I find it absolutely shameful that so many Christians are attacking Chip and Joanna Gains because they featured a gay married couple with two children on their program. I can’t help but wonder how many of these same Christians voted to put a sexual predator and con man in the White House.

To be clear, I am not bothered that Christian people have convictions that marriage should be between one man and one woman. I commend them for this, but what I am bothered with is the rush to judgment and the lack of wisdom that so many are displaying.

Rather than exercising patience, too many rush to judgment before they consider, thoughtfully, the matter. Others seize the opportunity to create Christian video content and stir the pot to get people riled up. Well, that may be good for clicks, but not for demonstrating spiritual virtue.

Rather than taking a step back and prayerfully listening to have an understanding as to why the Gains made this decision, people just have knee jerk reactions and air their grievances. This is not how we are instructed in the New Testament to react to such matters.

One comment I read said, “speaking the truth is love.” That is true, but the wise seek to speak the truth the right way and in the right timing, because love is patient, and love is kind (1 Co 13).

The scriptures instructs us to forbear one another in love ~ Ephesians 4:2, 

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ~ Colossians 3:13

What makes the public backlash from culture war Christians so awful is that there are two boys involved, and regardless if we are opposed to gay married couples having children, airing those grievances is a display of a total lack of wisdom.

Imagine being 10 years old and seeing the people who were kind to you and your parents being raked over the coals. Would you want any part of their faith when you were older? Probably not.

It does not matter if we are opposed to gay marriage and do not believe that children should have same sex parents, we’re here! Let me say that again: We are here! And we need wisdom as to how to navigate our witness for Christ in an upside down world. We have to do a better job navigating in these situations. Culture war Christianity lacks wisdom, because culture wars turn those who should be the church’s harvest, into our enemies.

In the past couple of months or so, a gay couple with three children moved into the house next door to where I live. Rather than acting self righteous, I have been kind to them, and they have responded to my kindness in positive ways. They too have been very kind to me, actually kinder than some Christians. Does this mean I condone same sex marriage? Not at all! What I do not condone is hate in the name of speaking the truth.

We need patience with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and we need wisdom in dealing with the complex issues that face us such as gay marriages with children, and we need faith in Christ in us. That is why I am not threatened that my new neighbors are a gay married couple. I have faith in Christ in me and I trust the Spirit of the Lord to guide me regarding how to love my neighbor as myself without compromising my convictions.

I’d rather my gay married neighbors think of me as a kind and patient man who cares about them as people than to think of me as a religious homophobic and self righteous bigot. At some point they may need prayer, and I want my light (Christ in me) to shine so that if and when that day comes, I will be ready.

We have to do better and we have to stop with the culture wars and start becoming fishers of men. They are not our enemies, they are our harvest. Let’s grow up and act like Christians and truly care about real people Jesus died for.

Psalm 2 is the first of the Messianic Psalms, and is referenced multiple times in the New Testament in relation to the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus ( Acts 4:25-26; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5). Echoes of it can also be found all throughout the New Testament and especially the book of the Revelation.

Psalm 2 speaks strongly to the truth that God’s appointed One, the Messiah, is the rightful King and the rulers of the world are not.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying… ~ v. 1-2

This is quoted in Acts 4 when the believers lifted their voices to God because of persecution against the apostles, Peter and John.

And being let go, they (Peter and John) went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. ~ Acts 4:23-28

The spirit of this world, and those who are ruled by it are in opposition to the Lord God, and his anointed One, the Messiah. This is why prayer is so important. Prayer petitions the true King to intervene with righteousness and true justice. After the believers in Acts 4 lifted their voices to God in prayer, we read that God answered their prayer with his power.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. ~ v. 29-31

God overturned the unjust verdict of the rules of this world who condemned his Son to death when he raised him from the dead and exalted him at his own right hand. The resurrection of Jesus is not an afterthought to the cross, it is the declaration that Jesus is the Son of God, the rightful heir of God’s glory, and God’s appointed King!

I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. ~ Psalm 2:6-7

… when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? ~ Hebrews 1:3b-5

Jesus is the King of glory, enthroned on God’s Holy Hill in Heavenly Zion. The scepter of His Kingdom is a scepter of righteousness (Hebrews 1:8), and by his righteous standard God judges the rulers of this world.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. ~ Psalm 2:10-12 

Sometimes it can be difficult to keep our focus on the Lord of glory when we see so much evil and injustice in our world, but know that God has set his King on his holy hill, and we have an audience with him.

Blessings…

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. ~ Philippians 3:17-18 ESV

These words of Paul come on the heels of his intense declaration of loyalty to Christ, urging the Philippians to follow his example to count all things as loss for the sake of Christ.

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. ~ v. 8-11 ESV

Notice that Paul longed to share in the sufferings of Christ, but what does that really mean? How can we share in the sufferings of Christ? Consider Paul’s statement regarding his own suffering.

For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him.

Herein is the secret to the abundant life that Jesus spoke of in the gospel of John. Abundant life is not found in a self serving gospel. Abundant life is found in knowing Jesus, and truly knowing him comes when you are willing to suffer loss for him, or as Paul says, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ.

The power of the cross as understood by Paul wasn’t only about what Christ had done for us, but also what Christ is able to do within us by His Spirit and power. Thus he refers to those who are enemies of the cross saying, Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. ~ 3: 10

Many Western Christians have embraced an enemy of the cross message as their Christian leaders feed their understanding with desires that set their mind on earthly things, such as riches and prosperity. They speak of destiny, and how God wants to bless them with worldly possessions, while they know nothing about the call to suffer with Christ.

Their understanding of the will of God is carnal and they do not comprehend that God’s will for them is victory over the sin that persistently keeps them from conforming to the likeness of Christ. They know nothing about suffering with Christ by laying down their lives ( their selfish ambitions,) thus their declarations about God are self centered and leave their soul thirsty, empty, and void of finding the true God.

Yet for the one who seeks to know God intimately, there is a place for you in the fellowship of the cross, in fellowship with Christ’s sufferings that will bring you intimately close to God and Christ in the power of the Spirit of God.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. ~ 1 Peter 4:1-2 KJV

We can arm ourselves in our thinking and bring our thinking in alignment with the power of Christ. Many of us struggle with various thoughts that rush to the forefront of our minds to condemn us, to entangle us in fear, and overwhelm us, but there is hope! We can arm ourselves against such thinking through the power of the cross.

When Christ went to the cross he surrendered himself completely to the Father and gave himself for us. This not only provided atonement for our salvation, but set the example for how we ought to walk as servants of Christ.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps… ~ 1Peter 2:21|

Even as Christ surrendered himself to the will of God for us, we are called to surrender ourselves to the will of God so that the cross may have its work in us by the Spirit.

In Philippians, Paul had set before them the very mind of Christ, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant. ~ Philippians 2:6-7

The suffering that we are called to is that of laying down our lives, following Christ’s example who laid down his life for us. Our calling is that of living sacrifices, being conformed to the likeness of Christ.

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians was, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ~ Philippians 2:1-7 ESV

This is the will of God of which Peter speaks that will be experienced after we suffer in the flesh and cease from sin. The Christian life cannot be lived when self is on the throne, it can only be lived when self is on the cross. Those who are enemies of the cross will not deny themselves. The sad reality of the current Western Christian experience is that its gospel is often “self -centered,” and leads people into being enemies of the cross.

The cross does not give blessings to self, the cross puts to death, self. It is our selfish nature that God wants us to bring to the cross of Christ. This is the suffering with Christ to which we are called, and only through such suffering can we know the true joy of the resurrected life in our Christian experience. Without the cross there can be no resurrection. We cannot experience the abundant life if self is not crucified.

The mistake that too many of us make is we want the blessing of the Spirit of the Lord in the resurrection, but we refuse to allow the Spirit to bring us into suffering through the cross. Putting to death the old man and the power of sin that lurks in the mind is not easy and is often very painful, but the reward for obedience in this matter and life changing.

Notice what Paul says regarding Timothy in his letter to the Philippians.

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.  I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. ~ Philippians 2:19-24  ESV

Notice that Paul does not say, “For they all seek their own interests, not those of others. He says, For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Serving the interest of others is serving the interest of Jesus Christ!
Timothy was trustworthy as a servant of the Lord, because Timothy had been transformed by the power of the cross and he served as one who genuinely cared for the welfare of the Philippians, because he was serving Christ. He was unlike those who sought their own interests rather than the interests of Jesus Christ.

Recently I have been addressing a topic that I have pondered for many years, and that is the topic of the doctrine of the Trinity in view of what we read in the New Testament. Before I proceed forward, I want to be very clear that I affirm and teach the deity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God’s Son having the same divine nature as the Father. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, thus he too is divine.

What I am addressing in these articles is how the New Testament presents to us the persons of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in contrast to some of the ideas we have based on the doctrine of the Trinity (which does vary based on the source). These articles in no way call into question the deity or unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rather, they are intended to help us better understand the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

For example, within the doctrine of the Trinity, God is referred to as One God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Three persons who constitute One God. The New Testament mentions God the Father (quite a few times I might add,) but It never once uses the language of God the Son or God the Holy Spirit. The Son is always referred to as the Son of God and the Holy Spirit has several titles, among them are the Spirit of God, God’s Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit, and the Spirit of the Lord.

Now why does this matter? It matters because the communication of the doctrine of the Trinity with regards to the Son of God and the Holy Spirit can sometimes be in conflict with the messaging of the New Testament.

Trinitarian theology has evolved throughout church history, thus it can often be a confusing topic for people to understand, and if the truth be known, many who teach some form of trinity doctrine often have difficulty explaining it. My aim is to point us back to the scriptures, primarily the New Testament, and work through this topic so as to have a better understanding of what we actually believe.

As stated, trinitarian theology has evolved throughout church history, and when we consider the teachings of the early church Fathers, it seems to be a much purer theology than later on. The early church Fathers seemed to teach trinitarian theology within the framework that God the Father is the source because he is the one true God, with Son and Spirit proceeding from the Father and having their being because of the Father.

This aligns with what I believe the Holy Spirit has been teaching me in recent times. I hope to share more on this in a future article, but for now allow me to share a couple of excerpts from two of the early church Fathers.

Ireneaus (a.d. 120–202) writes, “Therefore neither would the Lord, nor the Holy Spirit, nor the apostles, have ever named as God, definitely and absolutely, him who was not God, unless he were truly God; nor would they have named any one in his own person Lord, except God the Father ruling over all, and His Son who has received dominion from His Father over all creation, as this passage has it: “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou at my right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.” Here the [Scripture] represents to us the Father addressing the Son; He who gave Him the inheritance of the heathen, and subjected to Him all His enemies. Since, therefore, the Father is truly Lord, and the Son truly Lord, the Holy Spirit has fitly designated them by the title of Lord.” ~ Against Heresies Book 2, Chapter VI

Tertullian (a.d. 145–220) writes, “… the Father is not the same as the Son, since they differ one from the other in the mode of their being. For the Father is the entire substance, but the Son is a derivation and portion of the whole, as He Himself acknowledges: “My Father is greater than I.” In the Psalm His inferiority is described as being “a little lower than the angels.” Thus the Father is distinct from the Son, being greater than the Son, inasmuch as He who begets is one, and He who is begotten is another; He, too, who sends is one, and He who is sent is another; and He, again, who makes is one, and He through whom the thing is made is another.” ~ Against Praxeas Chapter 2

It is exciting to me to find that some of the very things that I see from the scriptures and that I have pondered and of which I am also endeavoring to communicate, are in fact, in line with the teachings of the early church Fathers. As we move forward in this study, please understand that when I reference the doctrine of the Trinity such as I do in the next paragraph, I am mainly referring to commonly held views within Trinitarian teachings. Some are not exactly in line with New Testament language and teachings. Thus we ought to examine them in view of the teachings of the New Testament, and make corrections where needed.

For example, the doctrine of the Trinity (as it has evolved) states that the Holy Spirit is God the Holy Spirit, and is distinct and identifiable from the Father. Sometimes this can be confusing as some may think that the Holy Spirit is another Spirit outside of the person of God the Father.

That was exactly the conflict that I once had in my own understanding, so my teachings on this topic are somewhat personal because I found that seeking to know the Holy Spirit, independent of the Father, led me into fear and bondage. When I began to embrace the truth that the Holy Spirit is God’s own Spirit with me, I moved from fear and bondage, to freedom, peace, joy, and comfort.

So yeah, this topic is very personal to me.

The New Testament overwhelming teaches that the Holy Spirit is God’s own Spirit with us. Consider that on the Day of Pentecost the 120 disciples of Jesus who were gathered in one accord in the upper room, were filled with the Holy Spirit.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ~ Acts 2:1-4

A few verses later Peter stood up and explained exactly what had just happened.

… this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy… ~ Acts 2:16-18

Notice that God refers to the Holy Spirit who had filled the 120 disciples of Jesus as my Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit. He is not another Spirit distinct or separate from the Father (the Father is God in the context of Acts 2). While the (evolved) doctrine of the Trinity teaches that the Holy Spirit is distinct and identifiable from the Father, the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit is distinctly identified as God’s own Spirit from the Father, with us.

I will pour out of my Spirit. ~ Acts 2:17,18

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. ~ Ephesians 4:30

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. ~ 1 John 3:24

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. ~ 1 John 4:13

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man… ~ Ephesians 3:14-16

Let me say it again, the doctrine of the Trinity teaches that the Holy Spirit is distinct and identifiable from the Father, the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit is distinctly identified as God’s own Spirit from the Father, with us.

Overwhelmingly throughout the New Testament, God is a reference to the Father. Below are just some of the texts that support this.

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 1:2

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 1:7

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~  1 Corinthians 1:3

Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:2

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ… ~ Ephesians 5:20 

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 6:23

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians 1:2

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ~ Philippians 4:20 

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Colossians 1:2 

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you… ~ Colossians 1:3

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. ~ Colossians 3:17

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:1 

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father… ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:11

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace… ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16

Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ 1 Timothy 1:2

Now, you may have noticed that God is referenced in the texts above along with the Lord Jesus Christ. We have many such texts throughout the New Testament, so we can understand based on the language that the writers of the New Testament are not referring to the trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) when they mention God in those places. Instead, they are referring to the Father. Many times throughout the New Testament when the Father and Son are mentioned in the same thought, the Father is said to be God and the Son is referred to as Lord.

Later on I may write an article on the Lordship of Jesus, and how the Lordship of Jesus speaks to Christ’s exaltation by God the Father, but that’s an article for another time. For now I want to point out to you how often we see God and Christ and the description of “God” as a reference to the Father only and not Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For example, consider the following texts.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. ~ Philippians 1:11

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:9-11

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. ~ 1 Timothy 5:21

To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ 2 Timothy 1:2 

To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour… ~ Titus 1:4

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Philemon 1:3

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  ~ James 1:27

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ~ 2 Peter 1:17

Again, these are just some of the texts. Overwhelmingly, the title of God applies to the Father throughout the New Testament. If you don’t believe me, go look up every use of the word God in the New Testament and you will quickly find out that what I am telling you is the truth.

Now, if the New Testament writers thought they were referring to the Father in the vast majority of the texts where they mention God, then that ought to influence how we read the New Testament, and it ought to have some influence on our theology regarding the Trinity.

We are all familiar with the words, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son ~ John 3:16. In this text, God is a reference to the Father and the witness of the New Testament overwhelmingly teaches us that God has a Son!

No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. ~ John 1:18

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. ~ John 1:34

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. ~ John 1:49

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ~ Matthew 16:16

I could go on listing scripture after scripture, but these will suffice for now. The point is, the description “God,” is a reference to the Father overwhelmingly throughout the New Testament, and when the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of God, we ought to know that He is the Spirit that is given to us by the Father. Not distinct from the Father, but distinctly the Spirit from the Father!

In Matthew 10 Jesus had said the following to his disciples.

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. ~ Matthew 10:17-20

Notice that Jesus uses the language of the Spirit of your Father, but In Luke’s gospel, Luke quotes Jesus as saying the Holy Ghost. And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. ~ Luke 12:11-12

We see Jesus’s words fulfilled multiple times in the book of Acts. For example, after the lame man was healed in Acts 3, Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. After being questioned concerning by what power, or by what name, they had done this? We read, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said…”

This is one of several examples of the Spirit of the Father (the Holy Ghost) giving the disciples the very words they were to speak at a precise moment in time as they answered to the authorities.

When we teach that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person separate from the Father, I think we can do a great disservice to the people and without awareness bring harm onto the body of Christ. If we communicate that the Holy Spirit is another person (distinct and identifiable from the Father and the Son,) then we could be indoctrinating people to seek intimacy with a Spirit that doesn’t draw them into fellowship with the Father and the Son.

Personally, I think this a contributing factor to the abundance of error among many ho claim to be Spirit filled believers. When the Spirit is considered to be independently God, people can easily be led into error. When the Spirit is understood as God’s Spirit (God’s personal presence with us), everything changes and we are driven to follow after truth.

The apostle John tells us that our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. Notice that John does not mention the Holy Spirit when he tells us who our fellowship is with the Father and the Son. Yet he does tell us that we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us ~ 3:24. And  we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. ~ 1 John 4:16

The Holy Spirit draws us into fellowship with the Father and the Son. Notice how John refers to the Spirit in correlation to the Father and the Son in the follow verses.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing (The Spirit) which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing (Spirit) teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. ~ 1 John 2:23-27

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit given to us from the Father, he is the Spirit of God! He is the promise of the Father and proceeds from the Father. He abides with us and in us, to lead us into all truth and into continual abiding in fellowship with the Father and the Son.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him…But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ~ John 14:23, 26

The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit is God’s very own Spirit through whom the Father and Son make their abode with us.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. ~ John 16:13-15

Another clear example to understand that the Holy Spirit is indeed the Spirit of the One true God can be found in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Notice the language: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. ~ Romans 8:11

Who is he who raised up Jesus from the dead, whose Spirit will also quicken our mortal bodies? It is God the Father. Paul says that the Spirit is the Spirit of him, and his Spirit, of the One who raised Jesus from the dead.

As stated earlier, the New Testament doesn’t employ the language God the Holy Spirit but rather, the Spirit of God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ~ Romans 8:14

The sons of God being led by the Spirit of God denotes a relationship with the Father. Now consider Paul’s words to the Corinthians.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 2: 9-16

Notice that the Spirit of God, also referred to as the Holy Ghost, is God’s own Spirit. 

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit…

… we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God…

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. ~ Romans 8:14-17 

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ~ Galatians 4:6

The Holy Spirit we receive through faith is also called the Spirit of Christ, and in the text above we see that he is referred to as the Spirit of his Son.

The Spirit that was upon Jesus is the Spirit of God, and the prophets in the Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be anointed with God’s own Spirit.

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. ~ Isaiah 42:1

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. ~ Matthew 12:10

Notice that concerning Jesus God says, I will put my Spirit upon him. He does not say, “I will send another Spirit distinct from me.” No! A thousand times, no! It is God’s own Spirit that was upon Jesus.

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. ~ John 3:34-25

God in the text above is the Father. Jesus spoke the words he heard by the Spirit from the Father. The Father gives the Spirit from himself. This is exactly what happened at Jesus’ baptism.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ~ Matthew 3:16-17

Notice again, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of God, and not God the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit comes from God, and not distinct or separate from God himself. The Holy Spirit comes from God because he is God’s own Holy Spirit!

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound… ~ Isaiah 61:1

In the text above, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of the Lord God. The description “Lord God,” refers to God the Father throughout the New Testament. For example, consider Acts 4:24-26

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. ~ Acts 4:24-26

Though Jesus is often referred to as Lord throughout the New Testament,  this text Lord is a reference to God the Father, for they were citing from Psalm 2 in their prayer.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. ~ Psalm 2:1-7

It can be easily understood from this text that the Lord is a reference to God who has his anointed, who is also his Son. In Acts 10, Peter preached, How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ~ Acts 10:38

Now, let’s consider some other texts that refer to the Holy Spirit that we are prone to miss if we are entrenched in Trinity doctrine. Consider that the New Testament teaches us that we are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Now compare this text to a similar one in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 

Notice that the Living God whose temple we are, is the Father ~ And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Also notice that the one who is the Father is the God who says, I will dwell in them. How does God our Father dwell in us? By his Holy Spirit. 

Now notice the language that Paul uses regarding being justified from our old sins. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:11

The Spirit of our God!

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 1:21-22

God our Father, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the one who gives us the earnest of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

You will not find a single text anywhere in the New Testament that refers to the Holy Spirit as God the Holy Spirit because that description teaches that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person (separate) from the Father, but the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit that comes from the Father, through Jesus Christ.

I am going to begin this article by sharing a portion of a comment that I recently came across.

The person fulfilling the roll as the Father could have fulfilled the roll as the Son; the person fulfilling the roll as the Son could have fulfilled the roll as the Father…..

This statement was made on a YouTube video regarding the topic of the Trinity, and it demonstrates how a person can be led into error even by a widely accepted theological view such as the doctrine of the Trinity.

Now before we move forward, I want to make myself abundantly clear. I firmly believe and affirm the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so I appeal to you to think critically and not to miss what I am sharing in this article.

While I absolutely affirm and teach the deity of Jesus Christ, I do have some issues with what is often referred to as the doctrine of the Trinity, and the comment I shared above highlights the main problem I have with it. Understand this: a doctrine can be technically correct, but poorly communicated and understood, and when this happens error easily follows.

Notice that the commenter speaks of the person fulfilling the role as the Father and the person who fulfilled the role as the Son, and that each could have taken the role of the other. 

This comment represents a massive error that falls short of the most fundamental truth given to us in the New Testament, and that is that God has a Son, a divine Son. Thus the comment is in complete opposition to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and it is in complete opposition to everything that Jesus ever said about the Father (both his relationship to the Father, and ours).

Now, why do I say this? I say this because the Father and the Son are not role playing. The Father and the Son are not actors in some cosmic divine theater. God, whom Jesus referred to as the Only true God, really is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Jesus really is his only begotten Son. The relationship between the Father and the Son is authentic. Jesus really is God’s offspring.

According to the apostle John, Jesus is the Son of the Father, in truth and love ~ 2 John 1:3. And Mark begins his gospel by saying, The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God ~ Mark 1:1.

Without the truth that Jesus is the Son of God, we have no gospel. If God the Father, and Jesus Christ are merely role playing, then Jesus would not truly be begotten of the Father. Yet the New Testament unequivocally tells us that Jesus is God’s only begotten Son.

The relationship between the Father and the Son is not that of two deities deciding between themselves who will be the Father and who will be the Son. If your understanding of the Trinity is anywhere near the comment I started with, then your trinitarian doctrine is wrong and you need to tear it down and start over. The best way to start over is to embrace the New Testament “as it is written” without men’s theological input, and thus build yourself up in the truth of the person of Jesus Christ who is God’s Son in every sense of the word. Allow the Holy Spirit to glorify Christ who will reveal the Father to you.

Is God truly the Father or is he not? I am convinced that the Father is who Jesus said he is. Even though Jesus told his disciples, if you have seen me you have seen the Father, Jesus wanted them to draw close to the Father and know the Father as their very own Father.

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. ~ John 16:23-27

In Matthew 7 Jesus makes a contrast between earthly Fathers and God, our heavenly Father.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? ~ Matthew 7:7-11

Imagine what it would do for you personally, if you fully accepted that God truly is the Father of your Lord Jesus Christ, and also your Father through Christ? Remember Jesus says of the Father For the Father himself loves you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. ~ John 16:27

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ~ Luke 12:27-32

If God were simply role playing none of us would ever truly know the love of the Father, that is, if God were only acting and not truly a Father. Thank God he is a Father, our very own Father, The Father! And he loves us because we truly are his children through Jesus Christ.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he (Jesus) shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. ~ 1 John 3:1-3

Are the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God two separate kingdoms, or do these terms describe the same Kingdom. For example, does Kingdom of Heaven refer to God’s Kingdom in Heaven, in contrast to the Kingdom of God referring to a Messianic kingdom, or an invisible kingdom of God’s people on earth?

There is nothing in the New Testament that teaches such distinctions, and God’s Kingdom is not divided between Heaven and Christ. In Ephesians, Paul refers to the Kingdom as the kingdom of Christ and of God (Ephesians 5:5). In Colossians Paul describes the Kingdom as the kingdom of God’s dear son, saying that the Father has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son (1:13).

The phrase, Kingdom of Heaven is exclusive to Matthew’s gospel and is never found in the gospels of Mark, Luke, or John, where the gospel writers use the phrase, the Kingdom of God. In fact, the gospel of Matthew is the only portion of the New Testament where we will find the phrase, Kingdom of Heaven. The only exception is Paul’s mention of the Heavenly Kingdom in 2 Timothy.

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ~ 2 Timothy 4:18

If we examine Matthew’s use of Kingdom of Heaven, we find that numerous times Matthew is talking about the same exact thing as the other gospel writers when they use the phrase, Kingdom of God.

For instance, in Matthew 5 -7 we have Matthew’s account of the sermon of the Mount. In 5:1-11 we have the portion of the sermon that we often refer to as the beatitudes. In Luke 6:20-23 we have an abbreviated version of the beatitudes. In Matthew’s account, Matthew uses the phrase, Kingdom of Heaven. In Luke’s account, Luke uses the phrase, Kingdom of God.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 5:3

Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” ~ Luke 6:20

In Matthew Jesus is said to have preached the Kingdom of Heaven, In Mark, Jesus is said to have preached the Kingdom of God.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say,  Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand… And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.~ Matthew 4:17, 23

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.~ Mark 1:14-15

Notice that both Matthew and Mark refer to the gospel as the gospel of the kingdom, but Mark adds “of God.” Also notice that the Kingdom is said to be at hand, whether the Kingdom is described as the Kingdom of God, or Kingdom of Heaven, it is said to be near.

The following texts are more examples showing that Matthew is referring to the same thing as the other gospel writers when he uses the description Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 8:11-12 / Luke 13:28-29

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ~ Matthew 8:11-12 

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. ~ Luke 13:28-29

Matthew 10:1, 7-8 / Luke 9:1-3

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease…. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. ~ Matthew 10:7-8

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. ~ Luke 9:1-3 

Matthew 11:11 / Luke 7:28

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. ~ Luke 7:28

Matthew 13:10-12 / Mark 4:10-12

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. ~ Matthew 13:10-12

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. ~ Mark 4:10-12 

Matthew 13:33 / Luke 13:20-21

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. ~ Matthew 13:33

And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?  It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. ~ Luke 13:20-21 

Matthew 19:14 / Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 19:14

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.~ Mark 10:14

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. ~ Luke 18:16

Though Matthew often refers to the kingdom as the Kingdom of heaven, he does use the phrase, Kingdom of God on 4 different occasions (Matthew 12:28; 19:24; 21:31, 43). In Matthew 19:23-26, Matthew clearly refers to the same thing by referring to the Kingdom of Heaven as the kingdom of God

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God…

Notice that this reference is repeating the same truth by underscoring that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom.

When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ~ Matthew 19:23 -26

Do we really think the disciples thought Jesus was referring to 2 different Kingdoms? Absolutely not. God’s Kingdom is not divided, and God’s Kingdom is Christ’s Kingdom, and his Heavenly Kingdom. Notice Mark’s description of the same reference as Matthew’s above.

And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. ~ Mark 10:23-27 

Blessings…