Fundamentals of the Faith Lesson 2 Inspiration; Part 2 of 2 Mark 16:19-20

The Apostles & Authority The Apostles Word & the Miraculous So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Mark 16:19-20 1. Mark 16:19-20 2. The Apostles preached & God confirmed their words by the accompanying signs. (Mk 16:20b)

The Apostles & Authority Ambassadors on the behalf of Christ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 1. The Apostles are also called ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor 5:20) 2. The Apostles were the authoritative, official, representatives of the King.

The Apostles & Authority Ambassadors on the behalf of Christ 21 Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 3. Not everyone are ambassadors for Christ; Acts 1:21-2:4

The Apostles & Authority Ambassadors on the behalf of Christ to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” 26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. ​1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 3. Not everyone are ambassadors for Christ; Acts 1:21-2:4

The Apostles & Authority Ambassadors on the behalf of Christ And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 1:21-2:4 3. Not everyone are ambassadors for Christ; Acts 1:21-2:4

The Gift of Prophecy Gifts in the 1st Century Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 1. There are 9 different miraculous gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 & 14. 2. The Apostles possessed all of these gifts as seen in Acts 8:14-21.

The Gift of Prophecy Gifts in the 1st Century 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Acts 8:14-21 1. There are 9 different miraculous gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 & 14. 2. The Apostles possessed all of these gifts as seen in Acts 8:14-21.

The Gift of Prophecy Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 1. In 1 Cor 14 Paul stresses the gift of prophecy. (1 Cor 14:1-5)

The Gift of Prophecy I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 1. In 1 Cor 14 Paul stresses the gift of prophecy. (1 Cor 14:1-5)

The Gift of Prophecy So the Lord said to Moses: “See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. Exodus 7:1 2. To prophesy means to “speak for, to speak in behalf of”. Men speak prophecy when they speak for God, that is God speaks through them. a. Aaron was Moses prophet. That is Moses spoke through Aaron (Ex 7:1). 3. There is no prophecy without (1) direct revelation, plus (2) miraculous inspiration. a. There is no prophecy unless it comes miraculous from God, directly to man.

Relevant Passages But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 1. In verse 9 Paul refers to certain “things” which God prepared for them that love him. 2. In verse 10 he says “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.”

Relevant Passages Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 3. In verse 12 he says “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” a. God revealed – by the Spirit- the “things”. b. The “us” in verse 12 is not us today. We receive no direct revelation. We receive it today from the written word that contains those things that were revealed.

Relevant Passages For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: Ephesians 3:1-5 1. God, by the Holy Spirit, revealed the mystery, by words, to Paul, enabling Paul to understand the mystery. 2. Paul then wrote in words the mystery which God revealed, for those in Ephesus (and for others). Thus making it possible for them to read, and perceive his (Paul’s) understanding of the mystery of God-the gospel of Christ.

Conclusion Inspiration is not difficult to understand when we study what God’s word has said about it, not what men who claim to be inspired teach. This is a fundamental lesson, without fundamentals we can not build, grow and “go on to perfection” (Heb 6:1). Let us not disregard such fundamental teachings. 1. Inspiration is not difficult to understand when we study what God’s word has said about it, not what men who claim to be inspired teach. 2. This is a fundamental lesson, without fundamentals we can not build, grow and “go on to perfection” (Heb 6:1). Let us not disregard such fundamental teachings. 3. Full Invitation