Holy Spirit Part IV

Live from Salt Lake City, Utah, this is heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology. where we do all we can to worship God in Spirit and in Truth. I’m Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion., your host.

Show 17 494 Holy Spirit Part IV
April 26th 2016
Our prayer tonight will be given by:

Remember, we have a new book out now and I personally believe it is the most important thing I have ever put together. It’s called Knife to a GunFight – misinterpreting the purpose and place of the New Testament. It’s what I feel is one of the only reasonable critiques of the man-made doctrine called Sola Scriptura and I would really like to hear a non-religious, non-dogmatic response to its contents. Knife to a Gunfight is available by going to www.hotm.tv.

And with that how about we go to our “Board of Direction.”

Mormonism Views

Throughout the world of apologetic Christianity there is a widely accepted view – Mormonism is a cult. Part of this claim is based on the LDS views of God and His make-up (or ontology) as they generally accept the following as doctrinal truth:

• There is an eternal regression of Gods
• God was once a man, therefore
• God is a created being
• God is in a glorified body of flesh and bone
• God is married to a mother in heaven
• God has many wives (depending on who you ask)
• God literally fathered the Lord Jesus Christ

Admittedly, pretty wild and fanciful stuff. And most of it in direct conflict with a sound biblical hermeneutic. There is no leeway given the LDS in terms of acceptance into the Body as a result of these teachings and frankly a number of other extra-biblical ideas. We get this. Knowing the true and living God is life eternal, said the Lord, and so the more ideas we have about Him that are off the mark the further away people get from eternal life (in a matter of speaking). So we seek to really know Him in spirit and truth. There’s no argument really, among biblical Christians that Mormonism is off. And there’s really no disagreement among those who truly love the Lord that the LDS views ought to be confronted, albeit gently, and never allowed into the faith.

Five Point Calvinism

But in my estimation there exists a wholly unfortunate inconsistency that we allow in the ranks of the faith which is while we refuse to accept the LDS teachings about God we not only openly accept, but we allow most of the higher ranking Christians in the world, to preach and teach the God of five point Calvinism. I refers to them preaching and teaching “the God of five point Calvinism” rather than to the five points of Calvinism itself because the end-result of five point Calvinism is, in my estimation, one of the most frightening gods known to man. So much so that in comparing the errant understanding of God in Mormonism to the God Chimera of Calvinism I would be more inclined to embrace the LDS warped views . . . no questions asked.

Critique of the God of Calvinism

What’s the problem with “the God” of five point Calvinism? Let us count the ways. This God –

• Being Sovereign (meaning He always gets His way, when He wants His way, and in whatever way He chooses to get His way) He does not use His all-powerful Sovereignty to redeem all, save all, or to impute His righteousness by giving all faith. Again, only some and really only a few. For no other reason that He desires it this way.

• Knowing everything from the beginning this God chose to create the human race fully aware that He

The Nature of Calvinist Theology

He would choose to not save it. He would not chose this because some are evil and some are good. All are totally evil. He created all of us knowing all of us would be evil. This God's solution – and we are supposed to be grateful He chose to even grant us a solution – to save some. All the rest have no chance of anything but to suffer eternally.

Being sovereign and knowing all things from the beginning caused (or allowed) Humankind to fall into sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. (through Adam) and did NOT provide a solution to save us (His solution only saves some). Why would He not choose to save all if all are evil and we bring nothing to the table that justifies their continued existence? It’s not like those He elects to save are superior to those He elects to suffer? Nevertheless, this is the God of five point Calvinism. Those who He does not elect to save (because human beings can do NOTHING to save themselves) burn forever and ever in literal flames of hell/lake of fire. To the Calvinist this is fair since we are all deserving of punishment. The fact that some escape it is His grace. The fact that most don’t is His justice. But is it just to create a species of people who did not ask to be created, who were born into abject sin so much so that they don’t have any capacity to choose God, and to then elect to have them burn forever in literal flames?

And a final thought: Christians criticize the founder of Mormonism (Joseph Smith) for the way he lived and the things he did. They use his life and failures as an example of the fruits of his theology. But what about the actions of Calvin? A simple study shows that He was petty, mean-spirited and went to extreme merciless lengths to ensure other human beings towed the line of how he viewed the faith? Even to the point of having people physically tormented. Calvinists claim that this was the way of the age. I would say that the Holy Spirit is always the same, and age or not this was evil – in the name of God – and not one bit different from Smith.

Insights on the Spirit in Romans

Okay, I said last week that we were going to begin in on a new topic tonight (Satan) and I appreciate the emails that have come in and contributed to this topic) but I have three other “categories” pop up regarding the Holy Spirit and so I think it’s best we include them in our assessment before moving on. First of all I want to finish a few insights on the Spirit that Paul brings in the Book of Romans specifically chapter 8.

Fifteen times (15) Spirit is used in one way or another in this chapter as Paul opens us up to the concept of Spirit in a much deeper way than in the books previous (including some unique descriptions of the Spirit (and even spirits) including these phrases:

Unique Descriptions of Spirit in Romans 8

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

Romans 8:6 speaks of being “spiritually minded”

Romans 8:9 “the Spirit of God” dwell in you (and then Paul adds,) “AND the Spirit of Christ.”

Romans 8:11 the Spirit of him AND his Spirit

Romans 8:15 the spirit of bondage AND the Spirit of adoption

Romans 8:16 “our spirit”

Romans 8:27 the “mind of the Spirit”

In the Book of Romans as a whole Paul also introduces us to other unique statements related to the Spirit, including:

That Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (in other words, it was at His resurrection that Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power)

Then Paul refers to his own spirit in Romans 1:9 saying: “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;”

Romans mentions that people are inwardly Jews today (Romans 2:29) when the heart is circumcised, saying: “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly;

Understanding the Spirit's Role

And circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

(Romans 5:5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. We learn that believers, freed from the Law, ought to now serve “in newness of Spirit” (in Romans 7:6) “and not in the oldness of the letter.” That “there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” That it’s “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God..” (Romans 8:2) That the righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us when we walk by the Spirit (Romans 8:4 which says) “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The Contrast of Flesh and Spirit

That what we place on our minds, and think about, and talk about and serve tells us whether we are about the flesh or the spirit: Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. That (Romans 8:6) “to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

That the spirit of Christ is synonymous with the Spirit of God. (Romans 8:9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his,” and if we do NOT possess the “spirit of Christ” God has nothing to do with us. Romans 8:10 tells us that there is a way to tell if Christ is in us: “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

New Life Through the Spirit

That by the same spirit God raised Jesus from the dead He will “quicken us.” (Romans 8:11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. That . . . if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Romans 8:13) That the Sons of God are led by the Spirit of God. (Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”)

That there are spirits that adopt us and spirits that free us: Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. That spirit speaks to speak and in this way tell us all that we are His: Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. That we have the first-fruits of the Spirit in us as we await to be fully adopted by God at the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

The Spirit also helps us pray. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. So much so that He that searches our hearts and knows “the mind of the Spirit” which is able to make intercession for us according to the will of God. LISTEN TO Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Because the Spirit is said to have a mind people have decided that it is a he. I would think that whatever comes from God has mind wouldn’t you, without making it a person.

That there appears to be a spirit of slumber which God delivers to accomplish His purposes. Romans 11:8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see.

Insights on the Holy Spirit

and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

That we are to be fervent in Spirit.
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

That the Kingdom of GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future. is all spirit.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

That we are to abound in Hope by and through the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

That we, of course, are sanctified by the Holy Spirit

Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

That we do things for God by the Spirit of God, which is synonymous with God Himself, who is Spirit.
Romans 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

That we ought to have a love for God, which is a love for His Son and a Love for the Spirit.
Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

So there are some additional insights on the Holy Spirit I wanted to add.

Additional Insights from John P

Secondly, I received an email from John P who shared some really good insights, saying:

“We are in complete agreement with the Holy Spirit being the breath of God. Some points that were not covered:

• the example of Jesus breathing on the apostles and saying receive the Holy Ghost(breathing on them)
• The day of Pentacost, the mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire.
• Old testament prophets speaking of the messiah coming with the refiners fire
• John the Baptist analogy of the Savior using a fan to blow the chaff (hard shell of us) off the grain, so he could put us in the barn (Kingdom of God.)
• The Savior coming to baptize us with spirit and fire
• Paul's statement of delivering one to the buffering of Satan, so his spirit could be saved by fire.
• And John the revelator's lake of fire.

John adds: there are probably many more.”

GREAT INSIGHTS, JOHN. Thank you for taking the time to share them.

Advocacy in Times of Failure

Then let me add one more item that I omitted last week.

In first John the Beloved wrote: “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father.” 1st John 2:1

In the walk of a Christian saved by grace through faith all failures (sins, transgressions, evil) can probably be categorized as either failing to believe or trust in God and/or failing to love.

We understand this in the context of reading 1st John 3:22-23 which says:
1John 3:22-23 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Understanding this helps us to see when we as believers in Christ Jesus fail to meet the expectations of God all hope ought not be lost but only a need to bolster our faith and ability to love. Then John adds, referring to these failures: “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father.”

This is the point I want to make about the Holy.

The Concept of the Paraclete in Scripture

Spirit. There’s something really interesting about this added line from John. Where he writes “that we have an advocate with the Father” the word for advocate in Greek is paraklete. Why is this interesting? For starters, the term is used by Jesus Himself four times in scripture – and this is the only time the word is used in the New Testament – with all of them found in the Gospel of John.

Jesus's Use of Paraclete

How does Jesus use the term? In John 14:26 He says:

“But the Comforter (parakletos), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

This is one instance (of four) where (because paraklete is masculine) the Holy Spirit is assigned the masculine gender “He” instead of its typical neuter gender, “it.” But also note that Jesus says: “But the parakletos, which is the Holy Ghost . . .”

Who did Jesus say this to? The apostles, right? Of whom John was one. He was there and heard Jesus say this. But now here in His first Epistle who does John call the paraklete? Listen again –

“And if any man sin, we have an advocate (paraklete) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He (Christ Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins . . .”

In other words in the Gospel of John Jesus calls the paraclete the Holy Spirit and yet here in John’s own Epistle John calls the paraclete Jesus the Righteous. What gives? I would put it this way – Lord forgive me if I’m wrong.

The Spirit of Christ

Prior to his passion and ascension and overcoming sin and death, Jesus was operating (if you will) by God’s spirit or pneuma in Him. Once He overcame His flesh by hearkening to the Spirit of God in Him, the Spirit of Jesus – which we “might, might, might” consider as the spirit of God that has been filtered in and through Him and His flesh – abides and works in and through us, allowing Christ to, as Paul says in Galatians 2:20, live IN us.

Consider this passage:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Of course Paul also said in Ephesians 3 beginning at verse 14 (listen carefully to these words):

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man (got that – now listen); 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

In my estimation John has assigned the term paraklete (which Jesus called the Holy Spirit) to Christ – or the Spirit of Christ.

The Spirit in Paul's Teachings

In one heck of a passage Paul says in Romans 8:9-10:

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

Philippians 1:19 speaks of “the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” and Peter writes in 1st Peter 1:11 “Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify . . .”

In 2nd Corinthians 3:17 Paul clearly assigns the Spirit to Jesus when he says:

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

All of these things cause me to see the Spirit or Holy Spirit much more in terms of the motivating force from God, which having (for lack of a better word) “passed through the perfect mortal flesh of Jesus” is able to abide in human beings by faith on Him.

Understanding the Role of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in Advocacy

Christ, is yet more evidence that the personhood of the Holy Spirit is a Trinitarian fiction. One more thing before we move on. We have a tendency to teach and reiterate that Jesus is presently up in heaven advocating on believers' behalf before the Father. We make some really nice stories up that appeal to this belief – you know: Satan the accuser approaches God every day and points a gnarled finger at us and screams that we are guilty, guilty, guilty – but Jesus, our advocate, stands up and says: “Father, that one is mine.” It is certainly dramatic and does pull at the heartstrings but there are a number of problems with it if you allow yourself to think a minute.

First of all, God is all-knowing, and so the drama is off base. It’s not like there is an ongoing drama in the heavens. Jesus finished the drama and those who are His are His – and God knows His sheep.

The Judgment of the Prince of this World

Second, Jesus said BEFORE He even went to the cross (in John 12:31)

“Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”

The word translated “now” used twice in this verse refers to “the Primary particle of present time” – then (when Jesus said it) and then from henceforth. If Jesus could say that the Prince of this world would NOW be cast out then I suggest that all the accusatory actions on His part are over. He might still be able to tempt (as the Lord allows) but he has been rendered powerless as Jesus has once and for all time have the victory.

Advocate as a Comforter

Finally, I would suggest that John’s assigning the term paraklete or advocate does NOT refer to a defense attorney standing before God and wrangling with Him over whether a believer is His or not but the term, translated “advocate” is better understood as our having a friend, a comforter who has access to the Father, who by the Spirit, abides with us, showing that we have not lost ground but are His – and this comforter or Spirit of Christ confirms this to all who are His.

Alright, let’s open up the phone lines:

(801)

While the operators are taking your calls consider the following:

SHOW ALATHEA STAGE SPOT HERE Please.

Hello Mr. McCraney, I just want to say thank you for giving me hope. I am an ex-Marine, I served from 03 to 07 in Iraq and have since come back trying to find a good church to be a part of. Well, I recently had a knock at my door, and it was a group of Mormons, the kind of guy I am, I let them in, and they gave me a Book of Mormon and told me that I couldn't come to their church unless I quit smoking and stopped drinking coffee. Well, I know smoking is bad, but I can't help enjoying a cigar, I quit cigarettes, and went to cigars. I have smoked since I came back from Iraq. Needless to say, we didn't have anything to calm us down over there after a firefight, so 90% of us smoked. I just don't understand why someone would lay down rules to attend their church. They told me I would have to wear long sleeve dress shirts because I have tattoos, and they told me that looking at a woman was an unpardonable sin, so I was confused for a while. But I discovered your wonderful YouTube channel, and truly enjoy your preaching. I watched one tonight where you preached saying (I'm not sure what verse or book, I'm still new to the Bible. Forgive me) "It's not what goes into the mouth of a man that defileth him, but what comes out" and all I can say is that touched me deeply. You made me realize that even if I do smoke, Jesus STILL loves me. I wish I could send you a gift, but my pension only allows me my rent, and food, hopefully soon I will find a way to donate to your beautiful ministry. Again, thank God, and you, sir, for giving this soldier hope. God Bless You…. Eugene.

Hi Shawn, I wanted to continue our dialogue if you have time. Since I last spoke with you I have finished the New Testament and started on the Old. I also have been drawn into William Lane Craig's apologetics on the existence of God and he has helped me solidify my belief in God with his philosophy as well as my reading of scripture. So, I'm at the point where I am certain there is a God, and I am certain it's the…

Understanding Spiritual Relationships

God of the Bible. My issue is I don't feel or have a comprehension of my relationship with God. When I look at my children I feel deep sincere love. When I talk to or think of God I am most certainly grateful and believe but I would be lying if said I get that same feeling I have for my children. I don't feel that I've known the holy spirit or at least something in my mind is blocking me from feeling Gods love and spirit. What advice can you give or should I just continue my path of reading and prayer?

NOW, Carlos, wanting to get some added insight wrote a group in Arizona and asked about where to go next. This is what he was told (and I quote): “To start with, unfortunately, Shawn McCraney has fallen into heresy. Also, we have very strong disagreements with William Lane Craig’s theology and apologetics. I would start by no longer reading or listening to them.” WHAT THE WHAT?

Religious Relationships and Influence

From: Sandra Hancock
Subject: good friends who are Mormon
Message Body:
Hi Shawn, its been awhile since I last contacted you…Met some really nice folks a few years back, who gave me a horse, discovered that they are Mormon, full boar on, I acknowledged I'm Jesus believing, Opportunity came when I asked to pray with them, and they've been trying to convert me back ever since, tried to explain why I don't want to, I told them I do not believe in many of Mormon doctrines…they have not been as warm or receptive…what do I do / let them go, or put up with their trying to convince me to come back to the Mormon religion? What can I say to them? Thanks Shawn, sincerely Sandra, Boise Id,

From: byronofcalgary
Subject: Moroni and Angel's names
Message Body:
a point made on another channel was… all angels had "EL" at the end of their name [or in it ??] – also noted Jacob became "Isra-EL" when he became an Angel
– they asked why the Man-turned -Angel "Moroni" didn't follow Hebrew tradition or rules of names
– have you ever asked a Hebrew Scholar to give an opinion on B of M people's names ?? – many OT names are followed by… "which means…" – do B of M names mean ANYTHING to Hebrews ?? or are they proof of fraud ??

Community Support and Guidance

– love what you do… esp showing the Truth in the Bible and basic Christianity explained…
=> actually "Truth Explained trumps Lies Exposed" any day !!
– Thank You Shawn !!

Hi, I just want to tell you how much I love your show! Thank you for what you do. You have helped me read the bible, come to know Jesus, and leave the LDS church. Sometimes on your show, you mention you have mentors all over willing to help those that leave the LDS church and I was just wondering if you have anyone in San Antonio, TX. Thank you for all you do and God Bless you! Regards, Jessica

Hi Shawn, loving the episodes on Jesus & the holy spirit! just a quick question… I'm looking for an old episode of yours where you cover the 5 fold ministry & how it is being misapplied in Christian churches today. I listened to it the week you broadcasted it but forgot to take notes… I'm wanting to approach my pastor about it because he keeps calling himself an apostle & I know he isn't an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ! lol not sure if you would remember off the top of your head but if & when you do, please contact me.

oh 1 more thing… There's a saying you used to use a lot but I have no idea what it means. it sounds like 'hab at it'?? eg. you would say… Hey if people wanna pay tithes 'hab at it' that's up to you… You're still my brother etc. I've never heard anyone use that saying in straya (Australia) so please clarify lol

Bless you brother! Futi
From: Jonah Lewis
Subject: Old Testament Prophecies
Message Body:

Hi I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I find that what you are doing is indeed in your best interest, but not the community you are in. Being a Christian, which I am, does not mean bringing down other churches because you do not agree with principles you have not studied and put your efforts towards. Second, I would like to ask you about Isaiah 29. If you read that passage you find that Isaiah is speaking about the future and a restoration of a book. I ask you in the most respectable way possible, who that is

Introduction to Miracle Workers

Many miracle workers have been upon us for the past several years indeed, but none that have restored another book as Isiah has prophesied.

Hope to receive an answer shortly,

Respectively, Jonah Lewis