5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
It is amazing to me how the basic Christians issues are so commonly discussed and yet too often really personally unknown still including the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
(1 Cor 2:9 KJV) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
(1 Cor 14:26 KJV) How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
(1 Cor 14:39 KJV) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Don’t firstly even be under the false illusion that Satan no longer opposes or does not try to discredit today any Christian truth.. he will do so instantly, and even use one of his followers to do it too and they will quote even the Bible to do so too. Check first everything with the word of God, the Bible for yourself. Don’t accept the too often false words of mere men and women rather.
(Prov 8:13 KJV) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate
(Zep 2:10 KJV) This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.
(1 Tim 3:6 KJV) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
(1 John 2:16 KJV) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
(Prov 29:23 KJV) A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
(1 Cor 10:21 KJV) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
(Jer 9:2 KJV) Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. 3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD. 4 Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. 5 And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. 6 Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.
(Isa 28:7 KJV) But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
(Jer 14:14 KJV) Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart
(Jer 13:17 KJV) But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.
(Micah 7:2 KJV) The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net. 3 That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. 4 The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity. 5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. 6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house. 7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
(Hosea 12:7 KJV) He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress.
I want you also to remember always that some persons do still have a false, visible or hidden agenda, for hopeful personal economic gains, power, and even THE FALSE oppression of others and that is why they do misinterpret the Bible to their now falls inclinations including the books of Paul, Revelation and Joel, the bad elders, pastors included. It should be very obvious that many Bible verses do warn, state the reality of a personal negative consequences here one earth next for those who do not follow fully after God, for those who do not care about the good welfare of others, do not help the poor and needy persons, to all those persons who counsel divorce as well, twist the word of God too…. and yes there are real negative personal consequences here on earth as well as in heaven. The issue of gifts often does sirs up controversy, the kind that Satan is behind it.. he wants it all to be still a secret too. (Rom 14:1 KJV) Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
(Isa 29:13 KJV) Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
2 Pet 1:19 – 21, 2:1 – 3, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying Jesus that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not.”
(Gal 5:22 KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
(Psa 36:11 KJV) Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
(2 Cor 4:7 KJV) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Note you want to be personally blessed, do try to keep all of God’s laws then.. No matter how much I do still say it many people still do not do it know the Bible or do not follow it.. I have often said spend more time in getting to know God’s words directly, read the Bible more.. and do not rather read what the still mostly liars do say about the Bible, and anything else they say. Men’s opinions are useless to God’s real, whole truth still too! Let God interpret, teach you his word and not the mostly mere, useless men and women. Stop praising mere men and women, praise God and worship him alone.. and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
(Isa 66:2 KJV) For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
(Joel 2:11 KJV) Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. 23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. 24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
Now the word of God is generally revealed to us all in two different ways. There is written direct Scripture (the Greek word logos), which shows us all God’s general will. There are next also times when the Holy Spirit quickens a particular Scripture or otherwise gives us a direct word (the Greek word rhema) concerning God’s specific will in a particular situation. We have to be open to both ways too.
1 Corinthians, 12: 1 – 3: Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
Once a person has been personally now accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, note both, they will next be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and clearly he or she will start becoming a different person. This generally will happen in two different ways:
-The Holy Spirit will continually empower the believer with new abilities, called “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” These gifts enable the believer to do the Lord’s work in new and sometimes miraculous ways. Think of them as “birthday gifts” in honor of their new birth but they are also gifts to equip one to service Christ and the body of Christ much better . The gift of the Holy spirit themselves are never an adequate substitute for having the fruit of the Holy spirit now too
– As the believer next also makes daily conscious choices to submit to the gentle leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the believer’s character is changed. The resulting visible new character traits are called “The Fruit of the Spirit” – . The fruit of the Holy spirit themselves are never an adequate substitute for having the gifts of the Holy spirit now too
The Work of the Holy Spirit as God, in the Trinity:
The Bible teaches that everything done by God was done by the power of the Holy Spirit, from the roses to the stars, from the butterflies to the ants… Everything done by Jesus was done by the power of the Holy Spirit, his Incarnation, his miracles, even His Crucifixion ((Luke 1:13 KJV) But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:30 KJV) And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:41 KJV) And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: (Luke 1:67 KJV) And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; (Acts 10:38 KJV) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (Heb 9:14 KJV) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? )… everything good done by any human being since the beginning of times, has been done by the power of the Holy Spirit; all your good deeds were done with the power of the Spirit of God, even if you never heard about Him!… the Holy Spirit is the person who moves the universe and your life… if you let him.
Each Person of the Trinity does His own specific thing, but actually the Tree Persons are actively involved on every thing. We relate Calvary and the Eucharist to the Son, Jesus Christ, as we relate Pentecost and Baptism to the Holy Spirit, and the Creation and Supreme Being to the Father… but the Three Persons are involved on every thing. For Example: In the Incarnation: The Son is the one to incarnate in Virgin Mary. But it is done by the power of the Holy Spirit, doing the will of the Father… It is the Father who gives the order, who wants it. It is the Son who becomes man. And it is the Holy Spirit the one who does the job (Lk.1:26-38). At Calvary: It is the Son, Jesus, who is crucified. But because the Father gives the order, it is the will of the Father, in consensus with the Son ((Mat 26:39 KJV) And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. ). And all of it is done moved by the eternal Spirit, who uses in this case some Jews and Romans to do the job ((Heb 9:14 KJV) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ). At the Creation: It is the same story: It is the Father who gives the order. He pronounces the Word, “let there be light”. And the Word did it… but the Word didn’t need engineers, nor a thousand workers, he did it with the power of the Spirit of God who hovered over the surface of the waters ((Gen 1:1 KJV) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Psa 104:30 KJV) Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. (John 1:1 KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. )… now the same Spirit is hovering over you and me, helping us to be saints, alleluia!… and of course, the Spirit breathed into us is the one who gives us life
((Gen 2:7 KJV) And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Job 33:4 KJV) The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. ). Everything good of any person on earth is done like in the life of Jesus: By the power of the Holy Spirit!… no one can even say “Jesus is the Lord” except by the Holy Spirit ((1 Cor 12:3 KJV) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. ):
– Jesus was born by the power of the Holy Spirit ((Luke 1:35 KJV) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. ).
– He went about doing good and healing all the oppressed by the devil, by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38 KJV) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ).
– All his ministry was done anointed by the Holy Spirit ((Luke 4:18 KJV) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, ).
– He was crucified moved by the eternal Spirit ((Heb 9:14 KJV) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ).
– The Spirit raised Jesus from the death ((Rom 8:11 KJV) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. ).
– The Consecration at the Mass is done by the power of the Holy Spirit, as every priest proclaims at the moment of the Consecration…
– And actually, the Holy Spirit is the one who leads the Church and your life and mine ((John 14:15 KJV) If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (John 14:26 KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 15:26 KJV) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 16:7 KJV) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. ).
– All the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and that’s why it is the Word of God, to guide and help in the sanctification of all of us ((Heb 4:12 KJV) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (2 Pet 1:21 KJV) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. ).
The Holy Spirit is usually mentioned last in the Trinity, and some people wonder if this doesn’t imply inferiority: Not at all!. The usual placement of the three persons of the Trinity has nothing to do with their importance, but with the order or chronology in their functions: The Father created us, the Son redeemed us, and now the Holy Spirit does his work in this age of the Spirit ((1 Pet 1:2 KJV) Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. ). Thus we pray to the Father through the Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Cor. 12:1-12 – Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant….. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
There are the Manifestation Gifts of the Holy Spirit, but there are also the gifts of church officers too. (Eph 4:11 KJV) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
The 9 manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit can be divided into three groups:
I. Utterance Gifts
Tongues
Interpretation of Tongues
Prophecy
II. Revelation Gifts
Word of Knowledge
Word of Wisdom
Discerning of Spirits
III. Power Gifts
Gift of Faith
Gifts of Healings
Working of Miracles
1 Corinthians 12:8-11 : These gifts do include
words of wisdom;
words of knowledge;
faith;
healing;
miracle-working;
prophecy;
distinguishing of spirits;
tongues;
interpretation of tongues.
The purpose of the these Holy Spirit’s gifts is that they will always be a sign pointing to Jesus Christ. The gifts should NEVER be used to draw attention to us or to “our” ministry. The gifts of the Spirit are the ministry of the Holy Spirit to ourselves and to others..
“Hosea 10:12 – “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.”
“Word of wisdom.
Wisdom is simply applied knowledge. We experience the word of wisdom when the Holy Spirit gives us supernatural wisdom in a particular situation. In the 7th chapter of the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit enabled Stephen to speak Scripture and history in a remarkable way. In your daily walk, the Holy Spirit will sometimes empower you to share the Gospel with another person. The Holy Spirit will miraculously give you words to touch the heart of that person. When it happens, you KNOW that your intellect didn’t concoct that word of wisdom. It came from the heart of God, as a gift to that soon-to-be believer. If you regularly study Scripture, the Lord will often illuminate your understanding, and show you how to apply the Word during the day. The word of wisdom will always help one or more believers and thereby edify (build up) the Body of Christ. The word of wisdom is not a flashy gift, and the charlatans don’t mimic this during their fund-raising campaigns. But it comes first on God’s list for good reason. Godly wisdom is one essential to your walk with God. Consider these words from Proverbs chapter 3:
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.
Think about it. Wisdom is a profound gift from the Lord, and one that He delights to give us, if we diligently seek it. If wisdom from God can bring happiness, long life, riches, honor and peace, we can stop right here and be content. But God has other gifts to bestow.
Word of knowledge.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit reveals something that the believer couldn’t possibly have known otherwise. In Acts chapter 5, the Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias was lying. Sometimes in your prayer times, the Lord will reveal something to you. Maybe that word is for you: to encourage you or convict you of a particular sin. On rare occasions, the word is for (or about) somebody else or some group. In any case, the Holy Spirit bestows these words of knowledge to accomplish His own purposes. Please exercise great wisdom concerning the word of knowledge. If someone gives you “a word from the Lord,” you must evaluate that word in the light of Scripture and in the context of what you KNOW God is doing in your life. By the same token, don’t be offended if you share a word of knowledge with somebody and that person doesn’t immediately take action. Sure, YOU believe it’s from the Lord, but the Holy Spirit and Scripture must make that word real for the intended recipient. . When you receive such a word, immediately ask the Lord for wisdom in how to apply it.
Faith.
God LOVES to see us exercise faith in Him. He grants us eternal salvation when we exercise faith in the redeeming sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, rather than in our own righteousness. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), so faith must be as natural for the Christian as breathing. But this faith is something special. At specific times, God gives us clear directions to step out in faith in a particular situation, and the results are often miraculous (at least in our eyes). We exercise faith when God’s promises are more real to us than our circumstances. We exercise faith when we act on the basis of God’s will, as revealed in Scripture and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.
Gifts of Healings.
Notice that the Bible talks about Gifts (plural) of Healings (also plural). These are individual packages of healings given to specific persons. Your friend next door may receive healing from a cancerous condition, or somebody in New York may receive a healing for a chronic kidney problem. These are gifts to the specific persons, from God. Healings are a very precious gift from God. All sickness comes as a result of Adam’s fall, as the wages of sin. Therefore all healing is more than a welcome relief from suffering. It is a miraculous, partial reversal of The Curse, a special act of God’s love in our behalf. God is willing to bestow a gift of healing through the prayers of any Spirit-filled Christian, assuming always a miraculous or gradual healing is God’s will for the recipient. Some believers are greatly used more than others by God as a conduit for His healing gifts. In most cases, it is not only because these believers are successful in their prayers and they are good listeners to god but it is also they have been gifted in this area.. They pray to HEAR the will of God FIRST. Then they can pray with 100% confidence because they are lined up with God’s will in that situation. We already know that all pastors have to be called by God, gifted by god too to be real, valid pastors. “The Gift of Healing.” too often may put the emphasis on the brother or sister doing the praying, rather than firstly on God or the recipient of the gift of healing. I’d can also say that brother or sister has “The Gift of HEARING” — a special case of the Word of Knowledge discussed earlier.
“…to another the working of miracles…”
Compare God’s plan to our weak flesh (human) nature. God gnarly wants to give us the gifts in a deliberate sequence according to our spiritual maturity to handle them as well. He tends to wants us to receive Wisdom, Knowledge and Faith before we all do even start praying for healings or other miracles. Unfortunately, human nature is foolish, ignorant, faithless and impatient. We tend to like the EASY way, the Mac Donald express, the supposedly more convenient way, rather the self seeking, self exalting spectacular way. We ALL DO TEND TO STILL want to jump in and start praying for great riches or spectacular miracles before FIRSTLY growing in GOD’S WORD AND NEXT IN spiritual maturity.
God wants us to enter His Kingdom as little children: with HUMBLE, enormous capacity to learn and grow, but limited power and authority at first. As a 12-year-old boy with big feet, I was repeatedly told I would “grow into” the feet. Likewise, God will enable each one of us to next “grow into” the full operation in His SPECIFIC DESIGNATED gifts for us and some eventually will learn to use all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but not all of us.
It takes first a knowledge of God’s word, and of Wisdom and Faith to discern God’s will even for His service. But if we are abiding in Christ and faithfully studying Scripture, the Holy Spirit will show us His will. Just don’t be surprised (or falsely impressed with yourself) when He asks you to also work a miracle. The Lord will occasionally ask you to pray for a miracle. Miracles should also be a normal part of our walk. We should always have our hearts tuned to hear God’s voice never the less. Does God want to make a spiritual miracle worker out of me? Maybe. But not necessarily. Most of the time, the work of the Holy Spirit is initially quiet and hidden. Most of His work initially involves changing our own hearts and character to be useful to Him. You wouldn’t dream of letting a child play with a loaded gun. A wise parent first instructs the child over time before trusting him or her to act responsibly. Likewise the Holy Spirit seeks to change our hearts, to make us more like our Lord, before entrusting us with great power.
(Deu 7:22 KJV) And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.23 But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.
(Isa 28:10 KJV) For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
(2 Cor 4:7 KJV) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
(Heb 6:1 KJV) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
“…to another prophecy…”
PROPHECY IS PERSONALLY PROCLAIMING DIRECTLY GOD’S WORD SPECIFICALLY FOR A SPECIFIC GROUP.. You do not have to be a Prophet to prophecy, in fact all believers are encouraged to use the gift of prophecy firstly too. (John 17:21 KJV) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (1 Cor 14:31 KJV) For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (Rev 19:10 KJV) And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
All Prophecy always exalts the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Christian People who have learned to use faithfully the gifts of prophecy tend to become God true Prophets. God’s prophets ALSO TOO do work two ways. Most of the time, they speak forth God’s will in accordance with Scripture. At certain times, they will EVEN foretell future events. In real life, prophecy works like a combination of the Word of Wisdom and Faith. The prophet operates in the Lord’s wisdom, and speaks in faith in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Some characteristics of the New Testament prophets:
God’s prophets always seek to glorify God. They trust God in every circumstance, and delight to declare His faithfulness to His Word.
God’s prophets always seek to know God’s will through Scripture. Their hearts are prepared by diligent study.
God’s prophets always seek to help the elders, the pastors, and to edify other believers. As Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give.”
God’s prophets always speak according to the will of God, consistent with Scriptures.
God’s prophets are not perfect as well, neither was Moses and he was a true Prophet of God (1 Chi 8:46 KJV) If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near; (Eccl 7:20 KJV) For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
If somebody CLAIMS to be a prophet but consistently falls short in these areas, he or she is a false prophet — a wolf, looking for weak sheep. Such a person is NOT a brother or sister in Christ and must be quickly removed from your fellowship. Don’t even eat lunch with him/her. On the other hand, some well-intentioned Christians think they’ve heard from the Lord on certain subjects, and make silly predictions about the future. Their behavior brings dishonor upon God and His church. Forgive them, but bring the wrong predictions to their attention in a loving way — just as you would for any other type of sin or shortcoming. The Holy Spirit will guide you and give you wisdom, if you ask Him.
“…to another discerning of spirits…”
Most believers are a little bit uncomfortable with this gift. We don’t WANT to know how many demons are floating around out there. It sounds pretty scary. The devil will discourage the use of this gift like he does all of the rest too. Fortunately, God doesn’t ask us to go around counting demons. But there are specific times when we absolutely MUST know the truth of a particular situation. For example, we must know:
Whether a person’s words and actions are motivated by the Holy Spirit, by a demon, or by that person’s own flesh nature. Pastors, in particular, must constantly exercise this discernment. Likewise, you and I must exercise discernment concerning our pastors and teachers. You should pray for discernment about me and these lessons. And you must really pray for discernment when you are around people operating in the Spirit gifts; the enemy is always seeking to infiltrate our home groups and prayer groups.
Even supposedly right-on teachers and pastors have bad days and crummy messages. Your discernment will enable you to know whether their teaching is demonic or just uninspired.
Likewise, some really “off-center” teachers can seem to have right-on messages. Nothing wrong with their words. The gift of discernment will enable you to know God’s opinion, and will alert you to the little clues of demonic influence. I have seen many TV preachers preach what I thought was a good message only too often to have the Holy spirit next say to me they are false, were not his true messengers and why as well!
When a demonic spirit is operating in a particular situation. Wake up, believers! When you feel down and depressed shortly after a major accomplishment for the Lord, wake up! It might be an attack from the enemy (revenge). Then, too, it might be plain old fatigue. Either way, you’re very vulnerable when you’re tired. Get “covering” prayer from your spouse or from a strong believer of the same gender. Let that person break the grip of the enemy and pray some steel into your shield.
Religious spirits do now love to operate in churches. The first instance of Jesus casting out a demon was in a synagogue. I’ve personally observed demonic powers operating in all types of churches, from mainline denominational to wild-side splinter groups. Even in very good church fellowships, a particular meeting can suffer a heavy lifelessness until somebody exercises discernment and prays (usually silently) to break it. One morning, I was guest-teaching a Sunday-morning Bible class and was surprised at the silent heaviness over everybody at the beginning. A few minutes later I discerned the spiritual oppression and said an instant prayer. The spirit immediately broke and fled, and the group became its usual cheerful gathering.
When a particular person is demon-possessed. Most of the time, this will be obvious to a Spirit-filled believer. Instantly start praying for the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom to know God’s will in that situation. Be careful to do nothing more or less than God’s will, even if God’s will is to walk away. And have faith that what God requires, He enables.
The tricky part is that “possession” is often a part-time situation, triggered by drinking or drugs. A short, soft-voiced woman in our apartment complex once become a raging monster during a drinking bout. She began throwing living room furniture through her front window, screaming profanity in a voice not her own. Before and after this event, she was congenial, educated and articulate. Without discernment, you would never have believed the story from any of the witnesses.
Does the content of this section shock you? Just remember Paul’s words in Ephesians chapter 6, verses 12-18:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
According to this passage, God requires us to recognize the spiritual nature of our daily walk. We’re in a battle, and you can’t see the enemy. Therefore we must be watchful (verse 18) with our supernatural senses, exercising discernment along with the gifts of wisdom, knowledge and faith.
…to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
The “different kinds of tongues” is a most-peculiar gift. The most-famous example was when the 120 disciples began speaking in other tongues on the Day of Pentecost. God chose this day and this particular miracle to spread His gospel as rapidly as possible. Pentecost was a pilgrimage day, and devout Jews from everywhere were in town to observe the feast. Each of the pilgrims heard the disciples proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in his own language. Just as each gift of healing is a partial reversal of the general curse on humanity, the gift of tongues on that occasion was a partial reversal of the curse and confounding of languages at Babel. While this type of miracle may have been repeated elsewhere, we have no record of it in Scripture.
In later passages in the Book of Acts, different groups of disciples spoke in tongues unknown both to themselves and their hearers. For example, before Peter could finish sharing the Gospel message with the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house, the Holy Spirit fell upon these Gentiles and they began speaking in other tongues. To fully appreciate how odd this miracle was, consider the Scriptural pattern for believers:
An unbelieving person hears the Gospel message and decides to become a believer.
The formerly unbelieving person makes a profession of faith to begin trusting in the completed work of Jesus. At that moment, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the heart of the believer to perform His precious work of salvation and transformation.
As an outward demonstration of his inward profession, the new believer gets baptized in water.
At some point, perhaps at the first profession of faith or perhaps years later, depending when he actually does surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ it seems, but some never do, the new believer agrees with God and prays to receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit, as described at the beginning of this lesson. Frequently, this will involve another believer praying for and laying hands upon the new believer.
After the baptism with the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit will begin to appear.
The above is not the only way it can happen, but it had already become a tradition in the early church. Furthermore, the Apostles had only been sharing the Gospel with Jewish people and occasional Samaritans. ”
Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
In the first part of this chapter, Paul described gifts of the Holy Spirit which the Holy Spirit gives to individuals. Now these verses explain that God gives us individuals with these gifts to minister within the church. Let’s discuss these briefly.
Apostles
The term “apostles” is usually reserved for the disciples personally chosen by our Lord during His earthly ministry (the original 12, less Judas) plus Paul/Saul of Tarsus. In Scripture, we have no record of disciples being ordained as apostles. The Greek word apostellos, translated “apostle,” means “one sent forth.” It implies a sender, a message and a specific mission to accomplish. In addition to the 12 men mentioned above, other individuals are described as apostles:
In Acts 14:14, Paul and Barnabus are described as apostles.
In Romans 16:7, two men — Andronicus and Junia — are described as “outstanding among the apostles…”
In Galatians 1:19, Paul says he “…saw none of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.”
In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is described as “the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.” In this context, Jesus was the first Apostle: He was sent forth by the Father to personally bring the precious message of redemption to fallen mankind.
In my personal opinion, the Lord still anoints and sends apostles to the church today. We certainly still have need of them. These men do the same tasks that the original 11 Apostles did immediately after Pentecost. They preach, they teach, they plant churches. They disciple others to carry the Gospel message and plant other churches. They are more than just successful pastors and teachers. They are more than just evangelists. They carry the seeds of planting entire church bodies. They demonstrate a hundred-fold or a thousand-fold fruitfulness in training other men and women to reach their full ministry potential.
Apostles may operate in all the gifts of the Spirit. As one pastor described it: “I look inside myself and don’t see any gifts. But the Holy Spirit lives inside me, and He has all the gifts.”
Prophets
God gives prophets to the Church to serve as evangelists, pastors and counselors. In ministry context, we say these individuals function in the office of the prophet. They speak forth God’s Word with clarity and consistency, to edify the individual members of the body of Christ.
Of course, men and women may operate in the gift of prophecy outside the formal context of ordained ministry, as we discussed earlier. In all cases, the Holy Spirit speaks through submitted vessels to build up all the members of the body.
Teachers
The third gift ministry is teaching. Teachers make Scriptures come alive in the minds and hearts of individual believers. Teachers are not evangelists, nor do they generally function as prophets to the assembled congregation.
Some evangelists, pastors and prophets are also gifted as teachers. However, their ministry is to the congregation at large. Teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of working with believers individually and in small groups. A few teachers, like Chuck Missler, have become so popular that large groups gather whenever they speak. Nevertheless, all true teachers live for the opportunity of making God’s Word real for people, and delight to share with individuals and small groups where they can directly interact with their students.
“…after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”
Apostles, prophets and teachers are the three most-visible gift ministries.
Then come these five: miracles, healings, helps, administrations and tongues. Like the first three, their operation is essential to the healthy functioning of the body.
Miracles and healings, as discussed earlier, are a direct result of a believer’s personal prayer life. If we are really praying in the Spirit (hint: praying in tongues can help here), we are in two-way communication with God. If we actively listen to God, He will reveal His will for miracles and healings.
Helps and administrations are very dear to the heart of God, because they involve giving. Helps is easy to understand. A Spirit-filled believer is always ready to sacrificially help another person.
The gift of administrations is something quite different and special. It involves planning, organizing and carrying out church programs. Some is done by pastors and church administrators. Some is done by volunteers. Unlike worldly administration, God’s work cannot be done with fleshly talents. God’s work is always an act of faith, performed at the direction of the Holy Spirit.
The gift of tongues is valuable for building up individual believers and sometimes helpful in group settings. In prayer meetings that are primarily “believers-only” gatherings, praying in tongues as a group can be helpful. In such cases, the Holy Spirit can speak praise and worship through us, to help tune our hearts to His goals for the group. As we’ll see in a future lesson, our “prayer language” is not a suitable vehicle for delivering prophetic messages to a group.
Let’s conclude with verses 29 and 30:
1 Corinthians, 12: 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
The answer to these questions is self-evident. God gives gifts to whomever He pleases, for whatever reasons make sense to Him.
(1 John 5:2 KJV) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
(1 Cor 14:12 KJV) Even so ye, for as much as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
(1 Cor 14:13 KJV) Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
The demon experts, those same fundamental Christians persons who clearly do not know anything personally of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, likely do not even now him, are too often experts though now in bashing those who do.. including the Pentecostals: For example “An interesting article, reaching the same conclusion, appeared in the International Herald Tribune, Feb. 11, 1993; the title speaks for itself: “Pentecostals top charts when it comes to the blues”. Why is this? Surely it must be related to the fact that the ‘experience’ of spirit-possession, which Pentecostals (and others) claim, is no more than a painful psychological con-trick.”” These fundamental bashers, actually people abusers are still immoral persons and you do tell what a persons is really like still by what they do..
(Mat 7:17 KJV) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
(2 Pet 3:14 KJV) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
(2 Cor 7:10 KJV) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
(Phil 2:12 KJV) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
(Phil 2:15 KJV) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
(Phil 2:16 KJV) Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
(Phil 2:21 KJV) For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
There is no doubt in my mind that many people who think they are Christians will not end up in heaven.. their belief is rather a belief into a religious culture, it is not a reality of a personal daily fellowship with the living Christ.. Today the workers of Satan are presenting themselves as Christians, even pastors and evangelists of Jesus Christ. They are preaching the word of God to mean just the opposite to what God is saying. “2Cor 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness;… Matt 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” and they do clearly and wrongfully twist the word of God to do this..
I AM THE TRUE VINE…EVERY BRANCH IN ME (every saved person in Christ Jesus) THAT BEARETH NOT FRUIT (will not serve Jesus or do the will of God) HE TAKETH AWAY…AND CAST THEM INTO THE FIRE-Jn 15:1,2,6.
(2 Pet 2:1 KJV) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
“This Biblical doctrine that a person who has received Jesus Christ, been born into the family of God, and justified by faith, can never again be lost is sometimes called eternal security.Can a saved person ever be lost? Can a Christian, a person who has received Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, sin to such a degree that he will lose his salvation, go to hell or Hades at death, and eventually be consigned to the lake of fire at the great white throne judgment?” That question takes on clearer focus if we first answer two other questions: (1) What does it mean to be lost? (2) What does it mean to be saved? First, that he is saved. If you don’t know you are saved, it is because you are not saved. Second, that he can never again be lost. 1 Peter 1:3-5 says: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith, unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN SO HE COULD BELIEVE AND KNOW! 1 John 5:13; The saint can know he HAS ETERNAL SALVATION!” but can he lose it?
Many Churches are filled with proud, unbroken church members, whose only hope of salvation is that the preacher told them they were saved. Only one type of individual is saved and secure; that is the individual who has really personally BELIEVED GOD. According to your faith it shall be.. Many do, that care little about Christ. We go to church to worship Him, fellowship with other believers and learn about Him. Nevertheless, knowing about Him is not the same as actually knowing Him personally. Attending a church does not make one a true Christian. Being involved with a church, may give an illusion of spirituality, but unless we have personally been ‘born again’ by accepting Jesus as our own Saviour and Lord, we are still in sin. It is very sad that many sincere people attend church but have never known the assurance of Jesus in their own lives. I spent may wasted years under the delusion that I was a Christian. It was only when I became involved with a church that led me to Christ and I became saved, that Jesus became real. But even then I can chose to no longer follow him on my own.. and Satan will work really hard to try to insure this too.
At any point in our Christian life we can decide to turn back, to choose the things of the world rather than the things of God and heaven. 50 percent of all of the once loudly professing Christians I know eventually do fall away from the Lord, deliberately chose not to follow after him anymore, mainly cause they have a desire to get rich or to experience more of the pleasure of this world.. (Luke 17:32 KJV) Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
(1 John 2:15 KJV) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
We are saved only through faith in Jesus Christ as our Saviour. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. However, we show our faith by our works. It is a manifestation of our love for Him. Keeping God’s commandments and doing right are merely the result of His Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart. These are the fruits of the Spirit. We do these things, not in order to be saved, but because we are saved, and as long as we love the Lord with all our heart, we are going to be obedient to Him. We will not let go of the rope. We will continue to cling to Christ as our only hope.
(Job 1:6 KJV) Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. 7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
(Job 2:1 KJV) Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
(Mat 9:29 KJV) Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
(2 Pet 1:5 KJV) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
I also find it quite humorous, and ironic that the fundamental Christians who are well known for their staunch support and belief of eternal salvation security of believers, even the fundamental Baptists and the Plymouth Brethren groups, they generally do rationalize that the professing Christians who behave like non Christians were never saved in the first place.. there was no doubt that Judas the apostle, one of the 12 , was saved too? These same people who to me really are not honest, really do not rightfully divide the word of truth too, they do still now support wrongfully the concept of eternal salvation are generally the very same persons clearly ignorant of the Holy Spirit’s spiritual gifts, for they do wrongfully oppose them mostly, and they do deny their existence today too. How they can now claim to be so biblically right in one are and so biblically wrong in another area now too is a vivid unacceptable contradiction.
It is written, WHO SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST? SHALL TRIBULATION, OR DISTRESS, OR PERSECUTION, OR FAMINE, OR NAKEDNESS, OR PERIL, OR SWORD?-Ro 8:35. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ; except ourselves.
Paul said, I KEEP UNDER MY BODY, AND BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION: LEST THAT BY ANY MEANS, WHEN I HAVE PREACHED TO OTHERS, I MYSELF SHOULD BE A CASTAWAY-1 Cor 9:27. Paul knew we could lose salvation as also exemplified in the following. BEHOLD THEREFORE THE GOODNESS…OF GOD…IF THOU CONTINUE IN HIS GOODNESS: OTHERWISE THOU ALSO SHALT BE CUT OFF (if you do not continue in faith and obeying the Gospel, you shall be cut off). AND THEY ALSO, IF THEY ABIDE NOT STILL IN UNBELIEF, SHALL BE GRAFTED IN: FOR GOD IS ABLE TO GRAFT THEM IN AGAIN-Ro 11:22,23. They can be saved, but fall into unbelief and lose salvation. However, if they repent and believe again, God can save them again a second time? If Apostle Paul went back to persecuting again the Christians would he have really been considered as saved, eternally secure then too?
God already clearly tells us, WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS TURNETH FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jesus, his faith), AND COMMITTETH INIQUITY, HE SHALL EVEN DIE THEREBY (go to hell). BUT IF THE WICKED TURN FROM HIS WICKEDNESS (repents), AND DO THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT, HE SHALL LIVE THEREBY-Ezek 33:18,19. These people thought they could not lose salvation. God seems to be displeased that they thought, once saved, always saved. He speaks through Ezekiel with words that seem to explode: (17)-THY PEOPLE SAY, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL: BUT AS FOR THEM, THEIR WAY IS NOT EQUAL. These words are for every person who believes once saved, always saved. The way of God, once you surrender to Jesus, is all your sins are erased. They are not remembered. But, if you turn back to sin (turn from your faith), all your good deeds are equally not remembered. God’s ways are totally just. When the RIGHTEOUS MAN DOTH TURN FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND COMMIT INIQUITY…HE SHALL DIE IN HIS SIN, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH HE HATH DONE SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED-Ezek 3:20.
God created the man from the dust of the earth. Adam was created as a man. Then, God sent his breath into Adam, which is his spirit of man and made him a living soul, who has the everlasting life. God put him in the Garden of Eden, which is the paradise of God. “Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Rev 2:7 …the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” God and Satan preached their messages to Adam and Eve. God told Adam that he will surely die the eternal death if they disobey God, which is to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan told Eve that they already have eternal life, which is the breath of God. They are already in the Garden of Eden, which is the paradise of God. They are already saved. “ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED” So, surely they will not die the eternal death even if they disobey God. “Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:” Satan succeeded in deceiving Eve and Adam and they ate the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God punished Satan, Adam and Eve. They lost the eternal life, and History repeats itself..
(Luke 11:23 KJV) He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. 24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. 27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
CONCLUSION
Come, Lord Jesus, and fill these people full of the Holy Spirit.
In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul lists out these gifts. Any Spirit-filled Christian can eventually manifest or release any of these gifts as the Holy Spirit directs him.
Word of Wisdom – God’s supernatural perspective on how to achieve His will. God’s knowledge rightly applied to specific situations.
Word of Knowledge – “Facts” given by God that are unknowable without revelation.
The Gift of Faith – The supernatural ability to believe God without doubt. Essential to the Gift of Healing and Miracles.
The Gift of Healing – Supernatural healing through special anointing of the Holy Spirit.
The Working of Miracles – A supernatural display of power that goes beyond the natural to counteract earthly and evil forces.
Discerning of Spirits – Spiritual insight into differences between the Holy Spirit, the the spirit of Man, and evil spirits at work in the earth. It is not the discerning of character faults.
The Gift of Prophecy – The forth-telling of God’s utterance. It is not of the intellect but of the Spirit. It is divinely inspired and anointed words spoken by a believer.
Kinds of Tongues – This is not to be confused with the use of tongues in private prayer or worship. This refers to the ministry of tongues to others. An utterance from a believer to another in a language unknown to the speaker. (Isaiah 28:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4; 10:44-48; 19:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 13:1-3; 14:2,4-22,26-31; 28:31)
Interpretation of Tongues – Supernatural power to reveal the meaning of tongues. Not a translation, but an interpretation. Tongues and Interpretation working together can be the equivalent of prophecy.
The working of these nine Gifts is for the profit and advantage of the Church. They are for the benefit of the Church and are specifically available to every believer as the Holy Spirit wills. (1Corinthians 12:7-11; 14:12). They should all be actively welcomed and expected in your life. (1Corinthians 14:1)
HOW MANY GIFTS DO WE GET?
The Holy Spirit distributes His gifts to each believer severally as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11) It is not up to us how many gifts we want or are willing to use but up to the Holy Spirit to give whatever He wants to whoever He wants whenever He wants. It is up to us to appreciate all of them and to allow the Holy Spirit to use us in any of them to minister to others.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s way of empowering us to manifest His love to His Church and to cleanse us and make us holy. We need therefore to acknowledge that love is necessary for the proper use of the Gifts – faith works by love.(Galations 5:6) Love edifies others (1Corinthians 8:1) as God has shown His love for you by giving you faith to believe in and trust in and cling to and rely on Jesus. Repent of anything that would hold you back from experiencing and walking in His fullness through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for it. Receive it. Freely it has been given to you – now freely give. (Matthew 10:8)
And we are witnesses of these things;
and so is the Holy Spirit,
whom God has given to those who obey Him. Acts 5:32
(Gal 1:8 KJV) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
(1 John 1:3 KJV) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
My serious interest on the subject of the Holy Spirit started at an early age, around the time I was 25, even cause I had asked my evangelical Baptist Church pastor if there was such thing today as empowering from God to live the Christian life.. when he replied no, and because sadly I knew he basically was not to be trusted I decided that I should look more seriously into the topic, so I stared to read many Books, and the Bible on the subject of the Holy Sprit next. When I next read the testimonies of others, it was clearly evident, undeniable that some Christians had experienced dramatic changes in heir personal life as a result of knowing Christ, and being filled with the holy spirit, even more dramatically than others too. Why the difference. And as I continued my study it became very evident that not everyone who professed to be a Christian, pastors, elders included were even firstly Christians. Imagine that church pastors were falsely still even reading clearly secular books to know more about God. It also became clear that many professing Christians were not serving God, but doing their own thing, serving themselves, or were trying to please others, mere men and women, or their denominations too. We have more perversion than power, more compromise than conviction and more playboys in the pulpit than prophets. Because of their own sinful nature, human limitations next falsely Men still try to limit God today as to what he God can and cannot do today with His Holy Spirit now as well by next their own false obstructions, confusions, distortions, over simplifications, lies too. Me too there was a time in my life when I thought I was now saved and I had it all, but that was certainly not true. But man still cannot prevail against God, the light, the truth ever. There is power available to you also to personally to overcome: disease, despair, defeat, sickness, sin and Satan! You can now have power over every attack of the devil! And I ask right now, Come, Lord Jesus, and fill these people full of the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 10:27: And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; .Acts 10:28 ..
Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon …
(Luke 2:26 KJV) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
(2 Pet 1:21 KJV) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(2 Pet 3:2 KJV) That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
(2 Tim 1:14 KJV) That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
(Isa 4:4 KJV) When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
(Micah 3:8 KJV) But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
(Mat 12:28 KJV) But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
(Luke 4:1 KJV) And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
(Rom 8:14 KJV) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
(1 Cor 6:11 KJV) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
(1 Cor 12:8 KJV) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
(2 Cor 3:18 KJV) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
(1 Pet 3:18 KJV) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
(1 Matt 3:24 KJV) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
(1 John 3:21 KJV) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 2 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
(Rev 3:15 KJV) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
In fact it became evident not just in the Catholic, Orthodox Churches but even in Christian Plymouth Brethren, Baptist, Alliance and Pentecostal churches now too that in some professing persons, pastors, elders, deacons too, there still was no difference in behavior between the professing Christian person and the typical unbeliever, unchristian persons. Many so called Christians it became clear also to me they did not have a definite experiences where they had made Jesus Christ the sole Lord of their life, as next even a Christian Missionary Alliance church pastor had admitted to me. Now if many pastors were not preaching, living the empowered Christian Life how could the rest of the flock be aware of it as well? So I next talked to many many more pastors, and discovered many of them did not use or know the Bible in evangelical churches, but firstly they did not have a definite experience where they knew that God had even called them into the ministry. They became pastors by their own choice and were rather too often mere “hirelings”, in the Job merely as as any other person is in a secular career. It next also amazed me how many writers, preachers claimed to be experts on the Baptism of the Holy spirit, the anointing, when they had even admitted that they had never experienced it themselves.. ridiculous, and so how can you be an expert on something you have never experienced too? Many people it seems still can be easily deceived by the devil that they are following and doing God’s will when they clearly now are not. There is much too much filthy manna, begging and stealing money now associated with Christians and why? They Cleary are no living the real anointed life but doing their on selfish thing still too. Many professing Christians , pastors recognize their lack of holy sprit in their life, but instead of honestly confronting the reason why they next lie and say that the miracles ended when the last disciple died. When the Bible was finished being written. It was a temporary empowering. When Jesus was on the Cross He cried out, “It is finished!”
(Heb 13:8 KJV) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. is alive today.. and he can be alive today in you and me too. And John 4:4 states, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Well I got good news for you but power of the cross, the anointing, it was not over rather the posited it was just the beginning Jesus vetoed sin and the crucifixion with His resurrection by the Holy sprit, and then Jesus next gave a tag team hand off to the Holy Ghost to all others. The same anointing of Holy Ghost power that gave Jesus the power to overcome Satan’s power, temptation!! The Holy Ghost power and anointing can be yours, today!! This is the source of power to overcome Satan everyday of your life if you continue to follow after God, to obey and do his will daily. If you rebel from God do not expect this anointing to be of help to you. You need to willfully continue to walk humbly in the light, in Jesus himself still too. And if you let God do it, he will empower, equip you to do his will, equip you uniquely for service to him like he has done to many others. When Jesus was being tried in Pilate’s court, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. He didn’t have enough courage to even say that he knew Jesus. let alone be His witness, but after the Holy Ghost fell on the 120 at Pentecost. What a difference!! The first sermon Peter preached, 3000 were converted. You can have this kind of power now in your life. Yes it’s free for the asking humbly to all who already do believe and are baptized in Jesus as both their Savior and Lord. You are free to live the empowered life if you daily choose to do so, or you can next even daily choose to walk merely in your own sinful thing, in the flesh.
Perhaps you still do feel you are not worthy to receive this power. Possibly some have told you that this power is not for today. Or you feel overcome by the pressures of life and don’t know how to ask for the power of the Holy Ghost to take over your life. Right now that all you need to do is simply to humbly ask God even again. The Bible says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). It is His desire that you receive everything He has for you! Tthe Bible declares it to be so! ” And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the hand-maids in those days will I pour out my spirit” (Joel 2:28-29). It’s still for as many who call upon the name of the Lord!
(Mat 7:7 KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
(Luke 11:10 KJV) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
(Gal 5:22 KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Gal 5:25 KJV) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Pass it on. The Lord wants to infuse you with an anointing, by the Holy Spirit, which will propel you through every line of Satan’s defense. This is how you can overcome every situation as you receive “power from on high!” Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself was full of this power as He withstood the onslaught of the devil while fasting in the wilderness. The Bible records that John the Baptist baptized Jesus, the Lord of Glory, in the river Jordan prior to Him praying and fasting 40 days and 40 nights. At the end of this fast Satan came to Him and tempted Him in His spirit, soul and body to sin against God. But Jesus resisted Satan’s offense with the statement, “It is written!” After this, Luke 4: 14 states, And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. If Jesus, walking as a man, needed the power of the Holy Spirit to stand against the assault of the devil, I ask you, “How much more do we need the power of the Holy Spirit?” There’s a Holy Spirit revival coming, and it’s can also be coming even through your words, through your hands and through your life!
Would you like to have God’s Holy Ghost Power in your life? If so please pray this prayer humbly. “Dear Heavenly Father. As per your promises in your word, the Bible do next baptize me with your Holy sprit, power. I accept the promise of Acts 2: 38 & 39 and the anointing power of the Holy Ghost. I ask to have the power that Apostles had received even in my life. I also do want the power to overcome Satan everyday, in all areas of life! Jesus you are my lord so by your Holy Spirit, please fill me now and take full control of my life, my body and even my tongue. Let my tongue now also give praises to God the Father and His Holy Son, Jesus in a Heavenly language. I put myself, my all under your full control. Amen!”
John 10:37-38 ” If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. ”
(2 John 1:5 KJV) And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
(Luke 4:18 KJV) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
The anointing that the devil and his false followers do hate and oppose, lie about is this..
The baptism of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy spirit, the Anointing , Tongues, Prophets, Apostles, Miracle workers, tithing now too, the promised land, the prosperity gospel have become unarguably the most overused, overworked, misunderstood, misinterpreted, contentious terms in the news media, in the non Pentecostal and in the Non Charismatic arenas, in the fundamental religious circles all even because many of these people are mostly still serving self, doing their own thing, looking up to mere man and not God. Most people have never even firstly had studied, read what the Bible actually says firstly, not even many preachers.
Beyond the show of a doubt the devil himself firstly really hates any references to the Holy Spirit, the anointed ones, the idea that Christians do have now empowering to overcome the devil too… and so now the devil uses any of his followers, those in the fundamental religious circles too now, to now lie, twist, distort the truths. and they falsely try to say something typical like this “If you check every single Biblical reference to the Anointing you should notice that ” There is not ONE SINGLE reference to the anointing being a supernatural power given to human by which they are able to perform miracles… There is not ONE SINGLE reference to anyone being able to transmit the anointing by any means, including the laying on of hands… There is not ONE SINGLE reference to getting, keeping, increasing, or losing the anointing.”
Mind you they these same liars do have to Tear out the whole Old Testament for a start.. the prophets were clearly anointed, and performed miracles, and the same Jesus yesterday, today and forever who lives in us today too, who was anointed and performed miracles he had also said that believers will do even greater things now too. In the reality now after all Samson next lost his anointing.. and so did King Saul lose his anointing .. and David asked God not to take away his anointing too after he had sinned with Bathsheba..
It’s the frequent and methodical strategy of those people not Holy sprit filled, those people walking in the flesh that they do bash, recite against anyone who has evidenced the Holy Spirit anointing still too, we all can see these false professors own false, unscriptural doctrine and practice. It’s now a charge of their “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” and their disobedience of “touch not the Lord’s anointed.”
The anointing is sacred, the anointing is the Holy Spirit, and all believers in Christ have the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We must be careful what we say about our brothers and sisters in Christ.
(Matthew 12:31 NKJV) “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.
(1 Chronicles 16:22-24 NKJV) Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.” {23} Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. {24} Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.”
While the Antichrist and False Prophet themselves will possess the credential that they do reputedly perform miracles. While the devil does try to counterfeit the miracles of God, those now done by Moses too, the existence of the devil and his bad works, the counterfeits now still does not nullify the present reality, existence of God genuine gifts, miracles and real prophets, miracles workers, apostles now too. REALITY.
The anointing that the devil and his false followers do hate and oppose, lie about is this..
(Mark 16:17 KJV) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(Deu 18:19 KJV) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
(Deu 18:20 KJV) But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
(Psa 89:24 KJV) But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
(Jer 14:14 KJV) Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
(Jer 14:15 KJV) Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.
(Jer 23:25 KJV) I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.
(Jer 27:15 KJV) For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.
(Jer 29:9 KJV) For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.
(Jer 29:23 KJV) Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.
(Mat 18:5 KJV) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
(Mat 18:20 KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
(Mat 24:5 KJV) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
(Mark 9:37 KJV) Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
(Mark 9:39 KJV) But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
(Mark 9:41 KJV) For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
(Luke 9:48 KJV) And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
(Luke 21:8 KJV) And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
(John 14:13 KJV) And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
(John 14:14 KJV) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
(John 14:26 KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
(John 15:16 KJV) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(John 16:23 KJV) And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
(John 16:24 KJV) Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
(1 Cor 12:7 KJV) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
(1 Cor 12:8 KJV) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
(1 Cor 12:9 KJV) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
(1 Cor 12:10 KJV) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
(1 Cor 12:11 KJV) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
To me it is so just unbelievable that any professing Christian persons can even think of saying say that there is no special anointing by the holy spirit and any Christian person today..
Yes the people who are not anointed do not know what it is really like, but they are wrong to say there are no anointing by the Holy Spirit on others.
(Psa 91:11 KJV) For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
(Prov 3:6 KJV) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(Ezek 16:47 KJV) Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways.
I admit that I have mostly stopped hearing for years now too or reading what the supposedly Christians pastors, authors say, write because I have made a real decision a long time ago to only listen to God, to hear him only, and only to write that which he speaks to me to write, for I am not here on earth to get’s man’s useless approval, or any of his money too, for only God’s blessing, approval counts anyway.
Secondly it is very clear that God know everything that I do anyway, firstly. so I too do seek to do his will in everything I do, by praying beforehand Lord what will you have me to do next?
He or she that trust mainly in their own wisdom understandings, or mainly in the advice of others is still basically a real fool, an unwise person.
(Psa 4:5 KJV) Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
(Psa 31:6 KJV) I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.
(Psa 37:3 KJV) Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
(Psa 40:3 KJV) And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
(Psa 73:28 KJV) But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
(Psa 115:10 KJV) O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
(Psa 115:11 KJV) Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
(Psa 118:8 KJV) It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
(Psa 118:9 KJV) It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
(Psa 125:1 KJV) They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
(Prov 3:5 KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
(Prov 28:25 KJV) He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
(Prov 29:25 KJV) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Sadly too many persons are guilty of the sin of presumption, doing that which seems right in their own eyes, without checking first with God if it is the right thing to do. They can’t check with God, basically cause they can’t hear him. and they can’t hear him cause they still do not really have a relationship with God, even cause they really do not spend time with him daily alone hearing him and talking to him..
(Psa 19:13 KJV) Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
(2 Pet 2:10 KJV) But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
(Deu 1:43 KJV) So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill.
(Deu 17:12 KJV) And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.
(Deu 17:13 KJV) And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.
(Deu 18:22 KJV) When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
(Psa 4:8 KJV) I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
http://groups.msn.com/HolySpiritCome
The Anointing Breaks The Yoke
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing” (Isaiah 10:27).
Just because one is a Christian counselor does not make his or her counseling effective. Just because one knows the principles of the Word does not make his or her counseling effective. Just because one is a dynamic or charismatic counselor does not make his or her ministry effective. Education, knowledge, and experience are important, but none of these make one’s ministry effective in the kingdom.
“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). The word “might” means strength, wealth, or force. The word for “power” refers to human ability. The answer is the anointing!
The prophecy found in Isaiah 10:27 is a prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus and the anointing which is to rest upon him. Isaiah 11:2 gives us further insight. “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2). Here we see the seven facets of the Spirit of God:
1. The Spirit of the LORD.
2. The Spirit of wisdom.
3. The Spirit of understanding.
4. The Spirit of counsel.
5. The Spirit of might.
6. The Spirit of knowledge.
7. The Spirit of the fear of the LORD.
Isaiah later gives even more explanation concerning the prophecy. “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:1-3).
When we come to the New Testament, we see Jesus applying the Scripture to himself. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19). Luke in the book of Acts also explains, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).
Again, it is the anointing that breaks the yoke! Human wisdom can not heal emotional wounds. Human knowledge can not set free those who are spiritually bound. Traditions and church rituals can’t cast out a demonic spirit. Human whit can not restore those who have emotional bruises (blows to his or her identity). However, the anointing that was on Jesus can heal all those who have been oppressed of the devil. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).
We should understand that the ANOINTING did not cease when Jesus ascended into Heaven. Joel prophesied concerning the anointing. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit” (Joel 2:28-29). Please note the expression “all flesh” which means that is available to all Believers.
The door to the anointing is open to all Believers, male and female, both young and old. “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:32). Jesus told the Believers right before he ascended, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Sure enough, the anointing came on the day of Pentecost. “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).
Here are several other examples of the anointing. “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). This occurred some time after the outpouring on Pentecost. Paul wrote, “Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God” (II. Corinthians 1:21). Again see the anointing, “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). Stephen was not an apostle, but rather a faithful deacon.
James wrote “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14). Church elders should have the anointing. However, it should not be limited to those is full-time ministry.
If you are a Believer, you need the anointing to minister! Every Believer should ASK for the anointing. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13). However, yesterday’s anointing is not sufficient for today, nor today’s anointing sufficient for tomorrow. We should seek to be anointed daily, even twice daily. “And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations” (Exodus 30:7-8). The lamps were to be filled twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Remember, it is the anointing that breaks the yoke! Now, some will declare that since they are already Believers that automatically gives them the anointing. However, there is a big difference in the earnest of the Spirit and the fullness of the Spirit. “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:12-14). This speaks to the “earnest” of the Spirit that one receives at the time of the rebirth which is an earnest of his inheritance. “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts” (II Corinthians 1:22). “Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit” (II Corinthians 5:5). However, now look at how Paul prays for these Believers who already have the earnest of the Spirit. “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: ” (Ephesians 1:15-21). Paul is praying for these Christians to be anointed with the HOLY SPIRIT of wisdom and revelation. This can be directly cross referenced to, “And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2). Since both passages refer to the HOLY SPIRIT the word “spirit” should be capitalized as I have indicated.
So what are the different facets of the Anointing? There are many; however, one of the main purposes is to reveal our inheritance in Christ. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (I Corinthians 2:12-13). “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:13-15). It is absolutely amazing how the Holy Spirit shows the extent of our inheritance in Christ to those who will receive the anointing.
Another purpose is that the Holy Spirit may become our spiritual teacher and to bring to our memory also what He has taught us. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). I can be counseling or witnessing to someone and the Holy Spirit can bring to mind a Scripture or truth from Scripture to me which I have not thought of in years.
The Holy Spirit also will give greater insights about Jesus to those who receive the anointing. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” (John 15:26).
One primary purpose of the anointing of the Holy Spirit is that one may be a witness unto Christ. One is not just to be a his witness, witness about Jesus, or witness for him, but to witness UNTO him. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This means that when others see the person who is anointed with the Holy Spirit, they should be seeing Jesus.
The anointing will also bring conviction to the “world” through the Believer. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged” (John 16:7-11). The word “reprove” is demonstrated when the prosecuting attorney brings proof into the court that the crime has been committed by the defendant. http://www.wholeperson-counseling.org/doctrine/anointing_breaks.html
I am sure that even non Pentecostals, non charismatic Christians will have to agree with me when I say that the spiritual gift we all need to seek too now is the gift of prophecy.. Prophecy is not merely foretelling always future events,, it is mainly conveying God present words, confirming God’s direction.
“Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” Amos 3:7,8
(Rev 19:10 KJV) And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
All Prophecy always exalts the Lord Jesus Christ and not any man, person, denomination..
(2 Pet 1:20 KJV) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(2 Pet 2:1 KJV) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
(Jer 2:8 KJV) The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.
Prophecy is expressing the deep inner feelings, voice of the Holy Spirit to this generation. Prophecy as stated in the New Testament clearly here, requires next no new redefinitions, it is the “edification” through the interpretations of the language of the Holy Spirit into English for example for the benefit of others and ourselves too.
(1 Cor 14:13 KJV) Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. (And no exceptions now too)
Sadly some people want to wrongfully exalt “speaking in tongues” over prophecy.. too bad for them.. and they thus do try to misinterpret what prophecy still is.. rather know and read the Word first and not their
views…
(Rom 12:6 KJV) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
(1 Cor 12:10 KJV) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
(1 Cor 13:2 KJV) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
2 Pet 1:19 – 21, 2:1 – 3, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying Jesus that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not.”
Clearly one of the unique, great, valid emphasis of the Pentecostals from the other denominations is also their emphasis on personally hearing God speak. even personally and collectively speaking to us, verbally individually or in a collective setting by prophecy.
(1 Cor 14:26 KJV) How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in
all churches of the saints.
(Rom 12:1 KJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
(Rom 12:2 KJV) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
(Psa 119:9 KJV) Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
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(Gal 6:7 KJV) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
(Gal 6:8 KJV) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
(Gal 6:9 KJV) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(Gal 6:10 KJV) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
The question about the existence today of the gift of Prophecy and other Holy Spirit gifts are very common.. yet still the answers differ so much. And why?
(2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
It also still amazes me how some people are so ready to claim they are right, even experts, on a subject they have never experienced even, such as the people who do not at all claim now to be a prophet, and/or do not claim they speak in tongues, and/or do not claim they prophecy and yet they next still will try to claim now even to write authoritatively on any of it….. sure, sure! They firstly all mostly have already lost my respect, and their credibility.
(Eph 5:11 KJV) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
(1 Pet 4:17 KJV) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
(Luke 19:46 KJV) Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
(Mal 3:8 KJV) Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi was specifically firstly written to the Levites, the priests, the pastors, and they are they ones accused of the wrong doings firstly here too not dealing with the tithe properly. Jesus began his ministry in the sole Temple too with a whip..
Next firstly also note this recent relgious US southern Baptist editorial about the… “Five things that can cripple a church By J. Gerald Harris, Editor Published March 16, 2006// First, there is the problem of a scandalous leadership. ( past Liberals included). Second, there is the problem of a discordant member ( Constituent members) I am speaking of the person who is born in the objective mood and
negative case – the person who is never happy with what happens in the church and actually creates dissention. In Proverbs 6:16-19 the Bible actually tells us that there are some things that God hates or considers an abomination and one thing God despises is the person who sows seeds of discord among the brethren. . Third, there is the problem of apathy. ( too many Canadian ostriches not dealing with the wrongs of others) Vance Havner said, “We have anarchy in the world, apostasy in the professing church and apathy in the true church.” An indifferent, indolent, lukewarm church nauseates God and renders the church helpless and ineffective. . Too many churches have too many people who just don’t want to get involved. Such apathy cripples the cause of Christ and paralyzes the effort to build healthy kingdom churches. Fourth, there is the problem of inflexibility. ( Stubbornness and Laziness are often the main factor behind this too) Some churches do not grow because the members are so unwilling to change, so unyielding, so set in their ways. Fifth, there is the problem of purposelessness. ( One’s wrong goals lead to a larger personal void..) One church put a sign on their church door in 1963 that stated, “Gone out of business. Didn’t know what our business was.”” It might have been unintentional but quite revealing anyway that this above editorial wrongfully too did not include anything about tithing, money, helping the poor and needy persons., the negelct of which something that really cripples a church too, and note this seems to applies to most of the churches, Baptist, Pentecostal etc.,
1: Besides the fact of a clear lack of love for others and God, the main factor that firstly clearly cripple any church or a Christian are lack of personal daily prayer by the pastors, deacons, elders, lay persons. All Pastors should at least pray and read their bibles one hour a day.. and most Christians still do not read or pray 5 minutes of day. 2: I know for a fact also that Robbing God of his tithes, misappropriating them and denying the poor their portion of the tithes devastates any Christian or church as well.
There is also no question that most Christian churches even today , the leaders and the people do people abuse the tithes, ( giving to God 10% percent of one’s total income) the evangelical churches and pastors included, and they do also steal from the tithes by not giving the local poor people in their local church their applicable portion of the tithe. All churches should be doing this good work of giving to the poor people too if they actually practiced honestly the laws of tithing set forth in the Bible.
(Luke 16:9 KJV) And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into
everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Furthermore the Old Testament Levites, and the poor persons who could enjoy the benefits of the tithes they did not own or could not own any land, or a house. The Lord God stated that the Levites would have no inheritance of land but would be given a portion of the tithe instead. Such an injunction
would also apply today to anyone claiming a right to a tithe too.
Numbers 18:20 (NIV) 20 The LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites..
By the way the last 20 years of ministry I have never taken an offering, asked for a donation or asked for any money too for myself. I trust God to supply what I need and how he wants to do it as well. Do see http://pbulow.tripod.com/richpoor.html http://pbulow.tripod.com/tithing.html
Now (2 Pet 1:19 KJV) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(1 Cor 14:31 KJV) For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
I agree that a true “prophet” is someone who speaks the words of God to His people… or to all of the people. . ” And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God…So the Lord said to Moses: See, I have made you as God to Pharoah, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.” (Ex. 4:15;
7:1).
THE EARLY CHURCH VIEW IN REGARD TO THE PROPHETS AND PROPHECY
Joel 2:28 “…Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…” (1 Cor 14:39 KJV) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. Not everyone who gives a prophecy in the church now is a “Prophet”, now has been set aside by God to function as a Prophet in the local church.. for Paul writes, “But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, and all may be encouraged” (1 Cor. 14: 30, 31).
” We know that following the day of Pentecost, there was a proliferation of prophetic activity in the early church. “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…” provides evidence of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Apostles Prophets and all prophecies still must be tested. Paul exhorts, “Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:20, 21). The Corinthian church is told, “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge” (1 Cor. 14:29). John adds, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God…every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” (1 John 4:1-3). Two or three prophets should speak at one time, and that one at a time and everyone can wait their turn to prophesy. Paul even tells the Corinthian believers to seek the spiritual gift of prophecy as if it was fairly commonly available, in the process he contrasts it with the gift of tongues. (1 Corinthians 14:1-5 NASB) Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. {2} For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. {3} But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. {4} One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. {5}Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.
Abundant Prophecy So ‘don’t despise prophetic utterances’ and “hold to what is good, reject what is evil” in regard to NT prophecy. ( 1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:20,21).
The New testament prophets encouraged and exhorted the local congregations, predicted famines and they even tried to keep Apostle Paul in line.
While some of the Old and New Testament prophets were given full awe and respect they all were also still evaluated.
(1 Corinthians 14:24-25 NASB) But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; {25} the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.
The NT prophet too, inspired by God, uncovers the secrets of the unbelievers heart so that some of them, but not all of them, falls on their face in
repentance and worship God.
The role of the prophet is also to edify the church with words of exhortation and consolation. (1 Corinthians 14:3-4 NASB) But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. {4} One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.
In contrast to the personal prayer tongues public prophecy ministers to people generally. It is other-centered. It builds up the body of Christ which is why Paul valued it so highly. (Acts 15:32-33 NASB) And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message. {33} And after they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brethren in peace to those who had sent them out.
(1 Timothy 4:14 NASB) Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.
While all can prophecy, Not all who prophesy are still prophets. Many Christians prophesied but the office of prophet that was next to that of apostle and was a gifted one and a full-time ministry. Paul also says bluntly “not all are prophets” ( 1 Cor 12:28-31) but this seems to imply that the gift of prophecy can be sought by most Christians. (1 Cor 14:1-5) Phillip the evangelist had four virgin daughters who prophesied but they are not called prophets. (Acts 21:9) Women prophesied in Corinthians but were explicitly not to be given authority in the Corinthian church. ( 1 Corinthians 11:3-5, 14:34,35) Women who prophesied in that church were not given the office of prophet in the church still too. NT prophecy too was not infallible but had to be judged by others (1 Cor 14:29) was sometimes a mixture of good and bad (1 Thess 5:21) and was such that it could even be despised -(1 Thess 5:20). NT Prophecy is still also for the building up of the church not for the personal domination of individual believers by any of the “prophets”. You still do have a choice and have freedom to disregard even the best prophets as Paul disregarded Agabus and went on to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:10-14) NT prophecy was very much grounded in edifying God’s people for the immediate task at hand and imparting wisdom and spiritual gifts. In the NT God has created His church to be a Spirit-indwelt community that directly receives revelation from Him (1 Cor 2:9-16, 1 John 2:10,27). The receiving of such revelation and passing it on to the community is the role of those who prophesy. All such revelation still needs to be properly discerned and tested. NT prophecy has more to do with God’s will in the present moment and glorifying Him in worship. There are very significant differences between OT prophecy and NT prophecy and we cannot use the OT model as the normative for the NT phenomena.
Apostle Paul instructs us all when he says , “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.” (1 Cor 14:39 KJV) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. (1 Cor 14:40 KJV) Let all things be done decently and in order.
(Eph 6:18 KJV) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Jude 1:20 KJV) But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,(1 Cor 13:1 KJV) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
(1 Cor 12:4 KJV) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
(1 Cor 12:6 KJV) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
(Acts 2:42 KJV) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
(Acts 2:43 KJV) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
(Acts 4:33 KJV) And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
(Acts 4:35 KJV) And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
(Acts 5:12 KJV) And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in
Solomon’s porch.
PROPHECY IS PERSONALLY PROCLAIMING DIRECTLY GOD’S WORD SPECIFICALLY FOR A SPECIFIC GROUP.. You do not have to be a Prophet to prophecy, in fact all believers are encouraged to use the gift of prophecy firstly too. (John 17:21 KJV) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (1 Cor 14:31 KJV) For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. The Christian People who have learned to use faithfully the gifts of prophecy tend to become God true Prophets. God’s prophets ALSO TOO do work two ways. Most of the time, they speak forth God’s will in accordance with Scripture. At certain times, they will EVEN foretell future events. In real life, prophecy works like a combination of the Word of Wisdom and Faith. The prophet operates in the Lord’s wisdom, and speaks in faith in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
” Seven Ways to Judge Prophecy
1. By their fruits you shall know them. (Matthew 7:16-18,20)
2. Does it glorify Christ? (John 16:14; I Corinthians 12:3; I John 4:1-2)
3. Does it agree with the Scriptures? (Isaiah 8:20)
4. Are their prophecies fulfilled? (Deuteronomy 18:22) Some prophecies are not of God even though they may come to pass. The benchmark remains that all prophecies should exalt the Lord Jesus.
5. Is the prophecy disjointed or confused? True prophecy is line upon line and precept upon precept. (Isaiah 28:13)
6. Do the prophecies produce liberty in Christ or false bondage to the world, the flesh, the devil , men? (Romans 8:15)
7. All believers have an unction (anointing) within them that tells them when something is wrong. Prophecies should witness with the still small voice of the Holy Spirit in us too if we are rightfully walking with God firstly. (I John 2:20,27)”
Why Is Prophecy Important? or is it rather maintaining our continual relationship with Jesus that is more rightfully important still, firstly.
There are at least five reasons why prophecy is so important in the local church? ( if you do believe that this is a true Biblical interpretation of
the verses. and who says it is?) Too many people still do quote inapplicable facts , verses even below..
1. It brings life. Prophecy brought life to the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-4).
2. It gives spiritual vision? The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.’ The Lord gives vision through the prophetic word (Proverbs
29:13,18).
3. It edifies, exhorts, and comforts (I Corinthians 14:3). ( it can rebuke as well..)
4. It brings revival and restoration? True prophecy brings restoration and revival (Acts 2:16-18). ( but not everyone was revived in the same place too.)
5. It can guide you personally confirm to your own right position in the Body of Christ? Prophecy can also be used by God to direct you where you need to go
(Acts 13:1-3)
(Gal 1:10 KJV) For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
I was still very surprised next when a person even wrote to me to tell me even what I could and could not write to them in my email .. for they are dreaming.. even since when do people have a choice as to what message of God delivered by the prophets they can select or not select too?
I like the scriptures to firstly speak for themselves, on any topic now as well..
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In regard to holy spirit miracles for divorced couples or broken, unhappily married homes.. if we look at the saints in the old and new testament we generally find no example of this where unhappily married persons were made happy again.. can you name one example? we find many examples of troubled marriages though.. just for a start King David’s, Job’s, Samson, etc., and why was that when so many evangelists, preachers now today claim the opposite.. if you accept Christ as Lord your home, marriage will be better… but for sure this not what Jesus had said..
“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. (Mat 10:36 KJV)
see https://cityocean.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/marriage-problems-or-a-realtionship-problem/
God does not recognize or bless ALL marriages, even though many people believe and teach that God’s grace and forgiveness means that getting married makes it okay to continue living in adulterous relationships, or to remain in adulterous marriages, marriages not made in the will of God.
The General Teaching of the New Testament Is that Divorce is Contrary to God’s Will, and that Remarriage Following Divorce Constitutes Adultery. Marrying a persons not in God’s will for you is still an act of sinfull lust now too.
Few persons here seem to tell the truth.. The truth that Happiness in marriage is not life’s end or goal.. serving Jesus always is.
You cannot live someone else”s life for them, or have them be what you want them to be, each person tends to live his own life and will give his own account as well for it..
(Luke 12:15 KJV) And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Mat 10:38 KJV)
Jesus is the source of our life, happiness, desire and not anyone else, a house, or material things.. admit it or not, like it or not.. in Him is our life.
Now in real life I have seen many persons preach their own views while they lived, until many of them next faced death and where they saw the error of their false teachings often too late.
What peeves me of is that the number one prayer request or complaint that I have heard for the last 50 years is I am unhappy with my marriage or I am still looking for a good soul mate.. firstly are you really a good person though yourself?
God is not mocked for what a person sows he reap, do bad things, choose the wrong mate and next pay for it still applies..
If you are divorced now, you confess your sins to God and ask for forgiveness, you are forgiven (1 John 1:9) and you now can move on with your life. If you can confess your sins here also to your former spouse and ask forgiveness without causing further hurt, you may seek to do so. From this point forward you should commit to honor all of God’s Word pertaining to your own future marriage. God still always wants us to live in peace. Then if your conscience permits you to next remarry, likley it may fail too, you should do so carefully and reverently when the time comes. Only do marry a fellow believer this time, one from God’s will.
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do see also http://www.gospelway.com/family/divorce_remarriage.php
Actually if you are a real Christian you call him Jesus Christ. Jesus the savior of the world, and you also do also know the Messiah is also the Christ, which is also translated as the anointed one both by the Jews or gentiles and he goes by no other name.. and the people who are ashamed of this Greek, anointed name are leading you to a false Jesus only. Jesus as the Christ still Christ means the “Anointed One” Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
. Jesus, however, did not become the Christ until the Holy Ghost came on Him. http://comeholyspirit.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/anointed-christian-believers/
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