The Whole Counsel of God
Dana emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus personally and understanding our identity in Christ, likening the experience to Stephen's vision of Jesus in glory. He highlights the early church's lack of structured doctrines and scriptures, yet their lives overflowed with joy, love, and fellowship due to the indwelling Holy Spirit. This underscores the power of the "anointing," an innate spiritual instinct, guiding them to discern truth and live righteously. Dana underscores the importance of fellowship in maintaining this light, drawing from 1 John 1:5. He urges listeners to pursue a deeper understanding of God's word through the lens of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that true growth comes from actively seeking God. He concludes by reminding listeners that God's love extends particularly to the broken and weak, urging them to find solace and strength in His unwavering presence.
Outline
Introduction: The Importance of Knowing Jesus and Ourselves in Christ
The Early Church: Living by Spiritual Instincts and Fellowship
Walking in the Light: Fellowship and Confession in Maintaining Spiritual Vitality
The Whole Council of God: Building a Foundation for Spiritual Growth
Pursuing Jesus: From Grace to Faith-Driven Pursuit
The Cost of Discipleship: Embracing the Challenges of Following Jesus
God's Heart for the Broken: Finding Comfort in Our Weakness
Conclusion: An Encouragement to Pursue God and Live in Fellowship
20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
