1. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible  Does God see what we do? (He’s got good eyesight)  Does he hear what we say? (He’s got good hearing.)  But does he really know what we’re thinking? (Do we believe he does?)

2. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible When the sons of Jesse presented themselves, Samuel looked at the oldest, Eliab, and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. For the LORD doesn’t see as humans see: people look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16.6-7

3. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible The heart is deceitful above all things, and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to make sure you get what you deserve.” Jeremiah 17.9-10

4. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible Many people put their faith in Jesus because they saw him work miracles. But Jesus knew what was in their hearts, and he would not entrust himself to them. No one had to tell him what people were like. He already knew. John 2.23-25

5. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible Summary:  Yes, God does see right into our thoughts, our desires and our motives.  But how then does he communicate this knowledge to us? How does he reveal to us what is really going on in our hearts?

6. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. All are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4.12-13

7. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in right living. The Scriptures equip God’s people for good deeds of every kind. Hebrews 4.12-13 No prophetic word of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. It never had its origin in human ideas, but prophets were guided by the Spirit of God. 2 Peter 1.20-21

8. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible The Trinity of Truth When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16.13-15 (see also Ephesians 1.15-23)

9. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible How do we “take in” the Bible?  Listening  Reading  Studying  Memorising  Meditating “The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” Ephesians 6.17

10. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible Meditating = Thinking deeply about something Group Bible study as a source of meditation: Argyle’s ‘Lifegroups’ Re-examine Luke 15 (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son) in the light of Argyle’s desire to serve the Community “The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” Ephesians 6.17

11. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible Luke 15: Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son Now the collaborators and “sinners” were all gathering round to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this story:... Luke 15.1-3

12. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible Luke 15: Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son In one word, summarise this chapter

13. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible Luke 15: Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son Belonging

14. The Spirit and Truth – The Bible Luke 15: Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son Belonging The lost sheep belongs in the flock The lost coin belongs in the purse The lost son belongs in the father’s house