A Christian friend came more than asking that a number of of us pray for her. Despite performing each of the “right” Christian items, she had been entertaining doubts about her faith.
In the course of our prayer, as I was reminding her of what Scripture says about how God sees her, within a gruff tone of voice, with furrowed brow, she scolded me, speaking inside the third person, “She doesn’t deserve it! She does not deserve it!” In a couple of hours, by the Power from the Holy Spirit, she was free of charge from demonic bondage using a total modify of countenance and has, since then, moved forward with marriage and ministry.
On an Easter Sunday morning, as I was attending a Baptist church service, a man sat praying, head bowed, as the congregation headed for the exits. I approached him and asked if I may well pray. He ignored me. I laid my hand on his shoulder to pray. The moment I touched him, he bolted upright, started swaying like a cobra about to strike, and started growling as he pointed, “I hate him! I hate her! I hate this church!”
My attempts to minister had been interrupted by well-meaning people asking if he needed medication or asking if they should get in touch with an ambulance. When the man became unable to open his mouth to speak, I commanded the spirit to release his tongue. Immediately, he was capable to understand me then and speak intelligibly in response to me. I told him I was available for further ministry by the Holy Spirit but it was apparent there was no faith present to deliver him at that moment. I created him conscious that, till he got assist, this WAS his Christian life and he WOULD encounter these manifestations once again. I left only to be bombarded with questions all through the week by people who were there.
The young man, it turned out, was a much-beloved seminarian.
Final week, as a group of us had been praying, the Holy Spirit showed me a vision of a new attendee standing with tears in her eyes, in the middle of a Civil War battlefield, dressed in a Confederate soldier’s uniform, looking at her spouse, dressed in Union blue. As I shared this vision after our prayer time, the woman buried her face in her hands and cried. Her close friend nudged me and whispered, “You read her mail.”
On yet another occasion, a Christian company lady contacted me requesting prayer over among her many facilities across Texas. This certain facility was not prospering at all and she could not aid but consider closing its doors. That certain place had an openly lesbian manager which attracted openly gay staff. I went on a Thursday night with ateam. She met us there. We prayed and, within ten days, the facility’s numbers have been enhancing already. The lesbian manager could not realize it. In a memo I saw, she wrote, “We has to be living proper.” A week ago, the manager resigned as did a number of of the most blatantly gay staff.
I could create several private encounters like these, moments when the Holy Spirit took handle, flushed out an unsuspecting demon, healed, delivered, set totally free or came via with a vision, word of wisdom or word of information. He is no respecter of persons; the gifts He has shared with me, He desires to share with you.
Query is, are you currently willing? Do you wish much more?
We’re SPIRIT BEINGS Getting AN EARTHLY Expertise. We are ALIENS.
We have no permanent citizenship in this planet. Even though we are citizens from the United States, the reality is the fact that, as a Christian, our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil three:20). As the book of Hebrews says, “Here we’ve got no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Heb. 13:14) For we’re strangers prior to thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days around the earth are as a shadow, and there is certainly none abiding. (1 Chron 29;15)
We are ENAGED Inside a SPIRITUAL WAR – a term not found in Scripture, however the notion is taught. Mankind is caught within the midst of a spiritual war with all the holy God and His angels on one side and also the evil Satan and his demons around the other.
(2 Cor ten:3-5) “For even though we live inside the planet, we don’t wage war because the planet does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons from the planet. On the contrary, they’ve divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and each pretension that sets itself up against the information of God, and we take captive each author and bible teacher jason powers every thought to create it obedient to Christ.”
(Eph 6:11-12) Put around the complete armor of God to ensure that you’ll be able to take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle just isn’t against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark globe and against the spiritual forces of evil inside the heavenly realms.
(Rev 12:7-8) And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and also the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not robust enough, and they lost their spot in heaven. The excellent dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent referred to as the devil, or Satan, who leads the entire globe astray. He was hurled for the earth, and his angels with him.
IF WE RESIST THE DEVIL, HE WILL FLEE
(James four: 7) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
WE Do not have THE POWER TO RESIST SATAN ON OUR Own
(Jude 9) But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing using the devil concerning the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but mentioned, “The Lord rebuke you!”
TO RESIST THE DEVIL, WE Should Place On the Full ARMOR OF GOD
(Eph 6:10-12) Place around the full armor of God in order that you are able to take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark planet and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. As a result put around the complete armor of God, in order that when the day of evil comes, you could be capable of stand your ground, and after you’ve got carried out every little thing, to stand. Stand firm then, using the belt of truth buckled around your waist, using the breastplate of righteousness in location, and with your feet fitted using the readiness that comes in the gospel of peace. Furthermore to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you are able to extinguish all of the flaming arrows in the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and also the sword in the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray within the Spirit on all occasions with all sorts of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and often maintain on praying for each of the saints.
Jesus’ own mission statement: “He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening [of the prison] to them that are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Isa 61:1,2)
GOD Allows TEMPTATIONS, BUT Always Offers AN ESCAPE
(1 Cor 10:13) No temptation has seized you except what’s frequent to man. And God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you’ll be able to bear. But when you are tempted, he will also offer a way out so that you are able to stand up below it.
SATAN KNOWS THE SCRIPTURES AND TRIES TO MISUSE THEM
As described in Matt 4:3-10 and Luke 4:3-12, throughout the temptation of Jesus inside the wilderness, Satan quoted Him Scripture numerous instances. Jesus replied each and every time with further Scriptures refuting Satan’s attempts to take things out of context or only use element of a section.
(Matt 28:19-20, Lk 9:1-2 and 10:1-3).
Too numerous American Christians have turn out to be passive and fearful. Other individuals are satisfied to merely acknowledge the correct items and attend church solutions and activities. This type of life-style is quite various from that which Jesus needs of His followers.
We need to preach and teach concerning the kingdom of God, focus around the doctrine of Christ, heal the sick and set the captives free.
Why will be the Holy Spirit referred to as getting “holy”?(HOLY: Belonging to, derived from, or connected using a divine power; sacred.) Distinguishes Him from EVIL spirits.
SAD Information Concerning THE CHURCH And the HOLY SPIRIT
A majority (61%) agree that the Holy Spirit is really a symbol of God’s presence or power but isn’t a living entity. (2001)
Amongst the segments in the population much more probably than others to deny the existence of the Holy Spirit as a living entity are Catholics (73%), non-Christians (68%), and non-whites (68%). (2001)
A majority of all born once more Christians reject the existence from the Holy Spirit (52%). (2001)
WHY May be the HOLY SPIRIT Essential?
There is no topic a lot more essential in Christianity than that of the Holy Spirit. Unless this can be correctly understood, a large portion from the Bible, and particularly the NT, remains unintelligible. However, a just view of it will do more than a understanding of any other particular subject to give harmony, clearness, and consistency to what could be learned to all other matters presented in the Word of God.
Despite the significance of realizing the Holy Spirit and His location within the life of a Christian, there is a lot confusion and superstition in the minds of lots of people about the Holy Spirit
Who is THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. Someone with characteristics
2. NOT, merely an “influence”, or “impersonal force” that emanates from God.
3. We should regard the Holy Spirit as a “He”, not an “it”!
I. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S Personality
A. THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS…
1. He “expressly says” that some will depart in the faith – 1 Tim four:1
2. The Spirit spoke and gave directions to Philip – Acts eight:29
3. He spoke to Peter and gave him charge concerning the Gentiles – Acts ten:19-20
four. He spoke towards the brethren at Antioch concerning Paul and Barnabas – Acts 13:1-4
B. THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES…
1. He was to teach the apostles all issues – Jn 14:26
two. Please note that Jesus regularly refers to the Holy Spirit as “He”, not “it” (implying a personal being, not an impersonal force) – Jn 14:16-17
C. THE HOLY SPIRIT BEARS WITNESS…
1. He was to testify of Jesus – Jn 15:26-27
two. Just because the apostles (who have been “personal beings”) would bear witness, so also the Holy Spirit
D. THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES, HEARS, SPEAKS, TELLS…
1. He would carry on and total the perform began by Jesus – Jn 16:12-13
two. Jesus consistently refers for the Holy Spirit as “He”
The Holy Spirit is a real particular person who came to reside within Jesus Christ’s correct followers after Jesus rose in the dead and ascended to heaven (Acts two). Jesus told His apostles…
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you an additional Helper, that He may be with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world can not obtain, because it will not behold Him or know Him, but you understand Him simply because He abides with you, and can be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I’ll come to you.” (Jn 14:16-18)
The Holy Spirit isn’t a vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force. He’s someone equal in each and every way with God the Father and God the Son. He’s deemed to be the third member in the Godhead. Jesus mentioned to His apostles…
“All authority has been offered to Me in heaven and on earth. Go consequently and make disciples of all of the nations, baptizing them inside the name of the Father and also the Son and also the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you usually, even towards the end in the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)
God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And all of the divine attributes ascribed for the Father as well as the Son are equally ascribed for the Holy Spirit. When someone becomes born once again by believing and getting Jesus Christ (Jn 1:12-13; Jn three:3-21), God resides in that individual via the Holy Spirit (1Cor three:16).
E. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S Major Role
1. He bears “witness” of Jesus Christ and tells people’s hearts regarding the truth of Jesus Christ. (Jn 15:26, 16:14).
2. He acts as a Christian’s teacher/guide (1Cor. 2:9-14).
3. He reveals God’s will and God’s truth to a Christian. Jesus told His disciples…
“The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring for your remembrance all that I stated to you.” (Jn 14:26)
“When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all of the truth; for He is not going to speak on His personal initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what’s to come.” (Jn 16:13)
four. The Holy Spirit was given to live inside those who believe in Jesus, as a way to produce God’s character within the life of a believer. Within a way that we can not do on our own, the Holy Spirit will construct into our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). Instead of wanting to be loving, patient, type, God asks us to rely on Him to create these qualities in our lives. Hence Christians are told to stroll within the Spirit (Gal 5:25) and be filled using the Spirit (Eph five:18).
five. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to perform ministerial duties that promote spiritual development among Christians (Rom 12; 1Cor 12; Eph 4).
six. The Holy Spirit also performs a function for non-Christians too. He convicts people’s hearts of God’s truth concerning how sinful we are — needing God’s forgiveness; how righteous Jesus is — He died in our place, for our sins; and God’s eventual judgment of the globe and those who do not know Him (Jn 16:8-11). The Holy Spirit tugs on our hearts and minds, asking us to repent and turn to God for forgiveness as well as a new life.
F. THE HOLY SPIRIT FORBIDS…
1. He prevented Paul and his companions from going into specific areas of Asia – Acts 16:6-7 This He did by “forbidding” them, and “not permitting” them, regardless of their initial efforts
G. THE HOLY SPIRIT INTERCEDES…
1. The “Spirit Himself (note Paul’s use from the private pronoun) makes intercession for us” – Rom eight:26
2. Just as Christ “also makes intercession for us” – Rom 8:34 [All these works from the Holy Spirit manifest personality]
II. THE HOLY SPIRIT POSSESSES Private Qualities
A. HE Includes a Mind…
1. “the thoughts in the Spirit” – Rom eight:27 This suggests pondering on His personal.
B. HE HAS Understanding…
1. He “knows the things of God” – 1 Cor 2:11 just as the “spirit of man” (a private getting) knows particular things. He has intellect.
C. HE POSSESSES AFFECTION…
1. Paul speaks of “the really like in the Spirit” – Rom 15:30 When have you known of an “impersonal force” that could love? He has emotion.
D. HE Has a WILL…
1. “the identical Spirit operates all these items, distributing to every a single individually as He wills” – 1 Cor 12:11 It was the Holy Spirit Who decided what individual received which present. Once more, these are all qualities of a being possessing intelligence and personality.
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SUFFERS Private SLIGHTS AND INJURIES
A. HE Can be GRIEVED…
1. “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” – Eph 4:30 He could be produced sorrowful via our willful neglect
B. HE May be BLASPHEMED…
1. That is, to be spoken evil of, as in attributing His deeds towards the operates of Satan, the “unpardonable sin” – Matt 12:31-32
C. HE Could be INSULTED…
1. A single who has “trampled the Son of God underfoot” has also “insulted the Spirit of grace” – Heb 10:29 This can be done by sinning “willfully” – Heb ten:26
D. HE Can be LIED TO…
1. As Ananias and his wife Sapphira were guilty of performing. Acts five:3: “…why has Satan filled your heart to lie towards the Holy Spirit…?”
E. HE Can be RESISTED…
1. As Stephen charged the Jewish leaders of doing – Acts 7:51 This they did by resisting the message and persecuting the messengers who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Acts 7: 52-53
In my opinion, a lot also excellent an emphasis has been placed on the gift of tongues – so much to ensure that an ungodly caste system from the haves and have-not’s has developed in some groups – regardless of the guarantee of Scripture that you shall obtain POWER (NOT tongues) when the Spirit comes upon you; power to become a witness (actually, a martyr). Request my study entitled “Speaking of speaking in tongues.”