Bible
A Christian friend came more than asking that a number of of us pray for her. Regardless of performing each of the “right” Christian things, she had been entertaining doubts about her faith.
Inside 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 particular person, “She does not deserve it! She does not deserve it!” In a couple of hours, by the Power in the Holy Spirit, she was totally free from demonic bondage having 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, because 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, began 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 individuals asking if he required 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. Instantly, he was able to understand me then and speak intelligibly in response to me. I told him I was available for further ministry by the Holy Spirit however it was clear there was no faith present to provide him at that moment. I produced him conscious that, until he got assist, this WAS his Christian life and he WOULD expertise these manifestations once again. I left only to be bombarded with questions throughout the week by those who had been there.
The young man, it turned out, was a much-beloved seminarian.
Last week, as a group of us were 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, looking at her spouse, dressed in Union blue. As I shared this vision right 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 another occasion, a Christian company woman contacted me requesting prayer more than one of her numerous 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 workers. I went on a Thursday night 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 understand it. Within a memo I saw, she wrote, “We has to be living proper.” A week ago, the manager resigned as did several in the most blatantly gay workers.
I could write numerous individual encounters like these, moments when the Holy Spirit took control, flushed out an unsuspecting demon, healed, delivered, set free or came through 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 want more?
We’re SPIRIT BEINGS Having AN EARTHLY Encounter. We are ALIENS.
We’ve no permanent citizenship within this globe. Though we’re citizens of the United States, the reality is that, as a Christian, our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil three:20). As the book of Hebrews says, “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which can be to come” (Heb. 13:14) For we’re strangers prior to thee, and sojourners, as have been all our fathers: our days around the earth are as a shadow, and there’s none abiding. (1 Chron 29;15)
We are ENAGED In a SPIRITUAL WAR – a term not discovered in Scripture, but the concept is taught. Mankind is caught within the midst of a spiritual war with all the holy God and His angels on a single side and also the evil Satan and his demons around the other.
(2 Cor ten:3-5) “For although we live within the globe, we usually do not wage war because the planet does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons in the world. On the contrary, they’ve divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and each pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make 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 isn’t 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 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 powerful adequate, and they lost their place in heaven. The excellent dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole planet 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 Personal
(Jude 9) But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with all 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 Should Put Around the Full ARMOR OF GOD
(Eph six:10-12) Place around the complete armor of God to ensure that you are 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 author and bible teacher jason powers against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. As a result put on the complete armor of God, to ensure that when the day of evil comes, you might have the ability to stand your ground, and right after you’ve got done every thing, to stand. Stand firm then, using the belt of truth buckled about your waist, using the breastplate of righteousness in spot, and with your feet fitted using the readiness that comes in the gospel of peace. Additionally to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you’ll be able to extinguish each of the flaming arrows from the evil a single. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword from the Spirit, that is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all sorts of prayers and requests. With this in thoughts, be alert and always preserve on praying for all the saints.
Jesus’ own mission statement: “He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty for the captives, and the opening [of the prison] to them which can be bound; to proclaim the year in the Lord’s favor.” (Isa 61:1,two)
GOD Enables TEMPTATIONS, BUT Usually Gives AN ESCAPE
(1 Cor 10:13) No temptation has seized you except what’s typical to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you’ll be able to bear. But whenever you are tempted, he will also offer a way out in order that you’ll be able to stand up below 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 a number of times. Jesus replied each time with additional 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 10:1-3).
As well numerous American Christians have grow to be passive and fearful. Other individuals are happy to merely acknowledge the proper things and attend church services and activities. This sort of lifestyle is quite different 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 may be the Holy Spirit known as getting “holy”?(HOLY: Belonging to, derived from, or associated 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)
Amongst the segments in the population much more most likely than other individuals 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 again Christians reject the existence in the Holy Spirit (52%). (2001)
WHY Is the HOLY SPIRIT Essential?
There is no topic much more crucial in Christianity than that from the Holy Spirit. Unless this can be effectively understood, a large portion of the Bible, and especially the NT, remains unintelligible. Alternatively, a just view of it will do more than a knowledge of any other specific topic to provide harmony, clearness, and consistency to what might be discovered to all other matters presented inside the Word of God.
Regardless of the value of knowing the Holy Spirit and His place within the life of a Christian, there is a lot confusion and superstition in the minds of lots of people regarding the Holy Spirit
Who is THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. An individual with traits
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 Character
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 eight:29
3. He spoke to Peter and gave him charge regarding the Gentiles – Acts ten:19-20
four. He spoke for 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 things – Jn 14:26
two. Please note that Jesus consistently refers towards 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 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 complete the function started by Jesus – Jn 16:12-13
two. Jesus regularly refers towards the Holy Spirit as “He”
The Holy Spirit is really a real individual who came to reside within Jesus Christ’s true followers following Jesus rose in the dead and ascended to heaven (Acts two). 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 get, because it will not behold Him or know Him, but you realize Him simply because He abides with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I’ll come to you.” (Jn 14:16-18)
The Holy Spirit is not a vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force. He’s an individual equal in each and every way with God the Father and God the Son. He is considered to become the third member of the Godhead. Jesus mentioned to His apostles…
“All authority has been provided to Me in heaven and on earth. Go consequently and make disciples of each of the nations, baptizing them in the name from the Father as well as the Son and also the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I’m with you often, even for the end in the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)
God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And all of the divine attributes ascribed to the Father as well as the Son are equally ascribed to the Holy Spirit. When someone becomes born once more by believing and receiving Jesus Christ (Jn 1:12-13; Jn three:3-21), God resides in that particular person via the Holy Spirit (1Cor 3:16).
E. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S Main Part
1. He bears “witness” of Jesus Christ and tells people’s hearts concerning 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 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 won’t speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (Jn 16:13)
4. The Holy Spirit was provided to live inside those who think in Jesus, to be able to produce God’s character in the life of a believer. Within a way that we cannot 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). Rather than 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 walk inside the Spirit (Gal five:25) and be filled with all the Spirit (Eph 5:18).
5. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to execute ministerial duties that promote spiritual development amongst Christians (Rom 12; 1Cor 12; Eph 4).
6. The Holy Spirit also performs a function for non-Christians too. 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 spot, for our sins; and God’s eventual judgment from the planet 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 and a new life.
F. THE HOLY SPIRIT FORBIDS…
1. He prevented Paul and his companions from going into specific 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 in the individual pronoun) tends to make intercession for us” – Rom eight:26
2. Just as Christ “also makes intercession for us” – Rom eight:34 [All these works in the Holy Spirit manifest personality]
II. THE HOLY SPIRIT POSSESSES Personal Qualities
A. HE Features a Thoughts…
1. “the mind of the Spirit” – Rom eight:27 This suggests considering on His own.
B. HE HAS Information…
1. He “knows the things of God” – 1 Cor 2:11 just because the “spirit of man” (a personal getting) knows certain issues. He has intellect.
C. HE POSSESSES AFFECTION…
1. Paul speaks of “the love of the Spirit” – Rom 15:30 When have you identified of an “impersonal force” that could really like? He has emotion.
D. HE Includes a WILL…
1. “the same Spirit works all these issues, distributing to each and every a single individually as He wills” – 1 Cor 12:11 It was the Holy Spirit Who decided what particular person received which gift. Again, they are all traits of a being possessing intelligence and personality.
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT SUFFERS Individual SLIGHTS AND INJURIES
A. HE Could be GRIEVED…
1. “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” – Eph four:30 He may be produced sorrowful through our willful neglect
B. HE Can be BLASPHEMED…
1. Which 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. One who has “trampled the Son of God underfoot” has also “insulted the Spirit of grace” – Heb 10:29 This is done by sinning “willfully” – Heb 10:26
D. HE Can be LIED TO…
1. As Ananias and his wife Sapphira were guilty of performing. Acts 5:3: “…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 performing – Acts 7:51 This they did by resisting the message and persecuting the messengers who had been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Acts 7: 52-53
In my opinion, much as well excellent an emphasis has been placed around the present of tongues – a lot so that an ungodly caste system of the haves and have-not’s has created in some groups – regardless of the guarantee of Scripture which you shall obtain POWER (NOT tongues) when the Spirit comes upon you; power to become a witness (literally, a martyr). Request my study entitled “Speaking of speaking in tongues.”