Evangelistic Education Ministries

There is a day in the Church that is often forgotten but could be the most important day in the establishment of the New Covenant church. Ascension Day should be celebrated just as Easter as this is the day Jesus gives final instructions to the disciples and then Jesus ascends to be with God in Heaven. The atonement is completed only when Jesus returns to be with God and then 10 days later the Holy Spirit is given to the apostles and the disciples. The Church forgets all about the 40 days Jesus spent with the disciples and the ascension to the right hand of God and the baptizing of the Holy Spirit. At least you do not often hear the Ascension and the giving of the Holy Spirit taught.

Jesus Appears to Disciples
Acts 1:3-8
AC 1:3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.
AC 1:4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me;
AC 1:5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
AC 1:6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”
AC 1:7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;
AC 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

ASCENSION
Acts 1:9-10
AC 1:9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
AC 1:10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.
AC 1:11 They also said, “ Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
Luke 24:50-53
Lk 24:50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
Lk 24:51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Lk 24:52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
Lk 24:53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Why did God wait 10 days after the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of God before He bestowed the Holy Spirit on the disciples? Was it to determine if the Apostles and the disciples would continue to be committed to the teaching of Jesus? Was it to see if they were going to be steadfast in their love for God – not the pressure and fear of the Pharisees and to determine if the people were going to scare them away from the message of Jesus?
The bestowal of the Holy Spirit was a dramatic event complete with images as of tongues of fire touching each one who was in the Upper room. This may have occurred to get the attention of the disciples and Apostles so they would understand this was a special thing from God – the bestowal of the Holy Spirit was noticed by others in Jerusalem. The baptizing of the Holy Spirit is for those who truly have a righteous relationship with God and it may not be as dramatic but the filling of the Holy Spirit is a significant blessing allowing the ones filled with the Holy Spirit to do the ministry God has put before them as well as to help with their needs in the world.

Acts 2:1-6
AC 2:1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
AC 2:2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
AC 2:3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.
AC 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
AC 2:5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.
AC 2:6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language.

The Holy Spirit God sent after Jesus ascended to the right hand of God is available today. It is a great experience to observe the Holy Spirit at work in those who truly are in the correct relationship with God. This same experience can be yours as well if you will study, understand God, accept God fully into your life, and separate yourself from the world. You can be in the world but you do not need to be part of the world. God through His Holy Spirit will provide protection and keep you in his stead if you only will allow Him to do so. (John 17:6-19)

“Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumphant over His foes forever with His saints to reign”. These are words from a song often sung at Easter time. Easter is the celebration of Jesus triumphant victory over death – the beginning of the New Covenant allowing the sinner an opportunity to have forgiveness of their sins. Jesus did not pay for the forgiveness of sins but He fulfilled God’s plan that would allow those seeking forgiveness to have forgiveness of sin and a personal relationship with God. This is a great time in the New Covenant Church – that day must never be forgotten. It should be the responsibility of all those who want to have a relationship with God to understand this time from the raw beginning not as it has sometimes been diluted by teachers today.
Harry Conn when teaching on the Atonement would say that many teachers would stop at the resurrection and not teach the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection. Jesus presented Himself alive to the apostles and disciples teaching them concepts they would need to know and understand in the New Covenant. Only a few things are mentioned in the Bible but the scriptures do teach there were many other appearances not mentioned. In the 40 days after the resurrection Jesus taught and encouraged the apostles and disciples what He had taught the previous 3 ½ years and apparently many new teachings. The apostles and disciples were to be prepared to go into the New Covenant to teach how to live in the New Covenant.
The New Covenant is a new worship of God with the ability for each person to pray directly to God. In the New Covenant those seeking a personal relationship with God were going to be able to have such a relationship directly with God. Jesus established a new worship with God – a relationship with more responsibility for the individual – the responsibility to maintain that relationship praying directly to God with God speaking directly to the individual through the Holy Spirit. The physical sacrifices were eliminated for forgiveness, now the person must have an inner spiritual relationship with God. This inner personal relationship with God was to be there in the Old Covenant but it had been replaced with dependence on the physical and the legalism worship. The New Covenant was to be a new experience for all even for God.
The disciples and the apostles were to continue the ministry of Jesus. There will be the need to be stronger than at any other time – being able to present God and by the Holy Spirit to present the new personal relationship with God available to all who seek God through the Holy Spirit. How else were the disciples to present Jesus – they need to have a knowledge and an understanding of the character of God and the resurrection. Their faith and knowledge before the resurrection wasn’t strong but after the resurrection and after being presented with many proofs to establish the truth of God and His son Jesus they became strong. They acquired knowledge and understanding during the 40 days Jesus spent with them. then with knowledge and understanding along with faith the Holy Spirit empowered them.

JN 20:30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

JN 20:31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
JN 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they *were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself *would not contain the books that *would be written

The few things written in scripture did not take 40 days to teach – these 40 days were intense days of teaching and learning. What else did Jesus teach to the disciples? Do you suppose many of these same things are being taught today by the Holy Spirit? But as with the disciples the spiritual heart must be open and willing to learn and grow. How else could the kingdom of God be continued today as was established after the resurrection and the giving of the Holy Spirit?
As in the parable of the sower of seed (Matt 13:1-23) the disciples were those where the seed was sown on fertile ground, the seed took root grew being able to produce fruit. In the CHURCH today there must be those who are willing to accept the word of God, understand the word of God letting the word of God to take root develop them to produce fruit for the Kingdom of God. These are those who are not burdened down with the burdens of the world, the materialism of the world. They wanted the truth – “The Truth Shall Make You Free”

1. Old Covenant Forgiveness of Sin
Leviticus 16:1-34
Through Moses and Aaron God establish laws for the Sons of Israel to follow for the forgiveness of sin
Gen 3:20-24 = Penalty for sin was the separation from God
2. Good Friday & Easter Celebration
Jesus death on the cross established forgiveness of sin in the new covenant
John 19:16-30; Acts 2:22-24
Just as animals were sacrificed for the forgiveness of sin Jesus died on the cross for forgiveness of sin
BUT WAIT THERE IS MUCH MORE TO THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS WE CELEBRATE AT EASTER THAN THE DEATH ON THE CROSS – THERE IS THE RESURRECTION; THE APPEARANCE TO THE APOSTLES & DISCIPLES; THE ASCENSION TO THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD; THE SENDING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A HELPER Heb 7:18-28; Heb 8:6,13; Heb 9:8-28;
Heb 10:19-22; Heb 12: 1-2
3. Resurrection from the grave (Easter Sunday)
Jesus arose from the Grave to show triumph over death
“Up from the grave He arose to show triumph over His foes…”
“He arose a victor from the dark domain” (song “He Arose”)
John 20:1-18; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-10; Matt 28:1-8
Jesus death was different in that He arose from the grave indicating victory over death
His death on the cross and burial came to be something different and special
John 20:30-31
4. Jesus appearing to the disciples over the next 40 days
Luke 24:13-49; Mark 16:14-20; Matt 28:16-20; John 21-1-25
The time with the disciples after His resurrection Jesus taught them principles reminding them what He taught them the previous 3 ½ years.
This was time for them to prepare for the ministry to come.
There is a time of preparation for any ministry to serve God.
5. Jesus ascending to the right hand of God
Acts 1:9-11; Acts 1:
Jesus returned to God so the Holy Spirit could be sent to those who believe.
6. God sending the Holy Spirit
John 14:26; Acts 2: 1-4; Acts 2:38; Rom 8:1-27
With the Holy Spirit man now can live a righteous life.
We confess with our mouth that Jesus is the Son of God and we then must allow the Holy Spirit to be part of us to live a righteous life. Rom 10:8-13; 1 John 1:1-4;
1John 1:6-10; I John 3:1-10; 1 John 3:18-24; 1 John 4:15-21; 1 John 5:1-12; 1 John 5:18-21
The previous points must be understood if one wishes to have a relationship with God. There is an opportunity to have a relationship with God and His Son Jesus today. We can confess our sins but we have to accept all of the atonement to enjoy life in the light of God.

Do you live and understand the character of God? Now is the time to examine your relationship with God.

The empty grave is celebrated on Easter Sunday which then means death had no control over Jesus. The testimony of scripture of the empty grave means all who seek a personal relationship with God can now have that personal relationship with God. This relationship must be a pure heart relationship choosing to empty our heart of all selfishness choosing to be sanctified in our relationship with God.

As well as observing the empty grave the suffering and agony of the cross is necessary. The suffering of Jesus on the cross must be understood that Jesus suffered in agony to His death. His death and suffering must have a serious impact upon the worship of God.

JESUS SUFFERED TO THE POINT OF DEATH SO THERE COULD BE FORGIVENESS OF SIN.

In the Old Testament the death of animals was necessary for the forgiveness of sin. Due to disobedience of the people, God initiated a way to seek forgiveness of sin and a relationship with God. With Jesus’ death on the cross the new way to salvation in God was established – the responsibility was placed upon people individually to develop a relationship with God.
The Easter celebration should include the death of Jesus on the cross understanding this not a normal death as it happened just the way it was prophesized to occur and it was God’s Son. But the real miracle of the events of Jesus death and burial was that He arose from the grave to appear to His disciples over the next 40 days. The empty grave is very significant to demonstrate death had no control over Jesus the Son of God.
A New Covenant between God and mankind was established with a new way to worship God and His Son Jesus. The Old Covenant animal sacrifices were done away with and the one time sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and the resurrection from the grave established the New Covenant allowing man to worship God directly. The New Covenant was for people to accept the empty grave, the resurrection of Jesus and Jesus ascension to the right hand of God.
This relationship involves a pure heart relationship with God. At the end of the 40 days of appearing to the disciples teaching the ways of the New Covenant Jesus ascended to the right hand of God. The Holy Spirit was sent to be with those who chose to have this pure heart relationship with God (John 14:26). The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit was to be available to those who chose to have a pure heart relationship with God. The forgiven person must be willing to allow God to grow in the heart to reach total dependency upon God.
The ATONEMENT, the new covenant through Jesus, has all the following:
+ Jesus teaching of the New Covenant and how to live and worship in the New Covenant
+ Jesus suffering and death upon the cross
+ Jesus was buried in a grave for 3 days and nights.
+ Jesus arose from the grave
+ Jesus appeared to His disciples teaching them more of the New Covenant
+ Jesus ascension to the right hand of God.
+ The sending and the baptism of the Holy Spirit
+ Living a spirit filled life
Understanding the Atonement is necessary to have the pure heart relationship with God and His Son Jesus. This atonement is the establishment of the New Covenant. The death and resurrection from the grave is essential to the New Covenant. The Resurrection of Jesus is the miracle of the atonement that is celebrated on Easter.

On Easter the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave is the focus. Because of the empty grave people have the ability to have a personal relationship with God and His Son Jesus.

If you are not enjoying a personal relationship with God and His Son Jesus now is the time for you to pray to God seeking forgiveness of your sins. If you have question concerning your salvation contact EEM, Inc. at eeminc@rtcol.com May we pray for you? God is waiting to share Himself with you.

The week preceding Jesus death on the cross referred to as the Passion Week involved incidents in Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives and in Bethany. Jesus spent most evening in Bethany with friends and followers. Jesus was aware all the events were necessary and that God was allowing all for the benefit those who would want to have a personal relationship with God. Jesus had to suffer much and die on the Cross so there could have forgiveness of sins.

The Passion Week events should be understood to comprehend the full impact and to appreciate the suffering and death of Jesus Christ to have salvation in the New Covenant. The week prior to the death on the Cross involved events to be remembered in the New Covenant with scriptures leading one to an understanding of the week before the death of Jesus on the Cross.
Friday before Palm Sunday Jesus arrives in Bethany and stays at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus.
John 12:1-11
Saturday – This is the Sabbath Days of rest for the Jews. Jesus spent the day doing the traditional things with His friends in Bethany
Sunday the first day of the week, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey with much fanfare and excitement from the crowd this is celebrated as Palm Sunday with Jesus returning to Bethany Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19
The day after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus returned to the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus drove out those who were buying and selling in the Temple, overturning the tables of the money changers as well as others who were buying and selling in the Gentile court. Matt 21:10-17; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48
Tuesday – Jesus spent the day teaching in the Temple, teaching in parables, answering the questions of the chief priest, the scribes and the elders. Matt 21:23 – Matt 24:51; Mark 11:27 – Mark 13:37; Luke 20:1 – 21:36
Wednesday – a day Jesus rested since there are no events recorded in the scriptures. It is thought the day was spent in Bethany.
Thursday – Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples in the Upper Room. This was the beginning of the celebration today referred to as Communion. This was a special time of teaching to those with Jesus in the Upper Room. After the meal and the first Communion, Jesus took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed most of the night. Jesus was not praying to escape the death on the Cross but to endure the beatings and the severe treatment He was about to receive so He would make it to the Cross to fulfill God’s plan. Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane where He had been praying and teaching His disciples being brought before His accusers during this time Peter denied knowing Jesus. Matt 26:17-56; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-65; John 13:1-38
Friday – The day Jesus was beaten and then crucified then after His death on the Cross Jesus was buried in a new grave that was nearby. While Jesus was on the cross and when He died there was darkness from noon until 3 PM. According to Jewish tradition the body of Jesus had to be removed from the Cross and buried in the grave before 6 PM – which was the beginning of the Sabbath Matt 27:1-66; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 22:66-23:56; John 18:28-19:37
Saturday – The Sabbath Day the day of rest and worship.
Sunday – Easter Sunday – Resurrection day – The tomb was empty, Jesus was resurrected from the grave, Jesus appeared to the women first then to the disciples. Matt 28:1-13; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-31
Over the next 40 days Jesus appeared to the disciples teaching them things to know and understand to teach in the New Covenant. After the resurrection these teachings of Jesus took on a more meaning to the disciples now understanding what Jesus had taught the past 3 years.

Now all who desire a relationship with God to seek to understand the week preceding Jesus’ death and how this lead to the establishment of the New Covenant and how it affects your relationship with God. Seek now to know God as your Lord and savior.

Jesus, therefore six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:1-3)NASB

Jesus was making His way to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover – the week before the Passover was to be celebrated. Jesus stopped in Bethany to spend the night at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus during which Mary showed her devotion to Jesus by anointing His feet with costly perfume, a sign of strong devotion and thankfulness. Bethany a small town about 2 miles east of Jerusalem where Jesus would spend many of His nights this next week away from people. Bethany being a small town would provide a quieter time providing Jesus quiet time – time to be with His disciples.

Jesus while on His Journey to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover arriving in Bethany on Friday two days before His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Since the next day was the Sabbath Jesus spent the day in the traditional way with His friends. On what would be our Sunday there first day of the week for them Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. (What do you suppose Jesus discussed while in Behany?)

When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethpage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me.
“If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“SAY TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION,
`BEHOLD YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU,
GENTLE, AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY,
EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A BEAST OF BURDEN.’ ”
The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them,
and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats.
Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in
the road.
The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David;
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;
Hosanna in the highest!”
When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?”
And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”( Matt. 21:1-11) NASB

Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the first day of the week, the day we celebrate as Palm Sunday with the crowds praising and cheering Him, the crowd recognizing Him as the teacher. This crowd on this day held Jesus in high esteem celebrating who they recognized as a prophet from God, but this crowd was different from the crowd a few days later that call for His crucifixion? The crowd later in the week would be a crowd that was sympathetic to the cause of the Jewish priest – those who constantly opposed Jesus.

Jesus triumphant entry at the beginning of the week we recognize as Passion Week the most Holy week in the life of the Christian Church the week we should truly understand to have a solid relationship with God. It must be understood the death of Jesus on the Cross and the resurrection during this week celebrated as the Passion Week and the great impact it should have on our lives and our relationship with God. God and His Son Jesus set into motion the Second Covenant allowing the Gentile people the opportunity to have a personal relationship with God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus died on the Cross that we may have forgiveness of our sin if we but will draw near to Him and sincerely seek Him with a true open heart.

WOW what a great opportunity to get right with God and live in obedience with God. Are you there? Now is the time if you are not there. Seek God now while He can be found – seek help from a Christian to have this great forgiven relationship with God.

Email eeminc@rtcol.com if you need help understanding your relationship with God.

“The Bible was not given to prove the existence of God, but to reveal profound facts concerning the God that man already knows to exist from his natural observations and experience.” (Gordon Olson) “…truth had to be understood and digested” “This is impossible except the learner will agree to modify his life as the concepts of truth unfold” (Gordon Olson)

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work”.( II Timothy 3:16-17) NASB

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1) NASB

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘ He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ ”
For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace” (John 1:14-16)NASB

It is imperative all who wish to have a relationship with God know the character of God but what is this character of God? The character of God includes the moral make up of God, truth – right and wrong, what God stands for, how man was originally created, and what God can do and what God cannot do plus other character traits.
Since man and woman were created in the image of God spiritually and morally then man and woman should know the character of God. But man and woman since birth have been educated away from their common sense and from right and wrong that should have been their normal understanding and actions. Man and woman have been educated to live selfishly as society would like to make you think is normal thus resulting in the guilt in man and woman and the decline of society to the point of destroying each other. This is not normal as society would like to make you think is normal.
Normal is living in conjunction with God being able to glorifying God and looking out for the well-being of our fellow man and woman and desiring that all have the opportunity to live in and with God with the purpose to help each other. Normal is living in peace with God and others and the creation God has created. The majority of society and people are not normal for the enjoyment of creation and fellowship with God. There are so many things occurring that man has to work at being normal – going against what society calls normal – society is wrong.
The Senior Pastor of our local Church passed away this past week after battling cancer for over a year. Pastor Dave came to our small town 2 ½ years ago pioneering a church beginning with a congregation meeting in the middle school cafeteria out growing that area moving to a banquet hall of a restaurant then to the facility of another church that was ready to close the door. The congregation has grown to an average of 540+ in just 2½ years with several ministries reaching out to people who are hurting through a food pantry, to offering work to jobless to pay utilities and providing food, to starting a jail ministry, to beginning a halfway house in the former church parsonage for women, to the beginning of a thrift store in a building in the main downtown area that was donated to the church. But the main focus of this ministry is that all must come to a forgiven saving relationship with God. Even Pastor Dave’s obituary included an invitation with scripture to come to a saving relationship with God.
The Bible the written word of God not only will educate concerning the character of God but provides scripture teaching that all must turn back to God to live the normal life one was created to live, to live the life one can have free from internal conflict enjoying a peaceful relationship with God. Be careful to not let the world to confuse the pure words God has written in His Bible. Remember the truth will set you free.

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Roman12:1 NASB)
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12: NASB)

The conscience is a part of the intellect – comparing what we are to what we know – serving the created being based upon past choices and the knowledge and understanding presented and retained by the intellect. The conscience is involved in decisions and actions either approving the choices or assigning guilt.

ISA 53:6 All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.

“Our consciences affirm that we have been guilty of rebelling and perpetuating a moral revolution against our intelligence, of refusing to live our lives in supreme recognition of the Devine Being and the obvious rights of our fellowman.” (Gordon Olson*) Our conscience from the point of the age accountability affirms that we have participated in some form of action that has sadden God and caused some harm to our fellowman. Mankind has worked at being a selfish being looking for satisfaction within one’s self never finding contentment until a relationship with God was established.

RO 2:14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves,
RO 2:15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,
RO 2:16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus. NASB

As a leader of the family unit do not allow the culture of the world to corrupt, the culture of the day will capture the interest and actions of the individual before there is an understanding and acceptance of the Great God of the universe. Being created in the image of God it is reasonable that the created being of God should live in harmony and have a relationship with God but the created being has to work even harder to live in conjunction with the culture and the society within which the created being moves and lives. Living separated from God is not a natural thing but must be worked at to be separated from Him. Look at society and the culture and the number of things being done in secrecy or behind closed doors or in the darkness of the night. Attempts at hiding things people are doing should give an indication there is something wrong in their actions.
There must be a moving away from the selfishness of the individual and a moving towards a saving relationship with God with the individual continually learning the character of God and the moral responsibility to live in harmony with God. Since time and effort has been spent in working to live in the culture of the world the being must empty themselves of the influences of the world to be filled with the character of God. There can be either God or man in the spirit of the being.

RO 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
RO 1:21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
RO 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
RO 1:23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
RO 1:24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.
RO 1:25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen NASB

Scriptures teach man naturally should know the attributes of God but man works at not having the relationship with God that is available. Man may think he is wise but in actuality they are foolish having given up on the natural responsibilities from God living for self being separated from God. All beings can look back at their past lives the time before coming back to God seeing the discontent in their lives continually searching for a god but never finding the peace that is available with God.
Since the beginning of time mankind has always acknowledged the need to serve a god but man makes a continual effort to search for God but not finding Him. Why does man make so much effort to live separated from God? Is the world and the culture of the world so enticing that man and woman run after the world even though they never find contentment? “The conclusion is that a tragic rebellion must have taken place to account for evil in the presence of overwhelming good” (Gordon Olson*) “The whole mass of humanity appears to have joined in and perpetuated this rebellion” against a loving God. (Gordon Olson*)
So with the evidence presented from scripture and the natural creation man and woman has no excuse for not living in a relationship with God. Even though evidence is presented to the mind and spirit man and woman have refused to live in conjunction with God. Why? Is it an unwillingness to not want to live different from the people in the circle of friends? Do man and woman not want to be different from the group? Is it because they do not want to make change in their lives? Why? Look back at your life before your came back to God. What was your attitude? Why were you hesitant to change? God loves you.
Seek to have that great relationship with God that is available to all who make the effort to move away from their sinfulness giving up the selfishness that has been persisted in since the day of accountability.

The created earth in its original form was wonderfully made with God testifying 6 times in Genesis 1 the creation of the earth and all it contains as being good or very good (v. 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Since the fall of man because of sin, the earth and its creation is not exactly as it was in the beginning as God has had to make adjustments to deal with the sin of mankind.
In the beginning a mist rose from the ground to water the whole surface of the ground Gen 2:6. When God saw the sinfulness of mankind He pronounced a judgment upon the creation with the flood. Water from the earth came forth in large amounts and for the first time it rained for forty days and nights resulting in the flood (Gen 7:11-12). Until this time the earth was watered by a mist that arose from the earth the mist watered the earth but at the same time the atmosphere filtered the rays of the sun protecting the environment and mankind. But when the rain fell from the sky the way the earth was watered changed removing the filter the mist provided the created earth allowing more direct rays from the sun to reach the surface of the earth and mankind. Over time this more direct exposure to the sun’s rays has caused a change in the creation.
But at the same time the creation as it exists today is still wonderfully made and coexists in amazing fashion with the inanimate and the animate creation complimenting the existence of man and woman acknowledging the creation was made by a wonderful God – the creation being similar to the creation shown in Genesis 1 and 2. All the species of plant and animal as well as all the created parts of each plant and animal are designed in such a way with each part or species with a part in the whole existence.
Observing the creation we understand “there must have been a great Designer and Creator who has brought all these profound wonders into existence and sustains them by Divine power”. (Gordon Olson)* The results of these observations brings a conclusion “that all moral beings, in the right use of their faculties, affirm their perpetual obligation to regard supremely with appropriate veneration the Being and happiness of God, the great Creator and Benefactor of the universe”. (Gordon Olson)* Also the “rights and happiness and welfare of our fellowman are observed to be equally important to that of ourselves” therefore “we owe equal obligation to others”. (Gordon Olson) *

RO 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
RO 1:19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.
RO 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
RO 1:21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
RO 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
RO 1:23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
RO 1:24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.
RO 1:25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen
RO 1:28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, (NASB)

“Man is utterly ‘without excuse’ in his choice of and persistence in selfishness or supreme self-interest” (Gordon Olson)*
Even though the creation may not be exact as it was at the original creation, man and woman can still observe the wonders of creation knowing there is a responsibility on their part to live righteously with God. There is no excuse to live separated from God even though we all at one time lived separated from God but fortunately the Holy Spirit was able to convince those who now live righteously with God. The amazing creation all fits together to cause all to know there is a great creator to convince the living in a truthful relationship with God.
Stop – observe creation – then know there is a great creator. Get into a right relationship with this great creator. Live your life as you were designed to live.

*”The Truth Shall Make You Free” by Gordon Olson p. T-I-5 & 6

God exists. Many today look for proofs that God does exist often looking in the wrong places for these proofs. The most obvious proofs exist within ourselves and can be found just by observing how the individual is designed and how the parts work together complimenting each other. By observing how the body, spirit and soul are each designed and complement each other there has to be wonder of the power that created this wonderful creation. This creation cannot be just happen stance but must have been created by a great God; the creation gives proof to searching minds the existence of a great GOD.

All conscious beings have the ability to comprehend certain qualities and abilities recognized in all beings. An analysis of beings gives an amazing collection of parts when put together form an intricate person with the ability to glorify or condemn God. It must be recognized there is a great creator who has put these parts together to function as a whole being.

Each of these natural parts by themselves is unable to function but must be part of a whole being whose original intent was to serve and worship God. The spirit of the being will live in contentment when the being chooses to use the natural parts for their original intent. When not used as designed there will be frustration and the being will not function as designed. Just as God created man and woman to live and to function with intended relationships with God and fellowman but when man and woman chooses to disrupt the intended purpose in design the relationships will become strained resulting in guilt leading to physical and mental illness and to separation from God..

God must be recognized as the great creator putting all the created parts together to function as a whole:
There is the ability to think, to reason, to view facts and draw conclusions.

Man and woman are not puppets in God’s creation but have the ability think draw conclusions and make decisions based upon the ability to think. Man and woman have the ability to reason through the facts presented and draw conclusions and to act upon these conclusions.
There is the emotional ability within – the able to experience what is thought upon.

Man and woman have thoughts then put together actions based upon thoughts presented to the spirit. Man and woman then through emotions experience joy for correct decision or grief for decisions made in opposition to God’s intention.
The ability to originate our own thoughts and actions – self-determination or free will.

Man and woman are created with free will – the ability to originate thoughts, decisions and actions. Thoughts are presented to the mind and spirit then man and woman has the free will to make decisions; Decision based on past experience and the knowledge and understanding of the great creator.
Our personalities function as a whole – our wills direct our minds to think or to process a thought with an emotional reaction.

The parts of the created being function as a whole producing the results observed contentment and joy or grief and confusion. Each part by itself accomplishes nothing – it just exists.
Our conscience – the mind evaluates all that is occurring approving or condemning.

With all decisions and actions there must be a system to measure results – the ability to determine approval or disapproval.
Our emotions cannot be activated or controlled directly as the emotions are the results of what we think upon.

Emotions are not created by themselves but must be the results the actions and the thought processes. Emotions will be based upon past experience and the understanding of the great creator – God.

So within the created being there is observed the ability of free will or self-determination, the emotions, and the conscience to approve or disapprove the thoughts and actions. These characteristics are naturally part of the beings – these traits cannot be removed or added to the being with all beings having these natural characteristics – they cannot be altered.

What is thought upon and is stored in our memory becomes the basis for approval or disapproval being brought back at some time resulting in approval or condemnation based upon the design of the person both physically and spiritually. Free will brings thoughts and actions resulting in an emotional reaction resulting in approval or condemnation based upon past experience and knowledge.

Reference: “The Truth Shall Make You Free” By Gordon C. Olson pages T-I-1 & 2