Dear Friends in Christ,

If you have reached this far in the sequence provided by the BTC Study Experience, then you have had a detailed review of the basic elements that are so important to Christian Life. Essential facets were presented, one Section of study at a time, each area dove-tailing into the other. Now, let's stand back a bit to catch a wide view of this experience and visit highlights of what you may have gathered from the process. 

THE WORD: You began by considering our relationship to The Word, both in written form and via the Spirit that abides within us; and what a reassuring blessing and comfort it is to connect with both as we grow spiritually. You have seen how our longing for the presence of God as well as time in the anointed Word increases as we grow closer to Him.

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:1-2 (KJV)

BAPTISM: You have explored why all three parts of our Baptism are critical, not only by Water to commemorate our induction into the Body as we identify with Christ Jesus, but by Spirit and Fire as it pertains to the process of changing from the ways of the old nature to embracing a walk with the Spirit in order to develop spiritual fruit. 

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." Matthew 3:11 (KJV)

HOLY SPIRIT, GRACE, THE CHURCH: In Section 3, you learned the difference between being religious and being Spiritual and therefore, you have come to understand what “The Church” really is. More than simply being a place, “The Church” represents a State of Grace (deep relationship with the Spirit) and how we are “Becoming The Church” over time as we continue in our walk with Mercy while holding to Grace (Spirit). Though there are “churches” many (gathering places) found in the Body of Christ, we are to be “The Church,” full of Mercy and Grace, everywhere we go. 

GOING TO CHURCH TO BECOME THE CHURCH: Regarding this next verse of Scripture, we have realized by now, that the reference to “Be In Christ” means abiding close to the Spirit within as the criteria for being able to become a “new creature,” a version of our souls/selves that we have never seen before. 

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

So, continuing to hold close to that Grace/Spirit is what grants us the New Life condition. In recognizing this, we also become aware that if we do gather with others as believers, either in a traditional church setting or as “two or more,” the purpose of going to church is to “become the church.” Thus, we remain mindful that mutual and humble encouragement of one another, along with the desire to receive a fresh “Word” should always be part of our central purpose for a gathering. 

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” Hebrews 10:24 (KJV)

NEW IDENTITY: With this process of spiritual growth by Grace, we gain a beautiful new identity that we share with others who also walk by the same Spirit. We gain a new ethnicity, as indicated by the Seal of the Spirit upon our souls. This gives us grounding and a firm foundation to stand upon regardless of the pressures and changing whims of worldly culture or society around us.

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Ephesians 2:19 (KJV)

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)

UNITY VIA THE SPIRIT: At some point, those who engage in the process of spiritual transformation realize that the only lasting unity we can ever experience as humans is via the Holy Spirit we share (when we are attuned to it). 

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans.” 12:5 (KJV)

SHARING OUR FAITH WITH OTHERS: When we read 1 John 5:6, we realize that the Spirit in us is the Witness, so our connection to the Spirit or engaging with the Spirit before we speak (listening for its leading) is essential when wanting to help others or express our faith."

“And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”

SPIRITUAL WARFARE: Though, likely you have already experienced the profound blessing it is to share amazing fellowship with other believers, we have also come to understand that Spiritual Warfare and a certain amount of persecution is likely to happen from time to time. Surprisingly, these events can even be brought about via members of the Body. Let's consider though, that as hard as it might be to believe, not all in the Body are receiving instructions about overcoming the “flesh nature.” They may not yet have knowledge of how to discern when the enemy is enticing them or realize that they can stop “taking the bait.” 

We have all been there with our old-man reactions at times and had to ask forgiveness and start again. So, if we are honest with ourselves, we can relate to what those moments are like when others struggle or succumb to temptation. In drawing upon our own experience, we can choose to remain humble as we look to God for what He asks from us during those difficult times. Being confident in our connection with Grace (as well having the belief that God is our source of provision), we truly can become more concerned about how we might help others in a given situation than what the enemy might be trying to do to us. After all, while someone else's behavior may astonish us, how we respond gives us the opportunity to apply the things that Jesus is teaching us; so any challenge has applications both ways, always.

“Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27 (KJV)

In short, when it comes to spiritual warfare, we have learned how people and situations can be weaponized. Yet, we now know, deep down in our soul, that this is not something to fear since we have the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. We have instructions in Scripture that tell us things like how our primary task during difficult moments is to seek the Spirit, to look through the lens of the Spirit, learn to respond to given situations with spiritual wisdom rather than react from the old nature. We have also learned why it is so important to apply Mercy, not just for others, but so that God will continue to apply Mercy to us throughout all our ups and downs. 

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (KJV)

COMMUNION: You have also been briefed on the opportunity to refresh the soul at Communion, something you can do alone or with others whenever you feel the need. You have explored why Mercy was so important to Jesus and how Grace within can help us accomplish Mercy, even in the face of difficulties or when dealing with challenging people. Communion is a precious opportunity to have the Spirit examine us for what we need to adjust within ourselves. Overall, we take that time to redirect our focus and recommit to continuing in Mercy as we rely on Grace.

PRAYER: Ahhh, yes…. Prayer, what a treasured time it is, when we reach for God with our concerns and then listen for Him while resting in His Spirit. Though we usually come to our prayer time with a list, we remain open to what the Lord would additionally place in our hearts as well. So, whether planned or spontaneous, we stay ready to hear from our Creator God regarding anything or anyone that needs to be lifted up in prayer. We also know that we can be our authentic selves in the way we pray, and we do not have to have any particular “style.” We need not compare ourselves to others, even those who seem quite adept at popping off prayers on the spot. We simply open our hearts, tune in to the presence of the Spirit within us and bring our genuine and authentic selves into prayer time. We can express what arises within us in our own natural language as we also ask for the strength and wisdom to endure the journey to its end.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”  Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)what 

Additional guidelines offered in Scripture

Two Commandments: Let's review what we have learned about the beloved Two Commandments, another profound guidepost given by Jesus as described in Matthew 22:36-40 (KJV):

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Regarding, “Love God,” it stands to reason that if we love God, we will want to get to know Him and seek to understand what he asks from us. Then, with regard to “Love Others,” we seek Him to show us that higher love, Agape Love, beyond what the old nature can concieve of or consistently act upon:

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:7 (KJV). 

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

Indeed, as we leave behind the old-man, we develop the desire to Love at the purest level, beyond self-serving versions of love. Realizing that this is only acquired when we are centered in the Spirit of God, we then have to get down to the business of vacating ourselves of the old nature and learn to be led by the Spirit. Hence, we see how all these precepts we have covered throughout the BTC Study Experience fit beautifully together. Let's look at this very important set of instructions:

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (KJV)

INCREASED CONFIDENCE & NEVER GIVING UP: Wow! Learning to integrate all these ideals is “a lot,” and perhaps a total departure for some of us from all that we have been indoctrinated with by society, such as the idea that “feelings rule over values." Or, perhaps we are still a bit confused when contrasting the words of Jesus with our religious training from the Old Covenant such as with the concept of “eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:24-25). Yet, we see this in Matthew:

“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:39 (KJV)

We do develop discernment and confidence over time, knowing that if Jesus has asked certain things of us of The New Covenant, such as “praying for those who persecute us” and “to bless and curse not,” then by His Grace (Spirit), these attributes are achievable. Even if we struggle at times, we at least know we can get back up and keep moving forward, remaining willing for the Spirit to cleanse us of the “old” as we learn more and more about what it means to live by the “New.”

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16 (KJV)

ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE: When we look for all the opportunities and lessons that God has for us, even those found right within challenging events, we realize that He wastes nothing, even leading us within moments we endure. How amazing it is that He works His continued Mercy through us as we learn where we ourselves need to come up higher, all at the same time. Romans 8:28 reminds us that not only can God work all things for good, but for this to happen, our part is to remain “the called according to His purpose." With that said, I guess it is really important that we come to understand and embrace what it means to be “the called” and continue in that calling.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (KJV)

THE ULTIMATE RE-FRAMING: So, what I pray you have realized from this BTC Study Experience (or received confirmation about), is a deeper understanding of how all these elements work together to give us a beautiful path which we can experience every day, developing Hope and Confidence in Grace unto Salvation (the joining of our souls with the Spirit of God). The perspective we gain from walking by Mercy and Grace represents the most profound “reframing” of our lives available, a healing that originates from our soul and then ultimately expresses outwardly as “Fruit and Grace” through us. We also see how Jesus is keeping His Promise, to not leave us or forsake us:  

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18 (KJV)

Hence, He has given us these and other Tools, along with the Power, the Peace, and the Commandment, “Love God, Love Others,” to not only feel close to Him, but to equip us for the ultimate transformational journey of the soul: 

• The Word (Logos & Rhema)
• Baptism (3 elements)
• Becoming the Church as carriers of Mercy and Grace
• Sharing our Faith with others via the Witness/Spirit
• Fellowship in Spirit and in Truth
• Communion for refocusing and recommitting
• Prayer for healing and realignment with God's purpose in all situations of life
• The Two Commandments, “Love God, Love Others”

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL GIFT: By coupling our faith with the proven Faith of Jesus (alive in us as the Spirit), we embrace all of these elements as we find them woven day by day into a beautiful tapestry which reflects the new flow of our days as led by the Spirit of God. In that process we find a precious gift, right there in the middle of our healing journey. What is that gift? It is waking each day with a purpose coupled with the return of childlike wonder and natural excitement about the growth and blessings that each day can bring, even in the midst of uncertainty. Yes, a sense of mission can propel us through a fierce storm or comfort us in the quiet of a day. Our blessed assurance is found in all the ways we embrace Amazing Grace and its mission through us as we move through our days.

WHAT'S NEXT?  It is likely that answering some of your questions with BTC Study Experience has opened the way to more questions which is a natural part of the process of spiritual growth. For this you have thousands of pages of study here at BTC Online Library, provided by Topic or by taking the ultimate journey through the Bible, chapter by chapter in sequence. So, that being said, we have a few more options and ideas to look at in the next article as you conclude your time with the BTC Study Experience, Part 1 and as you look to what will be your next steps. 

Before we adjourn, I will take this opportunity to say that it has been a profound blessing share this content with you; and may the Mercy of God surround you as the Grace of God leads you to the fulfillment of the Promise within you. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13 (KJV)

Also, may each of you hear one day when you meet your Beloved Father God: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

Most sincerely,

Chaplain Ann M. Wolf

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (KJV)

 BTC Lessons are written by Ann M. Wolf © 2016, All rights reserved.

Check Understanding:

Write your answers down in your notebook & leave room between questions to add thoughts as you continue with BTC Study Experience: 

1. Based on the sequence in the letter above, jot down a summary of what you experienced as your highlights of the BTC Study Experience.
2. Do you understand now, why the title of this process included the words “study experience,” in it, rather than “study plan?”
3. What do you believe that “Becoming the Church,” as a term means to you?

Apply Understanding: 

Notate how you would like to apply what you have learned or what the Holy Ghost has reminded you of with this Lesson; and jot your thoughts down about the following questions as well:

• What do you see to be your next steps in creating a balanced, spiritual life going forward?
• Are there specific questions that you have at this point that you would like to discuss with Chaplain Ann?