The Newness of Spirit Podcast

Biography Snippets #1: The Cross as God's Template

In This ACTS Bible School Class, we will read excerpts of biographies from believers who had deep experiences with the Cross.  Specifically, we will examine how the Lord brings a believer to the end of him- or herself that Christ might be their life in a practical way. 
These classes are in a discussion format, where the students are able to share and discuss. 
In this introductory lesson, we read "Himself" by A.B. Simpson and study what I Corinthians 1:23-31 has to say about the working of the Cross in the believer's life. 
You can access the pdf of our reading using the link below:
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/pd89as74qitu3sc4/SimpsonHimself.pdf

"In Christ" Becoming Our Identity

Our Father meant "In Christ" to be so much more than a belief or a teaching!  He meant it to be what defines the very core of the believer's being -- our identity.  In this episode we seek to set aside false concepts of what this means that we might more fully enter in and abide. 

Christ -- A Refuge for the Manslayer

There is such overwhelming provision for us in Christ!  Our Father really outdid Himself when He placed us in His Son.  In this episode we discuss what it means to identify in Christ.  This identification goes so deep that it becomes a refuge for us when we are confronted with our own self life and its effects upon those around us.  May we be hidden in Him forever!  May we never initiate by Self, ever again!  And may God get all the glory.  Amen. 

21 People Who Disappear: Insight Into The Change

For months, we have been looking at the "disappearing" side of things.  But what happens after that?  John gives us insight into a beautiful transformation that occurs when someone experiences loss in the earth and enters into a new reality!

20 People Who Disappear: To Be with Christ Is Far Better

As we continue to examine the implications of disappearing and going to be with Christ, we begin to understand that this path is a desirable one when compared to the long arduous story of law and failure found in the Old Testament.  Christ disappeared at His death and resurrection, and He brought forth much fruit!  Are we not to be in His image?

19 People Who Disappear: What Is an Overcomer?

After looking at an extensive list of lesser-known Bible characters, we will now spend some time meditating on the implications of giving one's life and moving out of sight.  We probably will not have the same circumstances as those people we studied, so we will have to discern the Spirit behind how they gave themselves.  That Spirit is Christ, who overcame the world!

18 People Who Disappear: He Fellowshipped with God, Then Disappeared

Enoch pleased God, and then he disappeared because God took him!  Our study culminates with this man, for in his relationship with God we see the meaning and purpose behind a life suddenly cut short. 

17 People Who Disappear: Veiled by Service

For a believer who is walking in Oneness with the Crucified, "disappearance" can occur in different ways.  In this episode, we look at Gaius, the Beloved son.  One who is found walking in the truth, this brother is hidden from our eyes except as we see him appear in the lower seat. 

16 People Who Disappear: Fellowshipping in Jesus' Death

Joseph of Arimathaea is yet another example of a so-called minor character who displays the Spirit of Jesus in a big way!  And yet, after publicly identifying Himself with the Crucified like no other Bible character, he is never heard from again.  Has he missed the mark in some way, or has he learned to tap into the Eternal Spirit ahead of other disciples of his day?

15 People Who Disappear: Removed by God's Design

When an end or a loss comes, it can seem like it is the fault of unfair or unjust people.  But nothing that happens to us is outside the Father's designs for His Son in us.  It is He who is drawing us into fellowship with Himself that is more eternal and heavenly than we have known before.  Let us permit the Spirit to give us eyes and a heart to see!