#holyspirit

In Part 2 of their conversation about experiences of the Holy Spirit, Andrew sits down with Dr. Arden Autry and Courtney Westfall. They explore the biblical foundation and personal experience of miraculous healing and the gift of prophecy. Their discussion is driven by questions that arose out of a recent Holy Spirit Weekend in Tulsa, but it also includes the way these signs and wonders appear in regular Christian discipleship.

Andrew sits down with Dr. Arden Autry and Courtney Westfall to talk through some questions related to a Holy Spirit Weekend in February 2024. People who attended had questions around four main topics: Falling out under the power of the Spirit, Praying or speaking in tongues, experiences of healing, and the practice of prophecy. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Andrew talks with Arden and Courtney about how these topics reflect what we find in the Bible and in normal Christian experience.

This discipleship episode deals with a soap box topic of mine.   I hear this so much it is just plain irresponsible for a believer to act this way, especially if they claim to love the LORD JESUS.

You might think from the title I don’t like books.  You would be wrong.  Granted I don’t’t have as much time to devote to reading other materials.  Nor do I posses the reading ability of my wife.  However, there are several authors whom I have been blessed of the LORD to read and learn from.

No, what I am in reference too here is when I engage with, or I hear other believers engaging with believers or non-believers in theological topics.  There is nothing wrong with thoughtful or even challenging doctrinal discussions.  Indeed, we are call to be able to give an account of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3).  My soap box is believers should never have to say, “well if you just read this book then you will understand.”  Or if you are witnessing to someone and they ask you to go over and explain the gospel to them you tell them, “if you read this book it will explain it.”  As a believer you should be able to discuss your position (especially the gospel) from the Scriptures based on your own study.  Here are the three things I listen for in any encounter regardless-less if I am in the conversation or not:

1.  What do you believe?
2.  Why do you believe it?
3.  Can you personally explain it without having to get another involved - save only the Bible?

If you are unable to answer these three questions - you have no reason to be in a theological discussion - save to learn.

***This does not mean you should not share the gospel.  Even if you feel you don’t have the correct wording do not let that hinder you.  Indeed, it will be the SPIRIT of GOD who gives you words and insight.***

Please do not give me your books!  Just speak to me from the Scripture so I know you are one who desires to make much of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

This will bring some perspective!

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On the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the Asbury Revival, Andrew sits down with Matthew Johnson and Kyle Westfall to talk about what it was all about. They also look ahead to the Holy Spirit Weekend upcoming in Tulsa, which will feature Dr. Kim Maas as the main speaker. The trio talk about the purpose of the Spirit's presence in the hearts and lives of believers as they grow to become more like Christ.

Sadly, I had to change my original video/podcast discipleship video to a current issue which I have no choice but to talk about.

I try to avoid the current gossip or latest, “did you hear” issues that surround pastors of the faith.  I believe it unwise and unfruitful to speak on matters which you may not have all the information.  However, in this situation, I have too as it involves United In Christ Jesus and its relationship with Alistair Begg and his ministry Truth For Life.  If you visit the website, you will notice on the right sidebar there is Truth for Life app.  Also, if you look at my recommendation page -

https://thattheymayallbeone.org/shane-recommends/

- you will notice there are only two men of GOD whom I recommend for people to listen too.  Because of this affiliation I believe it necessary to share where UCJ stands and what its affiliation with Truth for Life will be.

Recently, Pastor Begg had some comments of his, from a few months ago, resurface.  He was speaking on his recent book and some advice he gave to a person about attending a gay wedding.  These comments immediately drew the ire of numerous Christians.  Later Pastor Begg was asked if he would repent of his words.  Here is an article with his reply: 

https://www.christianpost.com/news/alistair-begg-im-not-ready-to-repent-over-gay-wedding-advice.html

As I was praying on how to write this up and do this video the Word of GOD which I believe has the most direct impact on this situation is the following:

Matthew 7:15–20 (NASB95):  15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 
16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 
17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 
18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 
19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 
20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.”

You may be wondering if I am now calling Pastor Begg a false brother.  The answer is no.  But, I do ask you to listen to this entire program as I will be mentioning, by name, a heretical ministry, which is on the opposite end of the spectrum of Pastor Begg or John Piper.

I will warn you of Bethel Church and all of their affiliates and the danger they pose to any believers walk with the LORD.

Next week we will return to our normal discipleship video podcast.  Until then grace and peace.  Glory to GOD!  Worthy is the LAMB!

On this episode, Andrew sits down with Todd Lovell to talk about the Wesleyan teaching on the means of grace. As channels given by God that open us up to His presence in our lives, the means of grace have the power to help us grow in holiness of heart and life. As Andrew explains, they are meant to be the pattern for our daily discipleship and growth as followers of Christ.

I recently asked a friend, Brett, what he had been thinking about regarding his faith. Responding, he told me he had been thinking about abiding in the SPIRIT and how we can only bear fruit being in the SPIRIT. This immediately started my mind running through the Scriptures with them conforming what Brett had shared. Over the next day I had asked several other people what they would like to see discussed. After spending time in prayer the topic Brett shared kept coming back to the forefront. The more I thought about it the more I realized how many people have questions on walking in the SPIRIT. 

Here is a section of Scripture I mentioned in the video, but did not get time to really discuss. It along with numerous others GOD uses to guide us clearly on this all to important topic. Truly, if we can do nothing unless we are in CHRIST and following HIM it would be unloving of GOD not to tell us how. Galatians 5:16–26 (NASB95): 

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. 

Listen to these words of the LORD JESUS: 

John 15:1–6 (NASB95): 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” 

So, join with me now, as we seek the face of GOD in knowing how each day we live in victory and in a manner worthy of the LORD and HIS calling. 

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD! 

P.S. This article about Coram Deo, by R.C. Sproul will be very helpful for getting a real good foundation on abiding in the SPIRIT. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-does-coram-deo-mean

Recently, I had a discussion with a brother regarding church membership. Before we ever began the discussion (he being for and I saying its not mandated by Scripture) I told him, “your going to say to me at some point something to the effect, ‘I see what your saying and your right, but that is just the way we do things.’” As we engaged further and we talked about what the Scriptures said he eventually said what I said he would say. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with church membership, just like an altar call, unless it is used in an improper manner. From the time the LORD JESUS saved me until now, after examination of the Scriptures, I know that church membership is not Scriptural. It is something added on, perhaps with the best intentions (think of Adam telling Eve she can’t touch the tree) but not having the desired outcome - love in word and deed. 

If you go to thattheymayallbeone.org you can see about me and the testimony of the LORD JESUS saving me. This can give you a better insight of my perspective. This will also assist you in understanding the joys of uniting with a local Body and being subject to the governing elders. It will also highlight how this can be used to manipulate. 

I have referenced numerous Scriptures in this video. I won’t mention them here save for Galatians 2. Peter was confronted by Paul. Peter, though not a “member” of the church at Antioch was still subject to the elders there. This is the same person mentioned almost 60 more times than Paul is in the New Testament. 

This podcast is longer than many of the others, but I believe it is one of great importance if we are going to see the Western Church grow and walk in a manner worthy of the LORD’S calling and gospel. 

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

Kim Maas is a preacher and evangelist who has spoken all over the United States and around the world. She believes that God desires all believers to hear His voice, and that they can speak his voice through the gift of prophecy. Andrew sits down with Kim to talk about her calling into ministry, the practice of prophecy, women in ministry, preaching in Brazil, and the prospects of revival in our day.

Here it is a new year - 2024. Perhaps you are one of the many, who with good intent, make new years resolutions and/or goals. We see areas in our life that we need to address like health, eating or other areas we just know we need to work on. The vast majority of people who set these goals with good intentions fail to do one important thing - plan. This is the same with following CHRIST JESUS. Christians can fall into this same trap. We can set goals, some may be unrealistic (ill read the entire bible 4 times this year). Others are great and accomplish-able, but we fail to plan in a realistic manner. Lastly, what we all need and especially the Christian is discipline. The greatest need for a believer is to value and prize knowing GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST above all things and people. Scripture tells us we are in need of three primary goals to be in a good place to bear much good fruit. Those areas are: 

1. Plan - what is the reading plan your going to have in place and be able to stick to it realistically. You know you don't have to read the entire bible in one year...but it is really a tremendous benefit to your growth. 

2. Prayer - we need to be in prayer daily, often and immediately 

3. Participation - are you engaging and in fellowship with other believers/saints? 

Join with me, Shane Sands, as I share on these three aspects needed in the Christian life. As always, leave a comment, like/dislike the video and if you have a thought/idea for a topic let me know. Grace and peace everyone. 

Take care. 

Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

The first podcast, of 2024, season six and the topic from United In Christ Jesus are two very important topics: Fallen Will and Personal Holiness. Understanding the one and pursuit of the other is absolutely necessary to walking in a manner worthy of the LORD and HIS glorious gospel.

**Please pray for this ministry. Please support this ministry - humbled and grateful for you who come alongside of UCJ.

Please visit:

thattheymayallbeone.org/donate

Thank you!

Hannah Wells realized at a certain point that she didn't have to have it all figured out. All she had to do was say 'yes' to the next step that God was calling her to take. "Once you have Jesus leading your life and it's not about you ... problems just disintegrate," Hannah says. On this episode of Spirit Power & Grace, Andrew sits down with Hannah to talk about her spiritual journey as a Gen Z believer pursuing a calling into ministry.

A beautiful story of His Glory!

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Are angels and demons real? What is spiritual warfare? How are we supposed to know about spiritual realities that we cannot see or touch? Matt Judkins sits down to talk with Andrew about all these issues and more on this episode of Spirit Power & Grace.

As a teenager, Joseph Bias found himself sitting at a kitchen table together with his sister and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The conversation that they had that evening changed the course of his life. On this episode of Spirit Power & Grace, Andrew sits down with Joseph to talk about how that experience and others that served to shape him with determination to be the man that he is today.

We know the Holy Spirit regenerates the hearts of the elect, indwells in the hearts of believers sanctifying them and testifying to the Truth of God's Word; but how does the Holy Spirit pray for us? Join us as we discuss Romans 8:25 - 26

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Andrew sits down with Todd Lovell to talk about the topic of martyrdom and its relationship to Christian witness. They talk about the difference between "red martyrdom" and "white martyrdom" and how those have been expressed throughout church history. They also look at the way in which martyrdom requires the formation of faith over a lifetime as well as the presence of the Holy Spirit in the martyr's life.

Here we are the final episode of season five.  This is the shortest season we have had.  But, I believe it is possible the most important for believers.  This season we have examined the importance of discernment and why it is necessary in the daily life of a believer.  This last episode we will look at the final piece and perhaps the one most people fear.  Also, this episode will be our Thanksgiving Holiday episode.   Truly, we as believers have been given the greatest gift ever...we have so much to be thankful for.

Just a fair warning...lol, this program I do everything myself.  It is raw material uploaded.  Holly and I are heading out of town and she is very busy with final arrangements and getting prepared.  So, you  may hear a throat cleared of longer pauses than normal.  But, I felt it necessary to get this done before leaving.

Here is the main Scripture being utilized for the program.  Become familiar with it.

1      It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples.
2      He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
3      And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4      Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
5      When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

(Acts 19:1–5)

As I sign off for this season, let me say thank you to everyone who has prayed for us.  GOG uses and answers the prayers of HIS children.  So, again, thank you.  Above that we want to praise and give thanks to GOD the FATHER in the name and through HIS beloved SON the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  We know to whom much is given much is required.  We also know it has and is HIS grace and strength which has kept us and granted us to move forward - sometimes in difficult times.

This is the 13th year the LORD has granted United In Christ Jesus to operate and serve HIM and HIS kingdom.  Bless and praise HIS holy name!  I/we don't take it for granted.  It is the LORD'S ministry and HE, at any time, can do with it as HE wills.  It is my request and hope HE further blesses and pours me/us out for HIS glory and kingdom!

If you have made it this far, would you please prayerfully consider joining with us as a prayer partner and a monthly supporter?  We are a faith based ministry.  We trust the LORD to provide as I share the ministry needs and ask for support.  We know that it is the LORD who moves the hearts of HIS own.  Given the current climate in the western church, really the entire world, we believe there is a tremendous need for the gospel to go forth, saints built up and the lost called to repentance and faith.

Please join with us.  You can find a link on this page or you may visit United In Christ Jesus website here and look on the donate page.  We do need your prayers and support, please.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

On this episode, Andrew talks about spiritual identity.  He specifically explores the views of John Wesley, the leader of the Methodist revival, around what it means to be a Methodist. That label can mean many things to many people, what would it mean to Wesley himself? And how does that show us what it ought to mean today?