gravity: the Holy Spirit

We teach…

… that the Holy Spirit is fully God, the Person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He supernaturally regenerates, baptizes and gifts all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; 2nd Corinthians 12:12-14; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14, 5:18).


… the Holy Spirit convicts the world.

“When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:8

…the Holy Spirit supernaturally regenerates and baptizes Christ-followers.

“He has made us compentent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6

“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” 1 Corinthinas 12:13

...the Holy Spirit indwells and seals Christ-followers.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14

1. How familiar were you with the Holy Spirit when you were growing up (or began a journey with Christ)?



2. What can you learn about the character and nature of the Holy Spirit from these scriptures?

Psalm 139:7-8:

Acts 5:3-4:

Hebrews 9:14:

Matthew 28:19-20:

Isaiah 11:2:

Hebrews 10:29:

Ephesians 4:30:

Acts 9:31:

For more check out the teaching series, Celebrity Spirit available free at www.zionlife.com/media or for purchase at guest services.

3. What can be learned about the role of the Holy Spirit from the following scriptures?

To those who do not yet know Christ—John 16:8-11

To Christ-followers—Romans 8:26-27

Keeping Christ-followers secure—Ephesians 1:13-14

Gravity: the Son

We teach…
… We teach that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1–2, 14; Luke 1:35).

o As Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rm. 3:24; 1 Pet. 1:3–5; 2:24; Eph. 1:7).
o As High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He fulfills the ministry as Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Romans 8:34; 1 John. 2:1–2).
o As King, the Lord Jesus Christ is coming again to, establish His kingdom, claim His Bride and judge the living and the dead (1 Pet. 4:5; Rm. 14:9; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 19-22).

the Son is Savior.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7

…the Son is High Priest.

“Therefore since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” Hebrews 4:14

...the Son is King.

“For this reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.” Romans 14:9
1. Read John 8:48-59. What does Jesus assert about himself in this passsage?

2. What claim is Jesus making when he says, “before Abraham was born, I am”? See Exodus 3:14.

3. How do his hearers react to this statement? Why?

4. What do the following scriptures teach about Jesus’ identity?

Isaiah 9:6:

Matthew 1:23:

John 1:1:

Mark 8:27-30:

Philippians 2:6-8:

Colossians 1:15:

Hebrews 1:8:

Revelations 4:11:

5. If Jesus asked you the question he asked Peter in Mark 8:29, how would you answer him?

Application:

6. John 14:10—Because Jesus is my Savior (saves me from my sin) I will:

7. Hebrews 4:14-16—Because Jesus is my High Priest (represents me before God) I will:

8. Philippians 2:9-10—Because Jesus is my King (Ruler and Judge) I will:

Summer On-Mission Opportunities

I received great feedback from last Friday's post of Matt Carter speaking on groups and mission. Here is a list of on-mission opportunities for your group:

Summer Fest 2009, June 29th-July 1st at ZPV. Help ZPV host their first Summer Fest. Contact: Pastor Joe, joe@zionlife.com.

4th of July Fireworks, Friday, July 3rd @ CUP field. Hand out poppers and invitations to the Summer Block Party. Contact: Michael Cooper, m_the_red@yahoo.com.

Jesus Pantry, Mondays, July 13th and August 10th @ ZCC. Distribute boxes of food to needy families in our community. Contact: Betsy Cooper, jbcoop111@yahoo.com.

PA Cares for Kids Triathlon, Saturday, July 18th in Jefferson County. ZJC is a co-sponsor of the event. On-mission opportunities include pre-race registration, staffing aid stations, handing out drinks along the course, shuttling walkers, set-up and teardown. The race begins at 9:30 a.m., volunteers are needed from 8:00 until 3:00. Work all or part of the day. Contact: Sharon Doolittle, doolittle12@alltel.net.

Canvassing, Sunday, July 26th in Clarion. Go door to door in Clarion and surrounding communities inviting families to the Summer Block Party. Packs of invitations are available at Guest Services. Contact: Michael Cooper, m_the_red@yahoo.com.

Summer Block Party 2009, Saturday, August 1st, 11:00 to 3:00 at Clarion Memorial Park. On-mission opportunities include serving lunch, staffing the bounce house and climbing wall, set-up and teardown. Contact: Pastor Brandon, brandon@zionlife.com.

CUP Freshmen Move-in Day, Friday, August 28th @ CUP. Assist incoming students move into their dorm room. Contact: david.hartley9568@gmail.com.