What is Discernment, often known as Spiritual Discernmemt? This video is in two parts. Firstly I state what it is, and give examples of Discernment in the Christian Faith and it's uses. Discernment is one of the gifts of the Spirit which I think is one of the most important almost vital, helping you to stay on the narrow way. Some personal experiences of discernment are also thrown into the mix.
The second part we look at Scripture and see what the Bible has to say about Discernment using Bible Software (KJV)
This video was shot in Ayot Green in Hertfordshire a few miles away from where I live.
The Living Water and how it is mentioned in The Bible?
Water is referenced a number of times in the Bible in it's physical form but when it is mentioned as the "Living Water" or "The Water of Life" this is more in a spiritual context. This article will take a closer look at the term "the living water" as it is one of the fundamentals of the Christian faith and compare it to water in it's mere physical form.
What does this expression "living Water" mean or imply, where does it appear in the Bible and how many times, why is it used, who uses this term and which Prophets mention it in a direct or indirect manner. What is the importance of this expression the "living water" especially to those in the Christian faith? It is a topic of vital importance which spans both the Old and New Testament and is mentioned in the final Book of the Bible which is the Book of Revelation. On a search on Bible software the word "water" appears 363 times. In relation to that the term "living water" appears directly only 4 times
There are two main forms of water in the Bible, the first is the Physical Form and the second is a more Spiritual Form
Water in it's Physical form can mean many things, it can have a living form or creative quality about it, it can stand for attacks or enemies and it can represent salvation or eternal life and is used in it's physical form for baptism. It was also used as a form of Judgement in the Days of Noah where a vast amount of water came from the sky and created the great flood where it rained for forty days and forty nights, but this is water in it's physical form.
Water is first mentioned in a living manner in Genesis 1
Genesis 1:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
Water can also stands for enemies who can attack and need to be overcome such as
Psalm 18:16-17 16. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
Isaiah 8:7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:
In both the Old and New Testaments, the word "water" is used for salvation and eternal life, which God offers humankind through faith in his Son
Isaiah 12:33. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 55:1
1. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Water sometimes symbolises the spiritual cleansing that comes with the acceptance of God's offer of salvation
Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
And of course water forms the basis of Baptism, the most famous being of Jesus by St John The Divine in Jordan. This is one of the most famous references to water and it's powers.
Matthew 3:13-16 13. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15. And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16. 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:
Water identifies with us of the cleansing of the Christian. It also suggests a profound and/or spiritual life. Just as the Oceans, waters have depth and waters can run deep.
Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
But what about the term the "Living Water"
It is not something that is presented in neon lights, but in a more subtle way. The term "living water" (mentioned 4 times) or it's other term "Water of Life" (mentioned 3 times) is used in the Bible sparingly. The "living water" mentioned in the Bible, however is for those who are looking to "satisfy a thirst" but the thirst mentioned here is a "spiritual one". Sin temporarily satisfies such a thirst but the "living water" will permanently satisfy this spiritual thirst. In the New Testament the "Living Water" is referencing the Holy Spirit which resides inside a person when they are Born Again or "Saved"
In the Old Testament "The Living Water" is mentioned and is normally associated with "the presence of God" It is mentioned a number of times in the Old Testament scriptures, God is often referred to or called the source of "living water" but in these instances it is an external presence as was the Holy Spirit throughout the Old Testament.
From the very beginning in the Garden of Eden mentioned in Genesis, where God lived along side man, a river welled up that formed the headwaters of four mighty rivers as mentioned in Genesis 2
Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
The four rivers or heads are mentioned in further verses and include the first which is Pison, the second is Gihon, the third is Hiddekel and the last or fourth is the Euphrates. It is the fourth the Euphrates that is most interesting, as it is mentioned in Revelation with the Sixth Trumpet and Sixth Vial Judgements both performed by a sixth angel.
Revelation 9:14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
Revelation 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
In Jeremiah the living water is mentioned again, twice, in relation to Israel who had left their God and instead started worshipping idols and worshippers of a false religion. In both these instances Israel is rebuked for forsaking God for with what he calls cisterns that will in no way satisfy their "thirst." that is a "spiritual thirst" because of their falseness.
Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 7:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water.
The living waters mentioned in the Prophecy of Zechariah predicted a flow out of Jerusalem East and West in both summer and winter. This was in reference to the spreading of the gospel from Jerusalem and was helped by the influences of the Holy Spirit which would overcome idols, false religion, anti-christian power, although they would remain as rivals.
Zechariah 14:8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
The Living Waters In the New Testament
The phrase the "living water" is most famously attributed to Jesus speaking with the Samarian woman whom he meets at Jacob's Well in Sychar. This scene is referred to as "the woman at the well". This is where Jesus used the term the "living water" much to the confusion of the woman concerned.
John 4:9-14 9. Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12. Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13. Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Again this references a spiritual water or a water of life that is real that will quench a "spiritual thirst". He is also implying just as the water in the well will temporarily satisfy a thirst, the dead water of false faiths will never quench or satisfy that "spiritual thirst" only the "living water" that is the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was in Galilee on the day of Feast of Tabernacles he mentioned the phrase "the living water" again at The Temple.
John 7:37-39 37. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
When he said these words The gift of the Spirit (the living water) was not yet available at that time it could not be passed on until Acts
Acts 10:43–45 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Mentioned in the Book of Revelation
In the Book of Revelation there is no mention of "living water" but instead there is reference to the equivalent which is the "water of life"
Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
In both these references, the term Water of Life refers to the Holy Spirit just as Jesus referred to it as the "living water"
The External influence of the Holy Spirit had always been given in the conversion and sanctification of the Old Testament saints and prophets which changed and became indwelling under the New Covenant. Many people say that Jesus is the living water, BUT Jesus Himself intended the phrase to mean the Holy Spirit who dwells in believers and seals them for salvation (Ephesians 1:13–14)
Ephesians 1:13–14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Summary:
Water is continually mentioned throughout the Bible and the "living water" or the "water of life" carries with it the connotation of spirituality where the person that receives this living water becomes dependent on God and living the way he intended rather than being independent of him. This is illustrated again by water with the spiritual lesson for the Israelites when they left the land of Egypt for the promised land of Canaan. They left a land of security that had little rain but by their OWN efforts they relied on the River Nile and irrigation to provide water to the land. However when God chose a land for his people, he didn’t choose a place where they could have security because of their own efforts, he chose a land where they would be far more dependent on him and would need his presence watching over them to send them the living water of rain.
Deuteronomy 11:10 – 12 10. For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: 11. But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:
This can be said today of many Christians who have seen God do the same thing in their own lives. When they decide to trust and follow him and his ways he takes them from security of making their own way in life and instead they become dependant on him where "The Lord will provide", which doesn’t always include prosperity as the world sees it.
Anywhere the "living water" touches it gives new life and an intimate relationship with God. The “living water” is therefore understood to mean a true knowledge of God and this can only be achieved through the Holy Spirit, who teaches us God’s will and guides, comforts and directs us.
Bible Quote:
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Can a Christian lose the Holy Spirit and lose their Salvation and become a Backslidden Christian? Will the Holy Spirit ever leave a believer? This is a question many Christians will ask whilst on their walk with Jesus but the scriptures are very clear on this fact and you are sealed with the Holy Spirit until your redemption. As the saying states "Once Saved Always Saved" but many disagree with this. It is clearly stated in scripture that it is a permanent thing and cannot be taken away, but if you Sin and do not repent you will be convicted of your sin and will either Quench the Spirit or Grieve The Spirit, but it will still be there.
However to confirm this absolutely, this article will take a look at the three most popular arguments about the Holy Spirit and whether it can be lost and you become a backslidden christian.
Evidence in the Old Testament suggests that David, Saul and Samson did lose the Holy Spirit but that was part of the Old Covenant where the Holy Spirit was more of a companion and not indwelling inside a person. Under the New Covenant the Holy Spirit actually resides inside hence the term "Holy Spirit Filled Believer" or "Indwelt with the Holy Spirit.
The Three Arguments
There are three thoughts or arguments on losing the Holy Spirit this creates a similar situation to the Pre, Mid and Post Tribulation Rapture debate although they are entirely different topics although not unrelated.
The three thoughts or arguments on the Holy Spirit
1. You CAN absolutely lose the Holy Spirit
2. You can absolutely NOT lose the Holy Spirit
3. If you lost the Holy Spirit.... you never had it in the first place
Lets analyse these 3 arguments with relevant scripture to prove their points.
1. You CAN absolutely lose the Holy Spirit
Those who quote this will come up with the three classic cases of David, Saul and Samson from the Old Testament who lost the Holy Spirit. Others often quote Adam and Solomon amongst others. Scriptures below relating to David, Samson and Saul.
In Psalm 51, David prayed:
Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Samson is another case of the Holy Spirit departing but is mentioned as the "Lord Departing" in the classic Samson and Delilah scene
Judges 16:20. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.
Saul is the third often quote example
1 Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
All three scriptures have one thing in common. They are all taken from the Old Testament.
2. You can absolutely NOT lose the Holy Spirit
This argument or theory is based on scriptures that state quite clearly that the Holy Spirit is something that is received and not taken away again as illustrated in the Bible quotes below:
John 14:15-16 15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
John 10:27-28 27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
The comforter mentioned in John 14:15-16 is the Holy Spirit. These Bible quotes all have one thing in common, they are taken from The New Testament.
3. If you lost the Holy Spirit.... you never had it in the first place!
This argument is similar to No2 stating that you cannot lose the Holy Spirit but reasons that those who think they have lost it may never have had it in the first place. This can arise through a Fake Saving or a False Born Again experience whereby the person thinks they have been "Saved" and received the Holy Spirit but in fact they never originally received the Holy Spirit and therefore never had it to lose in the first place!
1 John 2:19, "They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, in order that it might be shown that they all are not of us."
Conclusions:
There are many other Bible Quotes in reference to "Salvation", being "Born Again" and "Saved" and of course "The Holy Spirit" but to answer the question again "Can you lose the Holy Spirit" and "Can you lose your Salvation" you have firstly have to look at the classic Bible quote
John 3:16
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
That in itself should answer the question.
Secondly if you take the 3 arguments of 1. You CAN absolutely lose the Holy Spirit, 2. You can absolutely NOT lose the Holy Spirit and 3. If you lost the Holy Spirit.... you never had it in the first place, you will realise the following.
1. The "You CAN lose The Holy Spirit" quotes scripture from the Old Testament based on the Old Covenant. In the Old Covenant the Holy Spirit was a temporary companion and was not indwelling in the person concerned but external and would leave when that person broke the statutes or when God saw fit.
2. The "You Cannot lose the Holy Spirit" and the "You cannot lose the Holy Spirit if you never had it" theories quote scripture solely based on the New Testament and are in relation to the New Covenant. The New Covenant relates to Christianity and this is what is relevant to Christians. In our case the Holy Spirit is not an external force but something that lives inside us and cannot be taken away, but the Spirit can be grieved or Quenched through sinful acts without asking for forgiveness as in Repentance. If you are a True Born Again Believer you will know what that experience is like and afterwards you tend to repent and not repeat it again. Even with the Holy Spirit inside us we will never be totally sin free but if we confess our sin by repentance, they will be forgiven but this does not give us a licence to sin freely or habitually as all sin will come under conviction by the Holy Spirit that lives inside a True Born Again Believer.
1 John 1:7-10 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Another question that also arises frequently
While our relationship with God is secure in Christ, unconfessed sin in our lives can hinder our fellowship with God and effectively quench the Holy Spirit’s working in our lives.To conclude while the Holy Spirit will never leave us, the benefits and joy the Holy Spirits presence can in fact depart from us through unrepentant Sin but the Holy Spirit itself will remain. If we repent of our sins then God is “faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”. That is the New Covenant This is why Jesus laid his life on the cross for us and as a result Christians are under The New Covenant and not The Old Covenant ways of the Old Testament.
Further recommended video from The Twelve Gates You Tube
An in depth look at 25 signs that definitely say you have received the Holy Spirit and are indwelt by it which is part of the process of being "Born Again" and "Saved". If you have it, basically you really do not need to ask this question, there will be no doubts in your mind ....you just know and if you have checked, it has been confirmed by scripture. But just in case you do not know or do have doubts, for whatever the reason maybe you got "Saved" by dubious means via a False Preacher , here are the signs that you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit and that it is working in your life. Some of these are from my personal experience and others are mentioned in scripture, some are both. As always check everything against THE WORD!
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
We need the Holy Spirit in order to obey and follow Jesus Christ. You receive it by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is something that cannot be performed by man and is different to a normal Baptism, that is performed by man. These are the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom: giving us Grace to see things the way God sees them. Understanding: the gift of knowing how people are feeling deep down inside Right Judgement: which way to act in difficult circumstances knowing the difference between right and wrong and good and evil Courage: this is not freedom from fear but it´s being afraid and still carrying on. Gives the strength to carry on doing what´s right even when people or situations will oppose us Knowledge: Not just knowing the facts but knowing the meaning behind those facts. This is particularly relevant to the Bible. The ability to see the TRUE meaning of the Word. Reverence: helps us to understand what is Holy in this world, not just places and buildings but people and not just the obvious but ordinary people Awe in God´s Presence: seeing the wonder of God´s presence and work all around us in this world and beyond
1. God is No1 in your life. You become a servant of God and your everyday thoughts, movements and actions will certainly be a reflection of that. God will be No1, there is no compromise. You may or may not be aware of it, but others especially those close to you will. Instead of focusing on the self you are aware that you become a vessel on this world that he is working through reaching out into the world in a physical form.
2. The Before and After. The differences. Life changes. The Old self and old ways will fall away. The new self will have a different way of seeing things and will have different goals and objectives. The change could be dramatic or it could be slower, each situation is different.
3. The Gifts. Almost all will have Discernment. This is a given and is an essential item in the armoury of a Born Again Christian who has the Holy Spirit. The others will be one or some or maybe all of the following: Teaching, Preaching, Prophecy, Healing, Speaking in Tongues. One thing you will receive regardless is you will not be afraid of death!
4. The deeper understanding of the Word. You will live your life by Scripture as in the Bible and the words contained within it will leap off the page. You will see beyond their surface 2 dimensional meaning that everybody sees, but also their hidden meaning, a third dimension to the Bible that is hidden from most, but is shown to those who are meant to understand. This will reveal itself to those who have the Spirit and from deeper study including cross referencing rather than reading the Bible like a novel.
. 5. Spirit knows spirit. You will recognise others who have the Spirit and they will recognise you. You will come to realise there are not as many around as many people think and it will be like meeting a close family member who you have not seen in decades.
6. The Fruits of the Spirit. Patience, Love, Understanding, Joy, Peace, Humbleness, Meekness, Caring , Wisdom. You are a Giver rather than a Receiver...................
7. A greater Understanding of how God works and how he communicates. He doesn't work and think like us, his ways are different. We are of the flesh, he is of the Spirit. When you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit you will bridge that divide. You will experience bizarre forms of communication but you will always know where it is from as it will always check out with Scripture.
8. Circumcised heart. You feel the pain and suffering of others. You will find it hard to walk past someone living on the streets without at least acknowledging them. You will cry or even weep more than you did before and sometimes over the most extraordinary things. A circumcised heart is mentioned in the Old and New Testament
9. Feeling of deep peace. An inner peace you have never felt before that will make itself known in your outer appearance accompanied by a sound mind.
10. The craving for worldly material things becomes minimal or non existent. There will be not the slightest interest in the latest Samsung S7 or the Iphone equivalent. You learn to not buy the latest technological gizmo and buy something that´s not so cutting edge, but was a year or so ago and "does the job". That will be your mentality with everything. You will be concerned with "storing treasure in heaven" and the world is concerned with "storing treasure here on earth". That is a big indicator that you are indeed indwelt with the Holy Spirit.
11. You sin considerably less. You will still sin, but you feel so bad afterwards that any sin you do, you immediately repent. Always. The spirit will control the flesh rather than the other way round.
12. You will have a presence, something that people can't put their finger on but they will be aware of. Not something you will notice... but others will.
13. The problems of the world will seem more acute. You will look at people in a different way and the world and it´s problems will seem more prominent than you noticed before and this could have powerful ramifications in your life maybe bringing about a career change or setting up a charity.
14. You will argue much less. Not trying to win an argument or have the last word..........those are things of the world you learn to rise above.
15. Righteousness will be strong and the urge to shine your light into the darkness and expose it will be strong also. The urge to seek the truth will also be strong.
16. A sense of freedom but also a sense of separation from the world and an understanding that you live in the world but cannot be part of it. Your goals are spiritual and striving towards holiness, most other people are caught up in the "rat race" and concerned with striving toward worldly goals. The two are at odds with each other and it will become painfully apparent the further you go down that narrow way spiritual journey.
17. Strange things will happen, you will see strange things, signs and wonders and come across what can only be described as "not your normal everyday people".
18. Persecution. People will try to drag you down or worse for your obvious obedience to God but you will continue to follow the Lord even if you suffer affliction or persecution for doing so, even death. The Holy Spirit will give you an utterly unshakable faith to endure such scenarios.
19. Fellowship. You will seek the fellowship of other people that are like yourself, because you realise the things you do and say and the things you see will make most people feel uncomfortable, therefore fellowship with Christians who are like yourself is desirable and essential.
20. The inability to blaspheme. You will be aware that you no longer swear or blaspheme especially against the Holy Spirit. If you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit you cannot blaspheme, it cannot be done.
21. Avoidance of mind altering substances: You will probably either reduce alcohol intake or avoid it all together, drugs and narcotics will be avoided also and if you were a smoker you may again cut down or maybe think about quitting.
22. Awareness that your body is a temple: If you were a junk food eater, you will again cut down or avoid such food or even lose the taste for it. You will be distinctly aware that to approach holiness your body and mind must be as pure as possible.
23. Evangelism: You will be driven to spread and share the Word in any shape or form. Those who are vaguely interested will have questions and will seek you out and be drawn to you, looking for life answers without even knowing that you are a Christian. Basically you will walk as Jesus walked, another proof that you are indwelt by The Holy Spirit!
24. Prayer and Worship. Worship: You will have an overpowering urge to worship and praise The Lord on at least a daily basis, even multiple times during the day. Prayer life: You see the Lord both inspiring you to pray for certain things or people and answering your prayers. You will have a personal relationship with the Lord, one that cannot be replaced by any man made service saying pre-scripted words.
25. Fear of the Lord: You may be a Servant of God but you are also aware of an overpowering fear of him if you do not follow his statutes, commandments and laws that are there for good reason, but you are also aware he always gives warning when you are straying from "the narrow way"
Bible Quotes: (KJV)
1 John:3:24
And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1 John:4:2-3
2: Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1 John:4:6
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
1 John:4:13
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1 John:5:6
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
1 John:5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
2 Timothy:1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
John 10:28
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 3:15
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Romans 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 5:22-25
22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
John 14:26
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.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Deuteronomy 30:6
6. And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Colossians 3:1-2
1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Matthew 6:19-21
19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
John 16:12-14
12. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13. 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.
14. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
2 Timothy 2:21
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Proverbs 1:7
7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Psalm 145:19
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Life after you´re saved. What´s it like? This is a "been there and got the T shirt" style article. So what happens after being Saved, what next?
This is not an article about Being Saved as in the process or a Testimony see my Testimonial. This is not an article about the question whether you are saved or not, see How do you know you are saved. This is an article on Post Saved, the journey after you are Saved, what´s it like from a personal perspective. How you feel, how you see yourself, your expectations of life, how other people see you, the internal changes, what you get given, the problems, the gifts, what you see, and a host of other things that go along with being "Born Again" or "Saved"
This is probably more aimed at Believers rather than Non Believers, but can be read by either, but be warned if you are a Non Believer..........you´re going to need an open mind. Certainly if you don´t believe the Bible, you will not believe any of this. This is not a blueprint or template for the act of being Born Again, each case will be different, some happen quick, others more slowly, some people get a slight nudge in the right direction others (like myself) need a much more violent and radical reboot to achieve the same effect.....the end result though regardless of the process and journey will be the same....you become a servant and messenger of God....a Born Again Christian.
What is the Holy Spirit. My attempt to explain what it is?
First off the picture from this article and how it came about, it´s important as it´s how this whole article came about. Was in a Supermarket (Morrisons) the other week and normally the music is your A Typical supermarket blandness then on came this song a clubby Ibiza style number from way back in 2001 called "Another Chance" by Roger Sanchez. Memories came flooding back (songs do that don´t they) and a semi bop mode came over the normally painfully dull supermarket experience. Left the store with a smile on the face and didn´t think any more of it.
A couple of days later, tried to remember the music video for the song, couldn´t remember it. Did a search on You Tube hit play and straight away the memories came flooding back. Watched it, watched it again and the thought came into the head, there´s something very Christian about this video, it would make a good backdrop for an article at The Twelve Gates............but what. Pondered this for a couple more days and a light bulb went off "This video is a good explanation for what it is like to be saved". Why not write an article about that and weave this music video into it to give some sort of idea to the less well informed what it´s actually like.
Lyrics If I had another chance tonight I'd try to tell you that the things We had were right [Repeat: x 2]
If I had another chance tonight
The song itself "Another Chance" is a typical repetitive club number, but it´s catchy, hard to get out of your head and the title is very relevant to the Christian faith as in being "Born Again" or "Saved". Why? You get given this big heart and a bright light, you feel amazing, free and happy and you want to share this with the world, but not everybody shares your views or wants to hear them, and this video demonstrates that very clearly. You hit a point where you realise you are not like you were before, you go through a realisation phase (the small heart phase) then you enter the next realisation phase that you have been given this "THING", you´re not the same as everybody else and you have to get on with life, do what you have to do and be this new person, carry this big heart around, don´t be ashamed of it, shine your light and relish the gift you have been given. You then realise you will never be 100% accepted by the world (I call non believers The Grey´s) and do what you have to do.
Introduction
To delve deeper into the Born Again life here´s a quote from a typical End Times Video about The Times of Noah and the fact these times are here again it´s by Barney Winner 5 at You Tube. and reading it now it still brings a tear to eye.
This needs to be read to adjust your mind for what is to follow, it sets the tone as this is not your normal everyday sort of read.
Remember you are washed by the Blood of the Lamb. You are. You are washed by the blood of the lamb. You did not come to Jesus on your own. The father sent you to Christ. You acknowledged that call that the father had on your life. And you said YES. So yes, you´re struggling , Yes, you´re striving. But you belong to Christ. You do not belong to the fallen Angels
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Post Testimony
I was "Saved" or "Born Again" on 6 October 2015 which at the time of writing is almost ten months ago. Strange things led to that night (See Testimony) and strange things have continued to happen after the event but I no longer consider them strange, it´s just how God works. The saying "God works in mysterious ways" is something quoted by many including myself, but that quote isn´t actually in the Bible, it´s from a hymn. For those who have the spirit will know that more to the point and the correct term would be "God works in the way that the "Word" says he works".
Old Testament quote from Isaiah 55:8-9.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the Lord.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."
In short the journey you embark on to reach the final destination leads you to become a Holy Spirit filled Believer. You will find Spirit knows Spirit. One can talk to another without feeling uncomfortable or awkward, whereas normal people will feel uncomfortable, or think you´re a bit odd or eccentric or you´ve lost your marbles. You leave the old person behind and become this new creation. There is no urge to go back to that old person, many destroy what remnants there was of their past, some leave bits and pieces lying around just to remind themselves what they used to be like. I´m in the latter category. Being Born Again varies from person to person, it´s not a hard drive wipe and installation of a new operating system, some changes are more dramatic and quick, others more subtle and slow. Again this varies from person to person
From what limited conversations I have had with other Born Again Believers or what limited stuff I´ve seen online the following observations are common.
1. No one will believe your story, only True Believers
2. Become like a child and you gain a new father as in God
3. Feel others pain and suffering (circumcised heart)
4. Get an overpowering urge to help others that are struggling in life
5. Get an overpowering urge to go to Church
6. Get an overpowering urge to read The Bible
7. Get an overpowering urge to pray
8. Feel an overwhelming sense of peace
9. Become a lover of people regardless of who they are
10. Live the simple Life not interested in the World and it´s material bias
11. You pursue more spirtual objectives in life
12. Discernment: Ability to see others who have the Spirit. There are not many
13. Sin is something you avoid, if you do sin (and you will but not as much) you have an overpowering urge to Repent
From my personal experience and the following observations have been made
1. Weird things happening, weird conversations with people I wouldn´t normally meet prior to being Saved
2. You see the glaringly obvious difference between right and wrong and think "No I can´t do that" .If you do, you will feel terrible afterwards and you will not do it again.
3. Some people report seeing the world differently like the colours are brighter. Myself that didn´t happen but my taste buds have changed. Used to have an incredibly sweet tooth at addiction levels, now struggle to eat a fruit yoghurt, find it way too sweet. Used to live off takeaways, now hardly touch them. Haven´t had my favourite Chicken Cottage for nearly 10 months now. Not once!
4. For some reason don´t seem to watch much TV these days, have no interest in it apart from the news.
5. The hair trigger temper has gone, haven´t lost my temper in 10 months
6. You are aware you are carrying a light, do get looks a lot these days (even in Central London), but you are also aware you cannot turn down this light or hide it.
7. Do cry more than I used to in the most bizarre situations.
8. Way more patience with everything these days and slowed down instead of what one customer said to me before I was Saved in a Supermarket once who called me a "Damned Motorway shopper"
9. Not really interested or bothered with the Self anymore, more interested in other people and putting them first.
10. You will be guided to places which you have n oreason why you aregoing there but when you get there the reason is abundantly clear.
This list could reach a hundred but you get the idea from 10.
The Gifts
When you are Born Again or Saved the Spiritual Gifts will include one or more of the following, 1) Wisdom, 2) knowledge, 3) faith, 4) healing, 5) working miracles, 6) prophecy, 7) distinguishing between spirits, 8) speaking diverse tongues, 9) interpretation of tongues and other matters , 10) teaching, 11) encouraging, 12) giving, 13) serving, 14) leading, 15) showing mercy, 16) evangelism, 17) pastoring, 18) prophet (Ephesians 4: 11-14), 19) helping others, and 20) administration. Spiritual gifts equip an individual to do tasks beyond what is naturally conceivable.
Out of that list I would say personally I have Wisdom, Knowledge (in a very sort period of time) obviously Faith, some Prophecy, definetly distinguishing between Spirits, teaching, encouraging, definetly giving, definetly serving and leading, showing mercy and forgiveness and helping others. I wouldn´t class myself as an Evangelist, Pastor or Prophet. Not yet anyway. I can´t speak in tongues although I haven´t tried and don´t have the gift of healing (haven´t tried that either).
Answered Prayers.
I would say that is the biggest test whether you are Born Again or not and that is are you in touch with the Lord and are your prayers getting answered. Prayers I find may get answered quickly or they could take months or longer but they should be answered. Some people say they hear God, others say they see signs, others something else, it works differently for different people but you will get some form of communication in one way or another, something that cannot be denied. I have heard the Lordś voice twice, once quietly and one very distinctly on Christmas Day last year in a church that I´ve never been to in my life that I found in the middle of nowhere that I felt strangely led to, that was open and empty. I remember having tears streaming down my face and I heard him, nobody else was there and my question was answered. The question was asked in a silent prayer! I have to say it freaked me out but I´ve heard nothing since but these days there is always an unmistakable sign, always.
Following the Spirit
The spirit will lead you away from darkness and always towards the light, it´s an inner voice thing you receive, that non believers do not have. You see things that other people cannot see, you sense things other people cannot sense and you see danger where others see no danger. Certain things will pop out at you for no apparent reason, could be something you are reading, something online, something you see as you walk down the road, something in the news or in a newspaper and you will realise it has some importance. It may not be immediately apparent but it becomes apparent within a time frame and you act upon it. I use it when I´m trying to find True Believers on line, they probably do the same thing. A sort of seperating the wheat from the chaff. You´re not judging somebody from their outward appearance or their personality or mannerisms or what brand of designer shades they are wearing, you are judging them by what is coming out of their mouth and what they are saying in written form. You are judging what´s on the inside not the externals.
Any major events in life or even minor ones, the Spirit has been used every time and it shows me without fail which way to go, what to do and when and how and why.
Views on Born Again types in society. Non Believers: May believe you but deep down they don´t and probably think you need some sort of therapy. Others react in a shocked way but still think you are bonkers. Others will react and say "Oh.... that´s nice" and maybe just the odd one may start to show some interest and ask questions. Always the potential signs of someone possibly starting that journey to becoming a believer themselves. Believers: There are different sorts of Believers out there, but even many of these who sort of believe will take what you say with a pinch of salt. Some will think you are strange, or think you have the opinion of yourself that you are something special and more Christian than the rest. Some get envious (not a Christian Trait), others who I call True Believers, will have what you have, see you have it as well and see you as a Brother or Sister and shake your hand looking deep in your eyes or give you a hug. As I´ve found online and in the world at large, these types are very few and far between. Churches: From my personal experience, the Institional Church without a shadow of a doubt does not like Born Again or Saved types and I´m talking the real deal here not the "little prayer" types. I think they see you not as a "True Believer" but somebody that is operating outside the Church or using the Church but bypassing the Institution which in their eyes is Heresy. They also realise and don´t like to admit it that you have something they don´t have, you have a presence, they realise you don´t really need a Church (although it is important) to lead you in your spiritual affairs. You are led by the Spirit and The Father. They also realise that you could be a disruptive influence amongst other church goers and are a threat to their authority. It´s a tricky situation to be in. My attitude these days when it comes to anything involving Institutional Religion is keep quiet, do what is expected of you, be polite and leave and return the following Sunday.
People I follow Online.
I use You Tube a lot not only for The Twelve Gates website content and articles but also for my personal viewing. It´s difficult to find a True Believer on this plaform, some are blatantly not Christian but just playing at it, some do what I call "put the Christian Coat on" and look the part but as soon as they open their mouths you know these are just normal people with you guessed it a "Christian Coat On". I currently follow two "Sisters", one is married with two kids the other is a bit younger and a bit more hip but she talks the talk but also walks the walk. The videos they produce are basic, sometimes sitting in a basement with boilers going, other times in their cars but it´s what they say is what matters. One we pray together at the end, another she sometimes start crying about her experiences she´s had with helping needy people. It´s powerful stuff and I would say on many occassions better than what I hear in Church. I will not give these women´s names out or their channel names, I think it´s best to cultivate and find your own but if you are in the faith you need to find people to learn things that maybe you were not aware of but always check them out, otherwise more harm than good is done. I used to follow a few Pastors on Twitter but recently deleted most of them, (something the Spirit told me to do), I now just follow a Nun and some general Christian News websites.
Changes in my Life
This is not a trumpet blow, but just a contrast to illustrate the power of being "Born Again" My old life condensed down in a nutshell.
My Old Self:
Occupation: Celebrity Photographer and Celebrity Photo Sales. photographing the rich and famous within the London area
Character: Aggressive, short tempered, go getter, impatient, ladies man, cold and no heart, loud, selfish and self centred but it has to be said a Creative Type
Food: Junk Food and Massive Quantities of anything with Sugar
Website: Famefad.com (still out there as a reminder of my old self)
Church: No
Bible Reading: No way
Prayer: You can´t be serious?
The Born Again:
Occupation: Book of Revelation and End Times News Website Founder and Author
Character: Patient, Calm, Caring, Big Heart, Put others first, Humble, Quieter
Food: Healthy non processed non fast and REAL food. Not a fan of Sugar not even in Tea.
What´s my typical day and week
Church Monday to Friday in Central London
Saturday Day off
Sunday Church Hertfordshire Where I Live
Prayer Psalms First Thing in the Morning. Psalms and Personal Prayer in Church (except Saturday just Psalms Morning and Evening). Psalms before I go to bed
Study the Bible At least 1 Chapter everyday, sometimes more, except Saturday Day Off.
Websites:
Running of this The Twelve Gates website and associated Social Media (Twitter) and You Tube Channel. Monday - Friday. Weekends off
London Homeless: Recently launched on 1 August 2016 a website to help the homeless in London called London Homeless. This will become part of a wider program to raise awareness of the issue of Homelessness in London and provide help and information to those who are homeless in London or living rough.
Looking to help more in the community especially with the Homeless. Also other things I have hadpersonal experience with before being saved such as Family Problems, Suicide and Financial Problems amongst others. It´s only been ten months, when I´m ready the Lord will let me know what to do. I feel strongly a Ministry is some way down the line, again that´s not for me to decide but the powers that be.
Summary
This is really just skimming the surface of what it´s like to be "Born Again" or "Saved" but it gives a good idea, what it´s like living as you are in the real world. A lot of the weirder stuff has been left out but all True Believers will have similar stories. The Roger Sanchez "Another Chance" video sums it up superbly. Do not expect to be welcomed with open arms by everybody. I didn´t mention demonic attacks (I´ve had them, they have and will happen), if you are in the same job at work after being "Born Again" people will look at you differently, so will your family and friends and other half. Churches will look at you differently from the rest of the congregation and so will the congregation. So will the World. That´s the negatives.
There are many positives, firstly you have something that trust me not many people have, it´s liberating and freeing, you will crave to be with other True believers and crave to get closer to God through Prayer and Fasting (didn´t mention Fasting either). You will not worry about what direction you are heading in life, these will be revealed to you over time and your direction will be taken care of by the powers that be. You will have many questions but you will always find and get answers. You will have a peace that you never felt before and will be able to cut through the fog of confusion that hangs in our world and get straight to the truth every time.
For me I feel I´ve gone through the narrow gate and I am on the narrow path, if I stray off that path I´m on a dog leash and brought back in line, but it´s a spiritual leash not a physical one. It also feels like I´m one of those Shire Horses and given a plough and a field and told to find some seeds and plough that field in your own good time. You are conscious of "The Eye" and "the Tongue" and watch these constantly. You will also be aware of the term "Let it Go" especially when it comes to arguments. You will have enemies but their efforts will come to nothing and they will be silenced.
Can you lose your Salvation and be Unborn Again. In my experience, I think you get this thing and there is no going back.....ever!
Finally here´s some advice if you are the on the narrow path or narrow way to being "Saved" or "Born Again" or have recently said "Yes".
Advice
All the signs and wonders that you see, you must keep to yourself.
Follow the Spirit no matter what. Do not follow the flesh
If you say "Yes" make sure that you are 100% sure, but if you are in that situation you will know with every cell of your body... make no mistake.
You must realise you have been chosen, but you will have an important job to do, but you will be given all the tools to do that job.
You live in the world but you cannot be part of it.
Bible Quotes:
Matthew 7:13-14
13. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
I John 2:3-4
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight" (1 John 3:22)
1 John 2:15
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (
1 John 3:14
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death"
John 8:31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, *IF* ye continue in my word, *THEN* are ye my disciples indeed;
John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Job 28:23 God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
James 4:8-10 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
1 John 4:13
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit"
Posts
