A Christian buddy came over asking that a number of of us pray for her. In spite of carrying out all of the “right” Christian issues, 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, inside a gruff tone of voice, with furrowed brow, she scolded me, speaking inside the third individual, “She does not deserve it! She doesn’t deserve it!” In a couple of hours, by the Power from the Holy Spirit, she was totally free from demonic bondage using a total change 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, because the congregation headed for the exits. I approached him and asked if I may pray. He ignored me. I laid my hand on his shoulder to pray. The moment I touched him, he bolted upright, began swaying like a cobra about to strike, and began growling as he pointed, “I hate him! I hate her! I hate this church!”
My attempts to minister had been interrupted by well-meaning folks asking if he required medication or asking if they ought to 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. Instantaneously, he was able to know me then and speak intelligibly in response to me. I told him I was obtainable for further ministry by the Holy Spirit but it was clear there was no faith present to provide him at that moment. I created him aware that, until he got help, this WAS his Christian life and he WOULD encounter these manifestations again. I left only to become bombarded with queries throughout the week by people who have been there.
The young man, it turned out, was a much-beloved seminarian.
Last 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, within the middle of a Civil War battlefield, dressed inside 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 woman buried her face in her hands and cried. Her close friend nudged me and whispered, “You study her mail.”
On another occasion, a Christian company woman contacted me requesting prayer over certainly one of her many facilities across Texas. This specific facility was not prospering at all and she couldn’t aid but contemplate closing its doors. That specific location had an openly lesbian manager which attracted openly gay employees. I went on a Thursday night with ateam. She met us there. We prayed and, within ten days, the facility’s numbers were enhancing currently. The lesbian manager couldn’t realize it. Inside a memo I saw, she wrote, “We has to be living right.” A week ago, the manager resigned as did numerous from the most blatantly gay workers.
I could write many personal encounters like these, moments when the Holy Spirit took handle, flushed out an unsuspecting demon, healed, delivered, set totally free or came through with a vision, word of wisdom or word of understanding. He is no respecter of persons; the gifts He has shared with me, He desires to share with you.
Question is, are you currently willing? Do you want a lot more?
We are SPIRIT BEINGS Possessing AN EARTHLY Experience. We are ALIENS.
We’ve no permanent citizenship within this world. Although we’re citizens of 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 no lasting city, but we seek the city which can be to come” (Heb. 13:14) For we’re strangers just before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is certainly none abiding. (1 Chron 29;15)
We’re ENAGED In a SPIRITUAL WAR – a term not discovered in Scripture, however the concept is taught. Mankind is caught within the midst of a spiritual war with all the holy God and His angels on one side as well as the evil Satan and his demons around the other.
(two Cor ten:3-5) “For even though we reside within the globe, we don’t wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with usually are not the weapons of the planet. Around 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 and every believed to produce it obedient to Christ.”
(Eph 6:11-12) Place around the full armor of God so that you’ll be 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 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 the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not robust adequate, and they lost their place in heaven. The fantastic dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent known as the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world 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 Don’t 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 physique of Moses, didn’t dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but stated, “The Lord rebuke you!”
TO RESIST THE DEVIL, WE Must Place On the Complete ARMOR OF GOD
(Eph 6:10-12) Put around the full armor of God in order that you are 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 within the heavenly realms. As a result place on the full armor of God, in order that when the day of evil comes, you might be capable of stand your ground, and after you have done every thing, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled about your waist, with all the breastplate of righteousness in location, and with your feet fitted with all 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 the flaming arrows from the evil 1. Take the helmet of salvation and also the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in thoughts, be alert and usually preserve on praying for each of the saints.
Jesus’ own mission statement: “He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty for 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,two)
GOD Permits TEMPTATIONS, BUT Usually Provides AN ESCAPE
(1 Cor ten:13) No temptation has seized you except what is typical to man. And God is faithful; he won’t let you be tempted beyond what you’ll be able to bear. But whenever you are tempted, he may also provide a way out to ensure that you can stand up beneath it.
SATAN KNOWS THE SCRIPTURES AND TRIES TO MISUSE THEM
As described in Matt four:3-10 and Luke four:3-12, throughout the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, Satan quoted Him Scripture numerous times. Jesus replied each and every time with extra Scriptures refuting Satan’s attempts to take issues out of context or only use element of a section.
(Matt 28:19-20, Lk 9:1-2 and ten:1-3).
As well many American Christians have turn out to be passive and fearful. Other people are satisfied to merely acknowledge the proper items and attend church solutions and activities. This type of way of life is really different from that which Jesus requires of His followers.
We should preach and teach regarding the kingdom of God, concentrate around the doctrine of Christ, heal the sick and set the captives free.
Why may be the Holy Spirit referred to as being “holy”?(HOLY: Belonging to, derived from, or connected with a divine power; sacred.) Distinguishes Him from EVIL spirits.
SAD Details Regarding THE CHURCH And the HOLY SPIRIT
A majority (61%) agree that the Holy Spirit is actually a symbol of God’s presence or power but just isn’t a living entity. (2001)
Among the segments of the population much more most likely 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 again Christians reject the existence from the Holy Spirit (52%). (2001)
WHY May be the HOLY SPIRIT Crucial?
There’s no topic much more essential in Christianity than that from the Holy Spirit. Unless this can be correctly understood, a large portion in the Bible, and especially the NT, remains unintelligible. However, a just view of it will do greater than a understanding of any other particular subject to provide harmony, clearness, and consistency to what may be discovered to all other matters presented inside the Word of God.
Regardless of the importance of understanding the Holy Spirit and His place within the life of a Christian, there is significantly confusion and superstition within the minds of lots of people regarding the Holy Spirit
Who’s THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. A person with characteristics
two. NOT, merely an “influence”, or “impersonal force” that emanates from God.
three. We ought to 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 from the faith – 1 Tim 4:1
2. The Spirit spoke and gave directions to Philip – Acts 8:29
three. He spoke to Peter and gave him charge regarding the Gentiles – Acts ten:19-20
4. He spoke to the brethren at Antioch regarding Paul and Barnabas – Acts 13:1-4
B. THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES…
1. He was to teach the apostles all issues – Jn 14:26
2. Please note that Jesus consistently refers to the Holy Spirit as “He”, not “it” (implying a private becoming, 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 were “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 function started by Jesus – Jn 16:12-13
two. Jesus regularly refers to the Holy Spirit as “He”
The Holy Spirit is really a real particular person who came to reside within Jesus Christ’s true followers following Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven (Acts 2). Jesus told His apostles…
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the globe can’t receive, simply because it doesn’t behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (Jn 14:16-18)
The Holy Spirit just isn’t a vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force. He’s someone equal in each way with God the Father and God the Son. He is deemed to become the third member from the Godhead. Jesus mentioned to His apostles…
“All authority has been offered to Me in heaven and on earth. Go as a result and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name from the Father and the Son as well as the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I’m with you always, even towards the end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)
God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And each of the divine attributes ascribed for the Father and the Son are equally ascribed to the Holy Spirit. When a person becomes born again by believing and receiving Jesus Christ (Jn 1:12-13; Jn 3:3-21), God resides in that particular person through 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 about the truth of Jesus Christ. (Jn 15:26, 16:14).
2. He acts as a Christian’s teacher/guide (1Cor. 2:9-14).
three. 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 to your remembrance all that I stated to you.” (Jn 14:26)
“When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He won’t 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)
4. The Holy Spirit was given to reside inside those who think in Jesus, to be able to produce God’s character within the life of a believer. Within a way that we can’t do on our own, the Holy Spirit will develop into our lives adore, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal five:22-23). As opposed to trying to be loving, patient, type, God asks us to rely on Him to produce these qualities in our lives. Therefore Christians are told to walk within the father the son and the holy spirit Spirit (Gal five:25) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18).
five. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to execute ministerial duties that promote spiritual development amongst Christians (Rom 12; 1Cor 12; Eph four).
six. The Holy Spirit also performs a function for non-Christians also. He convicts people’s hearts of God’s truth regarding how sinful we are — needing God’s forgiveness; how righteous Jesus is — He died in our location, for our sins; and God’s eventual judgment from the planet and people 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 locations 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 in the individual pronoun) tends to make intercession for us” – Rom eight:26
two. Just as Christ “also tends to make intercession for us” – Rom eight:34 [All these functions of the Holy Spirit manifest personality]
II. THE HOLY SPIRIT POSSESSES Individual Characteristics
A. HE Has a Thoughts…
1. “the mind in the Spirit” – Rom eight:27 This suggests pondering on His own.
B. HE HAS Information…
1. He “knows the items of God” – 1 Cor 2:11 just as the “spirit of man” (a individual becoming) knows particular things. He has intellect.
C. HE POSSESSES AFFECTION…
1. Paul speaks of “the adore 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 exact same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each a single individually as He wills” – 1 Cor 12:11 It was the Holy Spirit Who decided what individual received which gift. Again, they are all characteristics of a getting possessing intelligence and character.
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SUFFERS Private SLIGHTS AND INJURIES
A. HE May be GRIEVED…
1. “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” – Eph four:30 He could be produced sorrowful by means of our willful neglect
B. HE Can be BLASPHEMED…
1. Which is, to become spoken evil of, as in attributing His deeds to the works of Satan, the “unpardonable sin” – Matt 12:31-32
C. HE Can be INSULTED…
1. A single who has “trampled the Son of God underfoot” has also “insulted the Spirit of grace” – Heb ten:29 This really is carried out by sinning “willfully” – Heb 10:26
D. HE Could be LIED TO…
1. As Ananias and his wife Sapphira had been guilty of carrying out. Acts five:3: “…why has Satan filled your heart to lie towards the Holy Spirit…?”
E. HE Could be RESISTED…
1. As Stephen charged the Jewish leaders of performing – 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, much as well excellent an emphasis has been placed around the gift of tongues – so much in order that an ungodly caste program in the haves and have-not’s has developed in some groups – regardless of the promise of Scripture which you shall receive 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.”