesus after His resurrection Spirit Body Soul = Spirit

The Nature of Man • What makes us different from animals applies to all human beings whether Christ is part of the equation or not! Spirit Body Soul = Spirit

The Nature of Man Spirit Body Soul = Spirit

The Nature of Man Spirit Body Soul

The Regular Human Being 1 Corinthians 2: 14 -15: But the natural man does not receive things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 14

The Regular Human Being 1 Corinthians 2: 14 -15: But the soulish man does not receive things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 14

The Regular Human Being 1 Corinthians 2: 14 -15: But he who is spiritual judges [discerns] all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 15 Soulish Man ≠ Spiritual Man

The Regular Human Being 1 Corinthians 2: 14 -15: But he who is spiritual judges [discerns] all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 15 Soulish Man ≠ Spiritual Man

Conclusion • Spiritual life is a higher state of being than soulish or natural life

A regular human being Spirit Body Soul

A regular human being • A fallen, selfish creature • Spiritually dead because of sin • Alienated from the life of God • Hopeless and without God in this world • Led by his natural abilities Mind Emotions Will } They are Spirit Body Soul amazing abilities!

A regular human being Brains • A fallen, selfish creature • Spiritually dead because of sin • Alienated from the life of God • Hopeless and without God in this world • Led by his natural abilities Creativity Emotions Spirit Body Soul Determination

A regular human being • A fallen, selfish creature • Spiritually dead because of sin • Alienated from the life of God • Hopeless and without God in this world • Led by his natural abilities Mind Emotions Will } They are Spirit Body Soul perverted, distorted They are an aberration!

A regular human being Key words: • A fallen, selfish creature • Spiritually dead because of sin • Alienated from the life of God • Hopeless and without God in this world • Led by his natural abilities Mind Understand Emotions Will Feel good Control They are considered Spirit Body Soul prerequisites for action

A regular human being Humans want to be like God! • A fallen, selfish creature • Spiritually dead because of sin • Alienated from the life of God • Hopeless and without God in this world • Led by his natural abilities Mind Emotions Will Spirit Body Soul Understand Feel good Control

A Natural Man • A fallen, selfish creature • Spiritually dead because of sin • Alienated from the life of God • Hopeless and without God in this world • Led by his natural abilities Mind Emotions Will Spirit Body Soul Understand Feel good Control

A Natural Man • A fallen, selfish creature • Spiritually dead because of sin • Alienated from the life of God • Hopeless and without God in this world • Led by his natural abilities Mind Emotions Will Spirit Body Soul Understand Feel good Control

A Soulish Man • A fallen, selfish creature • Spiritually dead because of sin • Alienated from the life of God • Hopeless and without God in this world • Led by his natural abilities Mind Emotions Will Spirit Body Soul Understand Feel good Control

1 Corinthians 2: 13 -15: 14 But the soulish man does not receive things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges [discerns] all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

On Being Spiritual How to become Spiritual

On Being Spiritual How to become Spiritual

On Being Spiritual How to become Spiritual Human

On Being Spiritual How to become Spiritual Human

On Being Spiritual How to become Spiritual

On Being Human How to become Human

On Being Human How to become Human

On Being Human How to become Human Animal

On Being Human How to become Human Animal

Two Realms

Two Realms Animal Realm

Two Realms Human Realm Animal Realm

Two Realms Animal birth

Two Realms Animal birth

Two Realms Dog Life Animal birth

Two Realms Dog Life Animal birth

Two Realms Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth

Two Realms Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth

Two Realms Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth

Two Realms Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth

STOP Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth Animal realm STOP Human realm Two Realms

No “dogs” beyond this point! Animal realm STOP Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth Human realm STOP Animal realm Human realm Two Realms

No “dogs” beyond this point! Animal realm STOP Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth Human realm Reserved for Human Beings STOP Animal realm Human realm Two Realms

No “dogs” beyond this point! Animal realm STOP Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth Human realm Reserved for Human Beings STOP Animal realm Human realm Two Realms

No “dogs” beyond this point! Animal realm STOP Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth Human realm ? Reserved for Human Beings STOP Animal realm Human realm Two Realms

Creativity Laughter No “dogs” beyond this point! STOP Animal realm Reserved for Human Beings Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth Human realm Reasoning STOP Animal realm Human realm Two Realms

Creativity Laughter No “dogs” beyond this point! STOP Animal realm Reserved for Human Beings Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth Human realm Reasoning STOP Animal realm Human realm Two Realms

Creativity Laughter No “dogs” beyond this point! STOP Animal realm Reserved for Human Beings Eating… Sleeping… Playing… Dog Life Eating… Animal birth Human realm Reasoning STOP Animal realm Human realm Two Realms

The Solution?

The Solution? The dog should have to be born again… as a human!

On Being Human How to become Human

On Being Spiritual How to become Spiritual

On Being Spiritual How to become Spiritual Human

On Being Spiritual How to become Spiritual Human

Two Realms

Two Realms Natural Realm

Two Realms Spiritual Realm Natural Realm

Natural birth

Natural birth

Soul Life Natural birth

Reasoning Creativity Soul Life Laughter Natural birth

Spiritual realm Reasoning Creativity Soul Life Laughter Natural birth Natural realm Spiritual realm STOP Natural realm STOP

Natural realm Spiritual realm Reasoning Creativity Soul Life Laughter Natural birth STOP Natural realm Spiritual realm No “humans” beyond this point! STOP

No “humans” beyond this point! Natural realm STOP Reasoning Creativity Soul Life Laughter Natural birth Spiritual realm STOP Natural realm Spiritual realm Reserved for Spiritual Beings

No “humans” beyond this point! Natural realm STOP Reasoning Creativity Soul Life Laughter Natural birth Spiritual realm STOP Natural realm Spiritual realm Reserved for Spiritual Beings

No “humans” beyond this point! Natural realm STOP Reasoning Creativity Soul Life Laughter Natural birth Spiritual realm STOP Natural realm Spiritual realm ? Reserved for Spiritual Beings

1 Corinthians 2: 13 -15: 14 But the soulish man does not receive things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges [discerns] all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

So that’s it? Are we forever trapped in this soulish condition? God forbid! But there is something we must understand…

The Solution?

The Solution? We must be born again!

The Solution? I truly, truly mean, we must be born again!

You Must Be Born Again John 3: 1 -9 1 2 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him. ”

You Must Be Born Again John 3: 1 -9 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly [AMEN, AMEN], I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ”

You Must Be Born Again John 3: 1 -9 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly [AMEN, AMEN], I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ”

You Must Be Born Again John 3: 1 -9 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born? ”

You Must Be Born Again John 3: 1 -9 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly [AMEN, AMEN], I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ”

You Must Be Born Again John 3: 1 -9 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

You Must Be Born Again John 3: 1 -9 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, “You must be born again. ”

2 Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

John 1: 12 -13 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 1: 12 -13 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 1: 12 -13 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

A Natural human being Spirit Body Soul

The miracle of a new birth It is indeed very good! Spirit Body Soul

How does this work?

Ezekiel 36: 26 -27 26 27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Ezekiel 36: 26 -27 26 27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Ezekiel 36: 26 -27 26 27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

This new reality works like this… The old man

God gets rid of the old one…

Gal 2: 20: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live,

God gets rid of the old one…

God gets rid of the old one… The new man …and then He recreates us!

2 Corinthians 5: 17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. The new man …and then He recreates us!

He recreates us… Christ …and Christ starts living in us

Gal 2: 20: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me Christ …and Christ starts living in us

On top of all that… …He gives us the Holy Spirit!

The miracle of a new birth Key words: • A BRAND NEW creature! • Spiritually alive! • Joined forever to the presence and the life of God! • Full of hope and with God in this world • Led by his spiritual abilities Intuition Know Faith Trust H. S. leading Obey They are considered Spirit Body Soul prerequisites for action

The miracle of a new birth Key words: • A BRAND NEW creature! • Spiritually alive! • Joined forever to the presence and the life of God! • Full of hope and with God in this world • Led by his spiritual abilities Spirit Body Soul Intuition Know Faith Trust H. S. leading Obey “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. ” John H. Sammis

God’s original creation Rule of the game: All based on trust and obedience. God leads–We follow! Spirit Body Soul “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. ” John H. Sammis

The miracle of a new birth • A BRAND NEW creature! • Spiritually alive! • Joined forever to the presence and the life of God! • Full of hope and with God in this world • Led by his spiritual abilities Spirit Body Soul Intuition Know Faith Trust H. S. leading Obey

A spiritual man • A BRAND NEW creature! • Spiritually alive! • Joined forever to the presence and the life of God! • Full of hope and with God in this world • Led by his spiritual abilities Spirit Body Soul Intuition Know Faith Trust H. S. leading Obey

An invitation…

Ephesians 4: 17 -24

Ephesians 4: 17 -24 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God… 17

Ephesians 4: 17 -24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 22

Ephesians 4: 17 -24 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

The invitation for today • Stop living like the rest of the Gentiles • Put off the old man • Put on the new man

Galatians 5: 25: If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5: 25: If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5: 25: If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

What is Our Part? We must… 1. draw near to God 2. approach Him with a true, sincere heart 3. approach Him in full assurance of faith Responses: “I’ll do it!” “I’ll be transparent!” “I’ll exercise my faith!”

How to Discover and Enjoy The Very Presence of God… Right Here on Earth! Gingrichs Mennonite Church