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Knowing God—A Study in 2nd Corinthians
Moving Beyond Knowledge into Experience—
Igniting the Tinder of Truth by the Fire of the Spirit
Gene Cunningham - February 24, 2010
Beauty for Ashes #5
The comfort we have through Jesus Christ (2Th 2:16-17). After Jesus came out of the wilderness and came to the synagogue (Isa 61:1-3). We will see the comfort mentioned at the 2nd advent. "Beauty instead of ashes" speaks of the deepest kind of grief expressed by putting ashes on your head — a symbol of lowliness and brokenness. "Beauty" is actually a Hebrew word for an ornamental headdress expressing readiness for a party. The picture is a change of attitude and heart. Jesus can to effect a change in peoples' lives. "Oil of gladness" is festive anointing with fragrant oils (e.g., Mary anointing the feet of Jesus as a festive occasion Joh 12:1-8). The "I AM" statements are listed . "I AM the vine" (Joh 1:1). Branches of grape vine would be lifted by stones to get light, and to separate from the earth (Joh 15:1-8). Believers who chose to live a carnal life loose their productivity (Joh 15:6, 1Co 3:13-15). Secrets of prayer (Joh 15:7), God always hears; prayer is only effective when it aligns with the Word of God. Resurrection is a person and moment by moment experience (Joh 11:25). Flow of Isa 61:1-3 (1) Restoration, (2) liberation, (3) identification, (4) consolation, (5) impartation -- "that they might be oaks of righteousness". Oak is strong and is shelter and refuge for many.
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: John 12:1-8, Isaiah 61:1-3, Isaiah 61:1-3, John 11:25, John 15:7, John 15:6, John 15:1-8, John 1:1
From Series: "Beauty For Ashes - Florida 2010"
Have you ever stood in great need of comfort and encouragement? If so you know that in time of affliction there is no thought or word that has deeper meaning nor any possession of greater value than that of effective and genuine comfort. The objective of this study is to equip us to have the assurance that there is comfort available and to know how to be comforted as well as how to be a comfort to others in the fires of affliction.