Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Spurgeon on perfection...
Colossians 1:28: Perfect in Christ Jesus.
Do you not feel in your own soul that perfection is not in you? Does not every day teach you that? Every tear which trickles from your eye, weeps "imperfection"; every harsh word which proceeds from your lip, mutters "imperfection." You have too frequently had a view of your own heart to dream for a moment of any perfection in yourself. But amidst this sad consciousness of imperfection, here is comfort for you-you are "perfect in Christ Jesus."In God's sight, you are "complete in Him;" even now you are "accepted in the Beloved." But there is a second perfection, yet to be realized, which is sure to all the seed. Is it not delightful to look forward to the time when every stain of sin shall be removed from the believer, and he shall be presented faultless before the throne, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing? The Church of Christ then will be so pure, that not even the eye of Omniscience will see a spot or blemish in her; so holy and so glorious, that Hart did not go beyond the truth when he said-
"With my Saviour's garments on,
Holy as the Holy One."
Then shall we know, and taste, and feel the happiness of this vast but short sentence, "Complete in Christ." Not till then shall we fully comprehend the heights and depths of the salvation of Jesus. Doth not thy heart leap for joy at the thought of it? Black as thou art, thou shalt be white one day; filthy as thou art, thou shalt be clean. Oh, it is a marvellous salvation this! Christ takes a worm and transforms it into an angel; Christ takes a black and deformed thing and makes it clean and matchless in His glory, peerless in His beauty, and fit to be the companion of seraphs. O my soul, stand and admire this blessed truth of perfection in Christ.
Do you not feel in your own soul that perfection is not in you? Does not every day teach you that? Every tear which trickles from your eye, weeps "imperfection"; every harsh word which proceeds from your lip, mutters "imperfection." You have too frequently had a view of your own heart to dream for a moment of any perfection in yourself. But amidst this sad consciousness of imperfection, here is comfort for you-you are "perfect in Christ Jesus."In God's sight, you are "complete in Him;" even now you are "accepted in the Beloved." But there is a second perfection, yet to be realized, which is sure to all the seed. Is it not delightful to look forward to the time when every stain of sin shall be removed from the believer, and he shall be presented faultless before the throne, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing? The Church of Christ then will be so pure, that not even the eye of Omniscience will see a spot or blemish in her; so holy and so glorious, that Hart did not go beyond the truth when he said-
"With my Saviour's garments on,
Holy as the Holy One."
Then shall we know, and taste, and feel the happiness of this vast but short sentence, "Complete in Christ." Not till then shall we fully comprehend the heights and depths of the salvation of Jesus. Doth not thy heart leap for joy at the thought of it? Black as thou art, thou shalt be white one day; filthy as thou art, thou shalt be clean. Oh, it is a marvellous salvation this! Christ takes a worm and transforms it into an angel; Christ takes a black and deformed thing and makes it clean and matchless in His glory, peerless in His beauty, and fit to be the companion of seraphs. O my soul, stand and admire this blessed truth of perfection in Christ.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Quoting myself...
When you argue with a fool, you soon have two fools arguing.
There is a dark complacency in the Church today that is content to accept lifelessness and a lack of real spiritual power as the status quo.
Pastor’s who aren’t willing to do the physical things of the ministry, are not fit to do the spiritual things of the ministry.
The ministry is a foundry; you are either in the fire or on the anvil being shaped by the Master.
The word minister means “servant;” a fact which some in the ministry seem to have forgotten.
There is a dark complacency in the Church today that is content to accept lifelessness and a lack of real spiritual power as the status quo.
Pastor’s who aren’t willing to do the physical things of the ministry, are not fit to do the spiritual things of the ministry.
The ministry is a foundry; you are either in the fire or on the anvil being shaped by the Master.
The word minister means “servant;” a fact which some in the ministry seem to have forgotten.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Idiots; God Bless us each and every one!
IDIOTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the Deer Crossing sign on our road. The reason? "Too many deer were being hit by cars," and he didn't want them to cross there anymore. This one was from Kingman, Kansas.
IDIOTS IN FOOD SERVICE
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for "minimal lettuce." He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg. And he was a Kansas City chef!
IDIOT SIGHTING
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate, when an airport employee asked, "Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?" To which I replied, "If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?! " He smiled knowingly and nodded, "That's why we ask." Happened in Birmingham, Alabama.
IDIOT CROSSING
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine, when she asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, "What on earth are blind people doing driving?" She was a probation officer in Wichita, Kansas.
IDIOT TALKING
At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker who was leaving the company due to "downsizing," our manager commented cheerfully, "This is fun. We should do this more often!" Not a word was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare. This was a bunch at Texas Instruments.
IDIOT WORKING
I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself, and for the life of her couldn't understand why her system would not turn on. A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, no less.
IDIOT WORKING 2
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked! . "Hey," I announced to the technician, "it's open!" To which he replied, "I know - I already got that side." This was at the Chevy dealership in Rock Hill, South Carolina!
They walk among us... AND REPRODUCE!
I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the Deer Crossing sign on our road. The reason? "Too many deer were being hit by cars," and he didn't want them to cross there anymore. This one was from Kingman, Kansas.
IDIOTS IN FOOD SERVICE
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for "minimal lettuce." He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg. And he was a Kansas City chef!
IDIOT SIGHTING
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate, when an airport employee asked, "Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?" To which I replied, "If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?! " He smiled knowingly and nodded, "That's why we ask." Happened in Birmingham, Alabama.
IDIOT CROSSING
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine, when she asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, "What on earth are blind people doing driving?" She was a probation officer in Wichita, Kansas.
IDIOT TALKING
At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker who was leaving the company due to "downsizing," our manager commented cheerfully, "This is fun. We should do this more often!" Not a word was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare. This was a bunch at Texas Instruments.
IDIOT WORKING
I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself, and for the life of her couldn't understand why her system would not turn on. A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, no less.
IDIOT WORKING 2
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked! . "Hey," I announced to the technician, "it's open!" To which he replied, "I know - I already got that side." This was at the Chevy dealership in Rock Hill, South Carolina!
They walk among us... AND REPRODUCE!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Prayer Please
Well it seems that when God desires to do a new thing, things get stirred up a bit. We are in a turmol here and need your prayers:
1. Rachel is not doing well. She went to the ER the other night and is really struggeling with living with her depression for the rest of her life. (Those of us who struggle with this clearly understand). My heart breaks for my daughter. If I could take her place, I would in an instant; yet I don't need to for Jesus already did.
2. My younger daugter Naomi has completely backslid. She is verbally attacking Rachel, her mother and I, and has even moved her attacks to the internet. Again, my heart breaks because she is running from the call of God on her life. She has been blinded by the enemy and the life that is in her is being choked out by the cares of this world.
3. The oil business has colapased. The company I work for is suffering and considering how to survive. As of yet, I don't know what this means for us, but God is faithful!
4. We are praying about a major change in our lives, of which I cannot go into detail.
So, please pray for us, wht we would hear His voice and do His will.
Also, I ask for special prayer for my friend Bill Walden. I can't go into detail, but God knows.
Thanks for being there and for praying...
1. Rachel is not doing well. She went to the ER the other night and is really struggeling with living with her depression for the rest of her life. (Those of us who struggle with this clearly understand). My heart breaks for my daughter. If I could take her place, I would in an instant; yet I don't need to for Jesus already did.
2. My younger daugter Naomi has completely backslid. She is verbally attacking Rachel, her mother and I, and has even moved her attacks to the internet. Again, my heart breaks because she is running from the call of God on her life. She has been blinded by the enemy and the life that is in her is being choked out by the cares of this world.
3. The oil business has colapased. The company I work for is suffering and considering how to survive. As of yet, I don't know what this means for us, but God is faithful!
4. We are praying about a major change in our lives, of which I cannot go into detail.
So, please pray for us, wht we would hear His voice and do His will.
Also, I ask for special prayer for my friend Bill Walden. I can't go into detail, but God knows.
Thanks for being there and for praying...
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Gayle Erwin on Names...
Being one of a somewhat strange name, names fascinate me. I attended high school with a girl named Penny Nickles who lived in Money, Mississippi. Little twin boys name Melt and Felt attended a church I once served. If you think Gayle is tough for a man, (In an interview years ago with Johnny Cash, we discussed, with humor my name and his song “A Boy Named Sue.”) a man who attended another church I served was named Hyacinth. Someone in each case was thinking originally. Maybe some of these names were eventually changed. I don’t know.
Some names, otherwise not strange, fall into disuse for obvious reasons; Benedict and Judas, for instance. Osama might stay within distant borders. These names carry images too negative to burden a human being today.
In Old Testament (and somewhat New Testament) days, names tended to have true meaning, often actually describing the person. If you knew the person’s name and the meaning of the name, you knew the person. As I have often shared, (Shall we count the times?) God defined his name to Moses as “Compassionate, Gracious, Slow to Anger, Abounding in Mercy and Faithfulness, Mercy to Thousands, Forgiving Wickedness, Rebellion and Sin.” I hang on to that for dear life.
In Bible days, names were sometimes changed to indicate significant events or conversions or growth. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham—from father of many to father of nations.
God changed Jacob’s name to Israel—from deceiver to Prince of God.
Moses changed Othea’s name to Joshua and later to Jehoshua. Perhaps Moses knew that Joshua (Yahshua) belonged eventually to the Messiah so he tweaked Joshua’s name. Interesting, too, that during the time of Nehemiah, it was changed again to Yeshua, the name currently used.
One interesting name refusal occurs in the Old Testament. The prophet Nathan instructed David and Bathsheba to name their son Jedediah. They named him Solomon instead.
In the New Testament, name changing continues unabated. Everyone knows the name Peter as the Jesus-given change from Simon. Seems almost to be an oxymoron to describe that man as Rocky, but Jesus knew what he would become. Levi, the hated tax collector, became Matthew, writer of the first Gospel. Saul, fire-breathing persecutor and killer of Christians, celebrates, with his spectacular conversion, the new name Paul.
The Early Church, caught up in this tradition, changed one leader’s name to a far more accurate description of his personality—Joses to Barnabas. Barnabas means “son of consolation” or “encourager.” What a great affirmation.
All of this brings us to a great realization and application. First, the realization—we are informed in Revelation that we each have been given new names known only to us. How wonderful that God should so carefully express his love toward us in such an unusual and creative way. Definitely in keeping with his nature.
Now the application. What name would you give to your brothers and sisters in the Lord? Would there be an Encourager? Would there be a Faithful? Would there be a Worker? If so, what might it mean to them if you told them the name you would give them? Worth a try.
And what kind of name would you like to have people give to you? Worth a want.
Let me see...if I were to change my name “Gayle” to something more meaningful...uh, let’s not go there.
Some names, otherwise not strange, fall into disuse for obvious reasons; Benedict and Judas, for instance. Osama might stay within distant borders. These names carry images too negative to burden a human being today.
In Old Testament (and somewhat New Testament) days, names tended to have true meaning, often actually describing the person. If you knew the person’s name and the meaning of the name, you knew the person. As I have often shared, (Shall we count the times?) God defined his name to Moses as “Compassionate, Gracious, Slow to Anger, Abounding in Mercy and Faithfulness, Mercy to Thousands, Forgiving Wickedness, Rebellion and Sin.” I hang on to that for dear life.
In Bible days, names were sometimes changed to indicate significant events or conversions or growth. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham—from father of many to father of nations.
God changed Jacob’s name to Israel—from deceiver to Prince of God.
Moses changed Othea’s name to Joshua and later to Jehoshua. Perhaps Moses knew that Joshua (Yahshua) belonged eventually to the Messiah so he tweaked Joshua’s name. Interesting, too, that during the time of Nehemiah, it was changed again to Yeshua, the name currently used.
One interesting name refusal occurs in the Old Testament. The prophet Nathan instructed David and Bathsheba to name their son Jedediah. They named him Solomon instead.
In the New Testament, name changing continues unabated. Everyone knows the name Peter as the Jesus-given change from Simon. Seems almost to be an oxymoron to describe that man as Rocky, but Jesus knew what he would become. Levi, the hated tax collector, became Matthew, writer of the first Gospel. Saul, fire-breathing persecutor and killer of Christians, celebrates, with his spectacular conversion, the new name Paul.
The Early Church, caught up in this tradition, changed one leader’s name to a far more accurate description of his personality—Joses to Barnabas. Barnabas means “son of consolation” or “encourager.” What a great affirmation.
All of this brings us to a great realization and application. First, the realization—we are informed in Revelation that we each have been given new names known only to us. How wonderful that God should so carefully express his love toward us in such an unusual and creative way. Definitely in keeping with his nature.
Now the application. What name would you give to your brothers and sisters in the Lord? Would there be an Encourager? Would there be a Faithful? Would there be a Worker? If so, what might it mean to them if you told them the name you would give them? Worth a try.
And what kind of name would you like to have people give to you? Worth a want.
Let me see...if I were to change my name “Gayle” to something more meaningful...uh, let’s not go there.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Talking Dog For Sale
A guy is driving around Wadsworth, Ohio and he sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog For Sale." He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard.
The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador retriever sitting there. "You talk?" he asks.
"Yep," the Lab replies.
"So, what's your story?"
The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running."
"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."
The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
"Ten dollars," the guy says.
"Ten dollars? This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheaply?"
"Because he's lying, he never did any of that stuff."
The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador retriever sitting there. "You talk?" he asks.
"Yep," the Lab replies.
"So, what's your story?"
The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running."
"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."
The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
"Ten dollars," the guy says.
"Ten dollars? This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheaply?"
"Because he's lying, he never did any of that stuff."
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Traveling out of the country...
Tomorrow (January 12th) I will be going to Bolivia for three days on business. I would appreciate your prayers. I've been there before and it is a relatively safe place for Americans.
God bless you all and I'll see you when I get back!
God bless you all and I'll see you when I get back!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
One of my heros of the faith...
53 years ago (Jan. 8), Jim Elliot and four other missionaries were killed in Ecuador seeking to meet and evangelize the Waodani people.
"He is not a fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Jim Elliot
"He is not a fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Jim Elliot
Thursday, January 8, 2009
What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 10
The Proof of The Spirit’s Overflowing
Many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements declare that the only true proof of the infilling (epi, upon or over) of the Holy Spirit is the speaking in unknown tongues. Typically they site Mark 16:17, “And these signs shall follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly it will by no means hurt them; and they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” However, this verse is intended to be representative of the Church, and it is wrong to use this verse to teach that all true Christians speak in tongues (compare I Corinthians 12:29-30 - not all believers speak in tongues, because God has not given the gift to all believers), just as it is wrong to teach that handling snakes or drinking poison is evidence of faith.
Paul declares to us in I Corinthians 13:1-3 the only true proof of the Spirit in a persons life, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 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, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” No amount of speaking in tongues, no amount of prophecy, no amount of understanding, knowledge, faith, giving, or even self sacrifice can ever take the place of love. Jesus said that love alone would be the chief characteristic of those who would follow Him, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35). And it is the Holy Spirit who pours out the love of God into our lives, “…the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5). Further it is the Holy Spirit that Jesus Himself declared would flow forth from our lives, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38).
The Bottom Line
We have seen how that the Bible describes three different relationships of the Holy Spirit with men. The first, para, tells us that the Holy Spirit is with men, convicting them of their sins and convincing them of their need for Jesus Christ. The second, en, in, describes the relationship of the Holy Spirit, where He comes in and takes up residence in the heart of every believer, as Jesus said, “…and will be in you.” The third, epi, upon or over, used to describe the overflowing of the Holy Spirit, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
As we have said, we believe that all men, in order to know the salvation that is offered through Jesus Christ and experience the full life promised in the Bible, must experience these three relationships with the Holy Spirit Jesus spoke of. We believe that God desires every believer to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe all believers in Jesus are to ask and seek the overflowing of the Spirit on a daily basis, so that we will have power to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Whether we refer to the Spirit’s power in our lives as baptism, infilling, or overflowing, clearly we do not want to refuse the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives just because we cannot agree upon the terminology or timing.
Ask yourself, “Is the Holy Spirit flowing out of my life as Jesus declared He would in John 7:38, as “…rivers of living water?” If not, perhaps you do not know Him? If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit is with you, convicting you of your sins, and drawing you to Jesus. You only need to agree with God that you have sinned and ask for forgiveness and Jesus will forgive you and come and make His home in your heart. (John 14:21, 23). Perhaps, you do know Him and He is in you, but have never really experienced the overflowing of His Spirit in your life? You need only to ask and the Father will fill you with the Holy Spirit, “…how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 13:11).
God has given us the gracious gift of His Holy Spirit in and upon our lives, the very gift Moses desired for all men, “…Oh, that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29). The very gift Joel prophesied of "And it shall come to pass afterward, That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh…I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29). The very gift Jesus prayed for, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you…” (John 14:16-17), “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
How can we neglect so great a gift? The Holy Spirit desires a relationship with you, whereby you may experience the full life promised in the Word of God. Don’t miss out on the gift of God, the gift of His Spirit. "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:9-13).
Many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements declare that the only true proof of the infilling (epi, upon or over) of the Holy Spirit is the speaking in unknown tongues. Typically they site Mark 16:17, “And these signs shall follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly it will by no means hurt them; and they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” However, this verse is intended to be representative of the Church, and it is wrong to use this verse to teach that all true Christians speak in tongues (compare I Corinthians 12:29-30 - not all believers speak in tongues, because God has not given the gift to all believers), just as it is wrong to teach that handling snakes or drinking poison is evidence of faith.
Paul declares to us in I Corinthians 13:1-3 the only true proof of the Spirit in a persons life, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 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, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” No amount of speaking in tongues, no amount of prophecy, no amount of understanding, knowledge, faith, giving, or even self sacrifice can ever take the place of love. Jesus said that love alone would be the chief characteristic of those who would follow Him, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35). And it is the Holy Spirit who pours out the love of God into our lives, “…the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5). Further it is the Holy Spirit that Jesus Himself declared would flow forth from our lives, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38).
The Bottom Line
We have seen how that the Bible describes three different relationships of the Holy Spirit with men. The first, para, tells us that the Holy Spirit is with men, convicting them of their sins and convincing them of their need for Jesus Christ. The second, en, in, describes the relationship of the Holy Spirit, where He comes in and takes up residence in the heart of every believer, as Jesus said, “…and will be in you.” The third, epi, upon or over, used to describe the overflowing of the Holy Spirit, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
As we have said, we believe that all men, in order to know the salvation that is offered through Jesus Christ and experience the full life promised in the Bible, must experience these three relationships with the Holy Spirit Jesus spoke of. We believe that God desires every believer to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe all believers in Jesus are to ask and seek the overflowing of the Spirit on a daily basis, so that we will have power to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Whether we refer to the Spirit’s power in our lives as baptism, infilling, or overflowing, clearly we do not want to refuse the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives just because we cannot agree upon the terminology or timing.
Ask yourself, “Is the Holy Spirit flowing out of my life as Jesus declared He would in John 7:38, as “…rivers of living water?” If not, perhaps you do not know Him? If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit is with you, convicting you of your sins, and drawing you to Jesus. You only need to agree with God that you have sinned and ask for forgiveness and Jesus will forgive you and come and make His home in your heart. (John 14:21, 23). Perhaps, you do know Him and He is in you, but have never really experienced the overflowing of His Spirit in your life? You need only to ask and the Father will fill you with the Holy Spirit, “…how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 13:11).
God has given us the gracious gift of His Holy Spirit in and upon our lives, the very gift Moses desired for all men, “…Oh, that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29). The very gift Joel prophesied of "And it shall come to pass afterward, That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh…I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29). The very gift Jesus prayed for, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you…” (John 14:16-17), “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
How can we neglect so great a gift? The Holy Spirit desires a relationship with you, whereby you may experience the full life promised in the Word of God. Don’t miss out on the gift of God, the gift of His Spirit. "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:9-13).
What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 9
The Timing Of The Spirit’s Overflowing
It is our conviction that this overflowing experience with the Holy Spirit can be both subsequent to and concurrent with salvation.
Let us consider Acts 8:14-17, “Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon (epi) none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Clearly these were believers in Jesus Christ, because they had “received the word of God,” and “They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” They were born again, water baptized believers whom the Spirit was with (para) before their conversion, in (en) after their conversion, yet they lacked this overflowing (epi, upon or over) relationship of the Holy Spirit. Here the overflowing (epi, upon or over) of the Holy Spirit occurred subsequent to salvation. Let us consider examples of the overflowing (epi, upon or over) of the Holy Spirit concurrent to salvation.
In Acts 19:1-7, “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." Then Paul said," John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon (epi) them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” These are referred to as disciples and yet something bothered Paul about them, to the point of his asking as to whether or not they received “…the Holy Spirit when you believed.” There are two views regarding this passage of scripture. One is that these had submitted themselves to John’s baptism, believing upon the one who was to come, namely Jesus. Paul here declares to them Jesus as Messiah and subsequently they believe and receive Him as Savior, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and (in this case) speaking in tongues. The other view is that these, although formerly disciples of John, were indeed believers that had not yet received the infilling of the Holy Spirit into their lives. This is supported by the fact that Paul did not question the fact that they were believers, only whether or not they had received the Holy Spirit since they had believed. Subsequently they were baptized and when Paul had laid hands upon them, they received the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and (in this case) speaking in tongues. It is our conviction that the latter view is correct.
In Acts 10:34-46 Peter is declaring the gospel to the household of Cornelius, “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ -- He is Lord of all -- that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon (epi) all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.” In this case, the overflowing (epi, upon or over) of the Holy Spirit occurred concurrent to salvation.
So it would appear from the Book of Acts that this overflowing experience (epi, upon or over) with the Holy Spirit can be both subsequent to and concurrent with salvation as we have read.
Why is this important? We believe that God desires every believer to walk by the power of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. It is the Spirit that gives us victory over sin, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13). We cannot live victorious lives apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. This is what Jesus meant in John 15:5 when He declared, “…without Me you can do nothing.” This is what Paul meant in Philippians 4:13 when he declared, “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength.” We must ask and seek the Spirit’s power daily, “…but be filled with the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:18. "Be filled with the Spirit" is God's command and He expects us to obey. The command is plural, so it applies to all Christians and not just to a select few. The verb is in the present tense, "keep on being filled," so it is an experience we should enjoy constantly and not just on special occasions. And the verb is passive. We do not fill ourselves but permit the Spirit to fill us.
It is our conviction that this overflowing experience with the Holy Spirit can be both subsequent to and concurrent with salvation.
Let us consider Acts 8:14-17, “Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon (epi) none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Clearly these were believers in Jesus Christ, because they had “received the word of God,” and “They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” They were born again, water baptized believers whom the Spirit was with (para) before their conversion, in (en) after their conversion, yet they lacked this overflowing (epi, upon or over) relationship of the Holy Spirit. Here the overflowing (epi, upon or over) of the Holy Spirit occurred subsequent to salvation. Let us consider examples of the overflowing (epi, upon or over) of the Holy Spirit concurrent to salvation.
In Acts 19:1-7, “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." Then Paul said," John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon (epi) them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” These are referred to as disciples and yet something bothered Paul about them, to the point of his asking as to whether or not they received “…the Holy Spirit when you believed.” There are two views regarding this passage of scripture. One is that these had submitted themselves to John’s baptism, believing upon the one who was to come, namely Jesus. Paul here declares to them Jesus as Messiah and subsequently they believe and receive Him as Savior, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and (in this case) speaking in tongues. The other view is that these, although formerly disciples of John, were indeed believers that had not yet received the infilling of the Holy Spirit into their lives. This is supported by the fact that Paul did not question the fact that they were believers, only whether or not they had received the Holy Spirit since they had believed. Subsequently they were baptized and when Paul had laid hands upon them, they received the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and (in this case) speaking in tongues. It is our conviction that the latter view is correct.
In Acts 10:34-46 Peter is declaring the gospel to the household of Cornelius, “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ -- He is Lord of all -- that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon (epi) all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.” In this case, the overflowing (epi, upon or over) of the Holy Spirit occurred concurrent to salvation.
So it would appear from the Book of Acts that this overflowing experience (epi, upon or over) with the Holy Spirit can be both subsequent to and concurrent with salvation as we have read.
Why is this important? We believe that God desires every believer to walk by the power of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. It is the Spirit that gives us victory over sin, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13). We cannot live victorious lives apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. This is what Jesus meant in John 15:5 when He declared, “…without Me you can do nothing.” This is what Paul meant in Philippians 4:13 when he declared, “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength.” We must ask and seek the Spirit’s power daily, “…but be filled with the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:18. "Be filled with the Spirit" is God's command and He expects us to obey. The command is plural, so it applies to all Christians and not just to a select few. The verb is in the present tense, "keep on being filled," so it is an experience we should enjoy constantly and not just on special occasions. And the verb is passive. We do not fill ourselves but permit the Spirit to fill us.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 8
The Infilling of the Spirit
As we saw earlier, the third Greek word, epi (upon or over), used to describe the relationship of the Holy Spirit with men is found in the Book of Acts, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
There is much dispute within the Church today as to when the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service. The Bible does indeed speak of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist spoke of the Spirit’s baptism in Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, and Luke 3:16. Also it was revealed to John the Baptist that Jesus would be the one “…who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” (John 1:33).
Many today doubt the need for an infilling as they believe that they have everything they need for salvation at the time of receiving Christ as Lord and Savior. This is true. The moment we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have all we need for salvation. Always be wary of those who tell you that you need some other experience or blessing or work to complete your salvation. Paul declared, “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:10).
The Holy Spirit has been promised to us in order that we may have power “…to be witnesses…”, (Acts 1:8), that is, the power we need to live our lives for Christ. Just as the Jew did not have the power to keep the law, so we as Christians, do not have the power to live the Christian life. This is why God has given us His Holy Spirit. He wants us to be effective and victorious. That is why Jesus prayed to the Father to send the Spirit (John 14:16).
Jesus promised in John 7:38-39, that the Spirit would flow out of His followers like rivers (Greek, potamos, literally, torrents of living water, used of the effects of the operation of the Holy Spirit in and through the believer), of living water, “’He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” We believe that the overflowing of the Holy Spirit seen initially in the Book of Acts chapter 2, and repeatedly through the rest of the book is the direct fulfillment of this promise by Jesus to give the Holy Spirit to those who believe on Him.
Clearly, the early Christians had a power that is lost on many believers today. Where is this power Jesus spoke of? Where is this power in our marriages? Where is this power in influencing the world? Where is this power in reaching the lost?
And not only did Jesus promise the power of the Holy Spirit to us, He also told us to ask for the Holy Spirit, “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:11-13).
As we said earlier, it is our conviction that the Apostles were born again when Jesus spoke to them in John 20:22, “And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” The Holy Spirit was with (para) them, and upon being born again He is now dwelling in (en) them. In Acts 2:1-4, they experienced the third relationship of the Spirit with men, the overflowing (epi, upon or over), “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
As we saw earlier, the third Greek word, epi (upon or over), used to describe the relationship of the Holy Spirit with men is found in the Book of Acts, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
There is much dispute within the Church today as to when the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service. The Bible does indeed speak of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist spoke of the Spirit’s baptism in Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, and Luke 3:16. Also it was revealed to John the Baptist that Jesus would be the one “…who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” (John 1:33).
Many today doubt the need for an infilling as they believe that they have everything they need for salvation at the time of receiving Christ as Lord and Savior. This is true. The moment we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have all we need for salvation. Always be wary of those who tell you that you need some other experience or blessing or work to complete your salvation. Paul declared, “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:10).
The Holy Spirit has been promised to us in order that we may have power “…to be witnesses…”, (Acts 1:8), that is, the power we need to live our lives for Christ. Just as the Jew did not have the power to keep the law, so we as Christians, do not have the power to live the Christian life. This is why God has given us His Holy Spirit. He wants us to be effective and victorious. That is why Jesus prayed to the Father to send the Spirit (John 14:16).
Jesus promised in John 7:38-39, that the Spirit would flow out of His followers like rivers (Greek, potamos, literally, torrents of living water, used of the effects of the operation of the Holy Spirit in and through the believer), of living water, “’He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” We believe that the overflowing of the Holy Spirit seen initially in the Book of Acts chapter 2, and repeatedly through the rest of the book is the direct fulfillment of this promise by Jesus to give the Holy Spirit to those who believe on Him.
Clearly, the early Christians had a power that is lost on many believers today. Where is this power Jesus spoke of? Where is this power in our marriages? Where is this power in influencing the world? Where is this power in reaching the lost?
And not only did Jesus promise the power of the Holy Spirit to us, He also told us to ask for the Holy Spirit, “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:11-13).
As we said earlier, it is our conviction that the Apostles were born again when Jesus spoke to them in John 20:22, “And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” The Holy Spirit was with (para) them, and upon being born again He is now dwelling in (en) them. In Acts 2:1-4, they experienced the third relationship of the Spirit with men, the overflowing (epi, upon or over), “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
There's a new blog in town...
My wife has started a new blog, where she plans to write from a pastor's wife's perspective. She can be found at: www.okiepreacherswife.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Prayer for a friend...
On July 9, 2008, I posted the following from my friend Ralph Derickson:
"My Brother, this has been a very sad day ....we just got back from Dr. and were told that the cancer has returned in Carolyn's body, the prognosis is not very good, if the cancer is in one location he said that surgery & chemo were going to be necessary, however if it was spread out over several areas then only chemo would be done, we are awaiting a phone call from them, to tell us where & when a PET scan would be done, we will know more after that happens & a meeting with her Dr. to find out what he plans on doing.
He plainly told us that it was not curable, but perhaps they would be able to just manage it, But you know what....I know a Jewish Carpenter who can make it go away with just a flick of his finger, please join me & ask your Church to join me in asking HIM to just flick his finger....please Lord I'm begging you ..."
I got a phone call from Ralph just a few minutes ago. The results of Carolyn's most recent PET scan show that there in no cancer anywhere in her body.
Thank you for your prayers. I love you all...
"My Brother, this has been a very sad day ....we just got back from Dr. and were told that the cancer has returned in Carolyn's body, the prognosis is not very good, if the cancer is in one location he said that surgery & chemo were going to be necessary, however if it was spread out over several areas then only chemo would be done, we are awaiting a phone call from them, to tell us where & when a PET scan would be done, we will know more after that happens & a meeting with her Dr. to find out what he plans on doing.
He plainly told us that it was not curable, but perhaps they would be able to just manage it, But you know what....I know a Jewish Carpenter who can make it go away with just a flick of his finger, please join me & ask your Church to join me in asking HIM to just flick his finger....please Lord I'm begging you ..."
I got a phone call from Ralph just a few minutes ago. The results of Carolyn's most recent PET scan show that there in no cancer anywhere in her body.
Thank you for your prayers. I love you all...
Monday, January 5, 2009
What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 7
THE BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
The Sending Of The Holy Spirit
The Apostle John records the words of Jesus for us in John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” Jesus was going away. He was to be crucified and then after 40 days (Acts 1:3), ascend into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father in response to the prayer of Jesus. Instead of Christ being limited to one location, He now is able to be in everyone who believes by the Holy Spirit. So He can be with the Church here in the United States as well as with the Church all over the world at the same time.
Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as “another comforter.” The Greek word for comforter is parakletos, and it is literally, called to one's side, i. e., to one's aid and suggests the capability or adaptability for giving aid. It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleads another’s cause, an intercessor, advocate. In the widest sense, it signifies a comforter. Christ was this to His disciples, by the implication of His word another (allos, another of the same sort, not heteros, different) Comforter, when speaking of the Holy Spirit. It is used only five times in the New Testament, in John 14:16, 14:26; 15:26; 16:7, and in I John 2:1 (where Jesus is referred to as our advocate).
In Acts 2:1-4 we see the Holy Spirit coming, just as Jesus prayed He would, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Peter stood up and declared that this was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:28-29) spoken some 600 years before the birth of Christ, "And it shall come to pass afterward, That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”
Up to this time, the Holy Spirit only rested on a select few men. We remember the story of Saul, the first king of Israel, how that Samuel said of him that “…the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.” (I Samuel 10:6). Also of David, after his sin with Bathseba, when he declared, “Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalms 51:11).
Again we read of Moses, and the burden of judging the children of Israel, “So the LORD said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.” (Numbers 11:16-18). And so we read in Numbers 11:25-29, “Then the LORD came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again. But two men had remained in the camp: the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, and said, ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, ‘Moses my lord, forbid them!’ Then Moses said to him, ‘Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!’”
Moses saw the wisdom in the Holy Spirit being in the life of every child of God. He realized that if every man had the Spirit of God in him, his job would be so much easier. He realized the potential of the Holy Spirit guiding and directing every believer in the truth of the Word of God. He realized that if every man walked in accordance with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, the result would be the end of every conflict between believers. Peace would prevail and God would be glorified.
The Holy Spirit has been poured out upon all flesh as we read in the book of Acts. He is with every man, in every believer, and desires to fill every believer with power and strength. And yet, as we look around in the Church today, we see that this is not the case with every believer.
The Sending Of The Holy Spirit
The Apostle John records the words of Jesus for us in John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” Jesus was going away. He was to be crucified and then after 40 days (Acts 1:3), ascend into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father in response to the prayer of Jesus. Instead of Christ being limited to one location, He now is able to be in everyone who believes by the Holy Spirit. So He can be with the Church here in the United States as well as with the Church all over the world at the same time.
Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as “another comforter.” The Greek word for comforter is parakletos, and it is literally, called to one's side, i. e., to one's aid and suggests the capability or adaptability for giving aid. It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleads another’s cause, an intercessor, advocate. In the widest sense, it signifies a comforter. Christ was this to His disciples, by the implication of His word another (allos, another of the same sort, not heteros, different) Comforter, when speaking of the Holy Spirit. It is used only five times in the New Testament, in John 14:16, 14:26; 15:26; 16:7, and in I John 2:1 (where Jesus is referred to as our advocate).
In Acts 2:1-4 we see the Holy Spirit coming, just as Jesus prayed He would, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Peter stood up and declared that this was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:28-29) spoken some 600 years before the birth of Christ, "And it shall come to pass afterward, That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”
Up to this time, the Holy Spirit only rested on a select few men. We remember the story of Saul, the first king of Israel, how that Samuel said of him that “…the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.” (I Samuel 10:6). Also of David, after his sin with Bathseba, when he declared, “Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalms 51:11).
Again we read of Moses, and the burden of judging the children of Israel, “So the LORD said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.” (Numbers 11:16-18). And so we read in Numbers 11:25-29, “Then the LORD came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again. But two men had remained in the camp: the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, and said, ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, ‘Moses my lord, forbid them!’ Then Moses said to him, ‘Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!’”
Moses saw the wisdom in the Holy Spirit being in the life of every child of God. He realized that if every man had the Spirit of God in him, his job would be so much easier. He realized the potential of the Holy Spirit guiding and directing every believer in the truth of the Word of God. He realized that if every man walked in accordance with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, the result would be the end of every conflict between believers. Peace would prevail and God would be glorified.
The Holy Spirit has been poured out upon all flesh as we read in the book of Acts. He is with every man, in every believer, and desires to fill every believer with power and strength. And yet, as we look around in the Church today, we see that this is not the case with every believer.
What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 6
EXTREMES REGARDING THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Unfortunately, most Christians today (even “Bible believing” Christians) usually take one of two extreme positions regarding the Holy Spirit and His role in the Church today.
The Second Position
The second position that many Christians take regarding the Holy Spirit and His role in the Church today is that of over-emphasizing the certain gifts of the Holy Spirit and the exaltation of signs and wonders to the exclusion of the Word of God. Many in the Body of Christ fault our non-Pentecostal friends for their position on the present gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Church today. Some even refer to them as the “dead in Christ,” because it is perceived that they do not have the Spirit’s power working in their lives. Many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements claim to be “enlightened” because they embrace the present gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and alas, their non-Pentecostal friends do not.
Is it the Holy Spirit that has led many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements to refer to others in Christ this way? Is it the Holy Spirit that has led many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements to divide the body of Christ this way? If indeed those in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements are filled with the Holy Spirit, why then this division? We do not believe that this division is from the Holy Spirit, but rather, from men.
As we said earlier, the circus atmosphere and emotional excess that is often associated with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements is both excessive and disappointing. The danger of emotional excess is that once you are carried away there is a tendency towards un-Biblical practices. In the Book of Leviticus, there is a story told of the beginning of the priestly ministry of Aaron and his sons, Nadab and Abijhu. During the time of their anointing by God we read, “and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.” (Leviticus 9:24). This was a time of great emotional excitement. We read in chapter 10 what that emotional excess led to, “Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” (Leviticus 10:1-3). Their getting caught up in the emotion of the moment led to the un-Biblical practice of offering strange fire before the LORD. In the Book of Exodus, chapter 30, God had given specific instructions for the offering of incense. In their excitement, Nadab and Abijhu sinned by disobeying the Word of the LORD and as a result, were slain.
I don’t know about you, but I am glad that the Holy Spirit no longer works this way in the Church. If He did, there would be many more slain (including me, I am sure) for sinning against God and His Word. (See the Book of Acts chapter 5 for how the Holy Spirit dealt with two in the early Church for the sin of hypocrisy). I thank God for the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in my life, quietly letting me know when I have sinned and gently leading me to repentance. This does not, however, give us license to deliberately disobey God and His word. We, as Christians, are not to worship God in ignorance, but rather we are to worship God in Spirit and in truth, as Jesus said to the woman at the well, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24). Jesus is saying that those who have His Spirit dwelling within them and worship God according to the truth of His word are the only one’s who can worship God acceptably. Many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements are not satisfied with quietly worshipping God. They believe that they must have a highly emotional experience or real worship did not take place. Often, however, what really takes place is soulish rather than spiritual. The flesh is excited, but the spirit does not really enter into true worship. There is just the “worked up” exercise of physical emotions, and as we said earlier, the result is often un-Biblical excess. We do well if we avoid emotional excess in our worship. We believe that God created our emotions and He enjoys us exercising them. However, He does not desire that we get carried away by them.
In addition to the circus atmosphere and emotional excess that is often associated with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements there is the willing abandonment of the authority of the Word of God. The false doctrine that is often associated with these movements is disturbing. Why would the Holy Spirit, the author of the Word of God (II Peter 1:21) inspire activities and doctrine contrary to His word? The answer is simple, He wouldn’t. When the Holy spirit is moving in a congregation and people are exercising the gifts He has given, every thing is to be done according to the Word of God, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” (I Corinthians 14:40), because, “…God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (I Corinthians 14:33).
The result of forsaking the Word of God is to open yourself up to deception by false teachers. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:11-16 of Christ’s purpose in giving gifted men to the church, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ -- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” It is Christ’s will that that we would be well equipped for the work of the ministry. That we would grow to maturity and be able to share our faith with others, so that they would come to know Christ just as us and that we would no longer be carried about by false doctrine. Remember what Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." A disciple is one who learns. If we are disciples of Jesus then we will be in the Word, learning, being equipped, and growing in our relationship with Him. And because we are being equipped with the Word we will know the truth and no one will be able to deceive us.
The reason that the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements are not any more effective than they are is that they have failed (for the most part) to equip “…the saints for the work of the ministry.” And so, just as with the so-called non-Pentecostal Churches, we see many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements lacking the spiritual strength to withstand temptation and as a result, are in bondage to sin.
Both groups are willing ignorant of one thing. The Word filled Christian is the Spirit filled Christian, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord,” (Colossians 3:16-17), and the Spirit filled Christian is the Word filled Christian, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:18-19).
There remains a balance between the things of the Spirit and the Word. To emphasize one over the other is wrong. To exclude one for the benefit of the other is equally wrong. Also, just as with the so-called “non-Pentecostal” movements, not all those in the Pentecostal and Charismatic Church take this position. Again, we have met many fine men and women in these Churches that truly do love God and are actively seeking a balance between the things of the Spirit and the teaching of the Word of God. However as with the so-called “non-Pentecostal” movements it has been our experience that they are in the minority and not the majority.
Unfortunately, most Christians today (even “Bible believing” Christians) usually take one of two extreme positions regarding the Holy Spirit and His role in the Church today.
The Second Position
The second position that many Christians take regarding the Holy Spirit and His role in the Church today is that of over-emphasizing the certain gifts of the Holy Spirit and the exaltation of signs and wonders to the exclusion of the Word of God. Many in the Body of Christ fault our non-Pentecostal friends for their position on the present gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Church today. Some even refer to them as the “dead in Christ,” because it is perceived that they do not have the Spirit’s power working in their lives. Many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements claim to be “enlightened” because they embrace the present gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and alas, their non-Pentecostal friends do not.
Is it the Holy Spirit that has led many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements to refer to others in Christ this way? Is it the Holy Spirit that has led many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements to divide the body of Christ this way? If indeed those in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements are filled with the Holy Spirit, why then this division? We do not believe that this division is from the Holy Spirit, but rather, from men.
As we said earlier, the circus atmosphere and emotional excess that is often associated with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements is both excessive and disappointing. The danger of emotional excess is that once you are carried away there is a tendency towards un-Biblical practices. In the Book of Leviticus, there is a story told of the beginning of the priestly ministry of Aaron and his sons, Nadab and Abijhu. During the time of their anointing by God we read, “and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.” (Leviticus 9:24). This was a time of great emotional excitement. We read in chapter 10 what that emotional excess led to, “Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” (Leviticus 10:1-3). Their getting caught up in the emotion of the moment led to the un-Biblical practice of offering strange fire before the LORD. In the Book of Exodus, chapter 30, God had given specific instructions for the offering of incense. In their excitement, Nadab and Abijhu sinned by disobeying the Word of the LORD and as a result, were slain.
I don’t know about you, but I am glad that the Holy Spirit no longer works this way in the Church. If He did, there would be many more slain (including me, I am sure) for sinning against God and His Word. (See the Book of Acts chapter 5 for how the Holy Spirit dealt with two in the early Church for the sin of hypocrisy). I thank God for the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in my life, quietly letting me know when I have sinned and gently leading me to repentance. This does not, however, give us license to deliberately disobey God and His word. We, as Christians, are not to worship God in ignorance, but rather we are to worship God in Spirit and in truth, as Jesus said to the woman at the well, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24). Jesus is saying that those who have His Spirit dwelling within them and worship God according to the truth of His word are the only one’s who can worship God acceptably. Many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements are not satisfied with quietly worshipping God. They believe that they must have a highly emotional experience or real worship did not take place. Often, however, what really takes place is soulish rather than spiritual. The flesh is excited, but the spirit does not really enter into true worship. There is just the “worked up” exercise of physical emotions, and as we said earlier, the result is often un-Biblical excess. We do well if we avoid emotional excess in our worship. We believe that God created our emotions and He enjoys us exercising them. However, He does not desire that we get carried away by them.
In addition to the circus atmosphere and emotional excess that is often associated with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements there is the willing abandonment of the authority of the Word of God. The false doctrine that is often associated with these movements is disturbing. Why would the Holy Spirit, the author of the Word of God (II Peter 1:21) inspire activities and doctrine contrary to His word? The answer is simple, He wouldn’t. When the Holy spirit is moving in a congregation and people are exercising the gifts He has given, every thing is to be done according to the Word of God, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” (I Corinthians 14:40), because, “…God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (I Corinthians 14:33).
The result of forsaking the Word of God is to open yourself up to deception by false teachers. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:11-16 of Christ’s purpose in giving gifted men to the church, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ -- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” It is Christ’s will that that we would be well equipped for the work of the ministry. That we would grow to maturity and be able to share our faith with others, so that they would come to know Christ just as us and that we would no longer be carried about by false doctrine. Remember what Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." A disciple is one who learns. If we are disciples of Jesus then we will be in the Word, learning, being equipped, and growing in our relationship with Him. And because we are being equipped with the Word we will know the truth and no one will be able to deceive us.
The reason that the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements are not any more effective than they are is that they have failed (for the most part) to equip “…the saints for the work of the ministry.” And so, just as with the so-called non-Pentecostal Churches, we see many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements lacking the spiritual strength to withstand temptation and as a result, are in bondage to sin.
Both groups are willing ignorant of one thing. The Word filled Christian is the Spirit filled Christian, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord,” (Colossians 3:16-17), and the Spirit filled Christian is the Word filled Christian, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:18-19).
There remains a balance between the things of the Spirit and the Word. To emphasize one over the other is wrong. To exclude one for the benefit of the other is equally wrong. Also, just as with the so-called “non-Pentecostal” movements, not all those in the Pentecostal and Charismatic Church take this position. Again, we have met many fine men and women in these Churches that truly do love God and are actively seeking a balance between the things of the Spirit and the teaching of the Word of God. However as with the so-called “non-Pentecostal” movements it has been our experience that they are in the minority and not the majority.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 5
EXTREMES REGARDING THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Unfortunately, most Christians today (even “Bible believing” Christians) usually take one of two extreme positions regarding the Holy Spirit and His role in the Church today.
The First Position
The first position many Christians take regarding the Holy Spirit is that of denying the present gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Church today. Usually, non-Pentecostal or non-Charismatic groups have seen the emotional excesses and hype that typically is associated with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements and they want nothing to do with this excess masquerading as the “Holy Spirit.” How unfortunate that the ministry of the Holy Spirit has been rejected by a large percentage of the Church today just because some have misrepresented Him.
Certainly, the circus atmosphere that surrounds some in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements is disconcerting. The emotional excess that is often associated with Pentecostal Churches is both excessive and disappointing. However, just because some misrepresent the gifts of the Holy Spirit does not mean that we should reject His ministry in the Church today. He is the third Person of the Trinity. He was sent in response to the prayer of Jesus (John 14:15-17). He is our ever present helper, councilor, source of spiritual strength (Acts 1:8), and friend.
As a result, many who reject the present ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Church today lack the spiritual strength to withstand temptation and as a result, are in bondage to sin. One wonders, with the divorce rate the same in the Church as it is in the world, how many marriages could be saved if only we would re-think our position on the present ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Church today?
One sin that the Church has been guilty of is the substitution of the programs of men for the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We have our institutes of higher learning to educate our Christian workers and ministers. We have our programs to educate our children in Sunday School and in Youth Groups. We even have our programs to grow the Church and reach the lost with the Gospel. And yet, the influence of the Christian Church in America is continuing to decline. Evolution is taught in our schools as fact, abortion continues in our nation at a rate so alarming, that since 1972 when abortion on demand was instituted, 40 million babies have been murdered in America. Where is the influence of the Church in all this?
It is obvious that our programs have failed. It is obvious that our methods of trying to influence the Church, let alone the world, have failed. What we need to do, what we must do is what the Bible tells us to do, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14). The problem is not the world. The problem is not the politicians. The problem is not evil men. The problem is the Church, the people of God. We must renounce our dependence upon the programs of men, turn from our sins, and return to a dependence upon the Holy Spirit and His power. Then, and only then, will the Church make a difference in this world.
In all fairness, not all those in the so called “non-Pentecostal” Church take this position. We have met many fine men and women in these Churches that truly do love God and are open to the present gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Unfortunately, it has been our experience that they are in the minority and not the majority.
Unfortunately, most Christians today (even “Bible believing” Christians) usually take one of two extreme positions regarding the Holy Spirit and His role in the Church today.
The First Position
The first position many Christians take regarding the Holy Spirit is that of denying the present gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Church today. Usually, non-Pentecostal or non-Charismatic groups have seen the emotional excesses and hype that typically is associated with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements and they want nothing to do with this excess masquerading as the “Holy Spirit.” How unfortunate that the ministry of the Holy Spirit has been rejected by a large percentage of the Church today just because some have misrepresented Him.
Certainly, the circus atmosphere that surrounds some in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements is disconcerting. The emotional excess that is often associated with Pentecostal Churches is both excessive and disappointing. However, just because some misrepresent the gifts of the Holy Spirit does not mean that we should reject His ministry in the Church today. He is the third Person of the Trinity. He was sent in response to the prayer of Jesus (John 14:15-17). He is our ever present helper, councilor, source of spiritual strength (Acts 1:8), and friend.
As a result, many who reject the present ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Church today lack the spiritual strength to withstand temptation and as a result, are in bondage to sin. One wonders, with the divorce rate the same in the Church as it is in the world, how many marriages could be saved if only we would re-think our position on the present ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Church today?
One sin that the Church has been guilty of is the substitution of the programs of men for the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We have our institutes of higher learning to educate our Christian workers and ministers. We have our programs to educate our children in Sunday School and in Youth Groups. We even have our programs to grow the Church and reach the lost with the Gospel. And yet, the influence of the Christian Church in America is continuing to decline. Evolution is taught in our schools as fact, abortion continues in our nation at a rate so alarming, that since 1972 when abortion on demand was instituted, 40 million babies have been murdered in America. Where is the influence of the Church in all this?
It is obvious that our programs have failed. It is obvious that our methods of trying to influence the Church, let alone the world, have failed. What we need to do, what we must do is what the Bible tells us to do, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14). The problem is not the world. The problem is not the politicians. The problem is not evil men. The problem is the Church, the people of God. We must renounce our dependence upon the programs of men, turn from our sins, and return to a dependence upon the Holy Spirit and His power. Then, and only then, will the Church make a difference in this world.
In all fairness, not all those in the so called “non-Pentecostal” Church take this position. We have met many fine men and women in these Churches that truly do love God and are open to the present gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Unfortunately, it has been our experience that they are in the minority and not the majority.
What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 4
THE THIRD RELATIONSHIP
The third Greek word, epi, upon or over, used to describe the relationship of the Holy Spirit with men is found in the Book of Acts, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8). Here Jesus is referring to the overflowing work of the Spirit in a persons life, as He described it in John 7:37-39, “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” The prophet Isaiah spoke of God pouring out the Holy Spirit on the believer, “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring.” (Isaiah 44:3) And again, “The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11).
The third Greek word, epi, upon or over, used to describe the relationship of the Holy Spirit with men is found in the Book of Acts, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8). Here Jesus is referring to the overflowing work of the Spirit in a persons life, as He described it in John 7:37-39, “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” The prophet Isaiah spoke of God pouring out the Holy Spirit on the believer, “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring.” (Isaiah 44:3) And again, “The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11).
Saturday, January 3, 2009
What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 3
THE SECOND RELATIONSHIP
The second Greek word, en, in, is a primary preposition indicating (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and describes the relationship of the Holy Spirit with men, where He comes in and takes up residence in the heart of the believer, as Jesus said, “…and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit is in every one who believes in Jesus Christ, without exception. Jesus said, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23). Jesus was declaring to us that God the Holy Spirit would come and make His home in us. Some have trouble with this concept. They doubt whether God really dwells in our hearts. However, Jesus said that it is the case in the life of every believer, so we do best not to argue with Him.
It is our conviction that at this point the Apostles to whom Jesus were speaking to in John 14 were not yet born again. We believe that they were born again when Jesus spoke to them in John 20:22, “And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” The Holy Spirit was with (para) them, and upon being born again He is now dwelling in (en) them.
The second Greek word, en, in, is a primary preposition indicating (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and describes the relationship of the Holy Spirit with men, where He comes in and takes up residence in the heart of the believer, as Jesus said, “…and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit is in every one who believes in Jesus Christ, without exception. Jesus said, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23). Jesus was declaring to us that God the Holy Spirit would come and make His home in us. Some have trouble with this concept. They doubt whether God really dwells in our hearts. However, Jesus said that it is the case in the life of every believer, so we do best not to argue with Him.
It is our conviction that at this point the Apostles to whom Jesus were speaking to in John 14 were not yet born again. We believe that they were born again when Jesus spoke to them in John 20:22, “And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” The Holy Spirit was with (para) them, and upon being born again He is now dwelling in (en) them.
Friday, January 2, 2009
What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 2
THE FIRST RELATIONSHIP
Jesus said, “…for He dwells with you...” There are two different Greek words used here to describe the role of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives and hearts of men.
The first, the Greek word, para, is translated near, from beside, at, or in the vicinity of, to the proximity with. This Greek word tells us that the Holy Spirit is with men, with them in the sense that He is convicting them of their sins and convincing them of their need for Jesus Christ.
The primary work of the Holy Spirit is in convicting men of their sins and of declaring to them that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the whole world. “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” (John 16:8-11). It is the Holy Spirit that is with men, convicting them because they have sinned against God. Often, he will use believers to speak to those who do not know God. But many times, he speaks to them in the stillness of their hearts, through situation or circumstance. It is true with most people, that they usually need to experience suffering or even loss to consider a relationship with God. However, once they do come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, they experience forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit comes into their lives. And this is where the second Greek word comes into play.
Jesus said, “…for He dwells with you...” There are two different Greek words used here to describe the role of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives and hearts of men.
The first, the Greek word, para, is translated near, from beside, at, or in the vicinity of, to the proximity with. This Greek word tells us that the Holy Spirit is with men, with them in the sense that He is convicting them of their sins and convincing them of their need for Jesus Christ.
The primary work of the Holy Spirit is in convicting men of their sins and of declaring to them that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the whole world. “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” (John 16:8-11). It is the Holy Spirit that is with men, convicting them because they have sinned against God. Often, he will use believers to speak to those who do not know God. But many times, he speaks to them in the stillness of their hearts, through situation or circumstance. It is true with most people, that they usually need to experience suffering or even loss to consider a relationship with God. However, once they do come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, they experience forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit comes into their lives. And this is where the second Greek word comes into play.
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