A Christian friend came more than asking that numerous of us pray for her. Despite carrying out all of the “right” Christian things, she had been entertaining doubts about her faith.
Within 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 individual, “She does not deserve it! She does not deserve it!” In a couple of hours, by the Power from the Holy Spirit, she was totally free from demonic bondage with a total change of countenance and has, because 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, because the congregation headed for the exits. I approached him and asked if I might 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 have been interrupted by well-meaning individuals asking if he needed medication or asking if they must 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. Instantly, he was in a position to understand me then and speak intelligibly in response to me. I told him I was available for additional ministry by the Holy Spirit however it was apparent there was no faith present to deliver him at that moment. I produced him aware that, till he got help, this WAS his Christian life and he WOULD expertise these manifestations once again. I left only to become bombarded with queries throughout the week by those who had been 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 within a Confederate soldier’s uniform, taking a look at her spouse, dressed in Union blue. As I shared this vision after our prayer time, the lady buried her face in her hands and cried. Her close friend nudged me and whispered, “You study her mail.”
On an additional occasion, a Christian enterprise lady contacted me requesting prayer more than among her several facilities across Texas. This particular facility was not prospering at all and she could not assist but consider closing its doors. That particular location had an openly lesbian manager which attracted openly gay employees. I went on a Thursday evening with ateam. She met us there. We prayed and, inside ten days, the facility’s numbers have been improving currently. The lesbian manager could not comprehend it. In a memo I saw, she wrote, “We should be living correct.” Per week ago, the manager resigned as did a number of of the most blatantly gay employees.
I could create numerous personal encounters like these, moments when the Holy Spirit took handle, flushed out an unsuspecting demon, healed, delivered, set totally free or came by means of having a vision, word of wisdom or word of knowledge. He’s no respecter of persons; the gifts He has shared with me, He wants to share with you.
Question is, are you prepared? Do you wish much more?
We’re SPIRIT BEINGS Getting AN EARTHLY Encounter. We are ALIENS.
We’ve no permanent citizenship within this planet. Even though we’re citizens in the United States, the reality is that, as a Christian, our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil three:20). Because the book of Hebrews says, “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come” (Heb. 13:14) For we’re strangers before thee, and sojourners, as have been all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. (1 Chron 29;15)
We’re ENAGED Inside a SPIRITUAL WAR – a term not identified in Scripture, however the idea is taught. Mankind is caught within the midst of a spiritual war using the holy God and His angels on a single side and the evil Satan and his demons around the other.
(two Cor 10:3-5) “For even though we live in the world, we usually do not wage war as the planet does. The weapons we fight with usually are not the weapons from the globe. Around the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and each pretension that sets itself up against the understanding of God, and we take captive each believed to make it obedient to Christ.”
(Eph six:11-12) Put around the complete armor of God so that you can 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 world 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, as well as the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not powerful adequate, and they lost their spot in heaven. The fantastic dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent known as the devil, or Satan, who leads the entire planet astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
IF WE RESIST THE DEVIL, HE WILL FLEE
(James 4: 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 with the devil concerning the body of Moses, didn’t dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but stated, “The Lord rebuke you!”
TO RESIST THE DEVIL, WE Should Put On the Full ARMOR OF GOD
(Eph 6:10-12) Place 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 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. Therefore place around the full armor of God, in order that when the day of evil comes, you may have the ability to stand your ground, and after you’ve completed every thing, to stand. Stand firm then, with all the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in location, and together with your feet fitted using the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish each of the flaming arrows in the evil a single. Take the helmet of salvation and also the sword in the Spirit, which can be the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all types of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and often maintain on praying for all of the saints.
Jesus’ own mission statement: “He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, as well as the opening [of the prison] to them that are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Isa 61:1,2)
GOD Permits TEMPTATIONS, BUT Often Offers AN ESCAPE
(1 Cor ten:13) No temptation has seized you except what’s frequent to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. But once you are tempted, he may also offer a way out to ensure that you are able to stand up under it.
SATAN KNOWS THE SCRIPTURES AND TRIES TO MISUSE THEM
As described in Matt four:3-10 and Luke 4:3-12, throughout the temptation of Jesus inside the wilderness, Satan quoted Him Scripture several instances. Jesus replied each time with additional Scriptures refuting Satan’s attempts to take issues out of context or only use part of a section.
(Matt 28:19-20, Lk 9:1-2 and 10:1-3).
As well several American Christians have turn out to be passive and fearful. Others are satisfied to merely acknowledge the correct things and attend church solutions and activities. This sort of life-style is fairly distinct from that which Jesus demands of His followers.
We must preach and teach about the kingdom of God, focus around the doctrine of Christ, heal the sick and set the captives free.
Why is the Holy Spirit referred to as becoming “holy”?(HOLY: Belonging to, derived from, or associated having a divine power; sacred.) Distinguishes Him from EVIL spirits.
SAD Facts 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 more likely than other people to deny the existence in the Holy Spirit as a living entity are Catholics (73%), non-Christians (68%), and non-whites (68%). (2001)
A majority of all born once again Christians reject the existence of the Holy Spirit (52%). (2001)
WHY Will be the HOLY SPIRIT Important?
There is certainly no topic much more crucial in Christianity than that of the Holy Spirit. Unless this can be properly understood, a sizable portion in the Bible, and specifically the NT, remains unintelligible. However, a just view of it will do more than a information of any other particular subject to give harmony, clearness, and consistency to what may be discovered to all other matters presented inside the Word of God.
Regardless of the significance of knowing the Holy Spirit and His place within the life of a Christian, there is certainly significantly confusion and superstition inside the minds of lots of people concerning the Holy Spirit
Who is THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. A person with qualities
two. 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 Character
A. THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS…
1. He “expressly says” that some will depart in the faith – 1 Tim 4:1
2. The Spirit spoke and gave directions to Philip – Acts eight:29
three. He spoke to Peter and gave him charge regarding the Gentiles – Acts ten:19-20
four. He spoke towards the brethren at Antioch concerning Paul and Barnabas – Acts 13:1-4
B. The fellowship with the Holy Spirit HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES…
1. He was to teach the apostles all issues – Jn 14:26
two. Please note that Jesus consistently refers towards the Holy Spirit as “He”, not “it” (implying a personal getting, 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 as 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 complete the work started by Jesus – Jn 16:12-13
2. Jesus regularly refers to the Holy Spirit as “He”
The Holy Spirit is actually a real individual who came to reside within Jesus Christ’s accurate followers following Jesus rose in the dead and ascended to heaven (Acts 2). Jesus told His apostles…
“I will ask the Father, and He will provide you with yet another Helper, that He could be with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t obtain, since it does not behold Him or know Him, but you realize Him simply because He abides with you, and will be in you. I’ll not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (Jn 14:16-18)
The Holy Spirit isn’t a vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force. He is an individual equal in every way with God the Father and God the Son. He is regarded as to be the third member of the Godhead. Jesus stated to His apostles…
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go consequently and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name from the Father and also the Son as well as the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you usually, even to the finish from the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)
God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And all the divine attributes ascribed for the Father and also the Son are equally ascribed for the Holy Spirit. When an individual becomes born once more by believing and receiving Jesus Christ (Jn 1:12-13; Jn three:3-21), God resides in that person via the Holy Spirit (1Cor three:16).
E. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S Major Part
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. two: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 items, and bring to your remembrance all that I mentioned to you.” (Jn 14:26)
“When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all of the truth; for He will not speak on His personal initiative, but what ever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what exactly is to come.” (Jn 16:13)
4. The Holy Spirit was provided to live inside those that believe in Jesus, to be able to create God’s character inside the life of a believer. Inside a way that we can’t do on our own, the Holy Spirit will build into our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal five:22-23). Rather than wanting to be loving, patient, sort, God asks us to depend on Him to generate these qualities in our lives. Thus Christians are told to stroll inside the Spirit (Gal 5:25) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph five:18).
five. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to carry out ministerial duties that promote spiritual growth among Christians (Rom 12; 1Cor 12; Eph four).
6. The Holy Spirit also performs a function for non-Christians too. He convicts people’s hearts of God’s truth concerning how sinful we’re — needing God’s forgiveness; how righteous Jesus is — He died in our location, for our sins; and God’s eventual judgment of the planet and people who don’t 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 and a new life.
F. THE HOLY SPIRIT FORBIDS…
1. He prevented Paul and his companions from going into particular places 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 of the individual pronoun) makes intercession for us” – Rom eight:26
two. Just as Christ “also makes intercession for us” – Rom eight:34 [All these operates from the Holy Spirit manifest personality]
II. THE HOLY SPIRIT POSSESSES Individual Traits
A. HE Has a Thoughts…
1. “the thoughts of the Spirit” – Rom 8:27 This suggests considering on His personal.
B. HE HAS Understanding…
1. He “knows the things of God” – 1 Cor two:11 just because the “spirit of man” (a personal becoming) knows certain things. He has intellect.
C. HE POSSESSES AFFECTION…
1. Paul speaks of “the love in the Spirit” – Rom 15:30 When have you identified of an “impersonal force” that could really like? He has emotion.
D. HE Features a WILL…
1. “the identical Spirit operates all these items, distributing to each and every 1 individually as He wills” – 1 Cor 12:11 It was the Holy Spirit Who decided what particular person received which present. Once again, they are all qualities of a being possessing intelligence and personality.
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SUFFERS Individual SLIGHTS AND INJURIES
A. HE May be GRIEVED…
1. “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” – Eph four:30 He may be created sorrowful via our willful neglect
B. HE Could be BLASPHEMED…
1. That’s, to be spoken evil of, as in attributing His deeds for the works of Satan, the “unpardonable sin” – Matt 12:31-32
C. HE May be INSULTED…
1. One who has “trampled the Son of God underfoot” has also “insulted the Spirit of grace” – Heb 10:29 This is carried out by sinning “willfully” – Heb ten:26
D. HE May be LIED TO…
1. As Ananias and his wife Sapphira have been guilty of doing. Acts five:three: “…why has Satan filled your heart to lie for the Holy Spirit…?”
E. HE Could 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 have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Acts 7: 52-53
In my opinion, significantly as well excellent an emphasis has been placed around the gift of tongues – a lot to ensure that an ungodly caste method in the haves and have-not’s has developed in some groups – despite the guarantee of Scripture that you shall obtain POWER (NOT tongues) when the Spirit comes upon you; power to be a witness (actually, a martyr). Request my study entitled “Speaking of speaking in tongues.”