“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)
Prayer is one of those spiritual blessings enjoyed by those in a covenant relationship with God. Here are some passages about this spiritual blessing.
Prayer rejected due to sin • Proverbs 28:9 “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” • Isaiah 1:15 “When ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.” • Micah 3:4 “Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them… as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.” • Zechariah 7:13 “Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear.” • John 9:31 “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”
Hypocrisy / rebellion prevents prayer • Proverbs 15:29 “The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” • Proverbs 21:27 “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?” • Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” • James 4:3 “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
Sin separates from God (prayer not heard) • Isaiah 59:1–2 “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God… that he will not hear.” • Jeremiah 11:11 “Though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.” • Jeremiah 14:12 “When they fast, I will not hear their cry… I will consume them.” • 1 Peter 3:12 “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous… but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
Obedience required for answered prayer • 1 John 3:22 “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” • Hebrews 5:9 “He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
Here’s the good news, God hears our prayers “IN CHRIST.” Because we have obeyed the Gospel through faith we have access to God through prayer. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16; Eph 2:18; 3:12).
Since the end of the age of the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 13:8-10) folks have wondered how God works in our lives. Many have gone the way of Calvinism that portrays God as a cosmic puppet master, but the scriptures teach something completely different and so much better. The bible teaches that God continues to work in our lives PROVIDENTIALLY.
There is a big difference between the MIRACULOUS and PROVIDENCE.
MIRACLES: God works directly, supernaturally, and immediately, suspending, overriding, or working outside the ordinary laws of nature He established (eg; John 11:43-44).
PROVIDENCE (or divine providence): God cares for man through the ordinary laws of nature, (“natural” processes). The word itself is rooted in the Greek word meaning to look out for beforehand actively, by way of maintenance for others.1 It’s used in 1 Timothy 5:8, “if any provide not for his own…” We understand DIVINE PROVIDENCE to mean God makes available what is needed to accomplish a purpose.
Since the age of Miracles, God works in our lives through PROVIDENCE providing what is needed to accomplish a purpose. There are 5 elements we can draw from scripture that God PROVIDES to the Saints to accomplish His purposes through the church (1Tim 3:15; Eph 3:10; Matt 28:19-20). These PROVISIONS are;
INSTRUCTIONS: God has provided with us His will with instructions about what He wants through His word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Tim 3:16-17). The Bible contains instructions on how to live, and commands to obey.
RESOURCES:* God provides us with all necessary resources to do His will, both spiritually (for saints) & physically. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2Peter 1:3). These resources are found in His creation through constant natural laws, and other provisions that help us to do His will. “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17; eg 2Cor 9:10-15). The framework of creation, PROVIDED by God, contains all that we need to do His will.
OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH: Within God’s word, we also have the provisions for growth. “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Eph 4:15). The scriptures contain principles that develop us in all areas of our lives (Relationships, Industry, Community, Child rearing etc.).
INCENTIVES (PROMISES):* God has also provided us incentives contained in promises that motivate us. “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6). We can know WHY God wants things because He has revealed it to us. We know from His word that there is hope beyond this present world. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2Corinthians 4:16).
PRAYER FOR HELP:* God provides aid through prayer for those in Christ (“all spiritual blessings are in Christ Jesus” Eph 1:3). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). He hasn’t walked away from us and left us to fend for ourselves, but when we pray “according to His will” He continues to work through the ordinary laws of nature. He tells us, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1Peter 5:7). The very fact that He commands us to pray (Matthew 6:9-15) shows that He continues to help us. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b). The record of scripture shows that He answers our righteous prayers through the agency of divine providence. To pray for things outside of His will is to “ask amiss” (James 4:3).
Here is where we get into trouble. We want to know HOW, WHAT, WHERE, & WHEN God helps us. That’s the thing about PROVIDENCE, we don’t know. Mordecai could only say, “Who knows” (Esther 4:14)?
Error automatically runs to claims such as, ‘God has a plan for me.’ As if God hasn’t revealed anything about what He wants. When they say, “God is in control” they mean that He is moving every atom & person separate from our own free will. They speak as if God has an unrevealed individualized divine plan for everyone. This leads to frustration.
The truth is, God has created a system (Instruction, creation, natural laws, growth, incentives, & prayer) in which man has freedom to direct his own life and will be judged according to his deeds (2Corinthians 5:10; Mt 25:31-32; Ro 2:6; 14:10; Ga 6:7; Eph 6:8; Col 3:24-25; Re 22:12). God has revealed His will for man and He has PROVIDED all we need for life & godliness.
It’s all in His word.
Agape Spencer
Strongs Concordance.
* Spiritual Blessings are only for those who are “in Christ” (Eph 1:3)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)
Last month we saw how all spiritual blessings are IN CHRIST, and none are for those OUTSIDE of Christ. This month we shall answer the all-important question, “How to be in Christ?”
Continuing in the first chapter of Ephesians, all spiritual blessings (such as election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, and sealing with the Holy Spirit) belong exclusively to those who are “IN CHRIST” (Ephesians 1:3–14).
To be “IN CHRIST” means to be united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection, then His righteousness, and blessings become yours (Romans 6:3–11; 2Cor 5:17, 21; Col 2:12; Gal 2:20).
The New Testament describes this union as happening through faith in Christ, through FAITH, REPENTANCE and BAPTISM:
Faith is the means: “Ye are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Believing the gospel of Jesus Christ begins our unity to Christ (Romans 10:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–9).
Repentance is inseparable from faith: Repentance was preached by Jesus at the beginning when Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). And continued to be preached after His death, burial, & resurrection, “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21; cf Acts 2:38).
Baptism in water is the point of inclusion: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:42, 47). “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death” (Romans 6:3). “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). Note that it is faith in God’s work as we obey the Gospel.
Thus, one becomes “IN CHRIST” by Hearing, Believing the gospel of Christ, Repentance, Confession (Romans 10:9), then being Baptized into Him (immersion in water in His name, Acts 2:38). It’s only then that a person is a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17), reconciled to God, and receives every spiritual blessing in Him.
Responding to Pain with Faith: A Biblical Perspective
Pain is an inevitable part of the human experience, whether it stems from physical suffering, emotional turmoil, or spiritual trials. The Bible offers timeless guidance on how to navigate pain with faith, resilience, and trust in God. Four key principles emerge from Scripture to guide believers in responding to pain: never forsaking God, maintaining integrity, acting on God’s will, and praying without ceasing. These principles, rooted in the Word, provide a framework for enduring suffering while remaining anchored in faith.
First, irrespective of our trials, we ought never forsake God, trusting that He never forsakes His people. Deuteronomy 31:6 declares, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” This promise assures us that God’s presence is constant, even in our darkest moments. Similarly, Hebrews 13:5 reinforces this truth: “…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” When pain threatens to overwhelm, these verses remind us that God is our refuge. Clinging to Him, rather than turning away in bitterness, strengthens our faith and provides hope. Pain may obscure our view of God, but His faithfulness remains unwavering, a steady anchor through life’s storms. God is not the source of our pain, but He can use it for our growth (Rom 8:28).
Second, maintaining integrity in the face of pain is essential. Persecution, betrayal, or injustice can tempt us to retaliate or compromise our values, but Scripture teaches us to maintain a higher standard. Romans 12:17-19 instructs, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.” Likewise, 1 Peter 3:9 urges, “Do not repay evil with evil… but with blessing.” Integrity means reflecting God’s character, even when wronged. By refusing to curse our enemies or seek vengeance, we demonstrate trust in God’s justice and exemplify His love. Proverbs 20:22 echoes this: “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.” Integrity in pain glorifies God and guards our hearts against resentment. Christ could have called 12 legions of angels (Matt 26:53; 1Pet 2:23)
Third, acting on God’s will by doing good is a powerful response to suffering. Pain can lead to self-focus, but Scripture calls us to persevere in righteousness. Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” James 4:17 adds, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Doing good (whether through kindness, service, or forgiveness) aligns us with God’s purposes and transforms pain into opportunities for service. By acting in obedience, we reflect Christ’s example, who endured suffering to accomplish God’s redemptive plan.
Finally, prayer is the lifeline of a believer in pain. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands, “Pray continually.” Philippians 4:6 further instructs, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Colossians 4:2 adds, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Prayer connects us to God’s strength, aligns our hearts with His will, and brings peace that surpasses understanding. In pain, persistent prayer becomes a conduit for God’s comfort.
Responding to pain with faith involves trusting God’s presence, upholding integrity, doing good, and praying without ceasing. These biblical principles anchor us in God’s truth, enabling us to endure suffering with hope and purpose. By clinging to Scripture, we find the strength to navigate pain while glorifying God.
We need to know enough to be able to speak the SAME things.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the SAME thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the SAME mind and in the SAME judgment. (1Cor1:10)
Can you know too much about…
How to ASSEMBLE with the saints?
What does the bible say about what we do when we come together as a CHURCH?
1) we COMMUNE at the Lord’s table. 1Cor 11:17-34. Not a common meal.
2) we HEAR a message from the word. Acts 20:7.
3) we sing with UNDERSTANDING. 1Cor 14:15; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16. Singing is specified which eliminates all other friends of music.
4) we make REQUESTS known unto God. Phil 4:6; Acts 2:42
5) we CHEERFULLY CONTRIBUTE to the work of the church. Free will, as we purposed and prospered. 1Cor 16:1-2; 2Cor 9:1-7
6) we meet together in person with our HEARTS to PROVOKE one another to Love and good works. Heb 10:24-25
This is a lesson on AUTHORITY, about how to know what God wants.
Which can you add, change, or remove and still be speaking the SAME thing as Jesus, Peter, Philip, Paul & the rest of the NT?
We’ve already talked about being living STONES, now we turn our attention to the second half of verse 5:
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
(1Peter 2:5, emph seb)
What exactly are the SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES we are to offer up to God?
Before we attempt to discern what they are, let’s note four things about them.
Firstly, we are to be ACTIVELY doing them, “Offer up…” Being a Christian is not a passive condition, it’s active. Note that we are “LIVELY” stones.
Secondly, our sacrifices must be “ACCEPTABLE to God.” Paul wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2Tim 2:15a; cf. Rom 12:1).
Thirdly, they we are to AIM them “…to God”. Whatever these sacrifices are, they are to be directed toward God.
Fourthly, they are directed toward God through the AVENUE of Jesus; “…by Jesus Christ.” Jesus Himself said, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Paul also wrote on spiritual SACRIFICES, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom 12:1). So, what are they? Verse 6 begins a list from Paul, so we shall look at both Peter & Paul’s letters. “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether…”
We are to SHEW Forth Praises of God. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Peter 2:9; cf Heb 13:15-16). It reminds me of when Jesus told the healed man to “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:16).
ALL of our BODY, our whole being is a living sacrifice to God. “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1). This clarifies how much of our life is dedicated to God, ALL of it. Christ is our life (Col 3:4).
We are to give a CONTRIBUTION for the helping of needy Saints and for the work of the Church. “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (Phil 4:18; cf. Heb 13:15-16). “He that giveth, let him do it with liberality” (Rom 12:8). God loves a cheerful giver (2Cor 8:2; 9:7).
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb 13:15-16).
It’s a spiritual sacrifice to submit to Leaders that God has ordained for the local church, and those that RULE are offering up a sacrifice. “He that ruleth, with diligence” (Rom 12:8; cf. 1Tim 3:1-7). This is further supported in Peter’s letter, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1Peter 5:2-3).
Peter’s letter is just as much about how the Saint INFLUENCES the world. “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1Peter 2:12). This speaks to evildoers converting to Christ through the INFLUENCE of good works done by the saints (cf. 1Pet 3:1).
Paul includes Prophecy or FORETELLING in his letter to the Romans. “Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith” (Rom 12:6). While there was a miraculous element in the 1st century, we today can FORETELL through the inspired written word. Peter wrote, “according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; is any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1Peter 4:10-11). The future return of Christ is just one example.
It’s a sacrifice to be an INSTRUCTOR or Teacher of God’s word. “He that teacheth, on teaching” (Rom 12:8; cf. 2Tim 2:2).
It’s certainly a sacrifice to have COMPASSION (Mercy) on our fellow man. “He that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom 12:8). We have obtained mercy through the blood of Jesus. Ought we not show mercy on others?
EXHORTING (to urge one to pursue some course of conduct) is another important sacrifice. “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation” (Rom 12:8; 2Tim 4:2). Encouraging brethren to better conduct can be a challenge. For example; “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but EXHORTING one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).
Finally, SERVING (ministering) our brethren is a Spiritual Sacrifice to God. “Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering” (Rom 12:7). When we serve the brethren, we serve Christ. Jesus listed some things, “For I was an hungred, … I was thirsty, … I was a stranger, … Naked, … I was sick, … I was in prison… Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when … ? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Acts 25:35-40’ cf. Acts 6:1-7).
These are all matters the individual Christian does through their own lives and homes. Some believe we abdicate these to others. These are OUR SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES. May we all offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Just about everyone knows that Jesus taught with parables. If you were to say the world parable, folks would automatically think of Jesus.
The PURPOSE of the parables is explained in scripture.
“And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:” (Matt 13:10-14).
We will notice that parables were part of PROPHECY which contributed to identifying Jesus as the Christ. “I will open my mouth in a parable:” (Psalm 78:2)
We will also notice that parables ASSIST people in understanding the lessons from Christ. We can easily identify the example in the parable to discover His teaching.
If you’ll look at the list of the parables you notice that Christ uses REAL life scenarios to explain His teachings. (ie. a sower)
Parables will ALLOW the seekers to see, but the BLIND not to see. Christ never keeps life saving truth from anyone, but some just don’t want it, hence they’re BLIND.
The meaning of the word parable is; to LAY along side. (cf. W.E. Vines). “And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” (Mark 4:30)
Another way to describe a parable is as an EXTENDED metaphor or simile. It’s not intended to be mysterious, concealing, nor prevent the truth seeker from understanding.
Ultimately, a parable is a SPIRITUAL lesson using an understood physical scenario. Jesus uses a known thing to explain SPIRITUAL things.
“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” (Mark 4:13)
On the following page is a list of all the parables (I think). Luke carries the most parables. While many people categorize them in different ways, I’ve identified seven. Prayer Parables, Kingdom Parables, Forgiveness Parables, Christ Parables, Parables of the Lost, Readiness Parables, and Stewardship Parables.
The misunderstanding of prayer is hurting people. It’s leading them astray into frustration and faithlessness. It’s not uncommon to hear of people’s exasperation at ‘unanswered’ prayer. Still others are ‘on the outs with God’ because their prayers are unfulfilled.
Not only that, but mockers are using it against the faithful when they see evil in the world. They say things like, “your thoughts and prayers are meaningless.” In one sense they’re right because they’re attacking the MYTHS about prayer that many believers are telling!
We must understand prayer. We need to teach it to people. To this end, here are the top 5 MYTHS about prayer.
The first MYTH is that MONEY & prosperity shows up without effort. I’ve heard people say, “if God had meant for me to be rich, I would be rich.”
He does want us to be financially secure and has given us laws about money that we can follow to become financially secure. Laws like…
Debt: “…borrower is servant to the lender.” [Prov 22:7]
Work: “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” [Eph 4:28]
People pray for financial prosperity while simultaneously break the rules of God about finances.
The 2nd MYTH is that God will say YES to every petition. Experience should show them this is wrong and scripture says it directly.
If you doubt, “For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” [Jas 1:7]
And, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” [Jas 4:3]
God gives no guarantee when we ask amiss.
A 3rd MYTH is that God will TAKE away all pain & evil. Where did you get that? This is the one the MOCKERS cite in their criticism of God. “Since there’s so much evil in the world God is either powerless, unkind or non-existent.”
This myth assumes that heaven is on earth. It’s never taught that way in scripture. Heaven is a place prepared for the obedient faithful (but I repeat myself) after the destruction of the world & it’s evil. [2Pet 39-10; Rev 21:4]
The 4th MYTH about prayer is that God will HEAL everyone everywhere of everything. That’s absurd. This myth misses the teaching about the purpose of miraculous healing done by Christ and the Apostles in the first century.
Miraculous healing (1 of 9 spiritual gifts) were for the express purpose of showing God’s confirmation of those who were teaching the Gospel and the New Covenant of Christ. In one instance, Jesus said, “Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” [Mark 2:9-11, emph mine seb]
This is just one of many proofs to show that the miraculous healing of that day was for the purpose of confirming the word of God.
Does God want good health for us today? I believe so because the bible teaches it, but not in the way MYTH tellers say. We need to learn about this and teach it accurately.
The last MYTH about prayer is that God will just beam SCRIPTURE into their mind without study. It’s true that God gave inspiration to some for the purpose of revealing His will and they wrote it down for us today [Eph 3:3-4]. It IS NOT TRUE that you should expect that same inspiration today. When you read what is written you can;
Misunderstanding prayer is making spiritually weak and lazy believers. God wants us to pray to Him, but He also commands it be done “according to His will” [1John 5:14] which means we must know what He wants and be obedient to His will.
This morning’s sermon will cover this and more about Godly prayer.
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 