The Word Became Flesh Bible Conference was held in Buchanan Dam, Texas November 28–30, 2014.
Gene says, “It is my earnest prayer that this study will bring each of us to “behold His glory,” and be enraptured by the “beauty of holiness” seen only in Him. He presents such a captivating image that even the smallest seed of faith will be blessed by the process of inner transformation into His likeness. The book of Hebrews captures the thing we lack so much in our hustle-and-bustle lives.”
Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 36
The purifying hope comes from the love of God -- the power of being His child(1Jo 3:1-3, Joh 1:12). The Spirit has been given to produce the character and presence of Jesus Christ. The attitude God the Father has toward us is the same He has toward His Son Jesus Christ (1Jo 3:2). We don't know what we'll be in heaven (1Co 2:9). We must abide in Him by faith to understand what we are.. and "not shrink away from Him at His coming" (1Jo 2:28-29). If we live expectantly, we purify ourselves (1Jo 3:3). "Purify" is not the same Greek word for cleansing by washing (1Jo 1:9, Eph 5:6). Hagnizo is in the active voice (we need to make a decision) and means to "keep on keeping on"; indicative mood is the mood of reality -- we have the hope of Christ's return which dominates our perspective and attitudes. Paul's life illustrates this (2Ti 4:8). (1) Central teaching of Old and New Testament is hope (Act 26:6). (2) Hope is illustrated by life of Abraham -- his hope was the belief that the promise would happen (Rom 4:13-20, Gal 3:16). (3) Hope increases the longer you have it (Mat 5:16). Hope is unique to the Christian faith (Rom 5:2-5). We start with the hope of glory in salvation (Rom 5:2) and progress to a hope that is visible (1Pe 3:15). (4) Hope is focused on the unseen (Rom 8:24-25, Heb 6:19, Act 14:21). (5) The word of God was written to give us hope (Rom 15:4, Rom 15:13); giving us hope is one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit. (6) Hope is the bridge to love (1Co 13:13). (7) Call of the believer is the call to hope (Eph 1:18). (8) Hope is the "helmet" of our soul (1Th 5:8). (9) Hope is the bridge from your present trials to your future glory (Heb 11:1-40). Their faith was living; they had hope and lived expectantly(2Co 5:7).
Scripture References: Hebrews 6:19, John 1:12, Acts 26:6, Romans 8:24-25, John 3:1-3, Hebrews 11:1-40, Ephesians 5:6, Romans 5:2, Ephesians 1:18, John 1:9, Romans 5:2-5, Romans 15:13, John 3:3, Matthew 5:16, Romans 15:4, John 2:28-29, Galatians 3:16, Acts 14:21, John 3:2, Romans 4:13-20
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.