Forensic Victimology; Understanding Violent Crimes.

Introduction

In the realm of criminal justice, the word victim describes any person who has experienced any injury, loss, or hardship, due to illegal actions of another individual or organization. For all intents and purposes, victimology refers to the scientific study of victimization, including the relationship between victims and offenders, the influence of social media, and even social movements. The problem is that violence does not have a standard, or fixed definition per se. Definitions of violence are different between different countries and cultures and different times and contexts.
We will only touch on several different points presenting a brief overview of forensic victimology. We will examine at a general and theoretical level the different types of violence. This study will also focus on describing aspects of the lives and lifestyles of victims to gain a better understanding of how they became victims, what took place, and their relationship to the offender. We are not going to assign blame per se, but within victimology, it’s important to understand the dynamics of the criminal behavior as well as victims themselves. But we must understand the impact of collective trauma in peoples lives and how that builds a different psyco-social construction of their reality and life experiences different from ours.
It is also important to understand that in no way are we suggesting that offenders are not responsible for their actions. Each and every one of us have a God given will to follow Him or own narcissistic desires. This teaching is based on both my professional experience and academic preparation. I have used many resources for this teaching. If you would like this information, it will be listed under this teaching listed under “Current Events” which is located on our webpage; HarvestEvangelisticAssociation.com

Explanations of Violence

Influencers of Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse.

There are many different reasons for aggression that relate to the person’s mind or body, and predisposition towards violence. I have labeled this as a person’s psyco-social construction of their reality.
There are a variety of mental disorders that can affect a person’s behavior. Schizophrenia, both homicidal and paranoid delusional, are considered more likely to be associated with violence and other forms of illnesses. Psychopathic disorders is a persistent and ongoing disability of the mind. The psychopathic checklist suggests a lack of empathy, callousness, and crucially lack of remorse or guilt or key predictors of psychopathic behavior. Furthermore, it includes indicators, such as superficial charm, grandiose, sense of self-worth, prone to boredom, pathological line, lack of realistic, long-term plans and impulsivity.
Also, ongoing research has indicated growing awareness of Posttraumatic, Stress Disorder, and some individuals suffering from this experience range of symptoms, including problems of concentration and memory, a constant alert, awareness to danger and extreme cases. Some have a need to reenact the traumatic situation that aligns her condition. This can be a precursor for violent behavior.
Of course, all these above-mentioned symptoms can be exasperated when we involve self-medication of drugs and or alcohol. Both affect behavior and constraints. Data shows that those prone to violent offences were either on drugs or drinking period two third of offenders intoxicated when they killed.

Sociological Theories; Poverty, Strain, and Crime.

Sociological theories are also indicators for some propensity towards violence. These are considered learning theories. Differential association expressed by Edwin. Sutherland stated that behavior is learned in interaction with others, mainly small, intimate groups. Most people encounter individuals who think law should be obeyed, but there are those that think that laws could be broken. Differential Association Theory is based on two key factors; learning takes place for the intimate personal groups, and the context of what is learned includes that committed to personal experiences as well as definitions towards future events. Another theorist named Bandura indicated that the use of physical violence against children is not necessarily based on learning theories. He said some people who inflict such violence have often been victims themselves. This is basically attributed to the lack or failure of socialization in childhood. Research into delinquent and aggressive children has shown that their behavior can be linked to the use of violence by their parents both on one another and on their children.
Furthermore, the visual portrayal of violence has a significant effect on younger viewers. Some studies have indicated that television viewing habits and aggressive behavior for both boys and girls have a tendency for more violent programs. Many studies of the behavior of children have indicated that there is an increase in violent and antisocial behavior of those children who are exposed to violent programs. To some degree this is the theory behind copycat killers. There was a release of a movie in 1984 called natural born killers. Another one was called child’s play 3. These are typical types of movies that have been linked to aggressive and or violent behavior with young offenders.

Psychological Aspects of Victimology

There are variety of psychological aspects attributed to the response of victims to violent crime. To come up with a solid definition is difficult if not impossible because different people respond differently. However there appears to be 3 stages or phases that victims go through. The first is the impact stage, then the recoil stage, and finally the reorganization stage the impact stage is the initial response to assault. The intensity and length of the assault and the level of physical injury and perceived threat to life or functionally paralyze even some minor assaults. The recoil stage is when the victims attempt to deal with the effect of the crime on themselves and their lives. Emotions will vary from sadness, anger, self-pity, fear, and even guilt. It is this stage where denial sets in and even detachment is sometimes evident period. It is very important during this stage to allow the victim over time to slowly come to grips with what would have happened to them. The 3rd and final stage involve reorganization. This emotional intensity of the recoil stage is expected to lessen and the victim has more energized to deal with life daily activities. Some people can pass through all stages quickly others have appeared never to finish the process. In any event post-traumatic stress disorder is as evident in their lives as other syndromes present. This is wolves the battered woman syndrome or domestic violence. The rape syndrome it’s both a sexual and violent act and it’s about the control and anger which are the motivators for the crime. Therefore, the consideration of these factors, and the response of victims to violent crimes, can benefit from appropriate behavioral health interventions when needed and supported by network of family, friends, and agencies.

Victim Lifestyle and Exposure

Victimology is a very important topic, because there must be an examination of how the victim became a victim and their relationship to the offender helps solve the crime. The main purpose of classifying victims is exposure lifestyle exposure as to which to achieve an understanding of how the victim’s lifestyle conditions might have intensified their exposure to violent crime. Research has included that there’s a low, medium and high in extreme high lifestyle exposure that increases the possibility of suffering harm. I exposure victims or those exposed to the possibility of suffering harm or loss more than not. An example would be a child who lives in an abusive and neglectful environment with one parent or another. Medium exposure victims are those who are exposed to the possibility of suffering harm or loss often. An example would be a college student who engages in excessive bridge binge drinking. Low exposure victims are those who are really exposed to the possibility of suffering harm. These victims rarely engage in behaviors or put themselves in harm. Lifetime lifestyle exposure refers to the frequency of exposure of the victim in the different categories indicated. Lifestyle factors can influence the overall possibility of individuals harm and three ways. One by increasing the victim’s proximity to and interactions with the offender those who are predisposed to criminality. Creating conditions of conflict with the offender by enhancing the offender’s perception of the victim’s vulnerability. And there are victims’ lifestyles which facilitate victimization through their routine activities. These lifestyle factors which we have spoken about may increase the exposure and vulnerability of victim’s period.

False Allegations of Crime

Most of the false reports that we find are mentioned in the press, and or outside of formal scientific research. However, the subject of false reports is there, and should be taken into consideration in investigation of Victimology. Some reaches found that people are threatened with sanctions, who are not politically acceptable, and are blackmailed and threatened. The problem is Victimology is very emotional, but professionals must be objective in there. The problem is those who make these allegations that are false nature really suffer any type of legal consequences.
The FBI unified uniform crime report noted that 30% of all raped and alleged sexual assaults reported to the police were determined by investigations to be unfounded. This writer also, through his professional employment and law-enforcement, found that mostly and custody disputes one parent or the other will make up allegations of sexual abuse, which he found at least 60% to be unfounded. False report may be an active revenge by the alleged victim. Another factor might be the need for attention. Another might be for profit or material gain. Also, it might be an alibi for inappropriate behavior and loss of virginity or sexually transmitted diseases. And finally, a change of heart after consensual sexual encounter.
Most alleged allegations of false reporters will name or even provide details of a subject in their complaint. Accusing a stranger is a red flag for many investigators. The pseudo victim claims an overwhelming force was used and that they resisted greatly, or that there were multiple assailants, even though there’s an absence of any injuries. Also, most victims cannot remember certain details, but pseudo victims sometimes are very detailed or very vague. Pseudo victims are also very indifferent to their injuries. They’re also very vague about where the crime was.
In summary, false confessions could have a variety of different reasons or circumstances that are being investigated. Is not this writer’s intention to criticize any victims reporting but unfortunately, there are those who use this for other than legitimate purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, not only as a psychologist, but is a Christian minister. I understand that many of these factors that we examined regarding Forensic Victimology and violent crimes, have a tremendous impact upon people’s lives. Not only in a temporal, but also in the long-term. We must understand the impact of collective trauma in people’s lives and how that builds a different psyco-social construction of their reality and life experiences different from ours. However, I must also indicate that if a person truly repents and turns their back on this type of behavior and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, there can be no true healing that takes place. Everything that has its basis, physically, psychologically, and emotionally has its root spiritually. As mankind in their rebellion to the give accountability for their conduct to Father God have drifted further into darkness. I have witnessed that their journey into darkness has had tremendous repercussions upon themselves and their victims. Over the years, I have dealt with many people from all walks of life and I have seen over and again that when people fail to surrender to the Lordship of Christ, there is no healing in their lives. Mankind is rebellious, and do not want to become accountable to father God, and His truth. For those who are truly tired and repented of a life of violence can find true healing through the power of God. There are no lost causes for Jesus!

References
Jones. S. (2000). Understanding Violent Crime. Open University Press.
Meloy, J. (1992). Violent Attachments. Jason Aronson Inc.
Turvey, B. (2009). Forensic Victimology; Examining Violent Crimes. Elservier Academic Press.

The Pentecostal Experience- the Gifts. Part 4.

Introduction
In the last teaching of part three, we covered the revelation gifts, which are the Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, and the Discerning of Spirits. In this session, we will cover the three power gifts. The power gifts are those that do something. These are the Gift of Faith, the Working of Miracles, and the Gifts of Healing. We will first examine in this teaching the gift of faith. Please read once again, I Corinthians 12: 4-12. Let me reemphasize that the gift of faith, like all the gifts of the Spirit, is supernatural. It is not natural there are those who say that some of the gifts of the Spirit are natural and some are supernatural. However, if one is supernatural, then all are supernatural. I believe that every gift is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Please see. 1 Corinthians 12:11.

It is my opinion that the Gift of Faith is the greatest of all three Gifts of Power. However, all three are related and can be used interchangeably as the Holy Spirt desires. Therefore, we must understand that faith, like prayer, is often confused in some people’s minds. We tend to put all kinds of faith in the same bag, make them up and shake them altogether. But we must differentiate between them. There are four kinds of faith. The first kind of faith is saving faith which leads one to salvation. The second faith is general faith, which every believer has. The third is the fruit of faith or faithfulness, the fruit of the re-created human spirit, which comes after salvation. And number four, the gift of faith or special faith is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, which is imparted to the believer after baptism-of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit.

Saving Faith
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”— Eph. 2:8. Saving faith is that faith by which we are saved, and it is a gift of God. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. Romans 10:17, Saving faith is imparted to us, by hearing by the word of God. However, this kind of faith is different, the gift of faith or special faith is different from saving faith.

General Faith
…. according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Rom. 12:3.
According to the scripture that we have just seen, there’s a general faith which I believers have. This general type of faith can be increased as Christian’s feed on the word of God and exercise it in the arena of life. We can call it ever increasing general faith. However, the gift of faith is one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit given as a spirit. I want to insert in here that faith needs to grow and Cristian needs to grow up from babies to mature, clear thinking believers. How we think is how we will speak. And how we speak is how we will live.
It is the arena of general faith by which Christians receive answers to prayers. For example, we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit by faith, and we receive the answers to prayer by faith, because “Jesus said whatever things you desire, when you pray believe that you have received them and you should have them”. Mark 11:24.
Prayers must be based on faith in God. It says that without faith, we cannot please God. We exercise general faith to receive answers of prayer. The Gift of Faith is a special faith to receive answers to prayer for special things that the Lord God wants to do in and through one’s life. The scripture says one is given a Word of Knowledge to another Faith by the Holy Spirit. Paull is very specific stating that to one is given Word of Wisdom, another Word of Knowledge, to another the Gift of Faith and to another the Gifts of healing.
“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit” I Cor. 12:8-9. Paul states that not everyone has any specific on-going gift but it is as given by the Holy Spirit as He wills. So, in summary we can see that the gift of faith is not the same as general faith which every believer has period. Patient has a valuation if we had to rely on the gifts of special faith to get our prayers answered then not everyone could receive answers to prayer.

The Fruit of Faith
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Gal. 5: 22-23

The fruit of faith is different from the gift of faith. In the Greek, the fruit of faith is called faithfulness. The fruit of the Spirit are the development of Christian character, but the gifts of the spirit are to produce power in the believer’s life. Fruit is something that grows. Faith or faithfulness is a fruit that grows in the life of a Christian to establish spiritual character. But the gift of special faith is a gift given by the Spirit of God as the Spirit of God wills. When we study the phrase of the gift of faith this is supernatural faith given to the believer by the Holy Spirit as He wills. 1st Corinthians12:9
I’ve heard people say that if God gives me faith, I will have it and he doesn’t I won’t but the scripture says to another is given faith and they think that this is the way to get faith. However, general faith is revealed to us by the word of God and by hearing the word of God. The gift of faith is different than the fruit of faith.

The Gift of Faith
“to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit”. 1 Cor. 12:9

So, we now can see that the gift of faith is not imparted to all but only to those who the Holy Spirit wills to do so. Again, it’s a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit to receive a miracle. By the gift of faith, one does not work a miracle but receives the faith for a miracle. The gift of faith the distinguished from other kinds of faith in that with special faith there is a manifestation of the evidence of the supernatural. One can supernaturally Believe in God for a miracle. Of the three power gifts, the gift of faith, the working of miracles, and the gifts of healing, the gift of faith in my opinion is the greatest. We have seen that the gift of faith or special faith is separate and distinct from saving faith which leads one to salvation, general faith which every believer has, and the fruit of faith which helps developed one’s Christian character.

The Pentecostal Experience- the Gifts. Part 3.

Introduction
The Holy Spirit, who is the third person of the Trinity manifests the gifts for the benefit of the church. No one has control over the working of the gifts. These are given as the Spirt of God wills to whomever, He sees is fit for the good of the body of Christ.

The Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In 1 Cor. 12:1-12 Paul states, “Regarding spiritual things, brothers, and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were often led astray by speechless idols, however you were led. 3 So I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all. 8 For one person is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, and another the message of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another performance of miracles, to another prophecy, and to another discernment of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues (heavenly and earthly languages), and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 It is one and the same Spirit, distributing as he decides to each person, who produces all these things. 12 For just as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body—though many—are one body, so too is Christ.

Different Members in One Body
13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were all made to drink of the one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not a single member, but many.

How do we KNOW whether it is the Holy Spirit or the person trying to use manipulation.
The Word of God is what we base our interpretation on. If we know the Word of God and if we surround ourselves with Godly people who will mentor us then we will understand the workings of God in our lives. This why God tells us to study the Word of God. Also every point must be established by the Word of God. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I Cor. 13:1

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (handling the word of truth with precision.). 2 Timothy 2:15.
Make every effort [Do your best; Be diligent] to ·give [present] yourself to God as the kind of person he will approve. Be a worker who ·is not ashamed [or will not be shamed] and who ·uses the true teaching in the right way [correctly handles the true message/word of truth; or holds carefully to the true message/word of truth].
2 Timothy 2:15 Expanded Bible

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teaches you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For everyone that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrew 5:12-14.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39.

The Gifts the Spirit Proclaim Jesus as Lord!
So, I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. I Cor. 12:3.

Three Categories of the Gifts
In these verses there are expressed nine gifts, manifestations, or ways in which the Holy Spirit manifests Himself either through a person publicly or privately.
The gifts are divided into three categories.
• Gifts of Wisdom or Knowledge. Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, and the Discerning of Spirits.
• Gifts of Utterance. Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, and Prophecy.
• Gifts of Power. Gifts of supernatural Faith, Healings, and Miracles,

Gift of the Word of Knowledge
God is all knowledge-He knows everything! The Word of Knowledge is a supernatural gift. The Word of Knowledge and Wisdom can manifest itself in many different ways. It can come in a audible voice, a vision, or even in a dream. Some say that I Cor. 12:8 is natural knowledge but the Holy Spirit states that He gives supernatural gift of knowledge. The Word of Knowledge is a supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit of certain facts in the mind of Father God.
It is manifested through visions. Acts 9:1-12. God told Anaias to go into the street and go to the house of Judas to seek Saul of tarsus and pray for him.
It is manifested through an Inward spirit. 1 Sam.3:4-10. Samuel heard a voice call his name and told him to speak to Eli.

Gift of the Word of Wisdom
Once again it is the Holy Spirit manifesting to a person as He wills. The gift of knowledge at times works with the word of knowledge. Acts 9:10-16.
10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias,” and he replied, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 Then the Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called ‘Straight,’ and at Judas’ house look for a man from Tarsus named Saul. For he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he may see again.” 13 But Ananias replied,[f] “Lord, I have heard from many people[g] about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call on your name!” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Acts 9:10-16.
But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. I Cor. 14:3.
One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the [b]world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. 29 And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea. 30 And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders.
Acts 11:28-30.

Here we can see that the Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom and the Discerning of Spirts was operating. But we must test the spirit to see if it is really coming from the Holy Spirit.
As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Acts 21:10-11.

The Gift of the Discerning of Spirits.

Now, remember we are talking about the discerning of spirits, which is part of the category of the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge. Everything was in the realm of knowledge, facts, events, purpose, motive, origin, destiny, human, and divine, or satanic natural or supernatural past president of future comes within the focus of these three gifts. It’s important for us to understand that everything that is physical, emotional, and psychological has its roots in the spiritual realm. The discerning of spirits gives us insight into the spirit world. This is not mind reading as some have suggested. It is more limited in range than the other two spiritual gifts, because this revelation is limited to a single class of objects, spirits. This Is that the discerning of devils or evil spirits. It is a supernatural insight into the realm of the spirit world, both good and bad. This, of course includes evil spirits but too many people thought discerning evil spirits is all the gifts that are refers to.

In Exodus 33: 20-23 when Father God let Moses look into the realm of spirits, He said to Moses you cannot look at my face, but I’m going to pass behind you and put my hand over your face. What Moses saw was a likeness of God in the spirit realm. All throughout the word of God, we encountered people who had visions who have seen the similitude of God. They didn’t see God they saw a likeness of God. In Isaiah 61 Isaiah said, “I saw the Lord sitting upon high and lifted up. This was a manifestation of the discerning of spirits. The apostle John and his vision on the isle of Patmos he saw seven spirits before the throne of God. That simply meant that John was seeing into the spirit realm and seeing the difference of an aspects of the Spirit of God.

In Acts 16:16-18 the apostle Paul knew that this young woman was possessed by a spirit of divination. Notice Paul dealt with the spirit, not the person. After her deliverance, the girl couldn’t tell fortunes anymore. The spirit of divination had left her. Supernatural manifestations in the realm in which we live, originate from one of two sources, God, or the devil. Many things are she miraculous to us actually do not come from God. We must not forget that Satan is a supernatural being also. Too often people are ready to follow anything whether is backed up by scripture or not.
In Romans 8:14 tells us for as many as our led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God. The scripture does that imply that all the sons of God can be led by the spirit of God as in the discerning of spirits. This does not imply regarding the discerning of spirits as we see in 1 Corinthians 12:8-12 does not state or even imply that every believer would have this gift is given as a Spirit of God wills.

The Pentecostal Experience- Holy Spirit’s Indwelling in Believers.
Part 2.

Introduction.
One of the central truths of the evidence of the Holy Spirit and dwelling and believers is speaking in tongues. This physical evidence of a spiritual experience is convincing proof that believers have, and did receive the infilling or fulness of the Holy Spirit apart from being born again. The Lord Jesus Christ, his apostles to tarry and wait for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus ascended to heave and the Holy Spirt descended upon believers so they would receive power from on high.
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:4-8.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all in one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Crowd’s Response
5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” Acts 2:1-13.

Manifestation of Speaking in Tongues
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Acts 10:44-46.
The above example of Peter preaching the Word of God after his dramatic vision of the sheet, filled with all man of unclean beasts being let down from heaven, was guided to the house, Cornelius, a Gentile, to proclaim God ‘s salvation through Jesus Christ. As Peter spoke to Cornelius and his household regarding the remissions of sins for the blood of Jesus the Holy Spirit fell on all of those people there, and they spoke with other tongues.
And as I (Peter) began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” 18 When they heard these things, they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” Acts 11:15-18.
Please take notice that the speaking of tongues convinced the Jewish brethren, at Jerusalem, that the gentiles also received the gift of the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation. It’s been my experience that this is the best time that people should be filled with the Holy Spirit has when they’re born again. There is no suggestion here that the gentiles Christians had to wait to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul at Ephesus.
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? So, they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So, they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
Here yet is another example of the Gentile believers receiving the infill of the Holy Spirit. These men were all new converse, and had been followers of John the Baptist. They believe John ‘s message when Paul came to them and told him that Jesus Christ was a promised one, they had died on the cross, and been resurrected they should believe on him, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spoke with other tongues and prophesied.
I have seen this happen in my own personal ministry, where people who have received the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in tongues, and in prophesy. One time when I first came to the Lord, I was attending a meeting with the Catholic charismatic renewal, called the city of Angels, I was in a gathering with about 500 people in a very large building. A man stood up and began to prophesy in tongues, and I immediately received the interpretation of this message. However, I was such a young believer. I was quite timid and sharing this the leader of the meeting said that they would not do anything else until the person who received the interpretation shared the message. I must have waited for at least 20 minutes, and I walked up to the leader and told him that I had received the interpretation of the tongues presented. I told him what the message was and he had me stand up in front of this entire crowd and give the interpretation. Wow what a surprise and blessing!

The Door to Spiritual Gifts.
In the study of the scriptures, we have seen that speaking with tongues is the initial and supernatural, sign or evidence of the Holy Spirit in dwelling. Speaking with tongues is the doorway to receiving spiritual gifts. I found my own life the more I pray, and worship God, in tongues, the more manifestations I’ve seen other gifts of the spirit take place, some people say they’re only interested in the other gifts of the spirit, yet not in the speaking in tongues for fear of ridicule. But we must understand that the Holy Spirit is a giver of all gifts, and we are told to seek them earnestly. In the Corinthian Church there, was an abundance of speaking with tongues. Everybody was speaking in tongues and there was no interpretation so Paul told them they’re the only two or three should speak in tongues and another should interpret the interpreter should not be pressed for an interpretation but she kept silent in the church until it came forth I Corinthians 14:27-28. I have seen in Pentecostal churches that sometimes people get very excited and don’t follow orders. But Paul said in I Corinthians 14:18-19.
Just because some people act out of order within church, we should blame God or resist the speaking in tongues. Once again, we are told to desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit and He will manifest them as he will.

The Pentecostal Experience- the Giver. Part 1.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (heavenly & earthly languages) as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4.

Introduction.
Many people think that Father God only uses certain types of people who are holy and dedicated to Him. People think that the Father God only uses pastors and evangelists and teachers of the Word of God. And yes, He does but He also uses the average everyday person who surrender their lives to Him. Much is accomplished for those who surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. But in this study, we will see that those who yield to God will experience a quickening to their faith and life. I have over the years experienced the Lord God using me in tongues, the interpretation of tongues, prophecy, discerning of spirits, the word of knowledge, and healings.

The Giver-the Holy Spirit
Then I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate (Counselor, Comforter, Helper) to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it does not see Him or know Him. But you know Him because He resides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17.
This Jesus God raised up, and we are all witnesses of it. So then, exalted to the right hand of God, and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured out what you both see and hear. Acts 2: 32-33. Jesus prayed to Father God would send another Comforter to abide with the church forever. Many people concentrate so much on the experience that they miss the reality of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
On the last day of the feast, the greatest day, Jesus stood up and shouted out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. Just as the scripture says, ‘From within him will flow rivers of living water.’(Now he said this about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were going to receive, for the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:37-39. Here Jesus is talking about regeneration of the person when he spoke to the Samarian women at the well when He stated, “water springing up into ever lasting life.” The second is the baptism of the Holy Spirit when He stated, “will flow rivers of living water.’

The Holy Spirit- An Ever-Present Source of Power
The New Testament gives facts that the father sustains towards believers. 1. God is for us. (Rom. 8:31). 2. God is with us. (Heb. 13:5). 3. God is us. (1 Cor. 3:16).

Our Bodies are the Temple of God.
Many Christians don’t really comprehend that their bodies are the temple of God. In a theological perspective we must understand that the Great one, God Himself dwells within is which is in direct contrast with Old Testament theology. Christians complain about a lack of power, or lack of ability, when the Lord God says we are complete in Him and lack nothing.
This whole concept is knowing that this is our Redemption trough Christ Jesus.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. I John 4:4.

The Old Testament Finished!
In the Old Testament the presence of God was kept within the Holy of Holies and only the high priest could enter with extreme caution once a year to make atonement for the sins of Israel. Before Jesus died, He stated, “It is Finished”. What was finished? Josephus, a Jewish historian stated that when Jesus stated “It is Finished” the curtain separating the Holy of Holies was rent in two. The curtain was 40’ wide, 20’high, and 4” thick. It was torn from top to bottom thus ending the Old Testament. From that time God never again dwelt in a man-made building. Born again Christians are now the dwelling place of God. If you are conscious of this there will be no fear, anxiety, doubt, in your life. The devil will never have a place in your life to oppress you. We will never be defeated by circumstances of life. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.

Remember that scripture is progressive in nature up to the coming of Jesus and His redemptive work on Calvary.
We must understand that the old man ends with the cross and the new man begins with the resurrection of Christ. It says in the scripture “if any man is in Christ he is a new creature old things are passed away and behold they are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. The cross terminates the first creation and out of death there’s brought a new creation in Christ the born-again person. I truly believe we don’t understand the new creation. In the Old Testament you will never find anyone born again. In the Old Testament you’ll never find anyone where God dwells within them. In the Old Testament man had to go to the temple to communicate with God. In the New Testament God is within us. We are His temple. We communicate with Him through our spirit. If we are in Christ then Christ comes to us by free grace without any effort on our part but is built on the solid ground a simple faith. How does this become real in our experience. This is the essence of this teaching. Recognizing who we are in Christ. Understanding that our old man is dead and we are new in Christ. Abiding in Him is realizing that God has done the work in Christ and not in us. And the all-inclusive death of Adam there is the all-inclusive resurrection in Christ.

Many people want to live in the Old Testament. The Old Testament was a tutor pointing Israel to the coming Messiah. God‘s laws were written on stone in the Old Testament and the New Testament his laws are written upon our heart. The New Testament does what the Old Testament could not do. The Old Testament showed men their sins but there was no power to overcome them because Christ had not died and resurrected yet. Why don’t we see the teachings and the themes presented in the epistles in the Old Testament or the gospels? The reason is once again that the officials was written to the new creation church. There are no new creations,’ born-again people in the Old Testament. There were no born-again people presented in the gospels. In fact, we found that even those who closely followed Jesus did not understand His purpose. They did not understand his plan of redemption, nor the reason why he had to be crucified. It was not until the end of gospel of Matthew that Peter had the revelation from the Holy Spirit When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, but who do you say I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this Rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. Matt. 16:13-20.

So, when was this complete? It was not until the completed work of Jesus on Calvary with His death, descension into hell, His resurrection and glorification. Now He is seated at the right hand of Father God and scripture stated we are seated with Him. And all power is given us to us as His church. We are the eyes, mouth, hands, and feet on our Lord Jesus on earth. Let us look at some scriptures to help us understand this very important concept.

Father God revealing His Son, Christ Jesus in the Gospels!
We can see even in the gospels we see God the Father pointing to Jesus. In Matt. 17:1-7, “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses (The Law), and one for Elijah (The Prophets). “While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”
Also, our Lord said that in the hearing of the scripture that he quoted was completed. In Luke 4:21, “He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus stated do not think I have come to abolish the law but to fulfill the law. What do you mean fulfill the law? Fulfillment of the law was to complete what it could not do. The Law only showed man his sinfulness but did not give him the power to overcome sin and its dominion. In His death and resurrection not only did Jesus pay the ultimate price of his death but He created a new race that never existed on the face of the earth before these are called Born Again Christians. The New Testament church should live in the epistles. You do not see in the gospels the biblical truths as stated in the epistles. The Gospels narrate the life and history of Jesus but not of the resurrected church. That is clearly expressed in the Epistles. This is why the epistles were written. It was and is written to the Resurrected Church. To those who are born again!
In 1 Cor. 15:45, “And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam (Jesus) is God come in the flesh. He is a life-giving the Son of God. His words are spirit and life. Romans 8:29. Jesus is the first begotten of many brethren.

Abnormal Behavior- Ramon, a case study of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Violence.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32.

Introduction.
What is considered truth as many see it today is self-serving. This is a struggle that mankind has continued to skirt around for its own convenience. The truth is that we must understand if mankind was able to save themselves from chaos and pain in their lives there would be no need for intervention. Truth as Father God sees our lives is much different then how we see our lives. His truth is absolute, not relative. His truth ultimately will bring about wholeness in every area of our lives if we surrender.

This will be a teaching on how hurting people continue and will hurt others until that pain is recognized by them, released, forgiven and healed. Pain that people experience is not understood by them so they strike out at others. But we must understand that there is a definite evil architect behind the scenes causing and manipulating our very existence to chaos. The actors in this chaos are the ones themselves who have been hurt and continue to hurt others.

The problem that I have as a Christian psychologist is that modern day psychological interventions leave out the spiritual realm. We fail to realize anything and everything physically, emotionally, and psychologically has its roots in the spirit. The topic of our discussion will take us into the journey into darkness of a person’s life who lives in utter destruction.

This is an exact problem with coming up with a definition of what is considered abnormal behavior. What is considered by one group as normal maybe will be consider by another group as abnormal. In a traditional sense methodology of defining abnormal behavior has been using statistical norms. But this really does not address the lack of dimensionality when evaluating impairment, that may be considered abnormal what is psychopathological and what is not. We live in a time where what some would consider normal such as drunk driving, drug use, anger, resentment are considered normal anxieties and quite common, and therefore harder to evaluate or consider as abnormal behavior.
Defining abnormality, as the absence of optimal or ideal characteristics is another possibility. However, most normal individuals are not that close to ideal. In general, abnormal behavior is behavior that significantly differs from consensually agreed upon norms that in some way harmful to the differently behaving person and to others.

They’re basically four categories of what is considered, abnormal or abnormality.
1. Deviant – deviant refers to behavior that differs from socially accepted standards of conduct, and in many cases, the word has a negative connotation.
2. Different-different also suggests behavior that very scientifically, at least, statistically, from accepted norms, but it does not usually have negative connotations.
3. Disorders – disorders imply the lack of integration and behaviors; the result may be impairment of one’s ability to cope with various situations.
4. Bizarre – bizarre behavior that differs extremely socially accepted norms, in addition, demonstrates in adequate coping patterns and disintegration of behavioral patterns.

DSM’s-Diagnostic Terminology.

Most psychologist agree with the DSM’s in accessing. The first DSM was published in 1952 and revise in 1968, 1980 and 1987. There were numerous changes and the criticisms of the DSM’s are very valid by many professionals within psychology. It appears also from this writer’s perspective that the DSM has become a very much a political tool to incorporate groups and behaviors that at one time considered abnormal and deviant. In my assessment from not only a psychological perspective but also from a theological evaluation I see many things that from a Christian point of view I reject.

Perceptions of Abnormality.

As previously indicated perceptions of abnormality have a wide range of definitions from sociopolitical to psychosocial perspectives, and even cultural influences. They term that I embrace regarding the differences of perspectives, is called the psychosocial construction of one’s reality. What does really mean is that how a person grows up and mature-can differ greatly not only from one culture to another, but from one’s experience of phenomena to another. Also, Life-span development theory plays a role by measuring how an individual moves from one developmental stage to another or remains stagnant in one stage or another.
An example could be that if a person grows up in a more affluent environment, may not understand the reality of a person growing up in an oppressive and economically depressed environment. To one culture domestic violence can be an act of machismo, and is not necessarily accepted in another culture that is more democratically inclined regarding equality of the genders. In some cultures, males have more freedom than females within the same family. This inequality breeds a clash within families that embrace these differences.

Guidelines for Judging Abnormal Behavior.

There are guidelines that are general in nature that have all throughout history, modern research studies, and across most cultures that are consistently relevant to a judgment of ab mortality, these criteria can be summarized as follows.

• Some recurring behaviors that seem indicative of potential, developing, or existent mental disorders are 1. inability to inhibit, self-destructive behaviors, 2. seeing or hearing things that others in the culture that are not there, 3. sporadic and random outburst of violence, 4. consistent, inability to relate, interpersonally in effective manner, 5. persistent, academic or vocational failure, 6. anxiety or depression and 7. inability to conform to codes of behavior, whether one verbalizes a desire to do so or not.

• The most consistent criteria, for deciding whether any specific individual is abnormal are 1, the deviance or bizarreness of behavior from the norms of society, 2. the continuity, or persistence of disordered behavior, overtime, and 3., the resulting degree of disruption in interpersonal and interpersonal functioning.

• The continuum of behavior ranges from clearly normal adjustment to abnormal adjustment. Most people’s behaviors are in the middle range and are more difficult to assess as abnormal. But most researcher and practitioners agree that abnormal behavior patterns are seldom inherited genetically but genetics can play a part in making one more predisposed to abnormality of one sort or another.

• The causes of any one abnormal behavior pattern are usually multiple.

• Indicators of abnormality are not necessarily obvious or flagrant. In many cases, the signs are uncommon and/or subtle.
• Both long-term and transient social value systems, affect judgments as to whether a person is abnormal.

• A psychological handicap often has more negative effect on interpersonal relationships than does a physical handicap.

• The label of psychological abnormality often remains with a person, even after the disorder no longer exist. Such a label, and people’s expectations and responses, may prolong, psychological disorders.

• In most societies, this substantial overlap between judgments of mental abnormality and criminal behavior. Such examples are that specific behaviors may receive either label or depending on who is doing the labeling.

Meyer & Weaver, 2007.

Ramon, a case study of anti-personality disorder and violence.
I met Ramon in the mid-80s as I was serving as a volunteer chaplain in one of our local county jails. I served as a volunteer chaplain for about two years and it was during this time that Ramon was released from custody. Ramon was in his early 20s. He’s a very thin young man probably couldn’t have weighed more than 120 pounds and his height was approximately 5’7”. He had brown hair and green eyes. He had a strange look about him which I attributed this to his collective trauma and lack of spiritual foundation.

He stated to me that he was from Honduras and his life was terrible. When he was growing up, he stated his mother worked her entire life as a prostitute at different bars. She would beat him continuously and even bring home men and women to sexually abuse him. He made it very clear that he hated women and men, and that when he went into the Roman church to vandalize it, he was getting back at it. He never really wanted to detail what he meant by that.

He stated he had several cases for under the influence of alcohol, some violent behavior due to fights that he claims was in self-defense, domestic violence in past relationships, and that his conviction at that time for being in custody was a drunken disorderly, and he was arrested in a Roman Catholic Church for knocking down statues and defacing church property. He stated most of his life growing up was surrounded by violence and extreme sexual, mental, psychological, and physiological abuse.
During this time, I had completed two master’s degrees one was in Applied Clinical Sociology, and the second one was a Masters of Divinity. I had these graduate degrees and was exposed to psycho-social therapy and some expertise and psychological disorders.

It appeared to me that Ramon was suffering from anti-personality disorder, and as he grew up, supported my diagnosis of psychopathology. He verbalized many times that if he could, he would’ve killed his mother. He stated he fantasize out of young age of how he would kill her. His violent outburst would be accompanied by alcoholism and marijuana. I worked with Ramon for approximately eight months during, and after his release from custody. Towards the end of this time, he went into a mortuary defacing property, and knocking over coffins. After this arrest, I lost contact with him and he disappeared.

I go back to say what I indicated earlier about the emphasis of psychosocial construction of one’s reality. Had a terrible childhood, in which he was physically, sexually, and physiologically abused. He said many times that he would drink and use drugs to try to forget the unending pictures of violence that he saw his mind constantly. His psychosis was accompanied by depression. There was a lack of attachment and bonding in his life by his caretakers which led to feelings of abandonment. He said many times, and he trusted no one and that he was he would just die and disappear. He never presented a plan for taking his life, but he made it clear, he wished that he was never born.
I’ve had many cases like Ramon in my private practice, searching for healing and restoration. I even conducted a healing of memories that I learned from a former colleague named Agnes Sanford, which did help him to some degree. I think if he would’ve not disappeared, and we could’ve continued with counseling, he would have experienced more advancement.

Social Psychological Theories

Social psychology views behavior as resulting from interactions between the person and his or her environment. One explanation for Ramon’s tendencies towards crime and violence what he learned and experienced from his mother when he was a child, and the other people that abused him. I know he was suffering from a lack of attachment and bonding because he did not feel that his mother loved him. Cognitive dissonance theory maintains that a person with two conflicting believes, believes the tension or stress, and is motivated to find ways to remove the conflict as a child. He realizes that not only his mother, but the people that she surrounded him with were very cruel and inflicted much punishment upon him. He stated that every time if got into a fight especially with women he was beating his mother by proxy.
The influence of stress and behavior as a related theory. Stress theory of behavior is that everybody has weaknesses and strengths, and when the stress increases, a person, weak area it triggers are more likely to surface. It appears that when Ramon confronted conflict with women in his life stress increased, and so did his actions of violence, and self-medication.

Conclusion
It is much as the series that we covered could possibly explain what Ramon was suffering from. We did not spend enough time to see much progression in his life. There are many causes for potential violent behavior in one’s life. Along with the causes of this dysfunctional occurrences, that he experienced, there is somewhat a consensus of intervention that therapy could afford. As a Christian Psychologist I also believe when one experiences devastating collective trauma that increases over the years if this is not healed. People can be healed through the process of time to deal with resentment, unforgiveness, using the healing of memories, and prayer for the client by the practitioner. I have seen many instances when a person commits the time and effort towards healing it comes about through dedication to the process. However, we are always in a hurry; Father God is not.

Interventions

1. Violence is seen as an inherent part of human behavior and individual psychotherapy is used to modify, personality, behaviors, and patterns, and of course medication to dismiss anxiety.
2. Violence is this consequence of social learning. It would’ve been great if family therapy could have been started to help him with social situations building social skills for self-assertion without violence.
3. Violence is a consequence of frustration and other situational factors traditional psychotherapy could be used to help change coping patterns, reinforcing, positive experiences, and extinguishing violent behavior.
4. Violence is mean of communication has seen as an expressive therapy to substitute alternate means of expression of feelings, without violently acting out.
5. Violence and aggression is interpreted as a protection of territorial, integrity, and body space. This has to do with a sort of training to improve the sense of self and self-esteem.

Prediction of Violent Behavior.

As a Christian psychologist with my PhD as a researcher/practitioner with 20 years of academic training and 50 years in working with people both in the fields of Human Services and Law Enforcement there is little that I have not seen in my journey. I have extensive training in both psychological disorders and behavioral profiling. I have counseled hundreds of people both in our communities as well as in our prisons systems. And in this on-going endeavor It has been long journey in the same direction leading people to the Cross of Calvery.
There is no easy way to predict violent behavior because it cannot be consistently accurate. However, I know that I have seen many people make dramatic changes in their lives as they surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ for healing. I am convinced there are no loss causes for God and people can be healed and become all that God intends them to be. I dedicate this teaching to all those who seek the absolute truth of the Lord Jesus Christ so they may be set free. John 8:31-32, “Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”.

The message of the cross is what sets Christianity apart from every other philosophical system or religion? For more than 2000 years, the facts about Jesus of Nazareth, have been proclaimed on every continent, and to every people from every walk of life. When someone considers a Christian message what exactly are they accepting or rejecting?
I had a pastor one time tell me that his congregation was afraid of the cross. What does this mean? I told him that he and they must be born again to understand the power of the cross. I told him that this is the gospel that we are to preach. Rom. 1: 16-17.
The message of the Cross of Jesus is a victory cry over all the power of darkness. The Lord Jesus once and for all defeated the devil himself and the on-going enemies of the cross. Any who says they are ashamed or afraid of the cross are still living in darkness.

The Cross

The cross-is an instrument of torture upon which Jesus died – is the most well-known symbol of Christianity. What could possibly explain a two millennium-long fixation on something so horrible. One clue is that Jesus final words on John 19:30 when He uttered as He died;” It is Finished “. That victorious declaration spoken in a mist of what looked like humiliating defeat tells us Jesus saw the events as an accomplishment. But how could a tragic end to Jesus amazing teaching miracle work mystery ministry be an accomplishment?
Jesus taught that He came to seek and save the lost. and Luke 19:10 “He said he came to give his life for many”. Mark 10:45. On the cross, a divine transaction took place. It was his life for ours – a ransom paid to buy us back from our loss condition. That’s why the day Jesus died it is called Good Friday, not tragic Friday. Jesus, death on the cross complete the work Father God gave Him to do, because his mission was not just a teach us, but to die for us. All that is left for us to do is personally accept that wonderful gift for ourselves. “God, so loved the world that he gave his only one, and only son that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

The Resurrection

As grand was the accomplishment on the cross was, the story doesn’t end there. On the third day, the stone that covered the grave entrance was rolled away, and Jesus came back from the dead. He was alive, never to die again. Mark 16:6-7 “he is not here said the angel and Luke 24; 2-7 the disciples looking for him at the tomb found an empty tomb and the resurrection declared Jesus is Victor over death, humanity, most unsolved problem. By rising from the dead, He showed that even death was no match for His power. Without the resurrection, Jesus, life was unique, but his end was just like every other human being, who is ever walked to earth. Faith in him under those circumstances would be foolish– a criticism is understood by both Christianity adherence and distractors. “if Christ is not raised from the dead, your faith is futile “wrote the apostle Paul, just a few decades after this event I Corinthians 15:7. Yet in fact, the resurrection did occur. Jesus, life and mission become the most powerful events of this world has ever seen. Therefore, faith makes sense. And if we failed to trust in Him –considering what He has done for us – disbelief seems foolish. The resurrection assumes that power beyond human comprehension is available to the followers of Jesus. Everything changes when we visit the foot of the cross and stare in wonder at the open doorway to the tomb.

The Holy Spirit

And there’s more! The power of the resurrected, Jesus comes to us through his Holy Spirit. After his resurrection, Jesus told his followers that the same Holy Spirit, who showed up at his baptism, in the form of a dove would be with them and in them. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” Acts 1:8. God ‘s desire is for every Christian to have access to His personal presence and power. At Pentecost, 50 days after his resurrection, that’s what happened. What does his powerful Person do in our lives? Jesus was clear; the Holy Spirit comes on us, and dwells in us, so we may be His witnesses by being like Him.
The Holy Spirt Himself brought a two-fold ministry to the church.

• First, He empowered the church to fulfill the Great Commission given by Jesus to go and preach the message of the cross and its victory. To heal the sick and brokenhearted, and to being deliverance to the captives of Satan. Matt. 28: 16-20 and Mark 16:15-20

• Second, to increase and build the body of Christ. The character and power of Jesus has; we can have by believing in what He wrote in scripture. His Spirit produces fruit in us, and the apostle Paul describes exactly what that looks like “the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22- 23 in other words the Christian life. These characteristics demonstrate that God is at work in Jesus followers. And when we allow God to work is us His power produces these qualities in us, the natural result is that non-Christians sit up and take notice. If the fruit of the spirit is a Christian life, the fruit of the Christian life is more Christians.

The Cross, the Resurrection, and the Holy Spirit. These set Christianity apart from every other religion. Take one away, and you don’t have the whole story embrace them all and your life will never be the same.