Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

Romans 8- Pray for Us, Holy Spirit!

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Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God Romans 8:26-27

Jesus said “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7) The Holy Spirit was sent to us for our advantage, for many reasons, the Holy Spirit is our Counselor, our Teacher, our Comforter, our Advocate, (John 14:26) But also as we learn from the scriptures today, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know what to pray

We have all been there , when our life was in desperation, maybe we were going through a trial or tribulation, and we wanted to cry out to our Heavenly Father, however the pain we were dealing with is so great, we don’t know where to even begin or what to say. As the Apostle Paul teaches us “The Spirit helps us in our weakness/infirminities” This might be why the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, (John 14:26) You are not alone, you are never alone, because the Spirit of the Living God lives inside of You as a Born Again Believer in Christ

“For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (v26) When we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit will pray for us, the Holy Spirit will intercede to the Father and Son for You. This is how connected you are with God in Christ. So even if you don’t know what to say, get on your knees and allow the Holy Spirit to pray for you. 

As the Apostle Paul also reveals “ He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is” God searches your heart and mind, God already knows what your going to say before you even say it, God knows whats on your heart and mind even if you don’t say it, this is the relationship we have with our Father through Jesus Christ. If the Holy Spirit lives inside of you, the Holy Spirit knows your life, there is nothing that can be hidden from God. If you are suffering, the Holy Spirit knows your suffering, if your rejoicing, the Holy Spirit knows your rejoicing. This is why the Holy Spirit can intercede for you to God.

If you want to connect with God and don’t know what to say, pray and allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for you , as the Apostle Paul says here “because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God” The Holy Spirit makes intercession for you according to the will of God. If you reject the Holy Spirit, you are rejecting the will of God. It is to your advantage that Christ has sent you the Holy Spirit, Amen!

2 Timothy 3- The Word of God

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All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

There are people who will say “God never speaks to me” or will say “I wish God would speak to me”, well if you want God to talk to you, read the Word of God! The Bible is inspired and God breathed Word, its a supernatural book from our Creator and I guarantee if you read the Bible, it will change your life!

The problem with Christianity today, is many “Christians” have rejected or forsaken the Word of God. They deny the authority of scripture so they can make up their own doctrines and beliefs, they attack the Word of God to try and discredit it’s reliability and authenticity. The Bible should be the foundation of your Church and your life, when your Church denies the authority of scripture, this is when heresies and false doctrines creep into the Church

As the Apostle Paul reveals here “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God” let me repeat that again, All Scripture! There are people who like to pick and choose what verses they like from the Bible, and they will remove the verses they don’t like, this is more common than you think. But you must receive the entire Bible as the Word of God, not just a few books. Just because you don’t understand the scripture, doesn’t mean its not true. 

The Bible is a gift from God, his word delivered by the Holy Spirit to the prophets and apostles, persevered just for us. As the Apostle Paul says here “is profitable for doctrine, for instruction, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” The Bible is foundational for our faith, these are the instructions and teachings that were given to us by God to live our lives for Him! 

As the Apostle Peter stated “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21) The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets and the apostles to deliver to us the Holy Word of God. As The Lord Jesus confirmed this himself “Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” (Luke 24:44) If you want to know who the real Jesus Christ is , read your BIble, the entire Bible reveals who Christ truly is!

Why do we need to read your Bible? As the Apostle Paul says “so the Man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” You need to be trained by the Holy Spirit, in order to do that you must read the words from the Holy Spirit! I will end with the words by Christ himself “Man can’t live on bread alone, but every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) Amen!

2 Timothy 1- Spirit of Power

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For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

As we live in these dark times, as the world seems to be collapsing around us, nation is at war with nation, the love of everyone around has grown cold, the Apostle Paul is reminding us , that God has given us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us. The same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is living inside of us (Romans 8:11) but also the Holy Spirit is not a spirit of fear , or cowardice, or timidity. 

This is the same Holy Spirit that emboldened the early Church, took a group of ordinary people and set the world on fire by boldly preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrating their power over Satan and the Kingdom of Darkness, with the power of the Holy Spirit and their faith in Jesus Christ. 

As I reflect upon the “pandemic” a few years ago, it really showed the spiritual state of the Church. As most Churches closed and were afraid to gather for fear of the government or a virus, the early Church boldly confessed their faith in Christ, even if it meant imprisonment, persecution, or even death.

As the Lord Jesus Christ promised,  “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26) Jesus also said “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7)

The Holy Spirit sent by Christ, to teach us all things, to live inside of us, to seal us until the day of redemption, has equipped the Church to fulfill our mission of the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) God has not given us a spirit of fear, of cowardness, or timidity, God has given you the Holy Spirit , the power of the living God living inside of you, to equip you to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5) that we were called to be!

The Holy Spirit also has given us a sound mind, a mind that can spiritually discern the evil in this world, as the Apostle John told us “Test the spirits” (1 John 4:1) , how are we able to do this? Because we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, the Holy Spirit will give us a sound and new mind in Christ (Ezekiel 36:26) to be equipped to serve our Lord Jesus Christ and fight the good fight of faith, Amen!

2 Corinthians 1- Sealed by the Holy Spirit

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Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. 2 Corinthians 1:21-24

Notice the Triune language Paul is using here about God, “Now He (Father) which establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us is God, who has also sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” Wow, talk about an amazing revelation by Paul about how our salvation works with God. I highly recommend you analyze these scriptures with multiple translations to get the full context

As Jesus said “Nobody comes to me unless the Father draws them” (John 6:44) I know this can be a controversial text, however its in alignment with what Paul is saying here also “The Father establishes us with You in Christ” the Greek word here for establishes can also secure or guarantee! The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all essential in the process of our salvation, to remove any from the Triunity of God is to misunderstand God

Paul also said God has anointed us, isn’t this a wonderful revelation, to know you have been anointed and sealed by the Holy Spirit, you don’t have to feel insecure with your salvation in Christ, you have been guaranteed salvation. Some people strangely don’t like this promise, they want to waver daily on whether they are saved or not, when you have become Born Again in Christ, you can’t be unregenerated, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit!

The Apostle Paul made a similar statement to the Church of Ephesus, “You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise”(Ephesians 1:13) You were not sealed with the uncertainty, you were sealed with a promise, when God makes a promise you can trust and believe, take comfort in knowing you will never be forsaken by your Heavenly Father

Often people want to view salvation as if God is dangling a carrot in front of them, God is not the author of confusion, when you are saved in Christ, you are saved, it’s a guaranteed done deal. This idea that we worship an insecure God that changes his mind every day is not Biblical

God the Father establishes and anoints us in Jesus Christ and we are sealed and baptized by the Holy Spirit, Amen!

1 Corinthians 14- Order of The Church

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How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 1 Corinthians 14:26-28

We often hear a judge yell “Order in the Court” when there are multiple people talking at one time, well this is what Paul is saying here for the Church. God is not the author of confusion (v33) The Church of Corinth had multiple people talking at one time, one person was singing a psalm, another person was speaking in tongues, another person was prophesying. But it was all just mass confusion instead of edification for the Church

Again we see those words here again in this Chapter, Paul says “Let all things be done unto edifying” It’s great when we sing Psalms or Hymns together, but if someone is singing and another Christian is preaching, it doesn’t work. We as the body of Christ need to be in sync with each other. It’s not about me and you, its about us and Christ. 

On our recent video chat, brother Fred mentioned at a prayer meeting, there are multiple people praying at one time, this actually is not Biblical. And it’s not surprising why , because it’s just causing mass confusion. There might be an edifying message or prophecy, however nobody can hear or understand it, therefore its not edifying to the Church

The Apostle Paul states here “If there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the Church, let him speak to himself, and God” If nobody understands what you are saying, then by scripture you are to remain silent in the Church. Now I think this bruises more egos than anything. If you have the gift of tongues , there is a time and place to use this gift, according to scripture

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:29-33

God is not the author of confusion, we need to remember and understand this. I’ve visited a Church where people were rolling on the floors and people were randomly speaking out, is this a Biblical structure of the Church? The Apostle Paul says No, and to be honest with you me and my wife walked out, because it was pure madness. 

As brother Fred also said “People are trying to create an upper room experience” , as we said before, we are not the Holy Spirit, we can’t create an upper room experience, only God Almighty can do this. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self control (Galatians 5:23) If we have no control over ourselves is this really from the Holy Spirit? God wants a Church of order and not chaos Amen!

1 Corinthians 14- Tongues Are A Sign

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Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 1 Corinthians 14:22-25

The Apostle Paul continues to drop more truth bombs on us with his teachings. The first part of his statement is “Tongues are a sign” So , as we established, the speaking of tongues has a reason or purpose, people don’t just randomly babble for no purpose. As we talked about previously, tongues are used for evangelism and for edification within the Church. Unknown tongues are to be spoken in private while alone with God, since there is no interpreter

Paul goes on to say “Tongues are a sign for non-believers, not believers” Now I believe Paul is referring to evangelism of the gospel but also its evidence of God’s presence. Again we see a specific purpose for speaking in tongues, God has a reason for delivering this message. 

Now think about this from a non-Christians perspective, they hear a Christian speaking in tongues, and their first thought is “What is going on here”? I think that is part of the reason, God is grabbing the attention of the unsaved, God is demonstrating a supernatural gift into the natural world. So now what is the response from the non-believer? Are they going to seek this more or are they just going to blow it off as foolishness? Its a heart condition check by God

On the flipside Paul states “Prophecy is for the believer and not the non-believer” So this makes sense, if someone doesn’t believe in God they obviously are not going to be in prophecy. But it also demonstrates the importance of sharing your revelation with the rest of the Church. If God is giving you a prophecy , it needs to be shared with the Church, as it probably effects the Church. 

So just to summarize what Paul is saying towards the end of this “ If a non-Christian witnesses multiple Christians speaking in tongues, their heart condition will be checked” the KJV says “his heart made manifest” , meaning how is this non-believer going to respond to a supernatural event? Are they going to continue to deny God or as Paul says “fall down on his face and worship God”

  1. Tongues is a sign of the New Covenant for non-believers
  2. Tongues of prophecy are purposed for the Church
  3. The response to tongues determines someone’s heart condition towards God

1 Corinthians 14- New Covenant Gift

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Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 1 Corinthians 14:16-19

The Apostle Paul makes an important statement here “ In the Church, I had rather speak five words with my understanding, than ten thousands words in an unknown tongue” You have heard the phrase quality over quantity, Paul would rather speak only 5 words that was understandable and edifying to the Church than ten thousand words that nobody could understand

Again this goes back to why are we speaking tongues in Church? Are you trying to edify the body of Christ with a message or are you trying to puff yourself up? There has to be a reason and purpose for what your saying, God doesn’t just randomly make up words with no edification. 

As Paul says here also, and I’ll paraphrase, “How can those in the room say “Amen” and they don’t understand what you say” When the Church says Amen , they are agreeing to something being said, the Church can’t agree or they shouldn’t agree, if they don’t understand what is being proclaimed

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:20-21

It’s interesting here because the Apostle Paul quotes Isaiah , there are a couple of things we can conclude from this reference.

 1. Speaking in tongues is a New Covenant practice- as Isaiah referenced , the prophets beforehand spoke in clear language to the people of Israel, yet they still rejected Gods Word, now that the Holy Spirit speaks through foreign tongues, its clear the New Covenant is for All nations and people and not just Israel

2. Speaking in tongues is a sign and confirmation of the New Covenant in Christ. Those who claim Christ is just a renewal of the Mosaic Covenant, would have to dismiss the gifts of speaking in tongues at Pentecost all together

3. Paul warns the Church to be mature in the use of speaking of tongues and not like spiritual children. Even discussing the topic of tongues we see brings a strong reaction and sometimes division among the Church. The use of tongues is a powerful gift given by the Holy Spirit, it should be used with wisdom and caution of Gods providence.

1 Corinthians 14- Edify The Church

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There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:10-12

The Apostle Paul makes a profound statement here “You are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the Church” As we talked about previously , we should seek to obtain our spiritual gifts from God. Those who deny spiritual gifts altogether are basically denying God. These are gifts God wants to share with us, why wouldn’t we want to be obedient and receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit?

But then we go back to what is the purpose of these spiritual gifts? I believe its been concluded spiritual gifts are for evangelism and to edify the Church. We should be seeking to edify our brothers and sisters with our spiritual gifts. This is one of the main reasons we need to assemble or fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. If we don’t gather as a Church, how can we edify our brothers and sisters?

As Jesus said “We will be known by our fruits” (Matthew 7) How we use our spiritual gifts shows our heart condition. Are we using our spiritual gifts to edify the Church and share the gospel? Or are we trying to use our spiritual gifts to promote ourselves and build up our egos?

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 1 Corinthians 14:13-15

Notice what the Apostle Paul teaches here “pray that he may interpret” If you’re speaking in tongues for the Church, we need to make sure it’s edifying for the Church. If you speak in tongues and nobody has any idea what you’re saying, you are not edifying anyone except yourself.

For those who do have the gift of speaking in tongues, you have a responsibility to know when to share with the body of Christ. If there is nobody that has the gift of interpretation, then you should remain silent. Part of this would be knowing who your brothers and sisters are that you are worshiping with, it’s very awesome to see how the body of Christ compliments each other when we share our spiritual gifts with one another

In all things, we must remain in the will of God, led by the Holy Spirit, obedient to The Lord and edifying to the Church, Amen!

1 Corinthians 14- Spiritual Gifts Purpose

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I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 1 Corinthians 14:5-9

Our scriptures today generate some questions, does everyone speak in tongues or prophecy? Secondly, what is the purpose of you speaking in tongues or prophesying? As we talked about previously, there are various spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12, Romans 12) and we all that are Born Again, have a spiritual gift of the Holy Spirit. You may not know or understand what your spiritual gift is at this point, but I can guarantee if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then He has given you a gift

Now the first question, what is the purpose of you speaking in tongues? God is a God of law and order (1 Cor. 14:33) God doesn’t just create random things to create confusion, there is a purpose and plan for everything He has created, including You! We know in the past that Speaking of Tongues, was instrumental to spreading the gospel very quickly. In fact that might still be the case today, as missionaries go to foreign countries , the Holy Spirit may enable them to share the gospel in their native language. 

There are many today who claim to have the gifts of speaking in tongues, what is the purpose of your gift? Are you using it for the body of Christ to edify or spread the gospel? And what about unknown tongues? What is Gods plan and purpose for this gift? I’m not going to claim to have all the answers, in fact to be honest, speaking in tongues is very mysterious to me. I do believe they are real, because the Word of God says they are real, but I don’t fully understand everything about it

As the Apostle Paul says here “What shall I profit or benefit you” How are these gift going to enhance the Kingdom of God or edify the Body of Christ? That should be the question if you are speaking in tongues or if someone in your Church is also. We know there are some false prophets who fake speaking in tongues to gather attention or to try and demonstrate a greater spiritual authority, but what are they accomplishing? Has anything been edified since they have spoken? Has the gospel been increased?

The Apostle Paul also says here “except you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how shall it be known what is spoken”? Again what is the purpose of what is being spoken, if its now understood by anyone? Is this to glorify God or to glorify yourself?

Many false prophets have abused the gifts of the Holy Spirit, lets make sure we are worshiping God in Spirit and Truth, Amen!

1 Corinthians 14- Desire Spiritual Gifts

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Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.  1 Corinthians 14:1-4

 I love how Paul begins this teaching here , he says “Follow after Love and Desire Spiritual Gifts” When it comes to the controversy of Spiritual Gifts, it almost seems like some Christians don’t want any spiritual gifts! As we talked about previously the Holy Spirit is continually active in every believer’s life. You can’t be saved without the Holy Spirit, you can’t be Born Again without the Holy Spirit, you can’t confess Jesus Christ is Lord without the Holy Spirit.

So when it comes to the topic of spiritual gifts, I don’t understand why it would be hard to believe that some Christians can speak in unknown tongues or still make prophecies. I think the KJV translation brings a little more clarity to this teaching as it states “For he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to man but to God” Now I think this clarifies things here a little bit, because the word “tongues” basically just means languages. So to speak in tongues basically just means to prophecy in a different language. Now this is effective if there is a Christian there who can interpret the prophecy in their own language. This is precisely how the gospel message got spread to the entire world so rapidly

So in my opinion , there is nothing “strange fire” about people speaking in “tongues” if its an actual language, Paul goes on to say there are some tongues that are unknown to people speaking to God. Now the problem with our modern day Christianity is we have alot of false prophets who fake speaking in tongues. We have all seen and experienced this probably at one point in our Christian walk, however that doesn’t mean that everyone who speaks in an unknown tongue is false, because Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said it would happen. 

It’s like the gift of healing, I believe God still heals today, even though they are many false prophets who perform fake healings. Does that mean all healings are not valid, of course not. This is the same with tongues and prophecy, just because some people abuse the Holy Spirit, doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit isn’t still alive and working today. 

The Apostle Paul says “He that prophecies speak unto men for edification” Now again , because the cannon of the Bible is closed, many believe prophecy is over. Why? The purpose of prophecy is not just to foretell the future but as Paul says here for edification. When you look at the original Greek word for Prophecy “prophēteuōn” it also means to “speak under inspiration” or “divine” Just because you are “prophesying” doesn’t mean you are adding to the revelation of God, it’s just guidance from God in our daily lives

Going back to Paul’s original statement “Desire Spiritual Gifts”, do you desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit or are you quenching the Holy Spirit? Sometimes we need to step out of our box of theological understanding and trust the Holy Spirit , Amen!