Study Guide: All-Church Study 2020

Theme for 2020 “Vision”

To See The Presence - a Move of the Holy Spirit

Study Book

Untamed Christian Unleashed Church: The Extravagance of the Holy Spirit in Life and Ministry

By Terry Wardle

Schedule for All Church Study – Sunday Mornings

Date Message Discipleship Jan. 5 People of the Presence

(Introduction) Hand out books

Basic Introduction/devotion

Assignment: Read Chapters 1 & 2

Jan. 12 The Paraclete – Chapter 1 & 2 Study questions: chapters 1 & 2

Assignment: Read Chapters 3 & 4

Jan. 19 The Gift of Promise – Chapter 3 &4 Study Questions: Chapters 3 & 4

Assignment: Read Chapter 5

Jan. 26 People, Get Ready! – Chapter 5 & 6 Study Questions: Chapter 5

Assignment: Read Chapter 6

Feb. 2 Soldini, Argentina Mission Team Testimony

Study Questions: Chapter 6

Assignment: Read chapter 7

Feb. 9 Acts of the Holy Spirit – chapter 7 Study Questions: Chapter 7

Assignment: Read chapter 8

Feb. 16 Christ-Possessed – Chapter 8 Study Questions: Chapter 8

Assignment: Read chapter 9

Feb. 23 Be a Journey Christian – chapters 9 & 10

Study Questions: Chapter 9

Assignment: Read chapter 10

March 1

Your Tales of the Kingdom [Testimony in Service]

Study Questions: Chapter 10 & Testimony

Assignment: prepare for next Study

Additional Biblical Study Materials on the Holy Spirit from the

work of Chuck Smith are placed between the questions of Chapters 2 & 3.

Chapter 1 People of the Presence – page 9

Scriptures

Reflection Questions

What did you sense in your spirit when Terry Wardle talked about bored in church?

What was he bored with?

How would you answer the question “Where is the awe?”

What are we missing?

What would it take for “un-taming” the church?

What do you know about the Presence of God among the people of Israel in the Old Testament?

Where do you see the presence of God in the Old Testament?

Do you long for the Presence of God?

What are the 5 elements Jonathan Edwards identified as distinguishing marks of the movement of the Holy Spirit?

How does that list impact you?

How do you answer Terry Wardle’s question – Where is the power? Where is the Presence?

Chapter 2 The Paraclete – page 27

Scriptures

1 Corinthians 13:11-12

John 7:38; 14:1-31; 16:7; 21:22

Reflection Questions

Where you challenged or convicted by anything in the re-telling of “The Great Strawberry Festival Controversy”?

What are the names we give to the Holy Spirit?

What do we mean by the “already/not yet”?

How do we live the reality of “Thy Kingdom come on earth”?

How would you describe “Paraclete” to someone?

Do you understand all the things Jesus told us the Paraclete would do from the list on pg. 34?

What in that list is hard for you to grasp?

Who is the Paraclete?

In this very moment the Paraclete is your… (pg. 37)

What did you learn (either new to you or what grabbed your heart) about the Holy Spirit in the section ”Jesus and the Holy Spirit” (pages 38-39)

What is “the point”? (pg. 39)

Does the Holy Spirit presence come in the same way and to the same degree upon everyone?

But does the Paraclete make impossible things happen?

Do you believe that God wants to pour out His Spirit on us?

Additional Study Materials on the Holy Spirit from the work of Chuck Smith [Scripture quotes from KJV]

Chapter 3 reflections questions resume after this…

INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

I. THE TRINITY

A There is one God manifested in three persons: the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 3:16).

B. I think the term "triunity" more clearly indicates the "Three-in-One" aspect of the Godhead.

C. In Hebrew, the singular word for God is El, the dual tense is Elah, & to indicate three or more the word Elohim is used. Elohim is the word translated "God" in Genesis 1:1.

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON.

A. The Holy Spirit is thought by some to be an "essence" or "power" of God rather than a separate person, because "ruach", the Hebrew word for Spirit, also means breath, & "pneuma", the Greek word for Spirit, also means wind or air. We as Christians know He is a person.

The early Church scholar, Arias, caused division with his declaration that God the Father was the only true God, that Jesus was a created being, & the Holy Spirit was only an essence. This doctrine is known as the Arian heresy.

B. The Holy Spirit has the characteristics of a person

1. I Corinthians 2:10-11 - the Holy Spirit searches & has knowledge.

2. I Corinthians 12:11 - the Holy Spirit distributes gifts as He wills.

3. Romans 8:27 - He has a mind.

4. Romans 15:30 - He loves us.

5. John 15:26, 16:13- He testifies of Jesus & exalts the Father & Son over Himself.

6. Personal pronouns are used when referring to the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, John 16:7-15). "Comforter" in John 14:16 is "parakletos" which means "One who comes alongside of to help". The Holy Spirit is always with us ready to help when we ask Him to.

C. Personal acts are ascribed to the Holy Spirit.

1. Acts 13:2 - the Holy Spirit speaks.

2. Romans 8:26 - the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

3. I John 2:20-27. John 14:26 - He teaches us.

4. Acts 16:6-7 - the Holy Spirit guides Paul, sometimes forbidding things.

5. Genesis 6:3 - the Spirit strives with man.

D. The Holy Spirit can receive treatment as a person.

1. Ephesians 4:30 - He can be grieved by us.

2. Hebrews 10:29 - We can insult Him.

3. Acts 5:3 - He can be lied to.

4. Matthew 12:31-32 - He can be blasphemed.

E. The Holy Spirit is identified with the Father & the Son as a person.

1. Matthew 28:19 - He is named with the Father & Son in baptism.

2. 2 Corinthians 13:14 - He is named with the Father & Son in benediction.

3. Acts 15:28 - He is identified with the believers as a person.

THE DEITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

I. THE TRINITY IN THE SHEMA.

A. The Shema, the foundation stone of Judaism, is found in Deuteronomy 6:4.

1. The Hebrew word for God in the plural, "Elohim", is used here again.

2. The Hebrew word for "one" is "echad" which is a compound unity rather than the word "yacheed" which is an absolute one.

II ATTRIBUTES OF GOD IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

A. God is eternal. Hebrews 9:14 speaks of "the eternal Spirit."

B. God is omniscient (Acts 15:18). Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:10-

11 says the things of God are known only by the Spirit.

C. God is omnipresent. In Psalm 139:7 David says the Spirit is everywhere.

D. God is omnipotent. In Luke 1:35 the angel speaks of the Holy Spirit as the power of the Highest.

III. WORKS OF GOD IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

A. The Spirit was active in creation.

1. In Genesis 1:1 the plural word for God, "Elohim", indicates that the Trinity worked together.

2. Genesis 1:2 speaks of the Spirit moving on the face of the waters.

3. Genesis 1:26 gives us a glimpse of the Trinity working in harmony to create man. "Let Us make man in Our image."

4. Psalm 104:30 also speaks of the Spirit's part in creation.

B. The Spirit gives life.

1. In 2 Corinthians 3:6, Paul says the letter of the law kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2. In John 6:63 Jesus also says that the Spirit makes us alive.

3. Romans 8:10.

C. The Holy Spirit inspired the Bible. 2 Peter 1:21 declares that "holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

D. The Holy Spirit works with the Father & the Son. 1 Corinthians

12:4-6 speaks of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit in the ministries of the Church.

IV. SCRIPTURES RELATING GOD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

A. There are some Scriptures in the Old Testament that refer to God. In the New Testament the same Scriptures are ascribed to the Holy Spirit, which means they are one God.

1. Isaiah 6:8-10 refers to God speaking. Acts 28:25-27 quotes the same verse, but says the Holy Spirit said it.

2. In Jeremiah 31:31-33 God made a covenant. In Hebrews 10:15-

17 it says the Holy Spirit made the covenant.

3. Psalm 95:7-11 speaks of hearing God's voice. Hebrews 3:7-

9 refers to the Holy Spirit speaking there.

B. There are some Scriptures that refer to the Holy Spirit as God.

1. Acts 5:1-11 tells the story of Ananias & Sapphira who "lied to the Holy Ghost." Peter also says, "Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." Peter equated the Holy Spirit with God.

2. In 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Paul speaks of the Lord as the Spirit & makes a direct association of One with the Other.

V. GOD DEALS WITH US BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

A. We deal with God through Jesus (John 14:13 & Hebrews 4:16).

God deals with us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16).

B. When we exist on the fleshly level, we are ruled by our bodies, & our souls & spirits are in second & third place. When we are born again, our spirits are moved to the dominant position & the Holy Spirit takes control. He helps us to conform to the image of Christ.

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT AS HELPER

The Holy Spirit is a helper Who comes alongside us to guide us in our Christian walk (John 14:16).

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT AS TEACHER

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher (John 14:26, 1 John 2:27, 1

Corinthians 2:13,14).

A. When we are born again, we enter the dimension of the Spirit. In this dimension, we can be taught by Him to understand the things of God that are beyond the reach of our experience or intellect (2 Corinthians 4:18).

B. The Holy Spirit brings the Scriptures that we have read or heard to our remembrance (John 14:26). It is so good to have the right Scripture come to mind when we need it.

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT AS GUIDE

The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:12-13).

A. He will give us the discernment to judge between true & false teachings.

B. If we will open our hearts & read the Bible with the Spirit as our Guide, we will not stray from the truth & we will have all we need to live the Christian life (2 Peter 1:3).

IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PROPHECY

The Holy Spirit will show us things to come (John 16:13). The Spirit will help us to understand the prophecies in the books of Daniel & Revelation & Ezekiel. Since we are living in the last days, these prophecies are becoming more clear each day.

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER

I. THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT

A. Acts 1:4-5 contains the promise by the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the believers.

B. In Joel 2:28, the Father said that in the last days He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh.

II. THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT

A. In Acts 1:8 we learn that the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live the Christian life as a witness for God.

1. It is impossible to live the Christian life without the power of the Spirit within us (Romans 7:15-25, Galatians 5:17-18, Matthew 26:41).

2 Jesus Christ is our example of the witness that we should be (John 14:8-9).

3. The word "power" in Greek is "dunamis" from which we derive the English word "dynamic".

4. The true witness lives his faith.

B. Before Peter received the power of the Holy Spirit, he was afraid to be identified with Jesus (Mark 14:53-72) even though he wanted to (Mark 14:27-31). After he received the power, he witnessed boldly to the same group of people who had tried Jesus (Acts 4:5-23), even telling them that there was no salvation apart from Christ. Then when Peter went back to the Christians, they prayed for greater boldness (v. 23-31).

C. We must allow the Holy Spirit to change us within, rather than trying to change the outside ourselves & then hoping we will change within (Romans 8) As we yield each area of our lives to the Spirit, He conforms us into the image of Christ.

Chapter 3 The Promise – page 43

Scriptures

Acts 1:4-5; 2:14-21

John 3:16; 3:34; 13:33-34

Joel 1:13-14; 2:17-32

Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 36:26-27

Ephesians 4:29-32

Reflection Questions

What did Jesus promise the disciples in Acts 1:4-5?

Does God wish to do the same today?

How did the Holy Spirit appear in Acts 2?

Why did Peter quote Joel in Acts 2:14-21?

How does Isaiah help us understand the Holy Spirit?

How does Ezekiel help us understand the Holy Spirit?

How do you explain John the Baptist’s description of Jesus will baptize with Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16)?

How do we know that God will pour out His Holy Spirit on us today?

Describe the Gift of the Holy Spirit?

How do you answer “The Problem” questions (pg. 51)

What is the unbiblical Worldview articulated by Charles Kraft?

How did the problem of ignorance impact you?

Do you have fear about the Holy Spirit?

Have you grieved the Holy Spirit?

Chapter 4 Positioning – page 59

Scriptures

John 20:22

Acts 1:4-5

Luke 13:31-35

Reflection Questions

Do you have a story of how positioning “blessed” or “cursed” you?

Where does the power of transformation lie? How does this reflect the covenant triangle tool we have used?

Reflect on Terry Wardle’s statement: The key to life is not what you do, but in how you are positioned for the transforming touch of God. (pg. 63)

Are you positioning yourself for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit?

How good are you at waiting? …at understanding place?

What is God showing you about “wait”?

Reflect on Terry Wardle’s statement: To wait means to position yourself in a posture of receptivity, watchfulness, and anticipation. (pg. 69)

What are the 6 places to wait? (pg. 70)

How many are you/have you engaged in? Which one is the hardest for you? Which one(s) are you going to deliberately engage in now?

Additional Books & Resources

Christianity with Power – Charles Kraft, Vine Books, 1989

Paul, The Spirit and the People of God – Gordon Fee, Hendrickson Publishers, 1996

• 4 copies of each of these 2 books are available for use & supplement by teachers and class members at NFBC.

The Holy Spirit: Works and Gifts – Donald Bloesch, InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Surprised by the Power of the Holy Spirit - Jack S. Deere, Zondervan, 1993.

God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul – Gordon Fee, Hendrickson Publishers, 1994

• Pastor Tom has a copy if you are interested.

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit – Francis Chan, David C. Cook, 2009

• Some of our adult discipleship classes have studied this book.

When God’s Spirit Moves: Six Sessions on the Life-Changing Power of the Holy Spirit – Jim Cymbala, Zondervan, 2011

• Copies and the DVD is available in the CE Resource room

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire: What Happens When God's Spirit Invades the Hearts of His People – Jim Cymbala, Zondervan, Updated 2018

Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit – Jim Cymbala, Zondervan, 2012

Chapter 5 Preparation – page 77

Scriptures

Acts 1

John 13:34

1 Corinthians 12:12

Ephesians 4:3

Reflection Questions

How do you answer the question: How does one get ready for the outpouring of the Lord? (pg. 80)

What do you recall of the Holy Spirit moving in the Old Testament?

What are the 5 ways recorded in Acts 1 that the disciples readied themselves for the Promise? (pg. 81)

Are you gathering together?

How can we bring unity to the Body of Christ?

How did God speak to you through the discussion of homothumadon?

Are you/we addressing those matters that are not in order?

How are you in the three matters Terry Wardle identifies should be put in order? (pg. 88)

Are you being faithful? (pg. 92)

Chapter 6 Prayer – page 93

Scriptures

Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-7

Acts 2:42; 4:31; 6:4; 10:10ff; 12:5; 13:3

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Reflection Questions

“Desperation is the soil that first nurtures fervent prayer.” (pg. 93) Have you found that to be true in your life?

Had you ever considered that the church was born in a prayer meeting? (pg. 97)

Are you a disciple committed to prayer?

What are the 5 practical and biblical building blocks of prayer? (pg. 100)

Will you pray, “Come, Holy Spirit.”?

Are you honest with God in prayer?

Have you persevered in prayer?

This week – in study and in class – don’t just talk about prayer… pray! Apply the 5 building blocks and go before the Lord, individually and corporately.

• Longing for more? Desperate for the infilling of the Spirit? Desirous that you, and possibly your church, be marked as People of the Presence? Pray. (pg. 109)

Chapter 7 Poured Out – page 111

Scriptures

John 3:8

Mark 10:11-12

Acts 2:1-12, 39

Ephesians 5:18

Reflection Questions

Do you find the Holy Spirit frightening and exhilarating at the same time? Explain.

Reflect on the implications and applications of John 3:8 (pg. 114)

Reflect on the metaphors – How is the Holy Spirit like a dove, over-powering wind, and all-consuming fire?

Have you asked the Holy Spirit to be a “butler” or a “Wild Goose” in your life? (pg. 116)

Are you ready for unpredictable, spontaneous, & uncontrollable work of the Holy Spirit as described in Scripture in your life?

Have you looked at the book of Acts as the way the church is supposed to happen? (pg. 119)

How does the statement “Signs and wonders were the norm, not the exception.” (pg. 120) strike you?

What did the early believers have? (pg. 121)

Reflect, discuss the 5 questions and Terry Wardle’s responses to them. (pg. 121 ff)

What are you, really? (pg. 128)

Chapter 8 Possessed – page 129

Scriptures

Acts 2:14-40; 3:1-26; 4:1-22

1 Corinthians 2:2; 4:10; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21; 3:10, 12

John 15:26, 16:7

1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 12:31; 13

Reflection Questions

Are you possessed? [FYI Christ possessed…read the chapter]

• Slow down…really look at your walk with Christ in light of the testimony of the Disciples and Paul in Acts.

Do you want to be “Christ crazy”? (pg. 134) If not, why not?

“I am most joyful when I am aware of Christ present in me and through me.” (pg. 134) Is that true for you?

Have you seen a “demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Cor. 2:5)? Why is that important enough for Paul to include? (pg. 138)

What is Christ’s church to be? (pg. 139)

What is the “most excellent way”? (1 Cor. 12:31; pg. 140)

What is that important to our journey?

Are you prepared to become Christ possessed?

Chapter 9 Proceed with Caution – page 147

Scriptures

Romans 8:28-29

James 1:2

Numbers 12

Reflection Questions

How does the illustration of immaturity of a puppy help and equip us to walk out this journey?

Are you ready for spiritual warfare as the Holy Spirit moves?

What are the commitments (Disciplines?) that are needed to stay grounded?

Are you a “journey Christian” or a “destination Christian”?

Are you allowing God to form you into the likeness of Jesus? (Spiritual formation)

Have you seen how God uses trials to shape you? Others?

Reflect on the following statement: “Presence is about more than simply being open to a more dynamic expression of Christianity that welcomes the power of the Holy Spirit. It also involves saying yes to the ongoing formation that shapes us into mature and responsible Spirit-filled men and women.” (pg. 158-159)

What is the difference between possessing the blessings of God and being possessed by the God of blessing? (pg. 161)

Why is humility important in our journey?

Chapter 10 Conclusion – page 165

Scriptures

John 14:10-21

Ephesians 3:14-21

Habakkuk 3:2

Reflection Questions

What is your story of God’s transforming power intersecting with the lives of broken men, women and children?

In John 14:14 – Did Jesus mean what He said or not? (Pg. 171)

Read Ephesians 3:14-21 aloud (and in class together aloud) – then pray through the short prayers Terry Wardle mentions. (pg. 173)

Will you be part of a glorious adventure, experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit moving in your life?

Seminar connected to the book…

Becoming People Of The Presence https://healingcare.org/events-1/2019/10/9/becoming-the-people-

of-the-presence-pbytp

Wednesday, Apr 22, 2020 (8:00 AM start) - Saturday, Apr 25, 2020 (3:30 PM conclusion)

@ Heritage Christian Church, 7413 Maxtown Road, Westerville, OH, 43082

At this seminar, participants gather for a better understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, a fresh experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence, and a greater empowerment from the Holy Spirit for life and ministry.

Seminar Topics

• Jesus and the ministry of the Holy Spirit

• Becoming people of the presence

• The place of discernment in the ministry of the Holy Spirit

• Taking risks and making room

• Learning to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit

Cost: $400 ($25 administrative fee is for all cancellations or date transfers)

There are special rates for Couples, Groups & Second Time Attenders

The Accessible Prophecy Course

Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm

January 16, 23, & 30 • February 6 – Course participants will be encouraged to practice

what they have been learning by participating in the Revive Outreach this evening – 6:00-8:00pm

February 13, 20, 27 • March 5 - Course participants will be encouraged to practice what they have been

learning by participating in the Revive Outreach this evening – 6:00-8:00pm

March 12, 19

You can sign up….on NFBC App, website, or write “Accessible Prophecy” by your name on pew pad.

The Prophecy Course is a resource designed to equip all people to hear from God, to use the gift of prophecy, & to understand how prophetic ministry can be a great blessing in the church today.

“Follow the way of love & eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.” - 1 Corinthians 14:1

This verse tell us that we are given permission to desire & seek the gift of prophecy. However many people do not know where to start or how to develop their prophetic gift further. The Prophecy Course fills this gap by giving all people a solid, biblical foundation for their understanding of the prophetic & preparing them with the confidence to step out & use the gift of prophecy. The course is designed to be very accessible so that even those with little to no experience of the prophetic can engage with it. It reflects the values of immersion & imitation, by taking participants through a process of first learning the basic principles, & then stepping out into the gift of prophecy.

The Prophecy Course has been developed within a culture of discipleship & mission; & therefore the course trains participants to both practice the gift of prophecy in their own faith communities, & also to use the prophetic within mission & see it empowered. It has been written & produced by Cath Livesey who has many years of experience of leading prophetic ministry at St. Thomas’ Church Philadelphia in Sheffield, England. It also follows in the principles we have been building in the discipleship materials from 3DM.

It is an 8-week course which has a mixture of interactive teaching, a 45-55 Minute video teaching from Cath Livesey, group discussion & practical activations. Everyone will receive a participant workbook. [$5.00 per workbook]

The topics covered are: – Understanding Prophecy – Tuning In – Learning to Hear God’s Voice – The Holy Spirit – Values

– Growing in the Prophetic – Guidelines & Good Practice – Weighing Prophecies; Responding to the Prophetic – Prophetic Ministry

Deep Healing Team – Training & Refresher Utilizing Charles Kraft’s Two Hours to Freedom Seminar

Materials Coming in early 2020

Nappanee First Brethren Church

1600 N. Main St. Nappanee, IN 46550