A Christian friend came over asking that a number of of us pray for her. Despite doing all 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 in the third individual, “She doesn’t deserve it! She does not deserve it!” Inside a couple of hours, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, she was free from demonic bondage using a total alter 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, as 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 began growling as he pointed, “I hate him! I hate her! I hate this church!”
My attempts to minister were interrupted by well-meaning people asking if he necessary 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. Instantly, he was in a position to understand me then and speak intelligibly in response to me. I told him I was obtainable for additional ministry by the Holy Spirit nevertheless it was clear there was no faith present to deliver him at that moment. I produced him aware that, until he got aid, this WAS his Christian life and he WOULD experience these manifestations once again. I left only to become bombarded with questions throughout the week by people 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, looking at her spouse, dressed in Union blue. As I shared this vision right after our prayer time, the woman buried her face in her hands and cried. Her close buddy nudged me and whispered, “You read her mail.”
On yet another occasion, a Christian business woman contacted me requesting prayer over certainly one of her many facilities across Texas. This particular facility was not prospering at all and she could not assist but contemplate closing its doors. That specific location had an openly lesbian manager which attracted openly gay workers. I went on a Thursday night with ateam. She met us there. We prayed and, within ten days, the facility’s numbers have been improving already. The lesbian manager couldn’t realize it. In a memo I saw, she wrote, “We should be living correct.” A week ago, the manager resigned as did a number of of the most blatantly gay workers.
I could write numerous 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 prepared? Do you wish more?
We’re SPIRIT BEINGS Getting AN EARTHLY Expertise. We’re ALIENS.
We’ve got no permanent citizenship in this world. 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’ve got no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come” (Heb. 13:14) For we’re strangers just before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days around the earth are as a shadow, and there’s none abiding. (1 Chron 29;15)
We are ENAGED Within a SPIRITUAL WAR – a term not found in Scripture, but the concept is taught. Mankind is caught in 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 on the other.
(2 Cor ten:3-5) “For even though we live inside the globe, we usually do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with usually are not the weapons in the planet. Around the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and each and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every believed to produce it obedient to Christ.”
(Eph 6:11-12) Place around the full armor of God so 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 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 sufficient, and they lost their place in heaven. The excellent dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called 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 Personal
(Jude 9) But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with all the devil about 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 Around the Full ARMOR OF GOD
(Eph six:10-12) Place around the full armor of God in order 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 world and against the spiritual forces of evil within the heavenly realms. Therefore put around the complete armor of God, in order that when the day of evil comes, you may be capable of stand your ground, and after you have done every little thing, to stand. Stand firm then, using the belt of truth buckled around 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. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you are able to extinguish all of the flaming arrows in the evil a single. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword in the Spirit, that is the word of God. And pray inside the Spirit on all occasions with all types of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and usually keep on praying for all of the saints.
Jesus’ personal mission statement: “He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty towards the captives, as well as the opening [of the prison] to them that are bound; to proclaim the year from the Lord’s favor.” (Isa 61:1,2)
GOD Enables TEMPTATIONS, BUT Always Offers AN ESCAPE
(1 Cor 10:13) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he is not going to allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. But when you are tempted, he may also offer a way out to ensure that you are able to stand up below 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 inside the wilderness, Satan quoted Him Scripture several occasions. Jesus replied every time with extra Scriptures refuting Satan’s attempts to take things out of context or only use part of a section.
(Matt 28:19-20, Lk 9:1-2 and ten:1-3).
Also several American Christians have become passive and fearful. Other individuals are satisfied to merely acknowledge the right items and attend church solutions and activities. This kind of lifestyle is quite various from that which Jesus demands of His followers.
We should preach and teach about the kingdom of God, concentrate around the doctrine of Christ, heal the sick and set the captives totally free.
Why is the Holy Spirit known as getting “holy”?(HOLY: Belonging to, derived from, or associated having a divine power; sacred.) Distinguishes Him from EVIL spirits.
SAD Information Regarding THE CHURCH And also the HOLY SPIRIT
A majority (61%) agree that the Holy Spirit is actually a symbol of God’s presence or power but is not a living entity. (2001)
Amongst the segments in the population much more 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 Important?
There’s no subject much more essential in Christianity than that from the Holy Spirit. Unless this really is effectively understood, a large portion of the Bible, and particularly the NT, remains unintelligible. On the other hand, a just view of it’s going to do more than a information of any other particular topic to offer harmony, clearness, and consistency to what may be learned to all other matters presented inside the Word of God.
Despite the value of understanding the Holy Spirit and His place in the life of a Christian, there is certainly a lot confusion and superstition within the minds of many people regarding the Holy Spirit
Who’s THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. A person with traits
two. NOT, merely an “influence”, or “impersonal force” that emanates from God.
3. We must 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 four:1
2. The Spirit spoke and gave directions to Philip – Acts 8:29
3. He spoke to Peter and gave him charge concerning the Gentiles – Acts 10:19-20
4. He spoke for 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 things – Jn 14:26
two. Please note that Jesus regularly refers to the Holy Spirit as “He”, not “it” (implying a private 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
2. Just because 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 total the perform began by Jesus – Jn 16:12-13
two. Jesus consistently refers towards the Holy Spirit as “He”
The Holy Spirit is a real particular person who came to reside within Jesus Christ’s true followers after 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 yet another Helper, that He could be with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the globe cannot receive, simply because it will not behold Him or know Him, but you realize Him 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 is not a vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force. He is someone equal in each and every way with God the Father and God the Son. He is considered to be the third member from the Godhead. Jesus said to His apostles…
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them within the name from the Father as well as the Son as well as the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I’m with you usually, even to the finish from the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)
God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And all of the divine attributes ascribed towards the Father as well as the Son are equally ascribed towards the Holy Spirit. When an individual becomes born once more by believing and getting Jesus Christ (Jn 1:12-13; Jn three:3-21), God resides in that individual by means of the Holy Spirit (1Cor three:16).
E. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S Primary Role
1. He bears “witness” of Jesus Christ and tells people’s hearts about the truth of Jesus Christ. (Jn 15:26, 16:14).
two. 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 said to you.” (Jn 14:26)
“When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into each of the truth; for He won’t speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what exactly is to come.” (Jn 16:13)
4. The Holy Spirit was offered to reside inside those who believe in Jesus, to be able to produce God’s character inside the life of a believer. Inside a way that we cannot do on our own, the Holy Spirit will construct into our lives adore, 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 create these qualities in our lives. Hence Christians are told to walk within the Spirit (Gal five:25) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18).
5. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to perform ministerial duties that market spiritual development among Christians (Rom 12; 1Cor 12; Eph four).
6. The Holy Spirit also performs a function for non-Christians as well. 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 place, for our sins; and God’s eventual judgment from the globe and those that 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 along with 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, despite their initial efforts
G. THE HOLY SPIRIT INTERCEDES…
1. The “Spirit Himself (note Paul’s use of the personal pronoun) tends to make intercession for us” – Rom 8:26
2. Just as Christ “also tends to make intercession for us” – Rom 8:34 [All these functions in the Holy Spirit manifest personality]
II. THE HOLY SPIRIT POSSESSES Personal Characteristics
A. HE Includes a Thoughts…
1. “the thoughts in The fellowship with the Holy Spirit Spirit” – Rom 8:27 This suggests pondering on His personal.
B. HE HAS Understanding…
1. He “knows the items of God” – 1 Cor 2:11 just because the “spirit of man” (a personal becoming) knows specific things. He has intellect.
C. HE POSSESSES AFFECTION…
1. Paul speaks of “the really like in the Spirit” – Rom 15:30 When have you recognized of an “impersonal force” that could really like? He has emotion.
D. HE Includes a WILL…
1. “the exact same Spirit works all these issues, distributing to each a single individually as He wills” – 1 Cor 12:11 It was the Holy Spirit Who decided what particular person received which gift. Again, these are all traits of a becoming possessing intelligence and character.
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SUFFERS Individual SLIGHTS AND INJURIES
A. HE Can be GRIEVED…
1. “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” – Eph four:30 He could be made sorrowful by means of our willful neglect
B. HE Can be BLASPHEMED…
1. That is, to be spoken evil of, as in attributing His deeds for the operates of Satan, the “unpardonable sin” – Matt 12:31-32
C. HE Could be INSULTED…
1. 1 who has “trampled the Son of God underfoot” has also “insulted the Spirit of grace” – Heb 10:29 This can be 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 performing. Acts 5:3: “…why has Satan filled your heart to lie towards the Holy Spirit…?”
E. HE May be RESISTED…
1. As Stephen charged the Jewish leaders of carrying out – 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 on the present of tongues – a lot 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 get 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.”