Light From Above

Session One: Religion and God’s Word

 

Often times people who are not Christians in this country fall into the categories of Atheist or Agnostic.  What do these terms mean?

 

 

 

If someone were to say to you, “Prove that God exists,” what would you say?

 

Roman 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.  Creation itself speaks of the existence of God.

 

Acts 14:17 "Nevertheless He did not {since creation} leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."  God’s continued providence is evidence of His existence.

 

 

A question for them is related to rights vs. wrong.  From where then does their morality come?

 

Romans 2:14 [W]hen Gentiles, who do not have the law, but by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness . . . .  The natural law is written upon the hearts of all.  Morality and religiousness are born in us.

 

 

This natural knowledge of God is the basis of religion.  So then what is religion?  

 

Religion is the beliefs, theories, or basic ideas by which a person’s life is lived.  It is a fact that if man “does not worship the true God, he will worship something else, even if it is just his own proud self.”

 

If man can see through nature and the natural Law written upon his heart, is this enough for salvation?  

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

 

 

 

If this is true, is Christianity the only true religion?  Why or why not?   In order to answer this question, one must ask oneself - how is Christianity different from all other religions?  How does man become right with God in Christianity?  In other religions?

 

 

 

If the natural knowledge of God is not enough for salvation how do we then know God and what is necessary for salvation?


What is God’s Word?

 

1Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.  God’s Word is truth and it is powerful.

 

 

John 20:31 [T]hese are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.  This verse tells us that the Word brings faith and faith is necessary for salvation - being right with God.

 

 

1 Timothy 2:14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.   How does one “stay right” with God?

 

 

How does the Bible compare to the other sacred books of other religions?   Aren’t they valid?  If not, of  what use are they?

 

 

The Bible consists of three main truths:

 

1.  The one main theme of Scripture is the salvation of mankind by Christ.

 

2.  God is the real author of the Bible (despite what many modern critics say).

 

3.  There are two fundamental doctrines of Scripture: The Law and the Gospel.

 

 

 

But pastor, how can we be sure that what we have is the true Bible?  Hasn’t it been changed over the past 4,000 years?  How can we trust it?  What about “new” revelations like the Book of Mormon or the Koran?

 

 

Foundational to the faith: Christianity is the only true religion and the Bible is God’s inspired Word.  There is no compromise on these two issues.

 

 

 

 

Session Two: God and His Creation

 

Last time we learned that Christianity is the only true religion and the Bible is God’s inspired Word.  Is it, then, possible for all the “gods” of the world to simply be the same God, but in different forms?  One God, Many paths?

 

 

What or who is God?  How can we/do we know God?

 

 

God is:

 

One.  Isa 45:5 “I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me.”  and 1 Corinthians 8:4 “Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.”  Are there any other true gods?

 

 

Indivisible.  Ex 3:14 “And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’” God is not divisible by particle or part.  God is essence/being.  His essence is not like a lump of clay that you can pull chunks off of and God decrease.

 

 

Unchangeable (in His essence).  Psalm 102:25-27 “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed.  But You are the same.”  Synonyms for unchangeable would include immutable, incorruptible, and constant.

 

 

Infinite.  1 Kings 5:27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You.”  and Jeremiah 23:24 “‘Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?’ says the LORD; ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the LORD.” The Hindu god Brahma is considered to be out of reach for any human prayer or thought.  It is of great comfort that our God is so near us!

 

Eternal.  Psalm 90:2 “Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

 

Omniscient (all knowing).  1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.  and Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

 

            Wise.  Job 12:13 “With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding.”  and Romans  11:33, 34 “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?”

 

God has a will.  What does this mean?  Isaiah 46:9-11   “Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,  Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.”

 

Note: God has not, however made everything known that He has in mind.  His revealed will for man’s behavior is the Ten Commandments.  His gracious will is revealed in the Gospel.

 

Holy.  Psalm 5:4   “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You.” God is by definition “good.”  Matthew 19:17 [Jesus said], “No one is good but One, that is, God.”  So then where does evil come from?

 

Righteous and Just.  Deuteronomy 32:4 “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.”  How do you respond to the question, “How can God do that?”

 

Almighty (all powerful).  Luke 1:37  “For with God nothing will be impossible.” 

 

Note: God cannot do anything that would be a contradiction of Himself and His other attributes.  God also uses His power mediately (through means) and directly/immediately.

 

The Trinity is one of the most difficult doctrines of the Bible to understand.  God is defined as “one undivided and indivisible Essence, in which there are three distinct Persons, which are Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

 

The word “trinity” means “three in one” (tri-entity).  Where do you find this word in Scripture?

 

For examples of the Trinity see: Matthew 3:16, 17 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.  And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” and the following:

 

The Father is God: 1 Corinthians 8:6 “...yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.”

 

The Son is God: 1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

 

The Holy Spirit is God: Acts 5:3, 4 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

 

Note: We can only define God to the extent that He has revealed Himself.  God is so confusing because our finite human reason cannot comprehend the infinite and absolute God.  The three articles of the Apostles Creed and Luther’s explanation of it in the Small Catechism are an important resource for knowing and understanding God’s work.

 

 

 

Chapter Four: God’s Creation

 

How you understand the Bible all begins with the first verse.  All else follows.  Properly understanding the first verse goes beyond simply interpreting it literally or mythologically/figuratively.  Let’s look at the first verse grammatically.

 

“In the beginning . . .” What does this mean?  Beginning of what?  How do you know?  Where else have you seen this phrase/How is it used elsewhere in Scripture?  Take a look at John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  and  Colossians 1:16, 17   For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

 

 

This phrase begs the question, since it is the next word - what was before the beginning?  Where did God come from?  Take a look at Psalm 90:2  Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.  Psalm 93:2  Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.  and Proverbs 8:23  I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth

 

 

“ . . . God . . .”  God is the first subject of the Bible.  He is the first “character” introduced.  Before man was, God is. This very fact ought to point to our place in the grand scheme of things.  We need to remember our place as His creatures.  His will should always be our will.

 

 

“ . . . created . . .”  is the first verb in Scripture. 

 

(a) This is a special word in Hebrew.  It is a “creating” verb expressing the origin of something great; as only God can bring about or do.  This word is always used of DIVINE activity and never of the “creative” endeavors of man. 

 

 

(b)The word (bara’) does not of itself preclude the use of existing material (see Isa 65:18b), but when no pre-existing material is mentioned in the context, none is to be implied.  This verse teaches that God made everything out of nothing.   See Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

 

What is the object of this creating?  “ . . . the heavens and the earth.”  Hebrew has no word for “universe.”  The literal Hebrew means “ . . . that which is above and that which is lower.”  This is the Hebrew way of saying “everything”.

 

 

 

 

            Write a good paraphrase of the first verse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the absolute beginning, when there was nothing except God, God created, as only He could do, out of nothing, everything.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapters Five and Six:

Sin and God’s Law

 

What is sin?  How much (or how little) is worthy of punishment?

 

 

 

What is a sin of “commission”?  What is a sin of “omission”?

 

 

 

A trick question: Who brought sin into the world?  Sin entered the  world through whom?   See Romans 5:12  . . . through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. . .”

 

 

 

Sin was brought into the world by the Devil, but it entered into the world through man.

 

 

 

What did man loose in the fall?

 

 

 

What is original sin?

 

 

It is the inherited corruption and guilt from Adam and Eve which causes man to commit all manners of actual sin.

 

 

 

By nature is there any good in man?  See Psalm 51:5  Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me,  John 3:6  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit,  Romans 3:11, 12   There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.  They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one, and Romans 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.

 

 

 

This is called “total depravity” - our free will, which we possessed in the garden was lost by sin.   Without God and the Spirit we are bound to do evil.  None of us can ever live a life without sinning.

 

 

 

How then does total depravity and original sin affect the natural knowledge of the Law about which Paul speaks in Romans?

 

 

 

Outside of Christ, is there any escape from sin and its consequence?  Roman 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

 

 

The First Commandment

You shall have no other gods.

  What does this mean?

We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.

 

The Second Commandment

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

  What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts,   lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

 

 

The Third Commandment

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.


  What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

 

The Fourth Commandment

Honor your father and your mother.

  What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.

 

The Fifth Commandment

You shall not murder.

  What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.

 

The Sixth Commandment

You shall not commit adultery.

  What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

 

The Seventh Commandment

You shall not steal.

  What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor's money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

 

The Eighth Commandment

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

  What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest possible way.

 

The Ninth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor's house.

  What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor's

inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help

and be of service to him in keeping it.

 

The Tenth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or maidservant, his

ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

  What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our

neighbor's wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them

to stay and do their duty.

 

The Close of the Commandments

What does God say about all of these commandments?

He says, "I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments" (Exodus 20:5-6)  and  "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." Galatians 3:10b

  What does this mean?

God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands. 

 

 

Chapter 7

Salvation comes from God

 

          In order to understand what salvation is, we must first understand how it works and why it is even possible.  Having, over the past couple of sessions, studied the Law, we have discovered that our situation is, by ourselves, hopeless.  No one could ever hope of living up to the standard that God places before us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

 

The most important question in the realm of understanding salvation is this: Why can’t we be saved by the Law?  See Galatians 3:10, 11  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”  But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”

 

 

 

 

How then did Christ secure salvation for us by means of the Law?  See 2 Corinthians 5:21   For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

 

 

 

What prompted God to save us?  Was it anything good in us?  See John 3:16, 17  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. and Titus 3:5,6 “...according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,  6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

 

What is meant by the phrase, “Salvation is and accomplished fact?”  See Hebrews 7:26-28   For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.  For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

 

 

 

Salvation is available for whom?  See 1 Timothy 2:4 [God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  and 1 John 2:2   And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

 

 

 

Is God concerned about the salvation of all mankind?  See Ezekiel 33:11 “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.’”  and I Timothy 2:4 [God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

 

 

Is God’s grace always able to save?  Is there any sin that is unforgivable?  See Mark 3:29  He who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation.

 

 

 

Christ is unique among men.  Which two natures are found in Christ?  See John 10:30  I and My Father are one. .  and John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  and I Timothy 2:5  For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

What is the “Immaculate Conception?”

 

 

 

How are the divine and the human united?   See John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.   and 1 Timothy 3:16   God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.  and Colossians 2:9 For in [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

 

 

 

 

Two related questions: 

Why did Christ have to be man to save us?  See Galatians 4:4,5 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  and Hebrews 2:14-16  Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,  and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.

 

 

 

Why did Christ have to be God to save us?  See Romans 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.  and Psalm 49:7,8 “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him – For the redemption of their souls is costly . . .”

 

 

 

What did Christ suffer during His earthly life?

 

 

 

What is Christ’s “humiliation?”  See 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.  And the Second Article of the Creed “And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.”

 

 

 

What is Christ’s “exultation?”  See Philippians 2:9-11  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  And the Second Article of the Creed “He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.”

 

 

 

Was the decent into Hell part of Christ humiliation or exultation?  See 1 Peter 3:18, 19 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison  and John 19:30  So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

 

 

 

There are those who teach that the resurrection was a hoax or never happened.  Why is the resurrection so important?  See 1 Corinthians 15:17,18  And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  Romans 4:25   [Jesus] was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.   John 14:19b  Because I live, you will live also.  and John 11:25,26  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.”

 

 

 

What is the “right hand of God?”

 

 

 

What is the three-fold office of Christ?

 

Prophet - Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, and Luke 24:19 “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.”

 

Priest - Jesus fulfills the function of priest in the following three ways: (1) He fulfilled the Law for us.  (2) He sacrificed Himself, and (3) he is our advocate/mediator before God.  See Hebrews 7:26,27  For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;  who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.  and 1 John 2:1  And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

 

King  - John 18:37  Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

 

What does this all mean for us?  How does it affect us?  See Ephesians 1:13b,14 “...you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,  14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”  1 Corinthians 6:19,20  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.  and 2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light From Above

Chapters 8 & 9

 

            Over the past sessions we have studied the Law and what salvation is.  We have discovered that the requirements of the Law are far too heavy even for the best of us to carry.  All sin, and thus are in danger of the very fire of hell.  In our sinful state we are unable to discern spiritual things.  We cannot know God nor do we desire to seek Him out.  See 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  Genesis 8:21 [God said,] the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth.  Romans 8:5-7a   For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [T]he carnal mind is enmity against God.  1 Corinthians 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

 

How then does salvation come to us if not by the work of God Himself?

 

 

 

 

See the Second Article of the Creed and its explanation.

 

            [I believe] in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

 

          What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

 

 

Of Conversion

 

 

What is the work of the Holy Spirit in faith and conversion?  See again 1 Corinthians 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

Define “conversion.”   Is it a slow process that occurs over time?   Is there a middle ground between non-conversion and conversion?