“...if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,he is none of his.”

ChurchLiving

Pentecost

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PentecostThis series of lessons has been designed for private study or classroompresentation. The purpose of this foreword is to explain certain conventionsutilized throughout the program. The overall concept is to begin with the basicconcepts necessary for the new convert to understand and progress towardmore complex doctrine. The lessons are numbered in order to maintain theproper sequence of study.

When Scripture references are encountered in the text, various actions arerecommended. When in parenthetical bold (Genesis 1:1) the verse is to belooked up and read right away. Frequently, the next textual statement willcomment on that verse. Reading verse and text in proper order will enhanceone’s understanding of the verse. Direct quotes from Scripture will be “bolditalicized and contained in quotation marks” and, unless otherwise noted, willbe from the King James Bible. When the reference is in parenthetical non-bold(Genesis 1:1) it is to provide the Scriptural basis for the statement if confirma-tion is desired. References in blue Genesis 1:1 will be listed in the lessonsection entitled FURTHER STUDY.

FURTHER STUDY is the “homework” section. Its purpose is to encourageBible study at home. The referenced verses have a short summation to assistthe student desiring more knowledge about a subject to find what they arelooking for.

The DISCUSSION QUESTIONS section is primarily for classroom use.Open discussion with the exchange of ideas produces growth for all involved.Most of the time the answer is contained in the referenced Scripture butsometimes the question is offered for open discussion. Even in private Biblestudy, analysis of the question and the search for its answer can be rewarding.

This work is offered to anyone with a desire to better understand God’s Word.It is our hope and prayer that the person studying these lessons will come awaywith a better understanding of God’s will and a closer walk with our Lord,Jesus Christ.

With Loving Concern for all those seeking God’s MessageThe Church of God Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount, Virginia

“...if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,he is none of his.”

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God has a Master Plan pic-tured by seven annual festi-vals.The first festival is Passover. Itpictures the Messiah--Christ--who volunteered before thefoundation of the world to beslain as the Passover Lamb, theSavior of the world.The second festival, the Feastof Unleavened Bread, picturesovercoming sin. But how dowe overcome sin? Is it by ourown strength and willpower?Could Jesus do any spiritualworks, including obedience toGod, with just His humanstrength? (John 5:30; 8:28).Where did He get the neces-sary power? (John 14:10).

The Father “dwelt” in Jesusthrough the Holy Spirit! DidChrist promise the same spiri-tual help to His disciples?(John 14:16). What is the"Comforter"? (John 14:26).Does Christ, through the HolySpirit, live in His followers to-day?(Romans 8:9-10; Colossians1:27; I John 3:24).

The day of Pentecost is the daythe Holy Spirit became avail-able to all of mankind. To allwho would repent of their sin(sin is the breaking of God’slaw - 1 John 3:4) and wouldaccept Jesus Christ as their per-sonal savior. Notice whatChrist had told his disciplesbefore this day came, “But youshall receive power, after thatthe Holy Spirit has come uponyou...” (Acts 1:8). Then Petersaid unto them, “Repent andbe baptized every one of you in

the name of Jesus Christ forthe remission of sins, and youshall receive the gift of theHoly Spirit.” (Acts 2:38).

Notice what the Bible saysabout the natural way we are,which is - void of the HolySpirit, “... the carnal mind isenmity against God: for it isnot subject to the law of God,neither indeed can be.”(Romans 8:7) Have you evernoticed how many religiouspeople believe and talk againstthe law of God as if it were abad thing? This scriptureseems to imply that the naturalman, void of the Holy Spirit ofGod, cannot bring himself toappreciate the law of God. It isonly by receiving the Spirit ofGod that we can come to appre-ciate and understand the law ofGod. The law is the very stan-dard by which your life can betransformed for the better andobedience is the key that allowsGod to work through your life.

The Holy Spirit is the verypower of God, without it - it isimpossible to please Him. No-tice, “...Now if any man havenot the Spirit of Christ, he isnone of His.” (Romans 8:9).This is the distinguished markof a real Christian. There isnothing more critical than re-ceiving the Spirit of God. It isthe very enabling power of Godthat can transform your life. Itis God’s helping hand in timesof need.

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There is a definite "way" toreceive the Spirit of God. Con-fession is not enough, goingdown to the altar is not enough,belief is not enough. Theremust be willingness to uncondi-tionally surrender your will toHim. Notice what Acts 5:32says about obedience beingnecessary to receive the Spiritof God.To have the Spirit of God is toreceive a very part of the mindof God, the power of God(1 Corinthians 2:14-16). TheHoly Spirit is the power thatcan transform your life.

Pentecost also represents thefirst fruits of God’s harvest.The very word firstfruits im-plies that there will be anotherharvest later. Jesus said plain-ly, “No man can come to me,except the Father which hathsent me draw him” (John 6:44).Comparatively speaking, Godhas been drawing only a few inthis age, but for a great purpose.

Those now called are part ofGod's spiritual firstfruits--thefirst group to be offered salva-tion. Those now called havebeen called first--for the specialPURPOSE of being preparedfor God's Kingdom! God'sfirstfruits will become Christ'sruling and teaching assistants,helping teach the true way tosalvation to everyone in theworld tomorrow. They havebeen called for the special ser-vice of preparing to eventuallyhelp bring the knowledge ofsalvation to the vast majority!

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1. What defines whether one is a member of God's Church andpart of the spiritual firstfruits? Romans 8:9, 11, 16____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. On what day was the first of the firstfruits wave offeringmade? Leviticus 23:11____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Are Spirit-begotten Christians the Firstfruits of God's MasterPlan of salvation? James 1:18________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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4. Is it necessary to obey God to receive the gift of the HolySpirit? Acts 5:32_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Did Jesus obey God, and does He expect Christians to obeyHim today? John 15:10_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. If you were dealing with a friend whose life was just notworking, what would be the most important thing you wouldwant to tell him?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For a more in depth study of this annual HolyDay see Lesson 3 of the Holy Day Series.

Pentecost

27 Brookledge LaneRocky Mount, VA 24151

Phone: 1-888-898-7698