Canaan Fellowship

Dr. Bill Teubl

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Bruce Hempel

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Dr. Bill Teubl - Grace

John 1:14-18

v17 – the law was given through Moses
Grace is a New Testament term. We can see grace from the reference in from the words, John 1:14 - “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

Law:
Before we can get to grace, however, we have to visit the law (the law was given through Moses as mentioned in v17).
What is the reason for law? The answer is to teach us that we are sinners. Someone who does not understand the law does not see their need for grace.

Make sure you can relate and live with sinners. We must be able to relate because we are all sinners. Once we can realize that we are sinners then we can be saved. We cannot be saved if we do not admit that we are sinners.

The gospel is blasphemed if Christians act as if they are sinless and the world is sinful. Everyone is sinful and we must be able to relate to those in the world even as we are sinners.

Grace:
Grace and truth come through Jesus Christ. The law is just, “the soul that sins will surely die.” Grace is God giving me something that I don’t deserve. Without mercy, however, we will not receive grace. God’s grace is completely unmerited. It is not simply grace, it is grace upon grace.

What are the gifts of grace? What are the manifestations, are embracing them?

Truth:
One of the most profound things said in the New Testament about truth was Jesus’ words, “I am the truth.” It is important to note that the law is true. Further we should realize that the law is not all truth. The law is simply part of the truth written down for us.

All the things that we need in life we can find in Jesus. We do not have to search outside of Jesus to find a fulfilling life of grace.

Bruce Hempel - Elijah and Elisha

2 Kings 2:1-14 – Elijah taken away from Elisha and into heaven

Some interesting point on this passage:
Elisha was persistent throughout this time period—like Jacob wrestling with the Angel and Ruth and Naomi.

Elisha was not timid and he had a bold request—Solomon

Elijah’s striking of the water is an interesting picture to the red sea parting for the Israelites.

The rending of the garments and the correspondence with the curtain which dividing the Holy of Holies from the outer court was rent in two.

Elijah was led by the Lord to speak to Elisha and tell him to wait in order to confirm Elisha’s persistence.
Moses also had persistence when he asked for the people of Israel to be spared

When Elisha asked for the spirit of Elijah, he was asking for the spirit that gave Elijah his power (the Holy Spirit). It is possible that Elisha actually did not realize the significance of the Holy Spirit, yet he was asking for the Holy Spirit.

Elijah is passing a blessing on to Elisha. In Numbers 6:27 – “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I (meaning God) will bless them.” God instructs us to bless others (the next generation). It is important to note that the job

A mantel is a symbol to Elisha and Israel that the ministry of Elijah had been passed onto Elisha. The witnesses (prophets who had followed them) saw this and were able to actually see the mantel passed.
The mantel itself was not the powerful, it was simply a symbol of the spirit. Jesus left us with his spirit — let us use it.

It is interesting to note that everyone knows what is going on (the prophets they meet, Elisha, and Elijah). The prophets have their ears tuned to the Spirit. We need people who are ready, willing, and able to listen and speak. The Lord does not want us to be caught up in the spirit of Babylon (busyness and buying and selling—an overall focus on material things). God wants us to be listening and quiet before him.