3 Are we beginning to be like those false teachers of yours who must tell you all about themselves and bring long letters of recommendation with them? I think you hardly need someone’s letter to tell you about us, do you? And we don’t need a recommendation from you, either! 2 The only letter I need is you yourselves! By looking at the good change in your hearts, everyone can see that we have done a good work among you. 3 They can see that you are a letter from Christ, written by us. It is not a letter written with pen and ink, but by the Spirit of the living God; not one carved on stone, but in human hearts.
4 We dare to say these good things about ourselves only because of our great trust in God through Christ, that he will help us to be true to what we say, 5 and not because we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success comes from God. 6 He is the one who has helped us tell others about his new agreement to save them. We do not tell them that they must obey every law of God or die; but we tell them there is life for them from the Holy Spirit. The old way, trying to be saved by keeping the Ten Commandments, ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives them life.7 Yet that old system of law that led to death began with such glory that people could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For as he gave them God’s law to obey, his face shone out with the very glory of God—though the brightness was already fading away. 8 Shall we not expect far greater glory in these days when the Holy Spirit is giving life? 9 If the plan that leads to doom was glorious, much more glorious is the plan that makes men right with God. 10 In fact, that first glory as it shone from Moses’ face is worth nothing at all in comparison with the overwhelming glory of the new agreement. 11 So if the old system that faded into nothing was full of heavenly glory, the glory of God’s new plan for our salvation is certainly far greater, for it is eternal.
12 Since we know that this new glory will never go away, we can preach with great boldness, 13 and not as Moses did, who put a veil over his face so that the Israelis could not see the glory fade away.
14 Not only Moses’ face was veiled, but his people’s minds and understanding were veiled and blinded too. Even now when the Scripture is read it seems as though Jewish hearts and minds are covered by a thick veil, because they cannot see and understand the real meaning of the Scriptures. For this veil of misunderstanding can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings their hearts are blind and they think that obeying the Ten Commandments is the way to be saved. Or to keep saved ,,,
16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord from his sins, then the veil is taken away. 17 The Lord is the Spirit who gives them life, and where he is there is freedom from trying to be saved by keeping the laws of God.[a] 18 But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.
ecclesia are you listening??? and active as spirit led?? ,,,,, lesson one how to hear differently ,
NW
1.Hebrew word translated “intercession” – God’s voice leading me in prayer. The literal definition is “to strike or light upon by chance,” or “an accidental intersecting.” Spirit-led intercession is sensed as spontaneous thoughts that light upon my mind while I am praying. I honor these thoughts as they have been sent by God. So I fix my eyes upon Jesus, and tune to flow and pray, being guided by the flow (Heb. 12:1-2; Jn. 7:37-39).
2. spontaneous thoughts that light upon our mind (Jn. 7:37-39). The Holy Spirit is sensed as a river which flows within.
3.Hebrew word translated “prophecy;” it means “bubbling up,” so when I want to prophesy, I see Jesus present in the situation (Acts 2:25; Ps. 16:8) and ask for His thoughts and speak forth the thoughts and words that are bubbling up within me,
Both left-brainers and right-brainers must learn to distinguish what is from the Spirit (flow) and what is from their own minds (analytical). like gnosis vs epigenosis ,their not the same...
Psalm 77:6). Sensing God’s movement in our hearts can be called illumination, revelation, revelation knowledge, perception, discernment, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, or prophecy.
THE “DUNAMIS” POWER OF GOD!!
By Rodney W. Francis
.
.
The following is an honest attempt to help us to see the need of the “dunamis” power of God to be restored in greater measure in our lives and in the Christian Church in general. For too long this power has been neglected, the power that the Church and the world desperately needs to see in action. My prayer is that we will approach the subject with a very prayerful attitude of heart and mind, and genuinely seek God as to why more “dunamis” is not working in our lives.
“But you shall receive power (“dunamis”) - ability, efficiency and might - when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends - the very bounds - of the earth” (Acts 1:8, AMP.).
“Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or conceive, by the power (“dunamis”) which is at work among us . . .” (Ephesians 3:20, NEB).
The “dunamis” has already been given, but it is only beneficial when it is working - in US!!
“Dunamis” is a Greek word and means:
“act of power” (Young’s); “miraculous power, ability” (Strong’s); “natural capability, inherent power; capability of anything, ability to perform any-thing; then, absolutely, not merely power capable of action, but, power in action” (Bullinger’s).
“Dunamis” is used 121 times in the New Testament and translated into the following English words:
ability
|
(1)
|
power
|
(77)
| |
abundance
|
(1)
|
strength
|
(7)
| |
meaning
|
(1)
|
violence
|
(1)
| |
might
|
(4)
|
virtue
|
(3)
| |
mighty deed
|
(1)
|
wonderful work
|
(1)
| |
mighty work
|
(11)
|
worker of miracles
|
(1)
| |
miracle
|
(8)
|
and mighty
|
(4)
|
He gave it to the disciples and us!
“He now called the Twelve together and gave them power (“dunamis”) and authority to overcome all the devils and to cure diseases, and sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:1, NEB).
“He now called the Twelve together and gave them power (“dunamis”) and authority to overcome all the devils and to cure diseases, and sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:1, NEB).
“And now you see that I have given you the power (“dunamis”) to tread underfoot snakes and scorpions and all the forces of the enemy, and nothing will ever harm you” (Luke 10:19, NEB).
“This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached (by us!) in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what My Father has promised: but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power (“dunamis”) from on high” (Luke 24:46-49, NIV). (See also Acts 1:4).
“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power (“dunamis”) to testify about Me with great effect, to the people in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, about My death and resurrection” (Acts 1:8, TLB).
Surely we cannot get it any clearer than that! The whole purpose of Jesus returning back to the Father in heaven was so He could multiply Himself and His ministry in His followers through the baptism of the Holy Spirit with (you guessed it!) “dunamis” power to make us effective! That “dunamis” works in the believers in varying ways. Some release “dunamis” more than others. But essentially it is over to us as to how much we are determined to release. As Ephesians 3:20 states, it is “according to the power that works within us.”
Faith releases “dunamis”!
Unless God gives us “the gift of faith” (1 Corinthians 12:9) to enable us to believe and function on a higher realm of faith, then we have to apply the faith in our hearts towards God’s promises, claiming the reality and fulfilment of them for our lives and ministries. “Dunamis” is released out of our lives as we act upon the promises and truth of God’s Word:
“Tell me this one thing: did you receive God’s Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the Gospel and believing it? How can you be so foolish! You began by God’s Spirit; do you now want to finish by your own power? Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something! Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles (“dunamis”) among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the Gospel and believe?” (Galatians 3:2-5, GNB).
The answer, of course, is “we heard the Gospel and believed.” Paul says that it is exactly the same principle that releases God’s “dunamis” in our lives as well. “Hearing” and “Believing.”“Believing” means to “be persuaded, to rely upon, to trust. The New testament conception of faith is
- a fully convinced acknowledgment
- a self-surrendering fellowship, and
- a fully assured and unswerving confidence” (Bullinger’s).
That is what the faith of Abraham (Romans 4 and Galatians 3) is all about. Out of that believing faith the “dunamis” of God is released.
- Who does the hearing? We do.
- Who does the believing? We do.
- Who does the releasing of faith? We do.
- Who carries the “dunamis”? We do.* Who has to learn how to release it more? We do.
The Gospel is the “dunamis” of God unto salvation: Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8. In each of these Scriptures, the word “power” is “dunamis”. It is the “dunamis” that demonstrates the Kingdom of God (the speaking of words alone is not enough):
“The Kingdom of God is not just talking; it is living by God’s power (“dunamis”) (1 Corinthians 4:20, TLB).
The Kingdom of God comes in power (Mark 9:1).
John the Baptist came in the spirit and power (“dunamis”) of Elijah (Luke 1:17). That’s what made Elijah different. It was the “dunamis” at work through his life.
John the Baptist came in the spirit and power (“dunamis”) of Elijah (Luke 1:17). That’s what made Elijah different. It was the “dunamis” at work through his life.
“Dunamis” helps us to believe and abound in hope:
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power (“dunamis”) of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13, KJV).
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power (“dunamis”) of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13, KJV).
God’s will is that His “dunamis” power is actively working in every part of our life. It is the “dunamis” that sets us apart as being different from other religions, peoples and belief systems. Without it we cannot accomplish anything for the glory of God.
THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit have to do with the “dunamis” of God. The gift of the Working of Miracles (“dunamis”) is an out and out spectacular working of God’s power (1 Corinthians 12:10).According to Paul the gifts operate through “dunamis”:
THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit have to do with the “dunamis” of God. The gift of the Working of Miracles (“dunamis”) is an out and out spectacular working of God’s power (1 Corinthians 12:10).According to Paul the gifts operate through “dunamis”:
“For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, His Spirit fills us with power (“dunamis”), love, and self-control. Do not be ashamed, then . . .”(2 Timothy 1:6-8, GNB).
In 1 Corinthians 12:28 where we have a list of God’s top eight priorities for the Church, miracles (“dunamis”) is listed at Number Four. All the ministries listed before it require the “dunamis” operating for them to be effective as well!
“DUNAMIS” AND THE PLACE OF TRIALS AND SUFFERING:
We often wonder why it is that so many good people seem to suffer such difficult and hurtful experiences as they go through life. Our belief systems try to tell us that living for Jesus “delivers” us from all the negatives of life. But that is not so. In fact the Bible clearly links suffering and difficulties as being necessary for the developing of “dunamis” in our lives and ministries:
We often wonder why it is that so many good people seem to suffer such difficult and hurtful experiences as they go through life. Our belief systems try to tell us that living for Jesus “delivers” us from all the negatives of life. But that is not so. In fact the Bible clearly links suffering and difficulties as being necessary for the developing of “dunamis” in our lives and ministries:
I will say this: because these experiences I had were so tremendous (Paul had been taken up into heaven for a visit), God was afraid I might be puffed up by them; so I was given a physical condition which has been a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to hurt and bother me, and prick my pride. Three different times I begged God to make me well again. Each time He said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power(“dunamis”) shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power (“dunamis”), instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong - the less I have, the more I depend on Him (2 Corinthians 12:7-10, TLB).
“For though He (Jesus) was crucified in weakness, yet He goes on living by the power(“dunamis”) of God. And though we too are weak in Him [as He was humanly weak], yet in dealing with you [we shall show ourselves] alive and strong in (fellowship with) Him by the power (“dunamis”) of God” (2 Corinthians 13:4, AMP.).
God, in His wisdom, has chosen to reveal His power and glory through weak human vessels. The sooner we realize how weak we are, the quicker we will make progress. Jesus told us, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41):
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power(“dunamis”) may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7, KJV).
GOD’S “DUNAMIS” KEEPS US THROUGH FAITH:
We have seen throughout this study that “dunamis” is interlocked with several key graces in the Christian life, e.g. holiness, believing, hope, faith, resurrection, power, etc. It is very much a part of Christianity, so much so that without it we are reduced to a realm of powerless religious beliefs, which do nothing for the soul.
We have seen throughout this study that “dunamis” is interlocked with several key graces in the Christian life, e.g. holiness, believing, hope, faith, resurrection, power, etc. It is very much a part of Christianity, so much so that without it we are reduced to a realm of powerless religious beliefs, which do nothing for the soul.
Consider these statements:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power (“dunamis”) of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5, NKJV).
The “dunamis” of God gives us everything we need to live a God-honouring, God-glorifying life:
“God’s divine power (“dunamis”) has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the One Who called us to share glory and goodness. In this way He has given us the very great and precious gifts He promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature . . . “ (See 2 Peter 1:3-12, GNB).
END-TIMES RELIGION AVOIDS THE “DUNAMIS”:
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 we are given an accurate description of the heart condition of mankind as we approach the end of the age. In spite of an increasing lawlessness and evil within the heart, people still retain “a form of godliness.” If we read on to the end of that verse we discover that they also “deny the power (“dunamis”) thereof” (KJV). The challenge to every one of us is to examine our own hearts to see whether or not we are measuring up to the standard of what a New Testament, Spirit-filled Christian really is.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 we are given an accurate description of the heart condition of mankind as we approach the end of the age. In spite of an increasing lawlessness and evil within the heart, people still retain “a form of godliness.” If we read on to the end of that verse we discover that they also “deny the power (“dunamis”) thereof” (KJV). The challenge to every one of us is to examine our own hearts to see whether or not we are measuring up to the standard of what a New Testament, Spirit-filled Christian really is.
- How effectively is the “dunamis” working in us?*
- Are we guilty of denying its power?
- What is our “dunamis” gauge reading?*
- Is it (1) Working powerfully? (2) Moderately? (3) Slightly? or (4) Not at all?
The message to the Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:8) was that it only had a “little strength (“dunamis”).”
WAIT UNTIL WE RECEIVE:
Jesus taught us to “wait until” or stay where we were until we received the “dunamis” power from on high (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4). Without the “dunamis” actively working in our lives we have no power or authority over our enemies, over sickness or disease, over doubts and fears. With life proving to be so busy and strenuous in these days, it is imperative that we Christians take time to come aside and wait upon the Lord to renew our strength (“power”) (Isaiah 40:31). A powerless Christian is a useless Christian. Powerless Christians cause a powerless church to stumble along in life hoping, praying, having a form of godliness, BUT . . . without the “dunamis” power of God! Once we have received that power (through the baptism of the Holy Spirit) we then should learn to activate and do whatever it takes to see the “dunamis” of God working in and out of our lives powerfully and effectively to the glory of God, and the advancement of His Kingdom! kj3 and youngs literal are good plaxces ot go get rid of lot spun words . etc their more likeley to the greek terms hebrew etc.....
Jesus taught us to “wait until” or stay where we were until we received the “dunamis” power from on high (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4). Without the “dunamis” actively working in our lives we have no power or authority over our enemies, over sickness or disease, over doubts and fears. With life proving to be so busy and strenuous in these days, it is imperative that we Christians take time to come aside and wait upon the Lord to renew our strength (“power”) (Isaiah 40:31). A powerless Christian is a useless Christian. Powerless Christians cause a powerless church to stumble along in life hoping, praying, having a form of godliness, BUT . . . without the “dunamis” power of God! Once we have received that power (through the baptism of the Holy Spirit) we then should learn to activate and do whatever it takes to see the “dunamis” of God working in and out of our lives powerfully and effectively to the glory of God, and the advancement of His Kingdom! kj3 and youngs literal are good plaxces ot go get rid of lot spun words . etc their more likeley to the greek terms hebrew etc.....
Before the pagan logicians mixed it
up..
As Papias tells us, the tradition
that might be gathered from living lips was still
treasured as more valuable than any
book. No Gospel yet is cited under any name, though our
first three were certainly
approaching if they had not definitely reached their present form
in
Pliny’s day.
Combat comes before victory. If God has chosen special trials for you to endure,
be assured He has kept a very special place in His heart just for you. A badly
bruised soul is one who is chosen.”
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