The Work Of The Holy Spirit (Part 4)

This is the fourth in a my series on "The Work of the Holy Spirit."  Without the Holy Spirit we will never be able to accomplish what God has called us to.  During the infancy of the Church in the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit was essential to the expansion of the Gospel and really it is no different today.  We still need the working of the Spirit to be effective in the Great Commission!

Why Some Are Afraid Of The Holy Spirit And His Power

It's unfortunate, but many people are fearful of the Holy Spirit.  Often this is because of a misunderstanding, but there are several reasons that people are afraid to allow the Holy Spirit to move in their lives.  Some of them include:

1. They see what "ignorance" has produced in the past.
2. They are afraid of "emotions."
3. They are fearful of any kind of "demonstration" of the Spirit.
4. They are uncertain if "miracles" still happen today.
5. They don't want to change.  They choose to remain ignorant of the Holy Spirit's work.

God Established The Church On The Power Of The Holy Spirit

Throughout the Book of Acts we see the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit to assist in helping the Church get established and grow.

• Acts 1:8 -- The believers are promised to be endued with the power of the Holy Spirit
• Acts 2:1-8 -- The coming of the Holy Spirit is a miracle in itself
• Acts 2 -- The lives of the Apostles were changed completely after receiving the Holy Spirit.
• Acts 3 -- Every impossible situation begins to look possible
• Acts 4 -- Unusual things begin to happen
• Acts 5 -- Signs and wonders become common place

Why You Need The Power Of The Holy Spirit

1. So the church can experience the power of God.  God works through the believer!  We are a channel for God's power to meet the needs of the world.
2. So God can manifest to us, who He is. Many people don't believe in God because they don't see a "demonstration" of God and His power.  We need the Holy Spirit actively working in our lives so people can see who God is.
3. So the Body of Christ can be edified, comforted, and exhorted.  It's not enough to just have a "church service."  We need the power of the Holy Spirit to be so magnified in our lives, so that every time we come together souls are being saved, bodies healed, and needs being met. 

The Work Of The Holy Spirit (Part 3)

The Holy Spirit has so much to offer the believer, it is vital that we take advantage of all He does for us.  Second only to learning who Jesus is and what He has done, the study of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important subjects you can learn about.  After you accept Jesus, it is imperative that you understand that you do not stand alone!  But the Holy Spirit is going to be in you to help you in your Christian walk. In this post I want to continue with a list of the functions the Holy Spirit has in the life of the Believer.

1.  He Teaches Us And Brings Things To Our Remembrance

John 14:26 -- "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."  It is the job of the Holy Spirit to help us "remember" things that have been revealed to us in the Scripture.  That is why it is so important to read, study, meditate, and even memorize passages in the Bible.  How can the Holy Spirit bring something to your remembrance that was never there?

2.  He Gives Us Victory Over Sin

Romans 8:1-5 -- It is the "...law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (that) hath made me free from the law of sin and death."  You need to begin to look at yourself as someone who has victory over sin!  As a Child of God, you no longer are bound or a servant of sin!  "Whom the Son has set free, is free indeed!"

3.  He Flows Out Of Us

John 7:37-39 -- There was a time when the Holy Spirit dwelt "with" the people of God, but now he dwells "in" God's people (John 14:17).  After the resurrection of Jesus, He returned to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in the lives of the Believers.  This amazing event happened on the Day of Pentecost when the Spirit descended upon the disciples of Christ in Acts 2.  This same Spirit fills the lives of all Believers today.

4.  He Empowers Us For Service

Acts 1:8 -- The primary purpose of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the Believer is so they can be witnesses for Christ and carry on the work He began.  God knew we couldn't fulfill the Great Commission without the power of the Holy Spirit.

Are  you taking full advantage of the Spirit's working in your life?  Are  you allowing Him to "flow" out of you and empower you for service?  If not, then begin doing so today!

The Work Of The Holy Spirit (Part 2)

The Holy Spirit has several functions in the life of the Believer.  It's important to remember that the Holy Spirit is described as our "Comforter," "Advocate," and "Helper."  If the Believer really expects to move in the power of God, then they must learn to be guided by the Holy Spirit rather than what they see, feel, and sense.

The Holy Spirit has four functions in the life of the Believer:

1.  He Reveals Things To Us

 

I Corinthians 2:9-12 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have enter into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

It is the Holy Spirit who reveals to us the "deep" things of God!  As we read the Word of God, His Spirit shows us what we need to know.

2.  He Quickens Us

John 6:63 - It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Too many people are "quickened" by their emotions rather than by the Spirit!  This kind of "quickening" is more soul and flesh rather than spirit.  It's the Spirit that quickens us or makes us alive!

3.  He Leads Us And Guides Us

 

Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Don't allow emotions, hearsay, or feelings to lead you!  All these can be deceptive and possibly lead us in the wrong direction.  The Holy Spirit is the only dependable guide in your life.  Allow Him to lead and guide your steps.

4.  He Bears Witness With Us

  

Romans 8:16 - The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

As Believers the Holy Spirit will always bear witness with our spirit that we are the Children of God!  

Be aware of the work the the Holy Spirit in your life.  Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal things to you? To quicken you? To lead and guide you?  He is ready, are you?

 

The Mission Of A Father

This past week, Father's Day was celebrated in millions of homes.  Unfortunately, there was also many children across America who didn't see their dad on Father's Day and in fact haven't seen them for years.  Fatherless homes have become a real problem in our society.  Since the creation of Adam, men were ordained by God to be spiritual leaders in society and in the home, unfortunately, too many are ignoring this role.  Fathers have God's calling and mission to pass on Biblical truths to their children but before you can pass something on you must first possess it.  You first need God's Word in your life so you can help your children.

Provide A Foundation For True Spirituality

The main mission of a father is to provide a foundation for true spirituality in the lives of their children.  This is done by reading, listening, and following God's Word. The very foundation for spirituality is having a relationship with God and that comes by knowing the Word of God.  Our mission in being a good father is being the spiritual leader God has called us to be.  As fathers we have an awesome responsibility to our children and it doesn't end when they leave home.

Obstacles We Face In Our Mission

As we provide this foundation, there will be many obstacles we will face.  Some of them include:

• Spiritual Warfare -- Satan will do all he can to keep you from carrying out your Godly mission as a father.  Be aware of that and expect opposition in the form of spiritual warfare with the enemy.
• Not Making Teaching Our Children The Truth Of God A High Priority -- God teaches that parents are to make teaching the truths of God a high priority in the home, but parents are so busy with their own agendas and life that they neglect the number one calling.
• Lack Of Time Management -- Lacking time management to the point where we believe we don't have the time to spend with God or our children.  We find time to do whatever we want, TV, internet, entertainment, etc.  Take the time  for God and your children.
• Lack of Self Discipline -- This is perhaps one of the most dangerous obstacles.  A lack of self discipline will cause us to to allow other things to take the place of spending time in God's Word.
• Lack Of Commitment -- More people are committed to gaining material things than to the things of God.  Parents are not totally responsible for the choices their children make, but it is helpful when dad and mom live a God honoring life and teach their children by their example and by their words what it means to live a life of integrity.

The Three "R's" Dad's Are To Practice

1. Recognize the enemies purpose in his obstacles 
2. Reorganize your life to include God's Word
3. Revitalize your relationship with God 

Our mission as a father, is extremely important.  It isn't "mission impossible" but it is "mission critical."  What do you plan to do about it, and what kind of legacy are you going to leave your children?  You may say a lot of things, but the life you live and what you value speaks volumes.  Live your life based on Biblical truth!

How To Get Sick And Stay Sick

Proverbs 6:2 tells us "Thou are snared with the words of thy mouth, thou are taken with the words of thy mouth."  People will never know how true this verse really is.  We have to be careful what we say and what we confess!  If you want to get sick and stay sick then follow these points.

 Point 1:

Tell others in great detail all about your infirmities.

Point 2:

Speak like this:  “When it comes to healing, I’m a real doubting Thomas; I have to be shown before I will ever believe.” or, “It’s so hard to believe God these days.  I have such little faith.  I’ve tried trusting God, but it just doesn’t work.”

Point 3:

Believe and say your sickness is like Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 12:7).

Point 4:

Tune in on an actual conversation by one who stays sick much of the time and you’ll gain tips on how to have the same results in life.

Point 5:

And if you really want to stay sick, here is a list of "never’s":

Never confess, “By His stripes ye were healed” (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24)

Never confess, “Himself took our infirmities and bear our sicknesses’ (Matthew 8:17)

Never confess, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)

Point 6:

Often tell others about your operations, and your afflictions and your health problems in general.

Point 7:

If you have ever received healing or a miraculous answer to prayer, don’t talk about it. 

Point 8:

If you have had a loved one or relative die of some disease, talk about it often.

Point 9:

When you hear a wonderful testimony of healing on the radio, TV, or read about one, be sure to scoff and cast doubt upon the authenticity.

Point 10: 

Always say, “I can’t get my healing, God just won’t meet my need.

Now if you want to stay sick just practice these ten steps.  But if you are “sick and tired of being sick and tired,” confess just the opposite and you’ll obtain the benefits of God’s great blessings.

What you confess is exactly what you’ll possess, whether it be sickness or health. “Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.”

Understanding Faith (Part 5)

As Christians we should all desire to be successful in what God has called us to do and be.  True success is determined by our ability to walk by faith and obedience to God.  In this post, I want to share with you five keys to having "great faith."  Following these principles will help you to live a life of faith.

1.  Have A Thorough Understanding Of Submission And Authority

The Bible is full of examples of how people received great miracles simply because they understood submission and authority.  Matthew 8:9-10 the centurions servant was healed because he understood authority and simply told Jesus that all he had to do was "speak" the word and it would be done.  Moses' obedience and submission to God's authority resulted in the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea (Genesis 14:15-16); Peter and the other disciples obeyed Jesus' command and "cast their nets" on the other side of the boat and caught a great number of fish (Luke 5:4-6).  If you want great faith, you must have a good understanding of submission and authority.

2.  Be Convinced Of Jesus' Ability To Do What He Has Promised

We must be fully convinced that God is able to do what He has promised through Jesus Christ.  Abraham was convinced of what God had spoken to him that no longer did he waver at the promise of God, but was fully convinced.  Romans 4:20-22 tells us that Abraham "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that what He promised He was able to perform."  Are you convinced that God is able to perform what He has promised in the New Covenant that was established through Jesus Christ?

3.  Press In Regardless Of The Obstacles

The best example of pressing in regardless of the obstacles is the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8:43-48.  She had sought help through every means possible and finally went to see Jesus, but the throng of people were keeping her away.  But she continued to "press in" until she touched the hem of Jesus' garment and immediately Jesus knew "power" had left Him and she was healed.  There are many obstacles, disappointments, and trials that will try to cause us to lose heart and not press in.  However, don't give up just because life becomes difficult.  We must continue to press in if we want great faith!

4. Exhibit Boldness In The Midst Of Unbelief and Mockery

When we take steps of faith it sometimes seems foolish to those around us.  But we must press in with boldness regardless of how foolish it may seem or how others may mock us for our belief.

5.  Persistence

In Matthew 15:21-28 Jesus commended the Gentile woman for having great faith.  She had great faith because of her persistent attitude that got Jesus' attention.  She continued to plead her case with humility and respect even after Jesus  didn't initially respond the way she hoped he would.

6.  Act On The Word

Faith is nothing until we ACT!  James 1:22 "But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  Are you ready to act on the Word of God?  God's ready!

Understanding Faith (Part 3)

In this third lesson in the series "Understanding Faith" I want to show the difference between faith and believing and explain exactly how it is that faith works.  But before I do that there are three important aspects of faith that we must understand.

1.  There are three kinds of faith:

• Natural Faith
• Bible Faith
• The Gift of Faith

Natural faith is a faith that we operate in everyday, where someone tells us something and we believe it and act on it.  For example, your friend tells you that gas is $2.99 per gallon at the gas station on the corner.  You believe it and then act on it and fill your car up.

Bible faith comes by hearing the Word of God.  Again, it is information we receive from God's Word, we believe it and act on it.  For example, the Bible tells us that if we "confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins."  We believe it, and then we confess our sins to God and believe He forgives us.

Then there is the "gift of faith."  It is one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit.  This gift of faith is given to men as the Spirit wills and is used to edify and encourage the Body of Christ.

2.  Bible faith takes effort on our part.  A common mistake many people make is they think that Bible faith is something that God gives to them with no effort on their part and this simply isn't true.  The gift of salvation is free and requires nothing of us, but having Biblical faith requires our involvement and effort.

3.  Faith and believing are not the same thing.  I will explain that further in the next point.

The Difference Between Faith And Believing

Visualize if you will a man staggering through the church door and collapsing on the floor when several people rush to his side.  One of them is a doctor and he says "This man is in the final stages of starvation.  He is suffering from malnutrition.  If he doesn't eat in the next 30 minutes he will die!"

The people bring the man food and ask the man "Do you believe that if you eat this food it will keep you from starving to death?"  The man replies "yes" he believes that, but then never eats the food.  This continues for 30 minutes and the man continues to make the statement that he believes if he eats the food it will save his life but never eats it and ultimately dies!

Even though the man's belief was correct, he ultimately died, because he never acted in faith on what he believed!  He never ate the food!  That's the difference between believing and faith.  Until you start doing something about what you believe, it's not faith, it's only belief!  James 2:20 says, "...that faith without works is dead."  Faith must have action to be faith.  Faith is acting on the Word of God.

Faith Is Being A Doer Of The Word

James 1:22 says, "But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."  We must be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.  Faith is not faith until is has been acted upon.  This is where most believers miss it.  They hear the Word, they believe the Word, but never become a doer of the Word.

How Faith Works

Faith works on the same principle in the spirit realm as it does in the natural realm.  Faith in both realms is based upon something which you believe.

Here's how faith works in the spiritual realm as well as in the natural realm.  (1) You are given information. (2) You believe that information. (3) You act on the information you believe.

Faith Is Acting On The Word Of God

There are several examples in the Bible of men acting on the Word of God.  Peter in Luke 5:4-7 had fished all night and didn't catch a thing.  But when Jesus told them to "Push out into the deep water and let down the nets for a catch," Peter responded "nevertheless at thy Word I will let down the net." As a result there was a great catch all because Peter acted on the Word of God.

Joshua also acted on the Word of God in Joshua 6:1-20.  He followed the instruction of the Lord completely and the city of Jericho was overtaken.

Faith is more than just believing!  It is acting on the truth of God's Word!  Won't you start believing on and acting on the Word of God today?