InstaStudy

Remembering the Former Things: Rekindling Testimonies, Heritage, and Spiritual Foundations in the Church Through the Gift and Guidance of the Holy Ghost.

This Bible study explores the vital importance of recalling and re-establishing the foundational truths, personal experiences, and apostolic patterns that define the church. It emphasizes the role of the Holy Ghost in guiding believers back to these essential elements, ensuring a vibrant and spiritually grounded faith for today and future generations.

1. The Unchanging Foundation: Remembering the One True God

1.1 The Revelation of God in Christ Jesus

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:9; Colossians 2:9
  • Jesus Christ is the manifestation of the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, for He is the visible image of the invisible God.
  • All the attributes and power of God reside completely in Jesus.

1.2 The Significance of the Name of Jesus

Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17
  • God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a Name above every name.
  • Salvation is found in no other name under heaven given among men.
  • All things in word or deed are to be done in the Name of the Lord Jesus.

2. Rekindling Our Personal Testimony and Experience

2.1 The Essential New Birth Experience

Verses: John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Acts 19:5-6
  • The new birth involves water and Spirit, essential for entering the kingdom of God.
  • Repentance and water baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ are for the remission of sins.
  • Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking with other tongues, completes the new birth.

2.2 Walking in the Spirit Daily

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:14; Ephesians 5:18
  • To walk in the Spirit is to live a life guided by His leading, not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh.
  • Those led by the Spirit of God are the children of God, demonstrating His nature.
  • Being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing experience, not a one-time event, empowering our daily lives.

3. Preserving Our Spiritual Heritage and Apostolic Pattern

3.1 Adhering to the Apostolic Doctrine

Verses: Acts 2:42; Jude 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:13
  • The early church continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.
  • We are called to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
  • Hold fast the form of sound words which you have heard, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

3.2 The Importance of Unity and Fellowship

Verses: Acts 4:32; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3
  • The multitude of believers were of one heart and one soul, sharing all things in common.
  • We are exhorted to speak the same thing, having no divisions, but being perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgment.
  • Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, reflecting Christ's desire for His church.

4. The Holy Ghost: Our Guide, Empowerer, and Comforter

4.1 The Promise and Purpose of the Holy Ghost

Verses: Joel 2:28-29; Acts 1:8; John 16:13
  • The outpouring of the Spirit is a prophetic fulfillment, available to all flesh.
  • The Holy Ghost empowers believers to be witnesses unto Christ in all the earth.
  • The Spirit of truth guides us into all truth, revealing the things of God.

4.2 Operating in the Gifts and Manifestations of the Spirit

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12
  • There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit, for the profit of all.
  • Each believer is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ to serve the body.
  • Spiritual gifts are given for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.