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Vocation: From Occupation to Opportunity Part 2

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

In this lecture we continue to examine the difference between the understanding of an occupation as presented by the world and the the understanding of an occupation as revealed in Holy Scripture.  In particular, we discuss the letters to the baptized in Galatia and Ephesus.

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Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 2

Study Questions- Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 2

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Vocation: From Occupation to Opportunity Part 1

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

In this lecture we examine the difference in the understanding of an occupation as presented by the world and the the understanding of an occupation as revealed in Holy Scripture.

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Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 1

Study Questions- Vocation- From Occupation to Opportunity Part 1

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Vocation: The Family Part 2

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

In this lecture, examine the institution of marriage as it is related to the Sixth Commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.”

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Vocation- The Family Part 2

Study Questions- Vocation- the Family Part 2

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Vocation: The Family Part 1

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

In this lecture, we begin to examine the vocations given to us the family.  First, we will discuss the vocation of child.  Then we will work backwards from their through the vocation of parents to the vocation of husband and wife.

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Vocation- The Family Part 1

Study Questions- Vocation- the Family Part 1

The Doctrine of Vocation Part 2

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

In this lecture, we examine how priesthood of the baptized serve God by loving their neighbors in the place in which they have been placed.  We note the common pattern found in Ephesians, Colossians, Titus, and the First Letter of Peter.

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The Doctrine of Vocation Part 2

Study Questions- The Doctrine of Vocation Part 2

The Doctrine of Vocation Part 1

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

God teaches us to serve Him by loving our neighbor.  He does not leave this instruction in the realm of ambiguity.  Instead, He places us in a variety of vocations through which we love our neighbor in acts of service.  A vocation is a “calling.”  Every Christian is called to specific offices and tasks through which God works to govern and care for His creation.

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The Doctrine of Vocation Part 1

Study Questions- The Doctrine of Vocation Part 1

“Serving GOD by Loving Your Neighbor in Your Vocations”

God teaches us to serve Him by loving our neighbor.  He does not leave this instruction in the realm of ambiguity.  Instead, He places us in a variety of vocations through which we love our neighbor in acts of service.  A vocation is a “calling.”  Every Christian is called to specific offices and tasks through which God works to govern and care for His creation.  In this five week lecture series, we will discuss and investigate the teaching of vocation as it is related to the church, the family, and the society.  All lectures are FREE and open to anyone interested in learning more about the teaching of vocation.  Lectures start at 7 PM.  

Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 2000 Diamond Dr., Los Alamos, NM.

Lecutre 1 (Sept. 30) — Vocation

Lecture 2 (Oct. 7) —  The Church

Lecture 3 (Oc.t 14) —  The Family

Lecture 4 (Oct. 21) —  The Society

Lecture 5 (Oct. 28) — Christian Love

The goal of the Redeemer Theological Academy is to enable the saints to confess the Christian Faith handed down to us from the Apostles. In this age of competing religions and spiritualities, it is the special gift that each Christian has the opportunity to confess the Faith in the midst of an unbelieving world. These courses are designed to help you articulate what you believe and why you believe it.  

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The Holy Spirit Proceeds from the Father and the Son

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

Jesus says, “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.  And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27 (NKJV)  After hearing such a passage, the question may arise, “Why do some churches say that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father” while other churches say that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and the Son”?

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The Holy Spirit Proceeds from the Father and the Son

Study Questions- The Holy Spirit Proceeds from the Father and the Son

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/God-Sends-the-Word.mp3|titles=God-Sends-the-Word]

God Sends the Word

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

In this Lecture, we explore the sending of God’s Word.  God sends the Son giving us the word.  The Son sends the Spirit giving us the word.  The Son sends the apostles giving us the word.  We focus on passages from John’s Gospel and his first epistle.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/God-Sends-the-Word.mp3|titles=God-Sends-the-Word]

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God Sends the Word

Study Questions- God Sends the Word

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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 5

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-5.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-5]

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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 5

Study Questions- Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 5

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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 4

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

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Timothy, Titus, Succesors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 4

Study Questions- Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 4

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-3.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-3]

Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 3

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 3

Study Questions- Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 3

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-2.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-2]

Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 2

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 2

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-1.mp3|titles=Timothy-Titus-Successors-to-the-Apostles-and-the-Written-Word-Part-1]

Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 1

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

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Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word – Part 1

Study Questions- Timothy, Titus, Successors to the Apostles, and the Written Word Part 1

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Sending-Out-the-Apostles-to-the-Jews-and-Gentiles.mp3|titles=Sending-Out-the-Aposltes-to-the-Jews-and-Gentiles]

Sending the Apostles to the Jews and Gentiles

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

As the Father sent Jesus so too Jesus sent the Apostles.  They were sent out in order to reveal the mystery of salvation in the name of Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles.  Through baptizing and teaching, the Lord makes disciples.  As disciples, they were students of theology.  As students, they were to continue to learn and treasure all that Jesus had said.

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Sending Out the Apostles to the Jews and Gentiles

Study Questions- Sending the Apostles to the Jews and Gentiles

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Revealing-the-Mystery.mp3|titles=Revealing-the-Mystery]

Revealing the Mystery

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The language of mystery is the language of revelation.  A person does not know a mystery until it is revealed.  And even when it is revealed, a person continues to grow in his understanding of it.  A mystery is something different from a secret.  A secret can be discovered on accident.  A secret can be decoded by the efforts of trial and error.  A mystery on the other hand needs to be revealed by someone else.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Revealing-the-Mystery.mp3|titles=Revealing-the-Mystery]

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Lecture 17- Revealing the Mystery

Study Questions- Revealing the Mystery

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The Continuity of the Propehts and the Apostles

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The Apostles were taught by Jesus Himself and then they were sent out to teach others that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Prophets.  They did not make up stories themselves nor did they take stories from other people.  No, they knew firsthand what the Lord had said and it was the Holy Spirit who was with them as they taught.

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Lecture 16- The Continuity of the Prophets and the Apostles

Study Questions- The Continuity of the Prophets and the Apostles 

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/The-Apostles-Teach-Us-About-the-True-Christ.mp3|titles=The-Apostles-Teachs-Us-About-the-True-Christ]

The Apostles Teach us About the True Christ

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The key to salvation is not your personal opinion about Jesus.  Rather, Jesus Himself is the key.  He taught His Apostles the truth of who He is and what He does for the life of the world.  He sent out His Apostles to proclaim His name to the nations.  Because of the Apostolic message, we too have life in Christ’s name.

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Lecture 15- The Apostles Teach Us About the True Christ

Study Questions- The Apostles Teach Us About the True Christ

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/The-Person-and-Work-of-the-Holy-Spirit-in-the-Epistle-to-the-Ephesians-Part-2.mp3|titles=The-Person-and-Work-of-the-Holy-Spirit-in-the-Epistle-to-the-Ephesians]

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Ephesians Part 2

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The Holy Spirit is at work in the saints, that is, the baptized believers.  The devil is the spirit that is at work in the unbelievers.  He is blinding them from the truth.

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Lecture 14-The Person & Work of the Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Ephesians Part 2

Study Questions- The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Ephesians Part 2

The Watchtower organization (the so-called “Jehovah’s Witnesses”) repetitively uses methods of interpretation in order to prove their teachings.  They begin with a unique teaching and then utilize “proof texting” to show Biblical support for their false doctrine.  For example, they teach that Jehovah is a spirit person and not a spiritual force.   Then they establish a system of interpretation in order to prove this teaching.  It goes something like this:

1. Start off with the premise that Jehovah is a spirit person.
2. A spirit person is invisible.
3. A spirit person is intelligent.
4. A spirit person is able to have a conversation.
5. A spirit person is able to teach.
6. A spirit person is able to act.

To prove the premise, they quote a variety of passages to establish their teaching and dismiss the thought that Jehovah is a spiritual force.  Jehovah is invisible, intelligent, able to have a conversation, able to teach, and able to act.  Then they rely on common sense and logic to determine that Jehovah must be a spirit person and not a spiritual force.

They do the exact same thing for their teaching on the devil.  They teach that the devil is a spirit person and not a spiritual force.   Then they establish a system of interpretation in order to prove this teaching.  It goes something like this:

1. Start off with the premise that the devil is a spirit person.
2. A spirit person is invisible.
3. A spirit person is intelligent.
4. A spirit person is able to have a conversation.
5. A spirit person is able to teach.
6. A spirit person is able to act.

To prove the premise, they quote a variety of passages to establish their teaching and dismiss the thought that the devil is a spiritual force.  Then they rely on common sense and logic to determine that the devil must be a spirit person and not a spiritual force.The devil is invisible, intelligent, able to have a conversation, able to teach, and able to act.  Again, this method of interpretation is used to prove that the devil is not a spiritual force. 

However, they refuse to consistently use this method of interpretation to obtain the truth from the Bible. They are not interested in find the truth that is revealed in the scriptures.  They are only interested in “proving” that their teaching is true.  If we use the Watchtower method of determining the difference between a spiritual force and a spirit person, we would come to the conclusion that the Holy Spirit is a spirit person. 

1. Start off with the premise that the Holy Spirit is a spirit person.
2. A spirit person is invisible.
3. A spirit person is intelligent.
4. A spirit person is able to have a conversation.
5. A spirit person is able to teach.
6. A spirit person is able to act.

To prove the premise, we would quote a variety of passages to establish this teaching and dismiss the thought that the Holy Spirit is a spiritual force.  Relying on common sense and logic, we would conclude that the Holy Spirit is not a spiritual force.  The Holy Spirit is invisible, intelligent, able to have a conversation, able to teach, and able to act. 

However, the Watchtower organization teaches that the Holy Spirit is a spiritual force.  This is a complete contradiction.  If their method of interpretation can determine the difference between a spiritual force and a spirit person, then it should be used to determine whether or not the Holy Spirit is a spirit person or a spiritual force.

The problem is that they cannot  consistently use this method of interpretation that they have established for proving that both Jehovah  and the devil are spirit persons,.  They do not believe that the Holy Spirit is a spirit person.  They believe that the Holy Spirit is a spiritual force.

Instead of using the same method of interpretation, they engage in a system of deception to prove their teaching that the Holy Spirit is a not a spirit person.  To begin with, they deceptively translate Genesis 1 to establish their teaching.  Rather than literally translate the Hebrew, which reflects the truth that the Spirit of God is a distinct person from God who is speaking, the Watchtower translates as follows:

“In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth proved to be formless and waste and there was darkness upon the surface of [the] watery deep; and God’s active force was moving to and fro over the surface of the waters.”

The Hebrew is clear.  The Spirit of God was present with God in the beginning creating all things.  Here we are taught that there were two persons creating.  The person of the Spirit of God, who was hovering over the waters, and the person of God who was speaking.  Also, keep in mind that from John’s gospel chapter one, we learn that there was an additional person namely the Word of God who was also present at the beginning creating all things.  All three persons, God, the Spirit of God, and the Word of God are eternal.  Yet, the Watchtower teaches that an active force was present with the person of God.

Again, the Old Testament makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is a person and not a spiritual force or power.  The Prophet Zechariah writes, “Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6, ESV)   Here we are taught that the Spirit of Jehovah is not a power.

Again, the Watchtower translation is deceptive using wording that reflects their teaching.  They add to the Hebrew as follows:

“Accordingly he answered and said to me: “This is the word of Jehovah to Ze·rub´ba·bel, saying, ‘“Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,” Jehovah of armies has said.”

They add  the word “force” which is not found in the Hebrew text.  This is done in order to mislead the reader into thinking that the contrast is merely between a military force or power of man on the one hand and the power of Jehovah on the other hand.

The Scripture makes it clear that the Holy Spirit teaches and speaks which the Watchtower organization declares that a spiritual power cannot do.  It is clear from the Scriptures that the Holy Spirit is intelligent and able to hold a conversation, speak, and teach.

Here are some examples:

“And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and he said to me, “Say, Thus says the Lord: So you think, O house of Israel. For I know the things that come into your mind.” (Ezekiel 11:5, ESV)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. ” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22 ESV)

Jesus said to His disciples, “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”” (Luke 12:11–12, ESV)

Just as Jesus taught the disciples, also the Holy Spirit will teach them.  Likewise, Jesus says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26, ESV)  Again a spiritual force does not teach.  A person teaches

The Holy Spirit talks to Philip.  “And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”” (Acts 8:29, ESV)  Likewise a prophet came to Paul and told Him what the Holy Spirit had taught him.  He quotes the words of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter twenty-one.  “And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”” (Acts 21:11, ESV)

Paul reveals to Timothy what the Holy Spirit had told him saying,  “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,” (1 Timothy 4:1, ESV) In this passage it is important to note that there is a contrast being made between the teaching of the person of the Holy Spirit and the persons of the deceitful spirits.  The Spirit of Truth teaches the truth.  The deceitful spirits teach falsehood. 

Once again, we can see the cover up and deceit of the Watchtower organization.  Rather than show this clear contrast between “spirit persons” they dishonestly translate this passage as follows:

“However, the inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons” 

The Greek text is clear that the person of the Spirit of God is speaking, but they insert the phrase “inspired utterance” because they refuse to believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who speaks and teaches us.

They use this same trick to translate John’s first epistle.  The English Standard Version translates it this way:

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,” (1 John 4:1–2, ESV)

The Watchtower organization dishonestly adds their teaching to the text to hide the reality of the contrast between the person of the Holy Spirit and the persons of the false spirits.  They translate it as follows:

“Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.  YOU gain the knowledge of the inspired expression from God by this: Every inspired expression that confesses Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God,”

Again, the Greek text is clear.  We are given a contrast between the person of the Spirit of God and the persons of the false spirits.

Furthermore, John says,

“By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” (1 John 4:6, ESV)

The Watchtower disagrees with John who identifies the Spirit of God as a person who is intelligent, able to teach, and hold a conversation.  Thus, they have to distort John’s words to agree with their teaching.  They translate as follows:

“This is how we take note of the inspired expression of truth and the inspired expression of error.”

The scriptures are clear.  We are warned so that we follow the truth as taught to us by the Spirit of Truth and resist the errors taught by the spirits of error.

Not only does the Watchtower refuse to use their method of interpretation to determine if the Holy Spirit is a “spirit person” and distort their translation of the text, they also employ a method of “proving” that the Holy Spirit is just a spiritual force by noting that the Bible regularly refers to the “pouring out of the Spirit.”  They immediately conclude that a person cannot be poured out.  They note that substances like water are poured out and fill vessels.  Again, they rely on common sense and logic. 

This is a complete smoke and mirror show that would make any magician proud.  They draw your attention to a few passages in one hand so that you will not look at the passages hidden in the other hand.  They feed on human reason and philosophy.  The Bible warns us of such trickery.  “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8, ESV) 

After showing a few passages about the Holy Spirit being poured out and filling a person, they then arouse the rational mind and say something like,

“Now is it reasonable to say that a person can be poured out into another person?  Is it reasonable to say that a person can fill another person?  Clearly, the Holy Spirit can’t be a person.”

Take note of how many times the use the word “reasonable.”  Every time that they use that mantra, it should be a red flag that they are feeding on the rational mind and its understanding of things.  The way of fallen reason is the way of the Watchtower.  It is the way of the world.  The way of the Lord is to be renewed in our thinking.  Thus, Paul teaches us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)

If the Watchtower organization was honest, they would note that similar imagery of pouring and filling are used for “spirit persons.”  In the book of Second Chronicles, we are told that Jehovah put a “spirit person” into the mouth of the lying prophets.  We read about this in chapter eighteen,

“Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets. The Lord has declared disaster concerning you.”” (2 Chronicles 18:20–22, ESV)

To use the same logic that the Watchtower uses against the person of the Holy Spirit, we would have to say, “Is it reasonable to say that a person can be put into the mouth of another person?  Thus, the lying spirit was not a person, but rather a spiritual force.

Likewise, we know that unclean spirits filled people and could even be sent into animals.  That is why Jesus cast the unclean spirits out of people.  In Matthew chapter eight we read,

“And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.” (Matthew 8:31–32, ESV)

Even Satan was in Judas.  Luke writes, “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.” (Luke 22:3, ESV)

Again, if the Watchtower was honest and consistent, they would have to conclude that the unclean spirits are spiritual forces because it is not reasonable to have a spirit person enter into a person.  Just as they disregard the intelligent conversations of the person of the Holy Spirit, they should disregard the intelligent conversations of the false spirits.

Notice that both the person of the Holy Spirit and the person of the Son of God can clothe you and dwell in you.

The Holy Spirit is the promised by Jesus and before His ascension Christ says, “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”” (Luke 24:49, ESV)  Paul says, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)  We are clothed with both the person of the Holy Spirit and the person of the Son of God.

Paul also says, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)  As the Holy Spirit dwells in us, the Son of God also dwells in us.  Paul writes, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,” (Ephesians 3:17, ESV)

The Scriptures warn us, “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.” (Proverbs 12:17, ESV)  We must heed this warning recognizing the Watchtower organization as false witnesses who utter deceit.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/The-Person-and-Work-of-the-Holy-Spirit-in-the-Epistle-to-the-Ephesians.mp3|titles=The-Person-and-Work-of-the-Holy-Spirit-in-the-Epistle-to-the-Ephesians]

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Ephesians

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The Apostle Paul writes to the baptized souls in Ephesus teaching them that when they heard the word of truth, they were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.  He prays that they would continue to be filled with the Spirit.  As those who have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we too are encouraged to remain in the Spirit by abiding in the Spirit filled word.  As we are in the Spirit listening to the word of God, we have access to the Father through the Son with the promise that He will hear our prayers.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/The-Person-and-Work-of-the-Holy-Spirit-in-the-Epistle-to-the-Ephesians.mp3|titles=The-Person-and-Work-of-the-Holy-Spirit-in-the-Epistle-to-the-Ephesians]

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Lecture 13- The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Ephesians

Study Questions- The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Ephesians

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/THE-WORDS-OF-JESUS-ARE-SPIRIT-AND-LIFE.mp3|titles=THE-WORDS-OF-JESUS-ARE-SPIRIT-AND-LIFE]

The Words of Jesus are Spirit and Life

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

Christ is the Son of God who was sent into the world in order to give to us life.  By His death on the cross, we have life in Him.  After the ascension of Christ, He sent the Holy Spirit to bring life to the world through His church on earth. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, we cannot come to God or hear the word of God.   The Holy Spirit continues in our day to call, gather, and enlighten us in the knowledge of salvation found alone in Christ.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/THE-WORDS-OF-JESUS-ARE-SPIRIT-AND-LIFE.mp3|titles=THE-WORDS-OF-JESUS-ARE-SPIRIT-AND-LIFE]

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Lecture 12- THE WORDS OF JESUS ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE

Study Questions- THE WORDS OF JESUS ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE

Charles Taze Russell was born in 1852.  He is the founder of the so-called “Bible Student Movement” of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  The followers of Russell deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.  Charles Taze Russell was brought up in a Presbyterian/Congregationalist setting and leaned toward Unitarianism which is the natural progression of Calvinism.  Unitarianism denies the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.  Where Calvinism teaches that the infinite God cannot be found in the finite bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper, Unitarianism takes this line of logic to the next step maintaining that the infinite God cannot be found in the finite body and blood of Jesus.

Notice the direct correlation between a proper understanding of Christology (the person and work of Christ) with a proper understanding of the Lord’s Supper instituted by Christ.  The Son says, “This is My body and this is My blood” and it is.  When we receive the Lord’s Supper, we receive the body and the bread, the blood and the wine.  The Father says, “This is My Son” and He is.  When we receive the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive both His humanity and His divinity.  The two natures of Christ cannot be separated.

Just as the line of logic promoted by Calvinism led the Unitarians to deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, it also led Russell to the same conclusion.  The result is that Russell and his students teach a different Jesus than the one proclaimed by the apostles.  The Apostle Paul warns his students in Corinth saying,

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.(2 Cor. 11:3–4, ESV)

In the 1800’s there were many false teachers proclaiming a different Jesus and a different spirit.  Not only do the students of Russell deny that Jesus is coessential, coeternal, and coequal with the Father, they also teach the Holy Spirit is merely God’s active force.  Their view on the Holy Spirit flows from their teaching that Jehovah is not omnipresent and needs an active force to be able to act throughout creation.

In 1916, Charles Taze Russell died.  After his death, his students split into a variety of factions such as the Pastoral Bible Institute, Watchers of the Morning, the Dawn Bible Students Association, the Christian Millennial Fellowship, the Stand Fast Bible Students Assocaition, the Elijah Voice Society, the Servants of Yah, the Angel of Jehovah Bible and Tract Society, the Berean Bible Institute (Australia), New Covenant Fellowship, the Christian Truth Institute, the New Covenant Believers, and the Watchtower organization (Jehovah’s Witnesses).   SOURCE

This last group was led by Judge Rutherford who was a student of Russell.  The schism amongst the “Bible Students” was the result of disagreements with Rutherford.  It is said that only about a quarter of the students of Russell continued to follow Rutherford.  Nevertheless, of all of these splinter groups, the largest and most common are the students of the Watchtower organization.  They are commonly known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Most likely, you have come across one of their magazines:                    1.) The Watchtower 2.) Awake

Watchtower organization utilizes a teaching technique in which their publication make assertions, provide multiple proof texts from the Bible, and engage the reader with leading questions based upon common sense.  For example, they may assert that there is only one God and his name is Jehovah.  Jesus never claimed to be Jehovah.  Then they quote a Bible passage such as 1 Timothy 2:5 as found in their own translation, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man Christ Jesus.”  Next, they would ask a question such as, “Is it reasonable to say that Jesus is God if he is the one mediator between God and men?”

Please note that the Watchtower organization has developed a method of interpretation and translation that “proves” that their teaching is from the Bible.  At this point, we must comment on the problem with “proof texting.”  This method is employed to “biblically support” a teaching.  Understand that first an organization starts with a premise and second it gathers a lists of Bible verses to prove the truth of their premise.

This was the method that was employed by Ulrich Zwingli with his debates against the Luther regarding the Lord’s Supper.  Zwingli started off with a premise that the Lord’s Supper is just a symbolic mean and then he gathered an army of verses to prove that God uses symbolism in the Bible to support his premise.  The method of interpretation used by Zwingli was to read the text symbolically.

Luther, on the other hand, wanted to start off with the Biblical text and read it as it has been given.  Jesus “took bread and when He had given thanks he broke and gave it to His disciples and said, “Take eat. This is My body which is given for you.”  What does this mean?  The bread that Jesus gave to His disciples to eat is the body of Jesus.  The method of interpretation used by Luther was to read the text as intended by the one who spoke/wrote the words.

Zwingli employed the technique of proof texting.  Again, this method starts with a teaching and then quotes Bible passages to support the teaching by using reason and common sense.  If God uses symbolism to teach us, then it is reasonable that he would use symbolism in teaching us about the Lord Supper.  This is the same system of reasoning that Arius used in the early church regarding the person of Christ.  Arius taught that the Son of God is a created being who did not exist from eternity.  His method of proof was to quote Bible passages that declared that the Father sent the Son.  Then Arius and his students would argue that it is reasonable to believe that there was a time when the Son did not exist.  After all, first there has to be a father before there is a son.  A son comes after a father in time.  It cannot be the other way around.

On the other hand, Athanasius and his students would approach the topic differently.  They wanted to know what God had revealed in the scriptures.  They desired to look at a text and ask the question, “What does this mean?”  If the Holy Spirit teaches us through the mouths of the apostles that Jesus is the Only Begotten of the Father, what does this mean?  Well, it means that Son is God of God, begotten not made, being of the same essence of the Father.  He is light of light and True God of True God.

Like Zwingli and Arius, the Watchtower organization starts with a premise.  They teach that Jesus is not Jehovah.  Then they come up with a false system of proof texting to prove that their teaching is from the Bible.  The system works like this

1. Jesus is not Jehovah
2. Jesus never claims to be Jehovah
3. The prophets and apostle do not teach that Jesus is Jehovah
4. In the Greek language, when the word “theos” (god) is referring to Jehovah it uses the definite article which would be translated as “the God.”  The God is Jehovah.
5. When the word “theos” (god) is referring to Jesus it does not use the definite article which would be translated as “a god.” A god is not Jehovah.

After establishing their teaching and method of interpretation, they quote a multitude of verses to “prove” their teaching comes from the Bible.  This system was developed for one purpose.  This method of interpretation and translation is utilized to prove that Jesus is not Jehovah.  Here is the place in which we can see a huge flaw in “proof texting.”  You can prove that any teaching comes from the Bible if you use the appropriate method of interpretation.  It is like watching a movie that is based upon a true story.

For example, we can use the Watchtower method of interpretation and translation to prove that the person of the Father of Jesus is not Jehovah either.

1. The Father of Jesus is not Jehovah
2. The Father of Jesus never claims to be Jehovah
3. The prophets and apostle do not teach that the Father of Jesus is Jehovah
4. In the Greek language, when the word “theos” (god) is referring to Jehovah, it uses the definite article which would be translated as “the God.”  The God is Jehovah.
5. When the word “theos” (god) is referring to the Father of Jesus ,it does not use the definite article which would be translated as “a god.” A god is not Jehovah.

Like the Watchtower, we could quote a multitude of verses from the Bible to prove this premise using their method of interpretation and translation.

The method of biblical interpretation and translation used by the Watchtower organization is pure deception.  Understand that the method of interpretation was developed by the Watchtower organization to prove that their teaching is from the Bible.  The devil is a deceiver and a liar.  He promotes a different Jesus than the Jesus proclaimed by the apostles.  Satan is actively at work blinding the unbeliever and misguiding the believer.  The devil used the trick of “proof texting” to “prove” that Jesus was not the Son of God in Matthew chapter four.  He started off with a premise that Jesus is not the Son of God.  Then he mixing in leading questions combined with “poof texts” to “prove” his false teaching.

However, if one reads Matthew chapter four in the context flowing from what was revealed in the previous chapter, one will learn that Jesus in deed is the Son of God.  At the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, it was the Holy Spirit who anointed Him as the Christ and the voice of the Father who declared Him to be His Son.

While Satan trains his students to ask the question, “Did God really say what the text says?,” the Holy Spirit is at work in the baptized teaching them to ask the question, “What is God revealing to me in this text?”  The Apostle John declares, “We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” (1 John 4:6, ESV)  Jesus says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31–32, ESV)  Take note that Jesus did not say, “You are truly My disciples if you proof text your own teachings.”  Instead, Jesus instructs us as His students to abide in His word.  To abide in His word, is to remain in it.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/God-is-Our-Teacher.mp3|titles=God-is-Our-Teacher]

God is Our Teacher

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

Unless God is our Teacher, we will remain in the dark.  The Holy Spirit enlightens us with the written scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.  He desires for us to seek the knowledge of salvation in them.  These are not the mere opinions of men, but rather the very word of God.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/God-is-Our-Teacher.mp3|titles=God-is-Our-Teacher]

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Lecture 11- God is Our Teacher

Study Questions- God is Our Teacher

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/The-Revealed-Rock-in-Daniel.mp3|titles=The-Revealed-Rock-in-Daniel]

The Revealed Rock in Daniel

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The Holy Spirit spoke through mouths of the prophets and apostles to reveal the knowledge of salvation.  Through these instrumental means, he revealed the mystery of the coming kingdom brought by the Rock in the days of Nebuchadnezzar.  This Rock would become a mountain and His kingdom would spread throughout the earth.  It would be an everlasting kingdom not like the earthly kingdoms that preceded it.  This kingdom would spread through the proclamation of the gospel to all nations.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/The-Revealed-Rock-in-Daniel.mp3|titles=The-Revealed-Rock-in-Daniel]

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Lecture- The Revealed Rock in Daniel

Study Questions- The Revealed Rock in Daniel

               [audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Today-if-You-Hear-His-Voice-Do-Not-Harden-Your-Hearts.mp3|titles=Today-if-You-Hear-His-Voice-Do-Not-Harden-Your-Hearts]

Today, If You Hear His Voice, Do Not Harden Your Hearts

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The Holy Spirit is teaching us to continue to listen to Jesus.  Faith comes from the words of Jesus.  Moses had said that there would be a prophet great than him and we should listen to Him.  At the Transfiguration, the Father said, “This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.  Listen to Him.”

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Today-if-You-Hear-His-Voice-Do-Not-Harden-Your-Hearts.mp3|titles=Today-if-You-Hear-His-Voice-Do-Not-Harden-Your-Hearts]

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Lecture- Today, if You Hear His Voice Do Not Harden Your Hearts

Study Questions- Today, If You Hear His Voice, Do Not Harden Your Hearts

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let you speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV)

DON’T WALK WITHOUT WISDOM

Example of a weak confession found on the internet :

The Holy Spirit:    We believe and teach that the Holy Spirit is the presence and power of God at work in the world, especially in human lives. The Spirit is at work in convicting sinners of their need for God’s grace, and in empowering people for effective Christian living. The Spirit produces “fruit” in the lives of believers as expressed in the fifth chapter of Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

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It is not helpful to talk about the person and work of the Holy Spirit as the presence and power of God.  To begin with, this ambiguity leads to the idea that the Holy Spirit is not God; rather, He is merely the power or presence of God like a spiritual force acting out the will of God.  We cannot separate the three persons of the Blessed Trinity from each other.

Likewise, this weak wording leads toward modalism in which the Spirit is just a different mode or form in which God is at work in His creation at a given time, as if,  He is sometimes in the mode of the Father and at another time in the mode of the Son.

When the concept of the Holy Spirit working in human lives is asserted, there is no explanation of how that takes place.  This vague statement lends itself to an understanding of a direct revelation  from God, as if, the Holy Spirit separates Himself from the written word of the prophets and the apostles.

Furthermore, the emphasis is placed upon convicting of sin as one goal of the Holy Spirit and the empowering for effective Christian living as the other goal.  Thus, the Holy Spirit is the one who convicts and empowers.  Again, there is no indication of how the Spirit of God convicts and empowers.  The gospel, the message about the person and work of Jesus, is completely left out of the picture.

Therefore, the above wording wanders aimlessly declaring that the Holy Spirit shows a need for God’s grace without delivering it.  While at the same time, it promotes the idea of effective Christian living without any indication of faith in Christ.  Yet, it is impossible to please God without faith.  In the above statement, the Holy Spirit is not confessed as the one who gives the gift of faith which clings to the promises of God fulfilled in Christ.  Take note that no mention is given of the Holy Spirit being the Comforter.

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We should walk in wisdom and make the best use of our time.  Rather than confessing that the Holy Spirit is the presence and power of God, we should clarify that the Holy Spirit is God who is worshiped and glorified together with the Father and the Son.  Our Triune God is omnipresent.  Thus, wherever the Holy Spirit is present, the Father and the Son are present too.

We need to be clear that the person of the Holy Spirit is eternally distinct from the person of the Father and the person of the Son.  The Father is eternally unbegotten, the Son is eternally begotten of the Father, and the Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son.  The Spirit of God is not a mode or a power of God.

The Holy Spirit works in human lives through instrumental means.  He uses the law of God to reveal sin and to bring conviction and judgment.  He uses the gospel to reveal to us our Savior and to bring mercy and forgiveness.  The unique role of the Holy Spirit is to bring comfort through the power of the gospel by opening eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to believe the promises of God.  He grants us faith and strengthens our faith in Christ alone for salvation.  We cannot come to Jesus or believe in Him.  The Holy Spirit calls us through the gospel and gives us faith to trust in Christ’s completed work of atonement on the cross.

The Spirit of the Lord works conversion in us and renewal in us through the means of grace which are holy baptism (the gospel with water), holy absolution (the gospel in spoken or written form), and holy communion (the gospel with the bread and wine and with the body and blood of Christ).  We want to be clear on how the Holy Spirit works in human lives.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Running-Against-the-Rock.mp3|titles=Running-Against-the-Rock]

Running Against the Rock

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The rejection of the Rock of our salvation is a constant theme throughout the holy scriptures.  As soon as the people of God were delivered from slavery in Egypt their praising of God’s work of salvation was quickly turned into grumbling and complaining.  The refused to continue to listen to His voice in the mouths of His prophets.  No wonder, that the leaders of Jerusalem rejected the Christ in the days of the apostles and people continue to refused to listen and be saved.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Running-Against-the-Rock.mp3|titles=Running-Against-the-Rock]

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Lecture- Running Against the Rock

Study Questions- Running Against the Rock

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Lecture-Learning-to-Say-Hallelujah.mp3|titles=Lecture-Learning-to-Say-Hallelujah]

Learning to Say Hallelujah

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

Christ is risen!  He is read indeed!  Alleluia!  Or is it Hallelujah?  Whether there is an “H” or an “A,”  the key is to proclaim the works of the LORD.  Specifically in this season of Easter, we take great comfort in knowing that Christ has been but to death for our transgression and raised to life for our justification.  In this great act of salvation we rejoice!

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Lecture-Learning-to-Say-Hallelujah.mp3|titles=Lecture-Learning-to-Say-Hallelujah]

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Lecture- Learning to Say Hallelujah

Study Questions- Learning to Say Hallelujah

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let you speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV)

DON’T WALK WITHOUT WISDOM

Example of a weak confession found on the internet :

We Believe: worship of God should be Spiritual.  Therefore: We remain flexible and yielded to the Holy Spirit to direct our worship.

We Believe: worship of God should be Inspirational.  Therefore: We give a great place to music in our worship

We Believe: worship of God should be Intelligent. Therefore: Our services are designed with great emphasis upon teaching of the Word of God that He might instruct us how He should be worshiped

We Believe: worship of God is Fruitful. Therefore: We look for His Love in our lives as the supreme manifestation that we have truly been worshiping Him

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The above list of beliefs was found on a page that was titled “What We Believe.”  Yet, there was nothing on the page that confesses the God in whom they believe; instead, they list five different things that they believe about worship.  Each one of these components is ambiguous.  Any church could squeeze herself into this mold.  In fact, even non-Christian groups like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons could embrace this five point belief system of worship.

Point 1- Spiritual

The main problem with this point is the need to be certain that one is being led by the Holy Spirit.  The only way to be certain that a service is of the Holy Spirit is to utilize the means of grace instituted by our Triune God.  These means are tied to the written word of the prophets and the apostles who were inspired by the Holy Spirit.  The emphasis of the Divine Service should be upon Jesus Christ who is our Eternal High Priest who promises to be present with us in His means of grace.  Thus, we gather to receive the means of grace which are holy baptism, holy communion, and holy absolution.  These are three different ways through which we received the benefits of the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  These gifts grant to us the promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation.  Thus, the primary emphasis should not be placed upon our ability to be flexible and yielding, but rather, upon our receiving of the gifts of God.

Point 2- Inspirational

When we use the language and concept of inspiration, we are diving into the realm of feelings and emotions.  The purpose of the Divine Service is not to move us.  Instead, the purpose is to deliver the gifts of God to us through which the Holy Spirit is at work in us.  We must be careful not to associate music with the vehicle through which the Holy Spirit comes to us.  We do not induce God’s presence by performing inspiration music.  On the contrary, the Holy Spirit is bestowed through the gospel.

Point 3- Intelligent

The purpose of preaching is not to teach us how to worship God.  Rather, the purpose of teaching the word of God is to us assure us that for the sake of Jesus Christ we have found favor with God.  In order to accomplish this goal, the law is preached which exposed our sin.  It teaches us how we have failed to obey what God requires of us and forbids us from doing.  Then, the gospel is proclaimed to take our sin away.  It teaches us how Christ was obedient to the point of death in our stead.  Our sin was declared to be His sin.  His righteousness is declared to be our righteousness.  This is a gift from God promised to us in the gospel connected to water (baptism), connected to the body, blood, bread, and wine (Lord’s Supper), and/or connected to the ink, paper or the voice of God’s chosen proclaimer (absolution).

Point 4- Fruitful

How can one look for the love of God in His life apart from the love of God declared to us in the gospel?  According to this understanding presented above, one won’t know for certain if God was truly worshiped until love is made manifest.  Faith is that worship which receives God’s offered gifts in the means of grace.  Our Triune God gives forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.  We respond by saying, “Thank you and amen.”  These gifts are promised by God and as with any promise they can only rightfully be received by faith.

This is an example of how not to walk.  In the place of identifying themselves as believers in the Holy Trinity tied to the historic Christian church, they want to be recognized as worshipers.  Therefore, they end up confessing thier actions and neglecting to profess Christ’s actions for them and those who read their statement.  This is a classic example of those who boast in deeds and not creeds.

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We should walk in wisdom and make the best use of our time.  Rather than confessing what we believe about worship, we should confess what we believe about the God whom we worship.  Only when we correctly understand who Christ is and what He has done of us to atone for our sins, can we rightly worship God.  True worship is believing in the promises of God found in Christ.  Thus, it would be better to post the Nicene Creed on the internet under the title “What We Believe.”

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.  He suffered and was buried.  And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father.  And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.  And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church, we acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life + of the world to come.  Amen.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/The-Rule-of-Splice1.mp3|titles=The-Rule-of-Splice1]

The Rule of Splice

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The Apostles use the “Rule of Splice” when quoting form the Old Testament scriptures.  They splice together the complete message of the prophets through whom the Holy Spirit speaks.  In them we learn about Jesus and what will happen to Jesus.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/The-Rule-of-Splice1.mp3|titles=The-Rule-of-Splice1]

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Lecture- The Rule of Splice

Study Questions- The Rule of Splice

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let you speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV)

DON’T WALK WITHOUT WISDOM

Below is an example of a weak confession found on the internet :

“Simply Christian”

Our message is that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” We require no other creed. He alone is Lord and Savior.

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The main problem with this statement is not what it says about Christ, but rather, what it does not say.  It does not say what Christ has done for us to bring to us salvation from our sins.  It leaves the definitions to the terms listed open to interpretation.  What does it mean to be “Son of the Living God”?  Could an Unitarian, a Mormon, or the like agree to this statement?

In other words, it does not say that Christ is God.  In fact, it rejects the need of the ancient creeds in which it is clearly confessed that Christ is God by giving to Him equal honor and glory with God the Father and the Holy Spirit.  The creeds of the church clearly declare who Christ is and what He has done for us.  Yet, the boast of this statement is that creeds are not required.  This is an example of how not to walk.

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We should walk in wisdom and confess the simplest of the creeds–the Apostles Creed.  In this concise statement, we state that we are simply Christian.  We have a need to confess who God is and what God has done for us.  We rejoice in the creeds of the ancient church.  The church speaks these creeds in order to properly confess Christ and unite true believers from around the world and throughout the ages.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.  He descended into hell.  The third day He rose again from the dead.  He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  From thence He will come to judge both the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/The-Cornerstone-is-a-Stumbling-Stone.mp3|titles=The-Cornerstone-is-a-Stumbling-Stone]

The Cornerstone is a Stumbling Stone

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The Holy Spirit spoke through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah declaring that a Stone of stumbling would be set in place in Zion.  This Stone would be a tested stone and a sure foundation.  In Psalm 118, the Holy Spirit declared that this Stone would be rejected by the builders, but it would become the cornerstone.  The same Spirit of God spoke through the mouths of the Apostles declare that Jesus is this Stone.

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Lecture- The Cornerstone is a Stumbling Stone

Study Questions- The Cornerstone is a Stumbling Stone

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Lecture-The-Message-of-the-Redeemer-is-Folly-to-the-Unbeliever.mp3|titles=Lecture-The-Message-of-the-Redeemer-is-Folly-to-the-Unbeliever]

The Message of the Redeemer is Folly to the Unbeliever

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit.  Thus, the message of the cross is folly to the unbeliever.  Because of sin, he rejects the wisdom of God and prefers the wisdom of the world.  He cannot help but set his eyes upon the things of men rather than the things of God.  By nature, he is spiritually blind and deaf.

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Lecture The Message of the Redeemer is Folly to the Unbeliever

Study Questions- The Message of the Redeemer is Folly to the Unbeliever

[audio:https://redeemertheologicalacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Lecture-3.mp3|titles=Lecture-3]

The Knowledge of Salvation is Revealed by the Apostles

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

The revealed knowledge that the Blessed Holy Trinity brought to the apostles would be brought to the ends of the earth.  They would go out and reveal the knowledge of salvation through the words they spoke.  They would begin in Jerusalem, spread to Judah,Samaria, and the ends of the earth.  They would take the words of Jesus to the Jewish people in the synagogues and then to the Gentiles in the throughout the cities of the Roman Empire.  After the resurrection of our Lord, the apostles were sent out by Jesus in order to reveal the knowledge of salvation found in Jesus alone.

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The Knowledge of Salvation is Revealed by the Apostles

Study Questions- The Knowledge of Salvation is Revealed by the Apostles