Spiritual Alchemy

Definitions from Mirriam Webster's online dictionary:

1. a science used in the Middle Ages with the goal of changing ordinary metals into gold

2. a power or process of transforming something common into something useful

3. an inexplicable or mysterious transmuting

How are we transformed from something common to something useful?

Obeying the gospel

Romans 6:4-7 The old man of sin is put to death

We are raised to walk in newness of life

Galations 3:26-29 We are all made one flesh in Christ By renewing our minds & our spirit

Romans 12:1 & 2 We sacrifice ourselves & are transformed by renewing our minds

Titus 3:4-7 The power of the Holy Spirit

We allow God to mold us

Isaiah 64:8 God is the potter we are the clay

Isaiah 45:9 & 10 Warnings against resisting

How are we different than inanimate objects?

Genesis 1:26 We are made in the image of God

Matthew 7:13 & 14 Two paths to follow We don't always choose correctly

Deut. 32:4 & 5 Contrast between Israel & God

Isaiah 55:9 God's ways are higher than man's

God's Methods

Hebrews 1:1 & 2 God used various methods in the past

Old Testament examples: God spoke directly Patriarchs:

Genesis 3: God spoke directly to Adam & Eve

Genesis 6: God instructed Noah to build the ark

Genesis 28: God instructed Jacob in a dream

Mosaic Age

Exodus - Deuteronomy: God calls Moses to lead Israel, Priesthood to lead people spiritually

Joshua: God calls Joshua to conquer Canaan

The prophets: Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, & Jeremiah

God speaks to them directly to deliver messages to His people to call them back to Him

Christian age

The Gospels: Jesus used miracles to prove that he was the Son of God

Acts 1: The Comforter or the Holy Spirit continued to help the apostles show God's power

Revelation 17:8 The devil was also allowed to walk the earth and use deception before men

Matthew 8:28-33 Demon possession ~ men acting against their own will

Acts 19:13-17 The fate of those who tried to use the power of Jesus without authority

The role of the Holy Spirit has changed

I Corinthians 13:8-10 “gifts of the spirit” will cease when that which is perfect has come

II Timothy 3:16 & 17 the scriptures make us completely equipped

Galatians 1:6-12 There is only one Gospel, delivered by the Son of God

Increasing our Spiritual Worth How can we increase our usefulness in God's

kingdom?

I Peter 2:2 The desire & ability to grow

Hebrews 5:12-14 Danger of stagnation

Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing: new converts & experienced Christians

Luke 22:31 & 32 Satan wants to test us

I Corinthians 10:12 & 13 Self evaluation

II Timothy 2:19 & 20 Knowing our roles

The Plan of Salvation

Hear God's Word Romans 10:14 Believe God's Word Romans 10:17 Repent Luke 13:3, 5 Confess Jesus is the Christ Romans 10:10 Be Baptized Acts 2:38, Matt. 28:18 &19 Live faithfully Increase our value unto the Lord

Revelation 2:10b Revelation 3:15 & 16