THE HOLY SPIRIT - RECAPTURING PENTECOST

My next few blog posts will be thoughts and messages on the Holy Spirit that  I have shared with the local assembly God has placed us in.  I pray they will be a blessing to you.

Scripture reading: Acts 2:41-42

You can't talk about the Holy Spirit without talking about the Day of Pentecost. This is the day of the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world. Some might say it's the birthday of the church. It's important to remember the church is not an organization, but rather a living breathing organism. The true church of Jesus Christ is not confined to a building or specific meeting times for that matter. We're talking about the church that Jesus in building.

What was Pentecost? It wasn't the beginning of a denomination, that's for certain. It was so named because it was the fiftieth day after Passover. The world did not know what had been happening during that time. Jesus had risen and had appeared to His disciples. The disciples had been commissioned and had witnessed the ascension of Jesus into heaven. Then came the ten days of waiting and praying. Let's take a look at the work of the Holy Spirit on this great day

Let's look, first of all, at the work of the Holy Spirit in conversion. They that gladly received His word (Acts 2:41). Who gladly received His word? The 3000 who had come for the feast. The 3000 who had been of the Christ-rejecting crowd. Praise God no one is too far gone for the Holy Spirit to reach!

What was this word they gladly received? It was a message of conviction (Vs 22). It was a message of the cross (Vs 23). It was a message of the resurrection (Vs 24). All real conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit. This was the case with Nicodemus (John 3:1-8). It was also the testimony of Paul to Titus (Titus 3:5).

Now let's look at the work of the Holy Spirit in public witness. Were baptized (Vs 41). Salvation takes place in the heart, but we confess Him openly. Baptism is a public witness – its us identifying with Christ. It's an outward sign of an inward cleansing. The Holy Spirit is involved in baptism. Remember the dove that decended when Jesus was baptized? Once you are saved, the Holy Spirit moves you to this next act of obedience – water baptism.

Think of the hostile atmosphere at that time. There is so much confusion on the subject of water baptism. People ask which is the correct mode of baptism: pouring, sprinkling or immersion? I believe it's best to take the Bible literally. The biblical mode of water baptism was immersion.

You are in good company when you choose baptism. Jesus chose it. Paul chose it. The converts on the Day of Pentecost chose it. The Holy Spirit gives public expression to the gospel through us.

The Holy Spirit is at work in Christian growth. They continued (Vs 42). They were not content to just escape hell – nor should we be. One of the functions of the Holy Spirit is to teach (John 14:18-18, 24). In fellowship – the bond between believers; a unity brought by the Holy Spirit; a deep sense of spiritual unity. In breaking of bread refers to communion services that were celebrated in remembrance of Jesus and were patterned after the Last Supper as a full meal. In prayers – the Holy Spirit plays a huge role in our prayer life. He leads us on to higher ground. Following the Holy Spirit will lead us to spiritual maturity.

The Holy Spirit works in the hearts and lives of believers. He leads us and calls us to do God's will. How will you respond to the ministry of the Holy Spirit?

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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THE HOLY SPIRIT - FULFILLMENT OF THE PROMISE

My next few blog posts will be thoughts and messages on the Holy Spirit that  I have shared with the local assembly God has placed us in.  I pray they will be a blessing to you.

Jesus made a promise – a promise that He would send the Holy Spirit. In today's blog post we will see the fulfillment of that promise. When God makes a promise, you can count on it!

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come (Acts 1:8-11). Jesus promised when the Holy Ghost came He would empower the church to be effective. Jesus promised the disciples they would receive power to witness after they received the Holy Spirit.

Notice the progression. They would receive the Holy Spirit. He would give them power. They would witness with extraordinary results. It is through the baptism of the Holy Spirit that believers receive the power to witness for Jesus and to bring conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment upon the lost. The distinctive purpose of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts is to empower the church for ministry.

The disciples were to pray for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:12-14). Jesus had been with them for forty days after His resurrection. He had instructed them to pray for this power that would be ushered in by the Holy Spirit. So what did they do? They separated themselves in an upper story room for the purpose of praying for this promise. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem and had a prayer meeting. Jesus had said they would be baptized in the Holy Spirit in a few days, so they waited and prayed.

What was the evidence of the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:1-4). Wouldn't it have been exciting to be there on the Day of Pentecost? Things began to happen! They heard something that sounded like a mighty rushing wind. Fire was involved. The wind and fire indicated God was present and active in a powerful way. It is noteworthy that this is the only time in Scripture where these two things are mentioned in regards to the Holy Spirit.

Then there were the unknown tongues or languages that were spoken. Tongues were languages unknown by the ones speaking them. Speaking in tongues was and is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Everyone heard the gospel in their own language and dialect. I, personally, have spoken in tongues and continue to do so – most often in my personal prayer time.

I believe speaking in tongues is one of the most abused gifts today. It must be recognized that the mere occurrence of speaking with other tongues, or any other supernatural manifestation for that matter, is not absolute evidence of the work and presence of the Holy Spirit. I believe for everything God has Satan has a counterfeit.  Speaking in tongues can be counterfeited by people or even Satan, himself. It is to be as the Spirit gives utterance. It's not a learned thing, but rather a spontaneous “God thing”.

They then began to preach in the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:14-36). The power of the Holy Spirit was evident in the preaching of this message. This was a new Peter – God had restored Peter after his denial of Jesus. His confidence came from the Holy Spirit who made him a powerful and dynamic speaker.

Peter addressed the accusations that they were drunk. The Holy Spirit brought a new power and a new boldness to proclaim the gospel – and it was quite effective. This same power and anointing is available to believers today.

What were the results of the Holy Spirit's presence? (Acts 2:41-42). 3000 people were saved and added to the church!!! Not only did they get saved – they continued in that which they started! They continued in the apostle's teaching. They continued in fellowship (sharing, unity, close association, partnership, participation, a brotherhood – a unity brought about by the Holy Spirit). They continued in the breaking of bread (this appears to mean communion as a full meal – as the last supper was). They continued in prayers. What an impact the Holy Spirit had – and He still does when we allow Him to move.

This promise of the Holy Spirit was not only for the 120 that were in the upper room. This promise is for you and me today. This promise is just as valid today as it was then. The Holy Spirit is in the world today. The Holy Spirit was sent into the world on the Day of Pentecost and He's been here ever sense. His power is available for each of us. Do you want this power? Do you desire to draw closer to God? He desires to move in you today

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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THE HOLY SPIRIT - WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE DOES

My next few blog posts will be thoughts and messages on the Holy Spirit that  I have shared with the local assembly God has placed us in.  I pray they will be a blessing to you.

Scripture reading: John 14:15-17, 26; 16:7-15

Who is the Holy Spirit? He is God as the Father is God. He is God as the Son is God

The Holy Spirit is a person. He's not an “it”. Many make the mistake of thinking of Him impersonally. Some falsely teach He is only a force as though He's part of a Star Wars movie. The Bible tells us some things about the Holy Spirit. For example, The Holy Spirit has intellect (Romans 8:27). The Holy Spirit has emotion (Ephesians 4:30). The Holy Spirit has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11). These are the characteristics of personality, not some mystical force. But what does the Holy Spirit do?

First of all we know the Holy Spirit comforts. He is called the Comforter (John 14:16, 26; 16:7). Jesus calls the Holy Spirit another Comforter. The Greek work translated Comforter literally means One called alongside to help. This is a rich word meaning Comforter, Strengthener, Counselor, Helper, Adviser, Advocate, Ally and Friend . Isn't it interesting that this is the first adjective used by Jesus to describe the Holy Spirit?

Think about how often we need comforting. We need comfort when separation is near. Jesus was about to be separated from His disciples. The cross and all it's agony was ahead. We need comfort when the tears are flowing (Gethsemane). We need comfort when we feel alone. We need comfort when others turn against us. We need comfort when death has come to those close to us.

The Holy Spirit counsels. Jesus said, He shall teach you all things (John 14:26). The word translated Comforter combines the ideas of comfort and counsel. The Holy Spirit is a powerful person on our side, working for and with us.

We need a Counselor when we are perplexed. There are many things in this old world that perplex us. Perhaps you are troubled and perplexed today. Jesus had been a Counselor to His disciples. Now He would send the Holy Spirit to teach them. The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way.

As we study the Bible, we can trust Him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God's will and remind us when we stray from it. The Holy Spirit is a Tutor. He teaches us individually. He teaches us corporately. He teaches us continually

What does He teach us? He teaches us all about the Bible (2 Peter 1:20-21). He teaches us all about life (John 14:26). He teaches us all about Jesus (John 14:26; 16:13-15).

It is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict us. He will reprove (John 16:13-15). He convicts of sin. People have consciences. The Holy Spirit prods the conscience about sin. Do you feel guilty when you sin? This is the Spirit's first work. Conviction comes before conversion. Correction comes before comfort. He convicts of the lack of righteousness. We have failed to do right. Jesus demonstrated a perfect life while here on earth. We fall far short of this perfect standard. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23). He convicts of judgment. After death there's a judgment (Hebrews 9:27). The prophet Amos declared, Prepare to meet thy God (Amos 4:12).

The purpose of conviction is to bring us to Jesus. The convicting work of the Holy Spirit is not only directed toward the unsaved, but also operates in believers and the church in order to instruct, teach, correct and guide us into truth.

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants us to live and building Jesus' church on earth. By faith we can appropriate His power each day. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today? Respond to His conviction. Receive His comfort and counsel.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray


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THE HOLY SPIRIT - LIVING WATER

My next few blog posts will be thoughts and messages on the Holy Spirit that  I have shared with the local assembly God has placed us in.  I pray they will be a blessing to you.

John 7:37-39  In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, nad drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)

The above Scripture took place during the Feast of Pentecost. It was considered the great feast day, the Feast of First fruits. This is the very day of the feast on which the Holy Spirit would be given to the world a bit later.

Jesus made an announcement about the Holy Spirit. Jesus was the talk of the town. He made a great and profound statement about the Holy Spirit. Let's look at some reactions to Jesus some of the folks who attended this feast had.

John 7:15 ...How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

John 7:31 ...When Christ cometh, will He do more miracles?

John 7:46 ...Never man spake like this

John 7:48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him?

If any man thirst... What an invitation to whosoever will! Notice to whom this invitation was given. Not to those who have prayed and fasted long enough. Not to those who have prayed through – or prayed loud enough. Not to those who have repeated phrases of praises enough. Not even to those who have recently participated in the Lord's Supper or been baptized. This invitation was given to those who are thirsty!

How wonderful it was for Jesus to express it in this manner. Some reading this blog might not know how to get religious enough. Some might not be able to reform enough. Some here might not understand theology enough. But everyone knows how it feels to be thirsty. Do you thirst to know that the guilt is gone? Do you thirst to know that the record is clean? Do you thirst for fellowship with God? Do you thirst for a closer walk with Jesus?

The instructions Jesus gave for receiving the Holy Spirit were not complicated. Quite the opposite it true, in fact. Jesus said, Let Him come unto Me, and drink. It can't get much simpler than that! Jesus didn't say, “Let Him come unto me and shout, pray, sing, sweat or even praise.” He said, “Come and drink” To receive this refreshing water, come to Jesus and drink. Consider the call by Isaiah, Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price (Isaiah 55:1). Consider the last invitation in the Bible. It's found in Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely

What is meant by “come unto Me and drink”? To come to Him is to believe on Him. To come to Him is to trust Him. To come to Him is to receive Him. Note that the requirement for receiving the Holy Spirit is the same as that for receiving Jesus. Upon receiving Jesus as our personal Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into the life of the believer.

There's an inner fountain that flows when the Holy Spirit indwells us. Look at these words of Jesus, Out of his belly (innermost being; spirit man) shall flow rivers of Living Water. You see, we are not to be cisterns, but rather rivers. A cistern is an artificial receptacle for water. Cisterns don't flow...rivers do. Wrap your mind around this, if you will. As believers, we are not like the Dead Sea...but a great river. We are not like a swamp...but a refreshing stream. The figure of rivers contrasts with that of a fountain (John 4:14) illustrating the difference between one's new birth and one's experience of the overflowing fullness of the Spirit-led life

What will flow in these rivers? The fruit of the Spirit will flow in these rivers (Galatians 5:22). The compassion of Christ will flow in these rivers. The power of the Holy Spirit will flow in these rivers. He leads us and guides us into all truth. He comforts us. He empowers us to live a victorious Christian life. He gives us power to be effective witnesses to others. Faith will flow in these rivers

Those who are satisfied by Jesus will themselves become channels of spiritual refreshment for others. How deep do you want to go with God? There's no shortage of His Spirit. The real question is How thirsty are you? Are you thirsty? Come to Jesus and drink! The Holy Spirit is yours!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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SPIRITUAL DNA

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. (AMPLIFIED)

We hear a good deal of talk about DNA today.  DNA has been helpful in convicting individuals of a crime. It has also been helpful in exonerating individuals of wrong doing. I believe there is a spiritual DNA and it's very important to the believer today. 

It seems the old ways are deeply ingrained. It's hard to let go of our traditions and our old ways of doing things.  Sometimes we have the wrong DNA.  You could say is a Phariseeical DNA.  We must completely rethink the way we've understood and experienced church if we, as believers, are to reach our full God-given potential .

Using the analogy of DNA we can see what makes a church a church.  We know that every living thing has a DNA that defines it's unique characteristics. Because God's church is alive through the Holy Spirit, we, too, have a DNA – a spiritual DNA which defines our unique characteristics. The DNA of the church consists of Divine Truth, Nurturing Relationships and Apostolic Mission (DNA). I believe every member of God's church possesses this DNA.

When we speak of divine truth, we are referring the the Word of God – both written and personal. The written Word is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training or instruction in righteousness so that the man of God may be mature, adequate and equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17). The Word is also personal. Jesus told the Pharisees, You search the Scriptures because you think that you have eternal life, but it's these that testify of Me. He also said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. He also said, I am with you always even unto the end of the world. You see, any expression of church that doesn't include an awareness of the actual presence of God is missing the main point – JESUS IS THE WORD, THE HEAD OF HIS CHURCH AND HE'S ALWAYS PRESENT

Ensuring that each part of the body is connected to the Head and surrendered to His leading is absolutely essential for the church to function as it should.  We need to be connected to Jesus!  Jesus is not an absentee King! He is the King reigning now!  Praise God!

The church is not called to be a business, a hospital or even a school. It's called to be a family.

Intimate personal relationships are necessary for the body to grow in love. God's Word is filled with admonitions that can only be carried out in relationships. Biblical admonitions such as through love serve one another, bear one another's burdens and stir one another to good deeds illustrate this point very well. Additionally, there is the principle that iron sharpens iron (Prov 17:17). If the Spirit of God is present and active in the life of every believer, then God can use any believer at any time to influence or direct another believer or group of believers

The word “apostle” literally means “sent one”. The church is not meant to be a sending organization, but rather a sent people. God is the sender and we are the sent. Every believer and thereby every church is filled with people who have been gifted and called by God to fulfill a purpose in this world. In order for a believer to become mature in the Lord he/she must be given the liberty and freedom to follow Jesus wherever He leads. After all, We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).  This spiritual DNA at the core of every believer is the glue that links us together and connects us to Jesus, to one another and to the world. We are all on a mission

This DNA is not something new – it's as old as the Bible itself. Again, we're not talking about a program. The whole DNA is found in every cell. Activity flows out from it, not to it. There is organic growth as opposed to institutional growth. Too often believers say they believe in these principles yet we trust in our own organizational abilities and programs more than the spiritual DNA that God has implanted within us. We must let the presence of God among us be the only glue the binds us together.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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IS JESUS THE CENTER OF ALL WE DO?

Is Jesus the center of all we do?  What a question to ask!  Too often, today, we do things for us.  Most seem to have little concern of how what they do and what they say affects others.  But I ask again, Is Jesus the center of all we do?  Is Jesus the center of all you do?

I'm convinced that if we had a better "spiritual filter" on our lives things would be different.  We wouldn't say some of the things we say and we certainly wouldn't do some of the things we do.  If Jesus will not be glorified by what you say and/or do than its best not to do it.  Period.  End of story.

I wonder how many will heed that advice?  Before you say or do things ask yourself, "Will Jesus be glorified if I say or do this?"  I believe that simple action would fundamentally change our lives.

I know some will deem this as impossible.  But is it really?  As Christians, it should be our desire and purpose to become more like Jesus.  As we grow closer to the Savior it will reflect in our words and actions.  There's no doubt about that.  That's really the starting point - drawing closer to Jesus and making Him the center of our lives.

If our relationship with Jesus is right, all of our other relationships will be right.  Do you want to see a change in your life, your outlook and your relationships?  Make Jesus the center of all you do.  Put it to the test. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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GATHERING ANYWHERE ANYTIME IN HIS NAME

I love that we can gather anywhere and at anytime with our brothers and sisters in the Name of Jesus!  The local assembly where God has placed us temporarily lost access to the building we were meeting in.  In fact, the entire building is being moved to other property in order to make a way for expansion of a local business.  The business is paying to move the building.  We were originally supposed to be displaced for two maybe three weeks. Instead, we've been out of the building the entire month of February.  We may be out of it most of this month, as well. 

As I have mentioned in previous posts, some people are so hung up on the building.  It's as though they are married to the building.  That, I believe, is an unhealthy relationship.   We began meeting in a house and did so the entire month of February.  However, the driveway has been wiped out with mud and the ground is uneven so one of the sisters arranged another meeting place - the basement of a local bank!  

Some of the folks who gather with us are coming around to the realization that the location or venue we meet in doesn't matter in the least.  The important thing is that Jesus is there!   After all, Jesus told us that where two or three are gathered together in His name He would be right there in the middle of them. Without Jesus, we have no reason for gathering together. 

I wish I could say everyone was on board and no one missed the building.  I cannot say that, but I can say that many of those we gather with have come to realize it's not about the building.  Praise God for that! 

I believe God is in this "displacement".  He's teaching us lessons that, perhaps, would never have been learned without the displacement.  PRAISE GOD!  We need to look for the lessons in the midst of what seems inconvenience, at best, and trials, at worst.  We'll find God there.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray


Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward a link or use the icons below to repost this blog.