Spirit sprinkled or Spirit filled?

[murjahel]

ENVYING, STRIFE, AND DIVISION
PROVES ONE IS
SPIRIT SPRINKLED, NOT SPIRIT FILLED...​

PART 1​

There are various levels of being filled. The Holy Spirit is even active in a person before salvation. He is the One Who convicts of sin. At salvation, the Holy Spirit immerses us into Jesus. The fruit of the Spirit comes at salvation from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit then leads us each step of the way, into glory to glory. Somewhere along the way, either immediately, or later, we are to be filled to overflowing with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Some will debate hard and long over whether the Holy Spirit fills us at salvation or later. There are many passages that speak of the works of the Spirit throughout our life, but the infilling can be far subsequent to salvation.

When Paul reached Ephesus, the church there had not even heard of the Holy Spirit yet, and the only baptism they knew about was the baptism in water, which Apollos had taught them. Paul taught them at that time about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and then they began to speak in tongues and receive the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the baptism need not occur at salvation.

There is great disagreement on that, and on many other subjects, and the arguments and debates prove one thing, that the 'filling' in those debating is not as 'full' as it should be.

I Corinthians 1:10
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

Does Christianity have that 'all speak the same thing', no divisions, perfectly joined in the same mind and same judgment?... NO ! When the arguments get heated, get divisive, make us say bad things to those in disagreement, like call names, inferring that those in disagreement are not saved, hate one another, etc... then the original 'FRUIT' received at salvation from the Holy Spirit is lacking, and any 'GIFTS' received at the baptism of the Holy Spirit are ruined by that lack of fruit.

Even the church at Ephesus, which did not know of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, at the time of their salvation, but learned of it years later, then received,... in a few more years, was told by Jesus in Revelation 2, that they now had lost the fruit of the Spirit, i.e. their 'first love'.

Therefore, the amount of one's filling is often forgotten, in the argument of the timing of the filling. What is most important is not when one can be filled, but how filled are we.

Even at the infilling time, we are not as full of the Spirit as we can be, if we continue to walk on in the fruit, receiving more and more gifts, and growing in love. The 'infilling' is overflowing at the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but miraculously, that infilling can be increased more and more. More gifts can be given, we can learn more and more to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in the fruit, learning by illustrated lessons to flow out more in longsuffering, and love, joy, and peace, that we did not have yet, even at the time of the infilling.

Ever increasing filling of the Holy Spirit is what we need, not a lessening of the filling from that time on. I have seen many 'saints' who claim to have been 'filled' with the Spirit, who exhibit little fruit, and few gifts that operate to the good of the church. They are now 'Spirit sprinkled' but no longer can honestly claim to be "Spirit filled'.

Holes in the bucket let a full bucket empty. A constant flow of the Spirit into a bucket, will not fill it, if the holes are too big. The divisions, arguments, variances, divisions, in the church have kept many from being able to be truly FULL of the Holy Spirit.


I Corinthians 3:3
"For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"


The envying, strife, and divisions of today, concerning the faith, has grown to such immense size, that many are afraid to even tackle the subject.
　
The congregation at Corinth had a major problem with ATTITUDES. Paul spends 5 chapters on their attitudes concerning the ministry. They had misjudged some ministers, idolized other ministers, and debated concerning all ministers. Today, we have some who think ‘apostles’ rule the other ministries. Some think they have the office of prophet, and everyone should obey their messages. Some think they are the ‘pastor’ and all other ministries come under them. Etc. Etc.

What is the correct understanding of how these callings, and offices are to work? God uses men of widely differing experiences and gifts. Each preacher has his own way of expressing and presenting the gospel. Each ministry is given a special emphasis to present to the church. This has always been so. God in His infinite wisdom blends the human and the divine elements in the presentation of the gospel.
　
God has chosen to use our different personalities to preach the gospel. Paul spoke of "my gospel" - not because he had contorted the gospel so that it was peculiar to him alone, but rather that the Word of Truth had become a part of him. He had received a gospel message from the Lord, and allowed it to permeate his whole being, and then he presented it to his world, and through his epistles, to us. Therefore, we share Paul's gospel.
　
In the same way, we, as the Lord's ministers in this age, are to let the gospel message that God gives us to be inborn within us. The gospel message will then shine through us. It will therefore also reflect a bit of our personality.
　
I Peter 4:10
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
　
The Lord is our ‘Lord’, and it is not denomination, nor church boards and trustees, that are our Lord. Only Jesus is. And it is not one ministry that is set above another, to rule the other ministries.

This idea of rulership of one over the other is wrong because:
human personality is exalted, and not the gospel,
human personality is the end, and not the means,
the human seeks to glory in his own personality, and not in the gospel.

Some then, many today, use the personality and human differences as a division, and not as God's manifold effort to reach the world.
　
In Corinth, divisions arose over the various personalities that were presenting them the gospel. This debate on which personality was best, or most Godly, was damaging to the congregation.

I tire of seeing people attack personalities. If there is some thing wrong in doctrine within a person, let's discuss the doctrinal issue, not attack the person. It destroyed the harmony of the Spirit in Corinth when they debated personalities. It lessened their filling to be only a sprinkling.

The times of debate, envying, and strife... grieved the Spirit of God.
　
We are to esteem ministers of God very highly. There is nothing wrong with giving honor and expressing gratefulness to one who is called to minister the Word of God to us.

Apostles are the missionaries to take the gospel to unreached people.

Prophets speak out concerning sin, denounce sin, and appeal for sinners to return to close fellowship with the Lord.

Pastors feed the flock that we call the church.

Teachers minister the message and depth of the Word of God.

Exhorters encourage and comfort those that hurt and suffer.

Evangelists go to the streets, into the hospitals and jails, and win souls, that hopefully then be aided by the other ministries.

Which can we do without? None are expendable to God’s plan. We all need the ministry of others. We are needed to do our own. Yet, we are not to be ruled or dominated by the others, we are all priests to the Lord Jesus, and answer to our High Priest only. He is the Director of all ministries.
　
I Thessalonians 5:12-13
"We beseech you, brethren, to know them, which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves."
　
The error of many churches is the competition between personalities. Preachers, evangelists, teachers, board members, deacons, etc. are not to feel that they are competing for the praise and attention of others. We are to all give glory to the Lord Jesus. Our personality may be behind the pulpit, but the Lord is the one that should be lifted up. Divisions result from the disagreements of people about who is the best minister.
　

Look at the factions in the Corinthian church.​

　
FACTION #1 -FOUNDER'S GROUP FACTION
　
These were the converts of the apostle Paul himself. They were zealous in admiration of him. This happens today too. Some, who are saved in the services of a minister who has a charismatic personality, often follow those personalities, more than they follow the Lord. It is unfortunate that the faith of some never progresses beyond some particular personality.

These ones were loyal to Paul. They saw his ministry as so great, so beneficial to them, that they put him as the indispensable ‘lord’ to themselves.


What if the leader that we might do that to, fails God? Many of the converts will fail. If a leader gets into a false doctrine, many follow the leader, rather than following the Word.
　
This puts a great responsibility upon those who pioneer for God. Those who are used to lead souls to the Lord must purposely see that they point people to God, and not to self.

They must also make sure that they show the final authority to be the Word of God, not the word of the minister. Paul said, "follow me, as I follow Christ..."
　
If a minister is jealous for the glory to be given to the Lord, and not to himself, it will be easy. Too many ministers want credit. Therefore, they build churches with followers who admire the leader more than Christ. They think, oftentimes, that this is necessary to hold the converts in their congregation. They fear another more charismatic personality will draw their converts away to their congregation.
　
The people of the congregation need to realize that a preacher with a different mode of presentation is not wrong because it is different. Some get angry if a new preacher comes, and his sermons are not as loud, as soft, as long, as short, as emotional, as deep, as funny, as serious, etc. as the former pastor's. We must "contend for the faith", not contend for the mode of worship, for the type of bulletin, for the type of presentation, or for the traditions and prejudices to which we are accustomed.
　
Perhaps the former pastor was a paragon of virtue, but the new pastor should not have to be in the same mold. At Corinth, subsequent pastors to the church differed from Paul, and three years later, there were still some who were debating, and holding to the concept that Paul was the one who pastored correctly. They wanted to be known as Paul's converts, and obviously, they had not allowed the ministry of the others to help them grow further.
　


more to come on the 'SPIRIT SPRINKLED' result after a 'SPIRIT FILLED' of previous times.... stay tuned...

 

[murjahel]

ENVYING, STRIFE, AND DIVISION
PROVES ONE IS SPIRIT-SPRINKLED,
NOT SPIRIT FILLED...​

part 2


FACTION #2 THE INTELLECTUAL FACTION


There were some in the congregation that were converts of Apollos. Apollos was a minister who was mighty in the Scriptures. He was bold in speech. He was diligent in his work for God. The Bible says that "he helped them that believed."


Apollos came from the university town of Alexandria. This city possessed what was probably the greatest library in the world. There he received a great education. After his own salvation, he had the means to study the Scriptures and many ancient and (now lost) manuscripts of the Bible events.


He was an eloquent, refined, polished speaker. His rhetoric was in striking contrast to the simplicity and bluntness of Paul. Paul simply preached Christ and Him crucified to the unsaved. He would sometimes be frank and candid in his dealing with church problems. While Apollos' ministry was vitally important also to the church, some felt that his style was better and more holy than Paul's. They wanted to have a church that rejected Paul's style, and had only the style and methodology of Apollos.


The church today needs to beware of intellectual snobbishness. Some are too conscious of their social or mental superiority. Some idolize intellectual sermons to the point of rejecting the simplicity of the gospel. We need a balanced gospel, that has devotional, inspirational, and in-depth teaching. Some go to the other extreme, and want no in-depth teaching, and glamorize ignorance. Paul's simplicity, and Apollos' depth are both necessary.


A Spirit filled church will accept many forms of delivery of the message, and only insist that it be Biblical and loving. A Spirit sprinkled group will love debate, attack righteous men for minor details, and hinder the real work of the Holy Spirit in the church.
　

FACTION #3 THE HOLINESS OR TRADITIONAL FACTION


This faction centered around Peter. There is no evidence that he ever visited Corinth, but, either he had, or some Jerusalem converts of Peter had, gone to Corinth. Many were fleeing Jerusalem because of the great persecution there.
　

Peter appealed to those who had backgrounds in the Jewish laws, traditions, and ordinances. Paul refers to Peter as "Cephas," which was the Aramaic form of "Petros," so this was probably a group largely made up of Jews. Some may have counted Peter more worthy of admiration because he had walked personally with the Lord Jesus. However, more likely, it was because some wanted to hold to the old Jewish traditions
　

This group probably held it over the other groups that they were the ones who did not do this or do that, the ones who were circumcised, the ones who celebrated the Old Testament feasts, the ones who observed the Sabbath laws, etc., and therefore were more spiritual than the others. Too many divisions can arise over traditions. Some have debated the length of hair, skirt length, clothes, jewelry, make up, etc.

These groups result in judgmentalism on peripheral issues.

The judgmentalism wounds innocent ones, dooms weak ones, and creates pride in others.

The Spirit sprinkled group will put wardrobe and appearance, traditions and observances, as being crucial debate items.

The Spirit filled can worship on any day, dress modestly, and eat anything that does not eat them first.
　

FACTION #4 THE EXCLUSIVE GROUP


This group took the name of Christ. Thereby, they could criticize the other groups for being worldly for attaching themselves to men, and not the Lord. They claimed superiority to others, and yet were just as divisive and judgmental. This is ugly spiritual pride. Paul revealed their error with a simple question.
　
I Corinthians 1:13
"Is Christ divided?"

They had taken the name of Christ for their group as a veil for their spiritual pride. Some today say they have no need of any teacher save Jesus Himself. They flaunt this concept upon others as though they were superior to them spiritually.
　

If we only need the Lord for spiritual growth, then why did God place teachers, preachers, prophets, and exhorters in the congregations of the church? We all need each other, and none are independent of the others. This group, or faction, used the name of "Christ" as a way to obscure their lack of acceptance of the teachings of Paul, Apollos, and Cephas.


They had not listened with minds open to the Lord speaking to them through these other ministers. A holy respect for all the people of God is good, and we are not to let personality differences cause division.


The Spirit sprinkled groups can want personal adulation and credit for their works, claiming to be a level or two above all others. The Spirit filled group can humbly admit to be only a ‘wretched man’ saved by grace, and humbly allow the Holy Spirit to use many ministers to share their insights and gifts with the church.

stay tuned for part 3

 

[murjahel]

The divisions in Corinth undermined Paul's apostolic authority. The 'Spirit sprinkled' ones today, undermine the authority of the Scriptures too. They debate and argue, attack and challenge, and soon the church is turmoil, not a soul winning machine.

Not all were truly listening to Paul as he taught. Some had separated themselves into other groups, and spoke against Paul's style, method, and personality.

They could not listen to Paul, and heed his Scriptural exegesis, or it would look as though they were changing to
Paul from their clique of Apollos, from the group of Cephas, or from the ones who thought they were too spiritual to accept any teacher other than Christ...


Paul attacks these divisions.

He reminds them that they were all baptized by the authority of Christ, and not by Paul's authority... or into the name of Paul... Some were acting as though Paul were deity as well as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.


There are ministers today who try to get people to exalt them as though they were deity. However, Christ hates this doctrine. There are not two classes of Christians, clergy and laity.

The word "clergy" means "priest".

In the New Testament period, all Christians are to be priests to God.

I Peter 2:9
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people..."

Early in the church age, a doctrine of making some people to be a step above the other Christians, a clergy... and somehow more holy, more gifted, more deserving, or more in communication with God that the laity began.

This doctrine was called the "doctrine of the Nicolaitanes..."

Note what Jesus said about it in Revelation.
Revelation 2:6
"But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate."

Revelation 2:15-16
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth..."

Christ loves the ministers of a church, and the people of the congregation alike. He wants to use all of them in His plan to evangelize the world. No person is to exalt himself (or herself), as a "lord" above others. This is commanded in the Word of God, that ministers are to be "examples" to the flock of God, and not to be "lords".

I Peter 5:3
"Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock..."

In our day, there has arisen afresh a "shepherding" movement. Some pastors think it is their job to command the congregation, to direct the details of the lives of others, to be the priestly mediator between the congregation and God.


Each one in a congregation may go directly to God and hear personally from Him. Therefore, the minister is not the mediator that is needed to tell us how to live.

The Word of God, and the Holy Spirit tell us how to live.

The minister is to teach and preach the Word.

He is to help feed the flock of God.

He is not their Lord... only Jesus is our Lord.

The "shepherding movement" has resulted in divisions, debate, error, and divisiveness. The pride of the pastors who hold to that ancient "doctrine of the Nicolaitanes" had need beware... for the Lord still hates that doctrine.

At the baptism into water, we pledge ourselves to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. We are not pledged to any man, for mankind can fail, backslide, or become a heretic.

If we have exalted mankind to a position of "almost deity" the shock of their failure will make us fail also. This has been seen in recent events regarding the failures of some prominent ministers.

When a person of God fails - many of those who have followed them in the manner of the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes will also stumble, or cease to be a Christian.


Unfortunately, this happened. Both have now repented.

The harm of their failure was great. No minister should allow, if he can, others to exalt him as being different than any other person of the congregation.

Surely, we can honor them for their work for God, and we can appreciate their spiritual concern for us, we can love them for their teachings of the Word of God, but we must not esteem them as the mediator between us and God. We must all learn to go to God directly for guidance and answers.


The Lord may confirm what He tells us by the use of spiritual gifts in the congregation.

The minister may be one of those so gifted, but we are not to see him (or her) as the one who is to direct us. The Lord Jesus is the One Who is "Lord".

The Spirit filled saint has a close relationship with the Lord, is drawn to Jesus, loves the written Word, is in communion with God, has entered through the veil... and the other saints can be used to teach, to share, but never to be a 'lord' to the Spirit filled saint.

The Spirit sprinkled saint has so little relationship that they often look for substitute 'lords', and substitute 'comforters', and are drawn away from relationship with all three of the Trinity.

Those in Corinth were in division, in debate over the 'who's' of Paul, Peter, Apollos, etc... There is much debate over 'who' today. Some spend time attacking another person. We are to be Spirit filled, and come closer and closer to the Lord.

The Holy Spirit used Paul, used Peter, etc... and blesses the rest of us with teachings, with Scriptural instruction. Yet, our loyalty is to the Lord, to the Three of the Trinity.

Corinth had become so dazzled by the charismatic personalities of their ministers that they had forgotten that their loyalty is to Christ. These ministers were all being used by Christ to teach, preach, and exhort.

The loyalty, and lordship, should be given only Christ, but not in rejection of the message of Christ that flows from the lips of His ministers.

Preaching is not a competition, but each ministry is to supplement the others' ministry. God has chosen to have many ministers, pastors, teachers, and exhorters to describe the message of God to the church congregation. Each has a particular emphasis, a part of the whole gospel to present. As we accept all of the various messages from Christ, from all of those whom Christ has chosen to proclaim His messages, we will be able to grow as God desires.

There is no evidence that Peter (Cephas) desired these factions any more than Paul did.

There are some like Diotrephes (III John 9) who did want cliques of people dedicated only to their own ministry. Yet, even if ministers do not seek such cliques, they still will oftentimes form.

We must do as Paul, and teach people to love all of God's ministers, and accept all that God speaks through them.

However, we must let them know that no person is to be exalted to the level of Christ.

I Corinthians 3:3-11
"For ye are carnal (meatheads)... For while one saith, 'I am of Paul;' and another, 'I am of Apollos;' are ye not carnal (meatheads)! Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one (those of the oneness doctrine need to notice this verse); and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God; ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. ...I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."


God measures every minister by his faithfulness. God has given each a ministry, and how we perform what God has given us personally determines our rewards.

Not every brilliant preacher is a good shepherd. Not every good shepherd is a skillful teacher. Each minister is to turn the eyes of the congregation from mankind to Christ Jesus.

Paul did that here in I Corinthians. In fact, "Christ" is mentioned more in I Corinthians than in any other epistle of the Bible.

Different ministers, and different kinds of ministries, are necessary to every congregation. Yet, the glory needs to go to Jesus, not to a minister. Many a congregation has been stymied by the congregation choosing favorites, and clinging only to their message. We may have favorites, but we must not cling only to their message, for their messages are not the whole of what God wants us to receive. The other ministers are to also have a message, and a teaching for us to hear.

In our day, oftentimes, the glory given to various ministers as in Corinth is now given to various denominations.

Denominations are not evil of themselves, but if they fail to heed the message of I Corinthians, and seek to have people think that they are the only correct ones, the only way to heaven and sanctification is through them... they are propagating another form of the Nicolaitanes' doctrine. This is a common error in denominations today...

It is not the denomination that is evil, it is the doctrine propagated, or believed, about such organizations that is sinful. If a minister, or a denomination, seeks glory for himself, or their self, and present themselves as the "only one" giving the correct and whole message... we must beware.


I Corinthians 3:21
"Let no man glory in men..."


Later in this same epistle, Paul explains that the church is like the "body". Each part of the body has a purpose, and is vital to the whole of the body functioning properly. The leg cannot do what the eyes can do, but if the eyes cease their functioning, the legs cannot very easily reach the destination that the eyes could have seen and directed. If the heart were to cease its part, the whole body would fall to the ground dead. The church is to realize that each part, each ministry, each person is vital... is needed... and is to be appreciated for doing what is their part.


It is the "head" that directs the whole body, and it is Jesus Who is the head of the church. He alone directs each part of the church.

Each of us must find our part of the functioning of the body, and do that part. If we all struggle to be the head, or if we look to other parts of the body to do the work of the head... we will be a comedic flop before the world. The church needs to function as a body...and not be paralyzed, by some parts refusing to heed directions of the true head...

The goal of the church is to come into "unity of the faith", and "unity of the knowledge of the Son of God", until we have become "a perfect man" that is behaving like Jesus.


Ephesians 4:13
"...till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ..."

The problem at Corinth was the "carnality," - the thinking like "meatheads" - that had permeated that congregation.

There are many Christians today that think like "meatheads." They think silly, stupid, and ignorant things. They are in the babyhood of Christianity, and have not matured in mind and thought. They want to be a Christian, and still envy, debate, divide, and have strife. The old habits of pre-Christian days, hold onto such "meatheads." This is not only sinful, it is deadly to a congregation.

Can you tell? Paul is very upset at those who do this. God wants is to be Spirit filled, not Spirit sprinkled, so we can get beyond this division debates... and center our attention on all Three of the Trinity.

 

[murjahel]

WITHOUT LOVE,
ALL THE WORKINGS
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
ARE WORTHLESS​

I Corinthians 13 has been called the "love chapter" of the Bible. It is sandwiched between two chapters on the gifts of the Spirit. The position is essential so that it shows that "love" is the essential ingredient that make the gifts useful, and powerful.

Love is seen in all its glory in this chapter. If Paul had not returned to the subject of gifts in chapter 14, we would possibly have thought that Paul was indicating that love was a substitution for the gifts.

Yet, chapter 14, begins with "Follow after charity (love), and desire spiritual gifts..." (14:1).

The idea here is that love must be followed after (Greek = "dioko", which means "to pursue," "to chase down in an aggressive manner...")

Then Paul reminds us that spiritual gifts only need to be desired (Greek = "zeloo", which means "to have a warmth for," "to be zealous for", "to have your mind covet...")

Paul is indicating that spiritual gifts are freely given, and easily obtained by the saint... but love is a struggle, and needs to be emphasized... it must be anxiously, aggressively, and ardently pursued on a regular basis.


Chapter 13 on love does not take away from the gifts, the way is not love instead of the gifts, but rather, it is love in control of the gifts that is vitally necessary, and requires much emphasis.

The gifts are temporary, but love is eternal.

The gifts help us comprehend God until the day we meet Him personally in heaven.

That is why Paul emphasizes that three things will cease... "tongues", "the word of knowledge", and "prophecy". These will "fail" (Greek = "katargeo" which means "vanish away").

It will occur when that One Who is "perfect" (Greek = "telios" = "when completion is come").

There will be no need for the "word of knowledge" to tell us through the Spirit's revelation what the Lord wants us to know, when we are standing in front of the Lord Himself.

Nor will we need "prophecy" for the Spirit to speak through the voice of another what the Lord wants to say to us, when the Lord Himself is standing literally in front of us...

And the gift of "tongues" is not needed for us to have a message in another language from God as a sign when it is interpreted, that the Lord miraculously speaks to His people.

I Corinthians 13:8-13
"...whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away... when that (One) Who is perfect is come, they that which is in part shall be done away... For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, there three; but the greatest of these is charity (love)."


"Faith" is eternal and is found in perfection when we shall stand in the literal, and manifest, presence of the Lord.

"Hope" is eternal, and is perfected in the actuality of the event.

"Charity (love)" is eternal, and only magnified when we shall stand in the presence of the One who epitomizes love.


This is not to downgrade the gifts, for they are necessary and vital. One may say: "You take the gifts, and give me love..." but when the one with love stands before a sick and dying friend, they could better express their love with the operation of the gifts of healings, and the gift of miracles available. The gifts are meant to be the way to express and utilize the love!


We cannot downgrade, or despise, God's channels of expressing love... and say we truly love God.

Burning love for the Lord, and true love for the world will kindle a fresh desire (zeloo) for the gifts of the Spirit.

Love is vital, it unifies, it oils the machinery of church government, it provides compassion, it allows the gifts to do their greatest love.

It is possible to have the gifts without much love, and this will do great harm. When this occurs, it is like "sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal..." Many have stumbled at such Pentecostal debacles...

Humans, even Spirit-filled believers, will utterly fail when neglectful of the love God wants us to have. Whenever love is absent in the presence of the gifts, the gifts cease to be good and profitable.


Allow me to show you why love is so vitally essential to the operation of the gifts....

II Timothy 3:5
"HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS, BUT DENYING THE POWER THEREOF, FROM SUCH TURN AWAY.."

Many do want power and gifts of the Spirit. Healings, miracles, etc. are desired by many church congregations. It is frustrating when the power is missing from the churches. They have the "FORM" (morphosis, an outward semblance), of religion. This "form" is often called "tradition," and may be beautiful, and meaningful. Yet, the power of the religion is missing. The gifts are not in operation.

There is a reason. The reason is that they are "DENYING" (arneomai, to act in opposition to profession, to have deeds show that the profession was false), the power.
How do we "deny" the power of our faith?

The context of II Timothy 3:5 shows the reason. In verse 2, "LOVING SELF", and not others is shown as the cause. In verse four, "LOVING PLEASURE MORE THAN GOD" is shown as a method of "DENYING" the "POWER." Misplaced love saps the power out of Christianity.

In verse 1 of the context, we are told the time of this is to be "IN THE LAST DAYS." So the last days are to see a powerless religion. At the same time, the latter rain revival is to be in operation. Power is to be flowing through the revived saints, as never before. In others, the power is to be missing. How do we get the power?

Misplaced love caused the power to dissipate. So we need to look at the subject of love, and discover its secret.

Ephesians 4:30
"GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD."


Grief is deeper than sorrow. Herod felt sorrow when he took the head of John the Baptist. Grief springs from love. The deeper the love, the greater the grief. Herod felt no grief, only sorrow.

The Spirit feels grief, because He loves greatly. If the Spirit can be grieved, He must love us greatly. If we grieve the Holy Spirit by our lack of love, the power of the Spirit cannot flow.

Note the context of the verse on grieving the Spirit. In the context the emphasis is love, or rather the lack of it, that grieves the Spirit.

vs 25 "PUT AWAY LYING"
vs. 28 "STEAL NO MORE"
vs. 29 "LET NO CORRUPT COMMUNICATION PROCEED OUT OF YOUR MOUTH"
vs. 31 "LET ALL BITTERNESS AND WRATH AND ANGER AND EVIL SPEAKING BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU, WITH ALL MALICE"


When the Spirit sees the lack of love in the midst of Christians, it grieves Him. The gifts and the power of the church is sapped.

Galatians 5:22
"THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE..."


If the Spirit brings a harvest of love, He Himself must be love. The word "love" is the Greek word, "agape." This word refers to a strong, tender compassionate devotion, recognizing the spiritual worth of even the most unlovely of personalities. If the Spirit is to bring this into our lives when He dwells within, how can we deny this kind of love and expect Him to be there to let power flow through us???!!!

Romans 15:30
"THE LOVE OF THE SPIRIT"



The Holy Spirit engenders us with a personal love, a love pure in content. Paul, in the context of Romans 15:30, recognized the need of prayer and power to come upon him while on the way to Jerusalem. So, by "the love of the Spirit", Paul requests prayer. Without the love of the Spirit, the prayers would have little power.

II Corinthians 6:6
"BY KINDNESS, BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, BY LOVE UNFEIGNED..."


Note that the "Spirit" is sandwiched in the verse between "kindness" and "love". Whenever the Spirit is allowed to work, kindness and love flow.

I Peter 1:22
"SEEING YE HAVE PURIFIED YOUR SOULS IN OBEYING THE TRUTH THROUGH THE SPIRIT UNTO UNFEIGNED LOVE OF THE BRETHREN, SEE THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY."

When your soul is purified into obedience to the Holy Spirit, the result will be true agape love for the brethren. When this happens, the Spirit's power will be able to flow.

 

[murjahel]

Colossians 1:8
"WHO (Epaphras) ALSO DECLARED UNTO US YOUR LOVE IN THE SPIRIT."

When one is Spirit filled, and continues in being filled, a never ending flow of the Spirit into us, then our love is inspired by the Spirit. We become like those with whom we live. Because we dwell with the Spirit daily, and His presence fills us, we should have a great amount of love.

Those who allow only a sprinkling of the Holy Spirit daily, find that love is not abundant and overflowing from their lives. Then the gifts of the Spirit begin to be flawed, ruined even, by that lack of love.

In the context of the above verse, Paul says that because of their love, they will be "STRENGTHENED WITH ALL MIGHT..." (verse 11)

If love is present, the power will be present.

The Holy Spirit is likened unto a dove (Matt. 3:16). The dove is a lovebird. As God spoke out of heaven -"THIS IS MY BELOVED SON...", the love-bird dove descended upon Jesus. The Trinity loves each other. When this Spirit comes upon us, His nature should also come upon us. Jesus began His powerful ministry after the dove descended upon Him. We need the Dove of love upon us.

The Holy Spirit is called the "COMFORTER." (John 14:16) He comforted the early church. Comfort is an outlet of love. If the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to comfort the believers, how can we get grudges, bitterness, anger toward those He is showing love and comfort, and not grieve Him and His power?

Romans 5:5
"AND HOPE MAKETH NOT ASHAMED, BECAUSE THE LOVE OF GOD IS SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH IS GIVEN UNTO US."

The Spirit floods our hearts with love. The more He can flow into us, and through us, the more we can exhibit the love of heaven. If we are co-workers with God, then we possess love.

The Spirit is pictured as a jealous lover.

James 4:5
"DO YOU THINK THAT THE SCRIPTURE SAITH IN VAIN- 'THE SPIRIT THAT DWELLS IN US, LUSTS TO ENVY.'"

God has even told us in the Word, that His name is "JEALOUS". He wants love from us. As we show Him our love, to both Him and to His children, His power will flow through us freely. If we love the world instead of the Lord and His children, He is jealous, and will not be able to bless us as before. God demands first place. His jealousy is insistent upon love being shown.

II Corinthians 13:14
"THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS, AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE COMMUNION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL. AMEN."


Note that it is the "communion" that we are to have with the Spirit. Communion is fellowship. Fellowship is impossible without love. The communion of the Spirit demands love between the brethren, who also are in fellowship with the Spirit. We need to show unmerited favor like Jesus did. There is great power available when we get into harmony with the communion, fellowship that the Spirit operates within the body of believers.

If we are filled with the Spirit, we must be filled with love.

John 13:35
"BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER."

The disciples at one time were anxious for supremacy over each other. Jesus said that greatness came through love for others. This love is to be our trademark. To deny the trademark that Jesus insisted that we have, and then to ask why there is no power in our midst, is foolish. To avoid love, avoids the power.

Gifts are linked to love in many places in the Scripture. We want gifts. Some have been given a gift many years ago, and haven't seen it operate for years. Some have never seen God use them with gifts. The reason deals with the flow of love. If we learn to unlock the flow of gifts, by using the key of love, we shall have gifts and power in abundance. In the flow of love will come the gifts.

I Corinthians 14:12
"EVEN SO YE, FORASMUCH AS YE ARE ZEALOUS OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, SEEK THAT YE MAY EXCEL TO THE EDIFYING OF THE CHURCH."

The reason that the Spirit requires love to be flowing before the gifts can flow, is that the purpose of the gifts is to edify the church. To have the gifts in power, as we desire, we first must get into harmony with the reason for the gifts of the Spirit.

What is this love ?? Love is practical virtue. Love is not sentiment. Love is not a gracious disposition. Love is the practical demonstration of an attitude of compassion toward mankind.

If we say we love God, and then show hatred, lack of love, actions of unlove toward our brother... we lie, and are denying our profession of love by such actions.

Therefore, Paul spells out what love is in I Corinthians 13:4-8:

"SUFFERS LONG" = Real love is patient, and will allow others to hurt them without retaliation. This is the passive allowing of harm to be done to us, by others... and yet not seek revenge.

"KIND" = Real love in action will seek to edify others. There will be deeds that show love.

"ENVIES NOT" = Love is courteous and overlooks wrongs to oneself. It is not envious or upset by another's blessings.


"VAUNTS NOT ITSELF" = Real love is humble, and this real love will hide itself, so as not to be seeking praise for itself.


"NOT PUFFED UP" = Love is not stuck on self. This real love is not glued to a mirror admiring oneself.

"DOES NOT BEHAVE UNSEEMLY" =Real love is polite, not rude ... and will not behave in a way that will attempt to embarrass and shame anyone else.

"SEEKS NOT HER OWN" =Real love will express itself by seeking good for others.

"NOT EASILY PROVOKED" = Real love is expressed by a good temper, not easily angered or provoked to retaliation in word.

"THINKS NO EVIL" = Real love does not seek for faults in others. It has no desire to know and gossip the faults of a brother, sister, friend... The love will make one ignore, or be almost blind to faults in others. When they are obvious and must be seen, the love will drive such a one to intercession, not to fault-finding.

"REJOICES NOT IN INIQUITY" = Love is not happy when others fail. Compassionate intercessory prayer will emanate from the one who loves concerning the loved one who has failed.

"REJOICES IN TRUTH" = Real love wants truth, and is not deceitful.

"BEARS ALL THINGS" = Real love does not retaliate for the wrongs done to oneself.

"BELIEVES ALL THINGS = Real love is trusting, and desires to believe the professions of others' love.

"HOPES ALL THINGS" = Real love has positive goals.

"ENDURES ALL THINGS" = Real love works hard, and no effort is deemed to great for the one loved.

"NEVER FAILS" = Real love doesn't quit. It goes on and on, despite the long suffering... the bearing of the burdens of others, the deceit in others, the evil, pride, and iniquity of others. Those mis-deeds of others does not change, nor make to fail, real love... for this real love did not come as a result of the actions of other people... but real love came as a result of the action of One... Jesus Christ...


There are many examples of this kind of love in the Word of God.

Let us mention a few:

Peter and John loved enough to stop at the gate of the temple and speak to a lame man. The result was a miracle.

Friends lowered a man down through the roof to Jesus, because of their love for the man, and the result was a miracle.

Jesus loved Lazarus and the result was a resurrection from the dead.

Whenever love is poured out, the result is the POWER of the Spirit will flow.

If we want miracles, healings, prophecies, words of wisdom, etc., let us chase after the love we need to allow the Spirit to flow with power.

If we have grieved the Spirit with a lack of love, let us repent.

 

[murjahel]

LAYING ON OF HANDS???
Is that a gift of the Spirit?
What does the Spirit do
when one lays hands on another? ​

　
The ministry of the laying on of hands has been nearly lost.

People do it on the sick, but have lost its application in other areas. It is mentioned often in the Bible. In the Bible, the laying on of hands is a key to releasing power.

It was used:
-in the application of an anointing for ministry,
-in the bestowing of spiritual gifts,
-in the restoring of blessings,
-in the ordaining of ministries,
-in the receiving of the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
-in the confirming of prophecy.​

Hands are often connected with natural and spiritual power.

Leviticus 9:22
"AARON LIFTED UP HIS HAND TOWARD THE PEOPLE, AND BLESSED THEM."

Psalms 20:6
"HE WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN WITH THE SAVING STRENGTH OF HIS RIGHT HAND."

In the Old Testament, Jacob conferred blessings on Joseph's sons by laying on of hands.

Genesis 48:14-16
AND ISRAEL STRETCHED OUT HIS RIGHT HAND, AND LAID IT UPON EPHRAIM'S HEAD, WHO WAS THE YOUNGER, AND HIS LEFT HAND UPON MANASSEH'S HEAD...HE BLESSED JOSEPH..."

Also in the Old Testament, the priests would lay hands upon the animal that was offered to the Lord. This was typical of the transmission of guilt from man to the sacrifice.

Leviticus 16:21-22
"AND AARON SHALL LAY BOTH HIS HANDS UPON THE HEAD OF THE LIVE GOAT, AND CONFESS OVER HIM ALL THE INIQUITIES...PUTTING THEM ON THE HEAD OF THE GOAT, AND SHALL SEND HIM AWAY...THE GOAT SHALL BEAR UPON HIM ALL THEIR INIQUITIES UNTO A LAND NOT INHABITED..."


Witnesses against a criminal often laid their hands on the accused person before they stoned him. This was confirmation of their witness. (Deuteronomy 17:7)


When Israel would ordain some of the Levites into the priesthood, they would lay hands upon them to transfer to them authority, and give them blessing for their ministry.

Leviticus 8:9-11
"AND THOU SHALT BRING THE LEVITES BEFORE THE LORD; AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SHALL PUT THEIR HANDS UPON THE LEVITES; AND AARON SHALL OFFER THE LEVITES BEFORE THE LORD FOR AN OFFERING..."

Joshua was ordained to take Moses place by the laying on of hands.

Numbers 27:15-23
"...TAKE THEE JOSHUA...LAY THINE HAND UPON HIM: GIVE HIM A CHARGE IN ALL THEIR SIGHT. AND THOU SHALT GIVE HIM SOME OF THINE HONOUR UPON HIM...HE LAID HANDS UPON HIM, AND GAVE HIM A CHARGE, AS THE LORD COMMANDED BY THE HAND OF MOSES."

The laying on of hands had a special significance of bestowing power, guilt, blessing, honor or ministry. Then in the New Testament, Jesus came and began to lay hands on the sick.

Luke 4:40
"...AND HE LAID HANDS ON EVERY ONE OF THEM, AND HEALED THEM."

Luke 5:13
"AND HE PUT FORTH HIS HAND, AND TOUCHED HIM, SAYING I WILL; BE THOU CLEAN. AND IMMEDIATELY THE LEPROSY DEPARTED FROM HIM..."

Luke 13:13
"...AND HE LAID HANDS ON HER; AND IMMEDIATELY SHE WAS MADE STRAIGHT, AND GLORIFIED GOD."

Luke 22:51
"...AND HE TOUCHED HIS EAR, AND HEALED HIM."

The disciples observed Jesus lay hands upon many and saw the great miracles that were done. Jesus had taught them that these miracles were wrought in this way by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then after the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the disciples began to lay hands on the sick and afflicted. Miracles and healings were done in great numbers.

Acts 5:12
"AND BY THE HANDS OF THE APOSTLES WERE MANY SIGNS AND WONDERS WROUGHT AMONG THE PEOPLE."


Paul also began to lay hands on the sick. Healings and miracles followed his ministry.


Acts 28:8
"PAUL ENTERED IN AND PRAYED, AND LAID HIS HANDS ON HIM, AND HEALED HIM."

Acts 19:11
"AND GOD WROUGHT SPECIAL MIRACLES BY THE HANDS OF PAUL."

There are many methods by which the Lord has instituted the workings of healings and miracles. For some there is to be the anointing with oil, prayer cloths for others, and last, but not least, the laying on of hands. The church is told to lay hands on many.

Mark 16:18
"THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER."

Paul was healed of his blindness, and filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him and prayed.

Acts 9:17
"AND ANANIAS...PUTTING HIS HANDS ON HIM SAID, 'BROTHER SAUL...RECEIVE THY SIGHT, AND BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT..."

The church at Ephesus received the baptism of the Holy Spirit when Paul laid hands on them and prayed.


Acts 19:6
"AND WHEN PAUL HAD LAID HIS HANDS UPON THEM, THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON THEM, AND THEY SPOKE WITH TONGUES..."

The laying on of hands seems to confer, on the recipient, a healing, or some other Spiritual gift. The people of that day noticed this connection. Simon noticed that people received the baptism of the Holy Spirit when the disciples laid hands on them. He desired to be able to do this too.


Acts 8:18
"WHEN SIMON SAW THAT THROUGH THE LAYING ON OF HANDS, THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS GIVEN, HE OFFERED THEM MONEY."

Timothy was given a special spiritual gift when Paul laid hands on him.

II Timothy 1:6
"WHEREFORE, I PUT THEE IN REMEMBRANCE THAT THOU STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD WHICH IS IN THEE BY THE PUTTING ON OF MY HANDS..."

I Timothy 4:14
"NEGLECT NOT THE GIFT THAT IS IN THEE, WHICH WAS GIVEN THEE BY PROPHECY WITH THE LAYING ON OF THE HANDS OF THE PRESBYTERY..."


We have gotten too far from this type of ministry. We lay hands on people to pray, but expect no great thing to happen. It has become little more than a form or tradition to us. The church receives what they expect...little or nothing. If we would look at the Scripture, and observe that the laying on of hands was meant to confer something...then have faith that God still intends to bless us in this way...the expectancy would bring fresh blessing from the Lord upon this type of ministry.

The laying on of hands was also used to impart a blessing.
Mark 10:16
"AND HE TOOK THEM UP IN HIS ARMS, PUT HIS HANDS UPON THEM, AND BLESSED THEM.

The sending out of people to do ministry was also accompanied with the laying on of hands.

Acts 13:2-3
"WHEN THEY FASTED AND PRAYED, AND LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM, THEY SENT THEM AWAY. SO THEY BEING SENT OUT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, DEPARTED..."

Acts 6:6
"WHOM (deacons) THEY SAT BEFORE THE APOSTLES; WHEN THEY HAD PRAYED, THEY LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM."


The laying on of hands has power. Therefore, as with any tool that has power, caution needs to be used with the operation of it. We must beware of laying hands of blessing on people that are sinners.

I Timothy 5:22
"LAY HANDS SUDDENLY ON NO MAN, NEITHER BE PARTAKER OF OTHER MEN'S SINS; KEEP YOURSELF PURE."

Amplified Version I Timothy 5:22
"DO NOT BE IN A HURRY IN THE LAYING ON OF HANDS - GIVING THE SANCTION OF THE CHURCH TO HASTILY (IN REINSTATING EXPELLED OFFENDERS, OR IN ORDINATION OF QUESTIONABLE CASES) NOR SHARE OR PARTICIPATE IN ANOTHER MAN'S SINS; KEEP YOURSELF PURE."

One must be proven faithful and true before we should lay hands on them to give gifts and blessings. Don't get carried away with this ministry. Let love and wisdom guide. Follow the Spirit's leading. Don't rush ahead of Him.

Even with this caution, the church, especially during these last days, should be laying hands on people:

in praying for the sick,
in conferring the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
in imparting spiritual gifts,
in connection with prophecy to give confirmation,
in bestowing spiritual blessing,
in confirmation and ordination of ministries,
in sending out believers to do evangelism outside the church.​

If you have a particular gift of the Spirit for which you have been praying, you should seek someone who has that gift and ask them to lay hands upon you and confer this gift upon you also.

If you have never received the baptism of the Spirit at all, then seek someone who has been filled with the Spirit and ask them to lay hands on you and pray for you to receive.

The church needs more spiritual gifts in operation. So few Christians operate in the gifts. Some gifts are not as evident as they should be. Why not ? Perhaps we have forgotten that the Lord has shown and demonstrated how these gifts are to be conferred. The gifts of the Spirit are free, unmerited bestowments from God. We all desire them, and want them in the church.

The Bible says to -"seek" - "desire" - and to "be zealous for" these gifts. So why not seek them in the way the Lord has illustrated in the Bible that they were conferred in the days of the early church ?

Through the laying on of hands by someone who is Spirit-filled, and gifted, these gifts will be imparted.

Some have a gift of healing from the Spirit, and when sick, it would be wise to have that one lay hands on you and pray.

When someone has the gift of the word of knowledge, and you have been earnestly seeking to have that gift - why not have them lay hands on you to confer this gift to you from the Spirit ?

 

[murjahel]

GIFTS are MIRACULOUS EVENTS​

The gifts of the Spirit are miraculous events into the life of the Spirit filled believers.

Tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy are given by the Holy Spirit to speak to the church MIRACULOUSLY.

The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, and discernment of spirits give insight MIRACULOUSLY of what the All knowing God wants us to know, that in the natural, we do not know.

The gifts of healing, of miracles, and of faith MIRACULOUSLY deliver us from the troubles and curse in this world.

The ministry gifts, enable teachers, preachers, evangelists, apostles, and prophets to have ability that is not their 'talent', nor their learned abilities, but is MIRACULOUS endowments of power and ability.

God wants the MIRACULOUS IN THE CHURCH.

The fame of Jesus spread as He began His ministry, because of His teaching and miracles...

Matthew 8:1, 18, 34; 9:10, 26, 31
"great multitudes followed Him... great multitudes were about Him... behold the whole city came out... many publicans and sinners came and sat down... the fame thereof went abroad into all that land... spread abroad His fame in all that country..."

The miracles of Jesus brought the attention of the world of that day.


JESUS HEALS THE LEPER
Matthew 8:1-4
"...came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him... came a leper and worshipped Him, Jesus... touched him... his leprosy was cleansed... See thou tell no man... show thyself to the priest, offer the gift that Moses commanded for a testimony unto them."

Leprosy is a slowly progressing disease characterized by nodules, scabs, and white shining spots. The disease rendered the person unclean. The destruction of the flesh of the body would eventually result in death...

The life of a leper in those days was very difficult.

Only a descendant of Aaron (i.e. a priest) could pronounce a leper clean...

All lepers were banished to live outside the walled towns... If one was caught within the walls, the penalty was 39 stripes (which was often a death sentence).

In synagogues of the unwalled cities, a leper was the first to enter, and the last to leave. They had to stay within a separate room that was six foot wide, and 10 palms high.

The Rabbis of the era loved to teach that leprosy was caused by sin... This made the people to shun the lepers as sinners being punished by God... They considered leprosy to be a sign of "heresy" rather than to be indicative of a moral sin. Since they were to be "sinners", they were considered to be "mourners" and were forbidden to even wash their faces.

The leper had to shout "UNCLEAN" as he walked. If he even put his head into a room, it was considered to be unclean. Six foot was as close as anyone could come to a leper. If the wind was coming from that direction, the distance had to be 100 feet.

Some people would throw stones at them to keep them away.

The contracting of the disease was so fearsome that people shuddered in apprehension at the sight of a person with such disease.

Yet, Jesus came up to such a leper, and touched him.

Matthew 8:3
"Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him..."

There were at least SIX BASIC PRINCIPLES TAUGHT BY JESUS according to Paul:

Hebrews 6:1-2
"Therefore, leaving the PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, let us go on unto perfection, not laying again (Greek, kataballo meaning 'casting down') the FOUNDATION:

of repentance from dead works;
of faith toward God;
of the doctrine of baptisms;
of the laying on of hands;
of the resurrection of the dead;
and of eternal judgment."​

God wants to restore these MIRACULOUS ministries to the church, and have the healings, the miracles, and the gifts and ministries in the last day church.

Acts 5:12
"AND BY THE HANDS OF THE APOSTLES WERE MANY SIGNS AND WONDERS WROUGHT AMONG THE PEOPLE."

I Timothy 4:14
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of hands."

II Timothy 1:6
"...stir up the gift of God, which is in thee, by the putting on of my hands... for God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind."

Especially during these last days, the church should have the miraculous, in praying for the sick, in conferring the baptism of the Holy Spirit, in imparting spiritual gifts, in connection with prophecy to give confirmation, in bestowing spiritual blessing, in confirmation and ordination of ministries, in sending out believers to do evangelism outside the church.

The devil uses fake miracles, heretical doctrines, insincere ministers, and ignorance of the Word of God to hinder the MIRACULOUS.

We need to undo the work of the devil, so that the work of the Lord goes forth.

Simon magus was a miracle worker of that time, but not doing it by the power of God. The miraculous events that might have been real were by the power of devils, the ones that were fakery were due to his craftiness.

Simon magus was saved, according to the Book of Acts, but then backslid and started the gnostic heresy in the early church. Peter followed him around and confronted him three times at least. The rebuke of Peter to Simon magus in Samaria shows Peter's disdain for this man's heart of evil.

Today, we find some in the church that fake miracles. I have witnessed such fake miracles. Yet, my disdain for the fakery that is in the church is because it brings attack from the world on the real.

I myself was given 6 months to live, when I was four years old, having an INCURABLE disease. God MIRACULOUSLY healed me, and if you would check back far enough in the Cleveland clinics records you would find articles written up on my healing. They had me coming back for 9 years to see if the disease reappeared, but it did not.

I have prayed for many that the Lord healed. I have seen the dead come to life, I have seen liver cancer hours from taking a sinner to hell, in a coma, get saved by repeating the sinner's prayer with me, as he heard from his coma. And after the salvation, I prayed for him to be healed. The next day they sent him home, with no cancer in his body. That is but one of many MIRACULOUS things I have seen God do.

Contrary to what some say, I am not a cessationist, I am not only aware of miracles, I have been allowed to participate in many of the Lord's miracles.

The Holy Spirit wants to do the MIRACULOUS gifts of the Spirit (all of them are miraculous) in the church of our day.

Some that practice the fake are disgraces to the Lord, and to His real MIRACLES. God does not need nor want any counterfeit miracles. He is not behind pulling a sleight of hand quarter from a child's ear, to make them believe in miracles.

They used to call 'fake miracles' to be 'PRIMING THE PUMP. This idea was that if you had a fake miracle at the beginning of the service, it would get the real miracles flowing... like priming the pump of the old hand pumps of the previous age. That is evil, false, deceptive, and certainly not authored by the Spirit of TRUTH.

The Lord wants to do MIRACLES, and if the hinderers via lying miracles are removed by the Lord, the real miracles will abound greatly.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

The holy spirit doesn't leave . our flesh can become so loud we no longer sensually perceive him but . God never leaves us .

 

[murjahel]

The holy spirit doesn't leave . our flesh can become so loud we no longer sensually perceive him but . God never leaves us .

Very true...
John 16:7-15 (KJV)
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15 All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.

The Holy Spirit wants to fill us... He comes to sinners even before salvation, and convicts of sin, of what righteousness, and of the fact of judgment for sin...

Sometimes some are deaf to the conviction, and ignore sin, and become only Spirit sprinkled, unable to be Spirit filled...

The Spirit wants to fill, to glorify Jesus, to teach us all things, but sins keep Him unable to be heard... for His message then has to be conviction for whatever it was that made Him unable to fill and empower.

Many are Spirit sprinkled... some want to be Spirit filled... it is vital we get beyond just the conviction work of the Spirit, and allow the filling work of the Spirit....

 

[murjahel]

IS BEING 'SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT'
A SPIRITUAL GIFT?​

　

Often, at the touch of a man of God, a person is "slain in the Spirit." Sometimes it occurs when they pray for someone. The person seems to fall under the power of God. At other times, as the power of God seems to fill the place, people will fall upon the floor.


These such occurrences have stirred much debate. Are they Scriptural? Are they real? Does "hypnotic suggestion" account for such events? Some have suggested all such events to be "fakery." While some feel that the people are being "duped."


Even among "believers", there is much misunderstanding. Some believers feel that being "slain in the Spirit" is a sign of God's approval. Some feel that it shows God's miracle power being released in the person that is "slain." These ideas contain part truth. There needs to be a Scriptural study to reveal what is happening when someone is "slain in the Spirit."


Blind acceptance of such events is not a sign of superior faith.


We are commanded to "try the spirits" in order to determine if something is real. The truth can and must be Scripturally studied and proven. There are many similar occurrences within the Word of God.

These can be examined to determine:
-what God is doing when someone is "slain in the Spirit"
-whether the event is real or fakery
-if the occurrence validates a man or a ministry
-if we should desire or seek such occurrences.



After a comprehensive study of the Word of God on these occurrences, there is one thing that is found in all such occurrences in Scripture. The main reason for anyone being "slain in the Spirit" is so God may speak to the one so "slain."


Often in Christian circles, the event seems to be the thing sought. The person who falls upon the floor is lifted up almost immediately. The "fall" itself seems to have satisfied the person, the man of God, and the congregation. Yet, the person should have remained upon the floor and waited for God to speak.


Consider these verses of Scripture.

Ezekiel 1:28 "...THIS WAS THE APPEARANCE OF THE LIKENESS OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD. AND WHEN I SAW IT, I FELL UPON MY FACE, AND I HEARD A VOICE OF ONE THAT SPAKE..."

Ezekiel 2:2 "...AND THE SPIRIT ENTERED INTO ME, AND HE SPAKE UNTO ME..."


God doesn't put one prostrate on the ground for the "fun" of it.


God wants to speak to the person. Have you ever noticed that many in a healing line may be "slain in the Spirit" and yet, only a few are healed. Why? God put them prostrate to speak to them, and if they don't listen to hear God, and obey His voice, they cannot be healed. They return the next night to be "slain" again. The message of God may be to tell the person what they need to do in order to be healed. Perhaps God may tell them that He does not choose to heal them at this time.


Perhaps, also, God may want to reveal how He wants to heal them. Maybe, God would tell them that He is about to call them home to heaven. Too many saints have already made up their mind what they want God to do, and how they want Him to do it. They have no concern to listen to God's voice, thus they do not hear Him.


Again, let's look at the Word of God.


Ezekiel 3:23-24 "...BEHOLD, THE GLORY OF THE LORD STOOD THERE... AND I FELL ON MY FACE. THEN THE SPIRIT ENTERED INTO ME, AND SET ME ON MY FEET AND SPAKE WITH ME..."


Ezekiel 43:2,3,6 "...EARTH SHINED WITH HIS GLORY... AND I FELL UPON MY FACE...AND I HEARD HIM SPEAKING WITH ME..."


Ezekiel 44:4-5 "...BEHOLD THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE HOUSE OF THE LORD: AND I FELL UPON MY FACE. AND THE LORD SAID UNTO ME..."


Christians need to listen for the voice of the Lord. Too many pastors want to become the "only" voice of God. Evangelists want to pick up the fallen Christians from the floor and tell them what God wants them to know. Perhaps God can and does use that method occasionally. Yet, God is on speaking terms with many saints and would like to speak to them personally.

In Christianity, God does not want a separate "priesthood" to be the mediators between Him and His own children. He has made all of us to be "priests" to Him so that He may speak with us personally.

We must beware of being overcome with the experience of being "slain in the Spirit" so much that we glory in the fall, and them jump up before listening to God.

The reason many miss their healing, answer, or miracle is that they forget to listen to God. Imagine if John, on the isle of Patmos, had jumped up and ran off to tell others about the fact that he had been "slain in the Spirit." He would have missed hearing the Lord tell him the truths we know as the "Book of Revelation."


At the vision of Jesus, Daniel heard a message. Great messages were given to Daniel because he listened after he was overcome by the Spirit. He saw a vision of Jesus (10:6), and an angelic interpreter was given (10:12).

Perhaps, there would be more visions of the Lord, and definitely there would be more messages from the Lord, if the saints would today, learn to listen and wait when overcome, or "slain" in the Spirit.

Daniel 10:5-19 "...I LIFTED UP MINE (Daniel's) EYES, AND LOOKED AND BEHOLD, A CERTAIN MAN CLOTHED IN LINED...WHEN I HEARD THE VOICE OF HIS WORD, THEN WAS I IN A DEEP SLEEP ON MY FACE, AND MY FACE TOWARD THE GROUND..."


Daniel was "slain" in the Spirit when the angel, Gabriel, spoke with him.

Daniel 8:16-19 "...GABRIEL...WHEN HE CAME, I WAS AFRAID, AND FELL ON MY FACE: BUT HE SAID UNTO ME, "UNDERSTAND, O SON OF MAN: FOR AT THE TIME OF THE END SHALL BE THE VISION. NOW AS HE WAS SPEAKING WITH ME, I WAS IN A DEEP SLEEP ON MY FACE TOWARD THE GROUND, BUT HE TOUCHED ME, AND SET ME UPRIGHT."


Fear had come upon Daniel, but he listened. How frustrated God must be today at the rush of people to get away when He wants to speak to them. The main reason for being "slain in the Spirit" is to hear from God. God does not want to slay people in the Spirit to put a badge of superior spiritually on them.


When John was overcome in the Spirit on the isle of Patmos, he received a vision of Jesus. It is wonderful that he listened, instead of just getting up.

John 1:17 "AND WHEN I SAW HIM, I FELL AT HIS FEET AS DEAD..."


Peter, James, and John escorted Jesus on the way up to the summit of the Mount of Transfiguration.


Matthew 17:5-6 "...WHILE HE (Peter) YET SPAKE, BEHOLD A BRIGHT CLOUD OVERSHADOWED THEM, AND BEHOLD, A VOICE OUT OF THE CLOUD, WHICH SAID, 'THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED: HEAR YE HIM.' AND WHEN THE DISCIPLES HEARD IT, THEY FELL ON THEIR FACE, AND WERE SORE AFRAID..."


It is regrettable that they had not listened sooner (Luke 9:31-32). Moses and Elijah had been speaking to Jesus concerning His crucifixion, etc. If they had paid attention to what they were to hear on that mountain, they events of their failure could have been altered.


There are many who are "dull of hearing." God has a hard time getting many to listen to Him.


Matthew 13:15 "...FOR THIS PEOPLE'S HEART IS WAXED GROSS, AND THEIR EARS ARE DULL OF HEARING, AND THEIR EYES THEY HAVE CLOSED, LEST AT ANY TIME, THEY SHOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND SHOULD UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART..."


Peter was not anxious to hear a certain message from God.


Acts 10:10-11 "AND HE BECAME HUNGRY, AND WOULD HAVE EATEN: BUT WHILE THEY MADE READY, HE FELL INTO A TRANCE, AND SAW HEAVEN OPENED..."


God had a truth to tell Peter, who was "dull of hearing" on the subject. We too may not be willing to hear God's message to us under normal circumstances. So God causes some to be "slain in the Spirit" in order to get their attention.


God wants to encourage some. He wants to correct some. He wants to instruct some. Let's not be "dull of hearing." If you are "slain in the Spirit", listen to God speak to you. Follow the instructions of Eli to Samuel, and say as Samuel said:


I Samuel 3:10 "SPEAK, FOR THY SERVANT HEARETH."


For some, there is a reason that God hasn't healed them, or done a miracle for them. He wants to talk to these, so He can do the miracle or heal them. It may be a sin, that God needs to discuss with them. Perhaps it is a step of faith, or an act of faith that God wants, and He must explain to them. Naaman had to dip in the Jordan River seven times before he could be healed. A time of God doing great miracles must often be accompanied by people being "slain in the Spirit" for God to speak.


In the Old Testament, after Solomon completed the Temple, the priests began to minister before the presence of God. The glory of God was so strong that they could not stand up within the temple.


II Chronicles 5:14 "SO THAT THE PRIESTS COULD NOT STAND TO MINISTER BY REASON OF THE CLOUD: FOR THE GLORY OF THE LORD HAD FILLED THE HOUSE OF GOD."


Won't it be wonderful when the "latter rain revival" reaches the place where today's priesthood won't be able to remain standing because the presence of God is so strong. They will be "slain in the Spirit" as they try to worship.

 

[murjahel]

PART 2 OF SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT...

Paul was slain in the Spirit" was when God warned him to leave Jerusalem.


Acts 22:17-18 "...I WAS COME AGAIN TO JERUSALEM, EVEN WHILE I PRAYED IN THE TEMPLE, I WAS IN A TRANCE: AND SAW HIM SAYING UNTO ME, 'MAKE HASTE, AND GET THEE QUICKLY OUT OF JERUSALEM, FOR THEY WILL NOT RECEIVE THY TESTIMONY CONCERNING ME.'"


Thus God may also warn us while we are prone on the floor.


The speaking of the Lord is the primary purpose of the prostration, and we must cease neglecting the main reason God puts us into that position.


Sometimes in the Bible, the people that were overcome by the Spirit were the rebels, and sinners. Sometimes, the falling down is a time when God wants to judge the sin.


John 18:1-6 "...JUDAS, HAVING RECEIVED A BAND OF MEN AND OFFICERS FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND PHARISEES...AS SOON THEN AS HE SAID UNTO THEM, 'I AM HE,' THEY WENT BACKWARD AND FELL TO THE GROUND..."


Acts 9:3-4 "SUDDENLY, THERE SHINED ROUND ABOUT HIM A LIGHT FROM HEAVEN: AND HE FELL TO THE EARTH, AND HEARD A VOICE, SAYING UNTO HIM, 'SAUL, SAUL, WHY PERSECUTEST THOU ME...'"


God is still speaking, even at judgment time. Paul listened, and his blindness did not last, because he listened and obeyed.
When Eli was "slain in the Spirit", he had refused too long to listen.


I Samuel 4:18-21 "AND IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN HE MADE MENTION OF THE ARK OF GOD, THAT HE FELL FROM OFF THE SEAT BACKWARD BY THE SIDE OF THE GATE, AND HIS NECK BRAKE, AND HE DIED... AND HIS DAUGHTER IN LAW, PHINEAS' WIFE, WAS WITH CHILD... ABOUT THE TIME OF HER DEATH, THE WOMEN THAT STOOD BY SAID UNTO HER, 'FEAR NOT, FOR THOU HAST BORN A SON'... AND SHE NAMED THE CHILD, 'ICHABOD,'SAYING 'THE LORD IS DEPARTED FROM ISRAEL...'"


We must learn to listen to God, for He does want to speak. Often the ones that are overcome of the Spirit, and fall under His power have a message of judgment to hear from God. They need to listen and repent. To jump up and not listen to the message God wants to speak, may result soon in a judgment from God. Instead of feeling as though the event meant that God was "patting them on the back," they should lay upon the floor where God has placed them and listen and repent.


Many people are concerned about the reality or fakery of many who appear to fall prostrate. Were they truly "slain"? The answer is probably "yes" for some, and "no" for others. So how do we tell if the event is genuine and God-inspired?


If the event is noticed simply for the event itself, then it is either :
-not of God, or
-the person has missed the real purpose of God's dealing.


Never in the Bible did falling prostrate become the main emphasis. The falling down was just a "prelude" to a great event. Today, too many get all excited about the "prelude", and miss even the expectancy of more to follow. The only "more" that some expect is the "desire of their heart" that made them go forward for prayer. There is often some other reason or purpose of God in the event of being "slain in the Spirit."


In the revivals of the church age, many (if not all) had occurrences of people falling prostrate before the Lord. In the ministry of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, people often fell to the ground. When Jonathan Edwards preached people would faint. During sermons of Charles Finney, people would fall out of their chairs.

The reason for all such occurrences is not to simply demonstrate God's power, rather it is to get the people's attention so that God might speak to them.


God does something inside the people who are "slain."

Sometimes they have remained down for hours. God deals with them on deep issues while they are prone before Him. These issues include:
unforgiveness,
grudges,
hurts,
grief,
emotional problems.


Sometimes the person seems to become entangled in a visible struggle. This is usually the struggle against demonic oppression that needs handled before the Lord may do for them the miracle that they seek.


Think for a moment of the frustration that God must feel as He tries to get people to listen to Him, and ushers or ministers rush the person that is prostrate back to their feet and wants to move ahead with more of the service. We try to make God fit our service outline, and wonder why the same people are "slain in the Spirit" service after service. Ushers and ministers need to refrain from rushing the people to their feet.

Let's allow the Lord to speak as He desires. He does not always want to speak only through sermons, or through the messages in tongues, and interpretations.

God is a God of variety and will use many methods to speak to His people. The falling down prostrate upon the floor is a sign that God wishes to speak to an individual, as much as a message in an unknown tongue is a sign. The service is supposed to be in the control of God. Let's not rush to get to the next part of the service so much that we push God's plan aside.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

I always wondered why people trembled violently like when demons are cast out in the gospel and they don't ask more pertinent questions in regards to whether the demons were leaving or entering . but i can take care of myself .

 

[murjahel]

OPERATION OF GIFTS
IN THE CHURCH​

　


The church congregations are like "filling stations." As a car is driven into a gas station for the purpose of re-fueling the car... so it may resume its journeys... so the Christian must frequently go to the local body church, and be 're-fueled" for continued operation.


Sometimes the Christian needs repair by the "Head Mechanic", and the place wherein the Lord has chosen to keep the operation of the tools of the Spirit, is the local assembly of believers.


The saints are kept in good running order, if the local congregation of believers are operating an efficient, and properly equipped station.


What is the "church"? It comes from the Greek word - "ecclesia". It refers to a body of "called out ones..." It is translated "church" 112 times... and translated "assembly" 3 times. It is used in the Bible to refer to a gathering of a mob of people. In Acts 19. This mob was confused, disoriented, and behaved in a shameful way.

Acts 19:32
"Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly (ecclesia) was confused, and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together."


Unfortunately, this is descriptive of many congregations today. They do not know why they gather together, nor do they speak with unity, and have a like purpose. They are confused, and behaving in ways that shame the Lord they claim to serve.


Paul was speaking in I Corinthians to such a congregation.


This church (ecclesia) was disorderly, and therefore was not prospering. Paul stated some serious, vital principles to guide such congregations.


We should recognize weaknesses, inconsistencies, extravagances, dangers in Pentecostal worship. We should recognize the real move of God from the scams and hoaxes of the false ones.

The Holy Spirit takes people as they are, and none of them are perfect. The imperfections of people will creep out into the expressions of worship. The manifestations of the church are affected by these imperfections.

God did not make us robots, to automatically perform exactly as He would will. We, as people of free will, had better heed, and study the instructions of the Lord in the Word of God. For the behavior of people within the church, without such instruction, and the following thereof, will degenerate to shameful practices as it did in Corinth.


If we ignore the safety markings, the guidelines of the Lord, we can no more claim to be infallible examples of God's handiwork than the motorists who ignores all the highway laws and markings on his trip. It is dangerous and deadly for a congregation to play church without the proper guidelines being observed and obeyed.


The early church services were informal. One person had a psalm, or a song. Another would speak of a doctrine. A third would express a revelation given to them by the Lord that week. Each would take part, and encourage others. This excessive informality degenerated into a very unhealthy "free for all" in Corinth.


Some congregations have tried to substitute a cold, dead, formalism to avoid such problems as they were having in Corinth. These cold, dead, formal, and planned services are about as inspiring and Spirit filled as the morgue.


Excessive informality can engender confusion, false doctrines, and disorder. Paul's answer was not formality. He counseled teaching... as the answer. The easiest way to kill excess is form and rule, but that kills the spontaneity of the Spirit's moving, as well as man's. We need order, but not the order of a bodyguard.


God does not want a planned, ordered, and sin-to-be-changed plan for each service. He does want "all things to be done decently and in order."

At least 20 verses in the 40 verses of I Corinthians 14, emphasize the need of edification of the church.

The church is a place wherein the believers go to be edified, built up, helped, refueled, repaired, and cleaned up. As a car goes to a service station for gas, oil, repairs, and a cleaned windshield... so the believers should go to the local church "ecclesia."


The purpose of the gifts of the Spirit is to enable us to do the works of Christ. We need to carry on the work that He began. (Acts 1:1-2, 12-15, I Cor. 1:7, 12:4-31, 14:1-40, Rom. 12:3-8, Heb. 2:3-4)


The ministry which we are commanded to do is to be confirmed by the signs and wonders which emanate through the exercise of the gifts. (Mark 16:15-20, Romans 15:18-19, 29)


The possession of gifts does not necessarily indicate that one is spiritual. Corinth displayed many gifts - but they were not very spiritual. (I Cor. 3:1-4) Corinth was torn by divisions, and lawsuits; they had drunkenness and gluttony. In Corinth, some denied Paul's apostolic ministry. Some denied the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul said you can have various gifts and not have love. He indicated that in these cases, the exercise of gifts will profit nothing. (I Cor. 13:1-2)


Where are the gifts today? Some churches find the subject of gifts to be strange. Some saints have not discovered or allowed the use of their gifts. Some do not even know what gifts are available. The church age is the Age of the Spirit. We are to have the Holy Spirit working and manifesting gifts through us during this church age.


For many, the Holy Spirit is just the last part of the doxology. To know the Spirit in that way is like understanding the workings of all the parts of the car, except the starter and accelerator. The Holy Spirit and His gifts have been neglected too much. We need to know Him as a Person, speak with Him regularly, and allow Him to work through us.


The fruit of the Spirit was given to us at salvation. We need to continue to develop and harvest these. However, the gifts of the Spirit need to be coveted, and sought. The Spirit has gifts for each of us. Don't feel, as many have, that "I'll take the fruit, others can have the gifts." If Jesus had felt that way, He would have had to tell the sick, blind, etc, - "I love you." Yet, He could do more than that - He could love them by exercising the gifts of healing, and the gift of miracles.


Paul admonished us to learn about the gifts.

I Cor. 12:1
"NOW CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS, BRETHREN, I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU IGNORANT."

If we do not learn how to receive and operate these gifts, we will fail to do the ministry of the Lord as He has planned. We need the gifts of the Spirit operating in the church. Paul had to speak to those in Corinth about the misuse of the vocal gifts. They were operating them without regards to safeguards to keep them profitable. The love was absent that would make them profitable, and the wisdom of how they actually worked, and what their purpose was missing.


If we are ignorant of these gifts, we will find that the devil will have a "hay day" with his gifts.


False gifts the devil will endow:
Gift of faultfinding
Gift of hypocrisy
Gift of discouragement
Gift of unfaithfulness
Gift of pessimism
Gift of unbelief and doubt
Gift of dissatisfaction
Gift of slamming with the tongue
Gift of interpretation of slams
Gift of misdirecting others
etc.

Let's learn about the gifts that the Holy Spirit wants to endow upon us. We can have a church full of the gifts of the Spirit.

Don't let jealousy come into the body of believers. In Corinth, this happened. The arm can sometimes be jealous of the hand, and the eye can be jealous of the ear, etc.

What if Nathan had been jealous of David's gifts?

What if Moses had been jealous of Aaron's?

Too often in the church, the hindrance of the ministry of many gifts, is the jealousy, or the fear to upset the feelings of another.

The pastor may be jealous of one with the gift of teaching...

The teacher may be jealous of the administration gift of a deacon...

These things hinder the gospel proclamation. They ought not to be in the assembly of believers. The Lord is the head, and one may plant, another may water, but the Lord will give the increase.

If David had stopped Nathan from exercising his gift, David may have died in his sin.

Paul disagreed with Barnabas exercising his gift of exhortation on John Mark, and it caused a split of these two men of God. Paul was out of order in his stand, yet did not recognize it until later.

We must be very careful trying to be the "head", and telling others not to exercise their gifts.

The Spirit will direct the exercising of the gifts, learn to follow Him.

 

[murjahel]

the VOCAL GIFTS.

We have issues today on those. Some think these gifts have ceased in our day. Others are totally uneducated on them. Some do not recognize the value, great value in them. We need to notice the instructions of the 14th chapter of I Corinthians.


The vocal gifts are the most common of the gifts in Pentecostal circles. They are gifts that are more visibly observed in their use than some of the other gifts. Paul speaks of these gifts, not to stop their use, but to encourage their proper use.


THE GIFT OF PROPHECY



This is not the guessing by educated guess what is soon to happen. This is not prognosticating using a crystal ball, or by flipping a coin, to establish an idea of what will happen. Rather, this is a supernatural revelation from God of a message from Him to us.


The nature of the gift of prophecy is described by Paul. He indicated that the gift should be validated by two or three prophets that confirm the same truth. He also said the gift needed to be judged. If it is truly God, He will give the prophetic word to one prophet to speak, and another or two will receive the same word of prophecy, or a work of knowledge confirming that word. It is sort of like a business meeting, where one makes a proposal, and another must second it. God has made prophetic words to be confirmed by another, so as to confirm its reality is from God.


When another begins to speak, the first prophet should be quiet and allow the next to proceed. The purpose seems to be spelled out as a method to "learn," and a method for God to give "comfort."


The prophecy is subject to the prophet, meaning the prophet may speak it or not, he is not under some compelling force that makes him speak. The possessor is responsible for its use or misuse.

I Corinthians 14:29-32
"LET THE PROPHETS SPEAK BY 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."


Like the other gifts, this one also is bestowed by the laying on of hands.


I Timothy 4:14
"NEGLECT NOT THE GIFT THAT IS IN THEE, WHICH WAS GIVEN THEE BY PROPHECY, WITH THE LAYING ON OF HANDS."


This gift is not restricted to males. Philip had four daughters and they had this gift.


Acts 21:8-9
"ENTERED INTO THE HOUSE OF PHILIP THE EVANGELIST, WHICH WAS ONE OF THE SEVEN; AND ABODE WITH HIM. AND THE SAME MAN HAD FOUR DAUGHTERS, VIRGINS, WHICH DID PROPHESY."


Joel's prophecy said that "YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY." Many women are included in the list of church leaders given by Paul in Romans 16 (Phebe, Priscilla, Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Julia).


The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts "AS HE WILL" fortunately, for many would like to limit them to one sex, or to the clergy, etc.


This gift is a foundation gift for the church. It must not be confused with the "word of wisdom," or the "word of knowledge." Those are for revelation to the mind of facts or the purpose of God. They may or may not be spoken by the person receiving them. The gift of prophecy, however, is spoken as it is received. It is not for guidance, but for edification, exhortation, and comfort. (I Cor. 14:3)


The gift of prophecy is a supernatural utterance in the known tongue of the speaker. It is a miracle of divine utterance that has nothing to do with human thought. The acid test for validity of this gift is the Word of God. All prophetic messages should be tested by the Word. All prophetic words should have a second, from another of the prophets, that confirm the first word.


One should never misuse or suppress these utterances. Yet, false utterances should never be tolerated. A prophecy that is determined as unscriptural should be pronounced worthless, and repudiated, without fear.


A FALSE utterance is detected by:

the wrong spirit of the speaker,
a rebuke or an unseemly utterance,
a message that glorifies man, and not the Lord,
an unscriptural utterance,
a message that attempts to establish or begin a new doctrine,
a message that produces "fruit" in the hearers that is unseemly,
the anger of the prophet if his message is not obeyed.​

　


The purposes of the gift of prophecy are these.

1. God wants to speak to mankind supernaturally.

2. God wants to edify believers.

3. God wants to exhort the church.

4. God wants to comfort the distressed, and weak.

5. God wants to convict the unbeliever by speaking directly to him, and manifesting the secrets of his heart.
(I Cor. 14:24-25)​

We are instructed to greatly desire this gift.

I Corinthians 14:1, 39
"FOLLOW AFTER CHARITY, AND DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS, BUT RATHER THAT YE MAY PROPHESY...COVET TO PROPHESY..."


The word "covet" is from the Greek word -zeloo. It means "to be eager for, enthusiastically zealous." It obviously sounds as though God wants us to really want this gift. It is essential to the proper functioning of the church.

It takes faith to exercise this gift. To begin to speak forth a prophecy, not knowing what may be spoken forth takes a great deal of faith.


Romans 12:6
"LET US PROPHESY ACCORDING TO THE PROPORTION OF FAITH..."


We must be careful to give the proper respect to prophetic messages that are valid. Some do not listen to them, some ignore, some show disrespect during the message. These messages are given by the Spirit as a message from Jesus, or God, the Father. To hold them in low esteem is to insult the Trinity. If the Spirit is inspiring these messages, the disregarding of them will greatly grieve Him.

I Thessalonians 5:20
"DESPISE NOT PROPHESYINGS."

 

[murjahel]

THE GIFT OF TONGUES​

I Cor. 14:4, 14
"HE THAT SPEAKS IN A TONGUE EDIFIES HIMSELF...I WILL PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT, AND I WILL PRAY WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO."


Romans 8:26-27
"...THE SPIRIT ALSO HELPETH OUR INFIRMITIES; FOR WE KNOW NOT WHAT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR AS WE OUGHT; BUT THE SPIRIT HIMSELF MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR THE SAINTS ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD..."


A message in tongues is revelation from God or Jesus is conveyed by the Holy Spirit to a body of believers in an unknown tongue through some saint with this gift. Then a person with the gift of interpretation is given the meaning of the message in the language of the hearers and tells the people what the Spirit is conveying to them. (I Cor. 14:12-13,5,26) This method of God speaking to believers is meant to be a sign to unbelievers that are present.


Can speaking in tongues be counterfeited? All the gifts of the Spirit can be counterfeited. There are certainly strange utterances and sounds that are made by those who worship other gods. They are counterfeits of the true gift of the spirit.

Anything that God does, the devil will try to counterfeit. God has promised that he will not allow a counterfeit to take a Christian. (Lk. 11:11-13)


Even though there are counterfeits out there, we are told to desire this gift. We are also commanded to not forbid the speaking in tongues. Many churches are guilty of breaking this command.


I Cor. 14:39
"COVET TO PROPHESY, FORBID NOT TO SPEAK WITH TONGUES."


The test for the use of the gift of tongues is EDIFICATION. Is the gift used at a time that edifies the service? Does the message edify the meeting of believers? Is it done decently and in order?


I Cor. 14:26,40
"LET ALL THINGS BE DONE TO EDIFYING...LET ALL THINGS BE DONE DECENTLY AND IN ORDER."


People have debated tongues, for many decades. Yet, they are vital to the church. God did not give this gift without good reason. He wants to speak, He wants unbelievers to hear the foreign language, then hear the interpretation and see its love and encouragement from God. We should not hide this gift to services where no sinners are present, even if we think it would be wise to hide it. God said otherwise. I trust His judgment.


The prayer language of tongues should be utilized daily... We can pray for things in tongues that we do not even know we need yet. The answer can be waiting for us, when we get to whatever the problem will be. Our prayer language is a way to always pray in the will of God.

 

[murjahel]

THE GIFT OF INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES


Those who speak the message in tongues are to pray for the gift of interpretation also.


I Cor. 14:13
"WHEREFORE, LET HIM THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE PRAY THAT HE MAY INTERPRET."


There is to be no more than one interpretation for each message in tongues.


I Cor. 14:27
"IF ANY MAN SPEAK IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE...LET ONE INTERPRET."


Don't expect monopolies. There should not be only one person who can interpret a message within the church. This gift should be had by a great many people within the local church. If the only interpreter were absent, could God not speak in this manner? If, there is no interpreter present, and the one about to give a message in tongues is sure they cannot interpret, then the utterance in the unknown tongues must be for personal edification, and not for the church. The person speaking in the unknown language should not interrupt the service by speaking aloud.


I Cor. 14:28
"...IF THERE BE NO INTERPRETER, LET HIM KEEP SILENCE IN THE CHURCH; AND LET HIM SPEAK TO HIMSELF, AND TO GOD."


A common regulation given for interpreting tongues is found in I Cor. 14:27:
"LET IT BE BY TWO, OR AT THE MOST THREE..."


This is commonly thought to mean that two or three messages and interpretations are allowed during any one service. Perhaps this is the correct understanding. Yet, there is only one verse to back up this idea, and the understanding of its meaning has been questioned. Having been raised in a fellowship that taught this idea, I find it nigh impossible to interpret a fourth message. I feel checked within my spirit, perhaps because of my upbringing. I have heard a fourth interpreted, and felt nothing was wrong with the message and interpretation.


If there were not to be four, then how do we know the fourth was the one "out of order" and not that the first, second, or third were "out of order?" Then, also, what if a message in tongues and interpretation is given in a Sunday School class, does that limit the worship service to only two more? Do we start over with the worship service being a new beginning?
Perhaps from the context, it may be argued that the meaning is that only two or three people should be giving the messages within a service.


The true understanding of this verse is not totally grasped by me, and therefore, in honesty, I cannot teach that one must interpret it one way or the other. Pray about it and be thoroughly convinced in your own concept, if you can. Don't judge others too harshly, if they hold to another understanding until you can absolutely prove your concept with the Word of God.


According to Rabbinic teachings in those days, when the Hebrew Scriptures were being read in the synagogues where people did not understand Hebrew very well, the targum (or paraphrase) of the Scripture could be also read. The rule that was to be observed in such cases was taught that the Hebrew was to be read two or three times, and then one could interpret in the paraphrase. This was done to keep the emphasis on the original Hebrew text, lest any should misunderstand the paraphrase.


Paul, having been schooled as a Pharisee, had undoubtedly heard this rule very often in his pre-Christian training.

Perhaps this is what he had in mind for the Corinthian church to help correct their misuse of tongues and interpretation.

Perhaps he meant for two or three people to give the message in the various languages chosen by the Spirit, and then another could interpret the message of all three.


This would allow more people to be involved in the process.


The Corinthians had a zeal to all be used, and they all wanted to bring a message or interpret. To use as many as possible, and to encourage the congregation to realize the divine origin of the message, the use of three or four in the supernatural revelation from God would help. Some think this is the teaching of that passage.


This would be a local instruction, that does not need to be followed by every church, and in every situation. Paul was handling a local misuse problem. That may be why there are no further Scriptures on the subject. Any important doctrine that is for all churches to observe always has at least two or three passages to confirm the teaching. Therefore, I am leaning more and more to this latter interpretation of I Corinthians 14:27.


The interpretation of tongues takes more faith than the giving of the message in the unknown tongues. The devil will try to tell you that you are making it up. Pray for more faith whenever you pray for this gift. Your ultimate goal should be to be given the gift of prophetic utterance. This gift is the ultimate of the speaking, vocal gifts. It requires the most faith, and is not dependent on another gift, as the gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues are.

 

[Biblicist]

This is commonly thought to mean that two or three messages and interpretations are allowed during any one service. Perhaps this is the correct understanding. Yet, there is only one verse to back up this idea, and the understanding of its meaning has been questioned. Having been raised in a fellowship that taught this idea, I find it nigh impossible to interpret a fourth message. I feel checked within my spirit, perhaps because of my upbringing. I have heard a fourth interpreted, and felt nothing was wrong with the message and interpretation.

The content of 1Co 12, 13 & 14 can certainly produce an interesting number of interpretations. When I first entered into the Pentecostal movement, one of its more interesting aspects was with the virtual wide range of understanding with regard to Pauls teachings particularly with chapters 12 & 14; I think the wide range of thought that existed particularly in the 70’s probably sparked my own interest in the subject of Pneumatology.

But to return to your post, as the Holy Spirit is the source with any content of tongues, then each tongue will always be legitimate. The problem arises with the interpretation where we often see people incorrectly providing an ‘interpretation’ that is directed toward the congregation or an individual member – this is always out of order.

Perhaps from the context, it may be argued that the meaning is that only two or three people should be giving the messages within a service.

If we consider that within a healthy Full Gospel congregation, that almost all believing adults would be able to speak in tongues, at least during times of personal prayer and praise; then this would mean that we could theoretically allow every adult to give a word of praise to the Father during each of our meetings as well. As the content of a tongue is always directed toward the Father and never to the congregation (which is contrary to populist belief and practice) then any and all tongues would be in order, at least as far as the content of the tongue goes. As the content of a tongue can never be ‘out of order’, then this is not a problem. Paul (with the authority of the Spirit) rightfully expects each congregation to ensure that order is always in place and as the content of a tongue does not and cannot edify the congregation as a whole, then this remarkable eschatological occurrence must therefore be limited.

It should be said that even though the Spirit does not use tongues to speak to a congregation, it is still a powerful indicator of the presence of the Eschatological Spirit within the congregational setting, which in my opinion, is the primary reason why the Word encourages the manifestation of tongues within the congregational setting.

As Paul is emphasising intelligibility over that of intelligibility within our congregational meetings, he is simply establishing a rule for all churches that we are to limit words of praise to the Father for two reasons:

1. Intelligibility. Other than with the person who gives a tongue, they are the only ones who are blessed and the rest of the congregation is only ‘edified’ through an interpretation.
2. Outsiders will rightfully think that a congregation is mad if they encounter everyone speaking in tongues and even more so if they all do it at the same time, which is the dilemma that we have faced in more recent decades with how so many congregations unwisely and carelessly encourage corporate singing in tongues.

Over the years, this has certainly been a problem in that it has turned many away from the Full Gospel. This practice has rightfully allowed many to presume that the members of these congregations are probably out of their minds – I have heard this accusation/complaint on many occasions. However, as with the self-centred nature of Corinth, it seems that much of todays church is probably little different, if it makes me feel good then who cares about how this may negatively affect anyone else!

How’s the saying go, “Often, when we encounter a thousand Pentecostals singing in tongues during a congregational meeting, we are encountering a thousand individuals who are there on their own, being totally oblivious to the corporate nature of congregational worship”.
​

Perhaps this is what he had in mind for the Corinthian church to help correct their misuse of tongues and interpretation.

I don’t know if the Corinthians were also allowing all to sing loudly in the Spirit during their meetings, but as this misuse of tongues is common within much of the contemporary church, then Pauls admonition to limit tongues to two or three people is as relevant today as it was then – maybe even more so!

Perhaps he meant for two or three people to give the message in the various languages chosen by the Spirit, and then another could interpret the message of all three.

As Paul states in 1Co 14:2 that whoever speaks in a tongue is always speaking to God and that no-one will ever be able to understand the content of the tongue; this means that there will never be anyone present who could understand the tongue.

This would be a local instruction, that does not need to be followed by every church, and in every situation. Paul was handling a local misuse problem. That may be why there are no further Scriptures on the subject. Any important doctrine that is for all churches to observe always has at least two or three passages to confirm the teaching. Therefore, I am leaning more and more to this latter interpretation of I Corinthians 14:27.

In this case I think that we could very easily dismiss the practice of communion during our meetings as the preceding chapter is the only one that addresses it. Paul has provided us with three indepth chapters which are primarily about the manifestations of the Spirit and the congregational Offices and especially with how we are to function within the areas of tongues and prophecy. If Paul had intended for this letter to be intended for Corinth alone, then he would have undoubtedly told us so; for that matter, I suppose we could easily disregard those portions of the New Testament that we struggle with, then we could justifiably start up our own independent ‘religions’ which are built on our separate interests.

Could you imagine Paul having to write the same instructions regarding communion, the 9 Manifestations of the Spirit and the 8 Congregational Offices to Rome, Colossae, Philippi, the Galatian churches, Thessalonica and Ephesus. For that matter, he would have also needed to add in massive portions of the book of Romans along with large portions of the other books as well. In the end, the Bible as we now know it would probably need to be about four to five times larger. As most of the content of Revelations is not found elsewhere in the New Testament, should we also be saying that this was only meant for the churches who were in modern day Turkey - you can see how this line of thought can very easily take us down a very slipper slope.

The interpretation of tongues takes more faith than the giving of the message in the unknown tongues. The devil will try to tell you that you are making it up. Pray for more faith whenever you pray for this gift. Your ultimate goal should be to be given the gift of prophetic utterance. This gift is the ultimate of the speaking, vocal gifts. It requires the most faith, and is not dependent on another gift, as the gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues are.

Sadly, for all of those who over the years that have provided an ‘interpretation’ to a tongue that they directed toward the congregation or a particular member, then they have certainly made up the interpretation as the Holy Spirit will never speak in this way, not at least through tongues. He will certainly do this through prophecy, which is why Paul emphasises the importance of the intelligibility of prophecy within the congregational setting, as against the unintelligibly of congregational tongues – which he still sees as being an important eschatological occurrence.

 

[murjahel]

OTHER GIFTS FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE ANOINTING... is bestowed by the Holy Spirit...


ANOINTING OIL
　
There are many bestowments of power to be received from the Spirit in our age. We will examine a number of these, and show the Biblical instruction for the bestowments.

The act of anointing someone was done for one who is consecrated to employ a separated to God life. The king, the prophet, the priest, high priest (Ex 29:29; Lev 4:,3 1Kings 19:16 1Chronicles 16:22; Ps 105:15), and the sacred vessels (Ex 30:26) were anointed to be therein available to be used by the Lord in His work. The high priest and king were called "the anointed" (Lev 4:3, 5, 16; Lev 6:20; Ps 132:10). Anointing a king was tantamount to crowning him (1Samuel 16:13; 2Samuel 2:4).

Jesus, the coming Messiah, is called the "Anointed" (Ps 2:2; Daniel 9:25, 26). Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit (Isa 61:1). Jesus Christ means "Jesus the Anointed One" (John 1:41; Acts 9:22; Acts 17:2, 3; Acts 18:5, 28).


ANOINTED WITH OIL
　
Leviticus 8:1-12 (KJV)
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;
3 And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
4 And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
5 And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.
6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.
7 And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.
8 And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
9 And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.
10 And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.
11 And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.
12 And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.


The anointing oil represents the Holy Spirit. Aaron was to do the work of God, and therefore needed an anointing of power and authority from the Spirit. We also, in this age, need the anointing of the Spirit. The anointing comes as part of the consecration. Consecration is the ‘setting apart’ from other things, to do the work of the Lord. Do not expect the anointing, if you are not consecrated yourself, the anointing will not come. If you lose your consecration, the Holy Spirit is grieved, and a refilling of the Holy spirit becomes necessary. Those who do not have their hands full, do not need an anointing. The ‘anointing’ is the ‘authority’ to do the work of the Lord. He authorizes us to share in His ministry to this world by the anointing upon us.


Exousia authority is the anointing.


Two words are often translated ‘power’ in the New Testament.

The word ‘dunamis’, means miraculous power over the situation. The other word is ‘exousia’ means ‘authority’. We were told to ‘tarry until’ there was an ‘enduing’ with ‘power’ (dunamis). This power is the gifts of power of the Holy Spirit. Healings, miracles, revelations from God, etc are this dunamis power.


The ‘exousia’ kind of power is the authority that comes with the ‘anointing’ from the Spirit. It is the power over the spirits of this world, over the voices that rise against the Lord. This authority is more like the General of the army, who gives a command, and it happens. He speaks and soldiers listen to his authority. The soldiers may have the weapons, and exert another kind of ‘power’ with them. Yet, the ‘authority’ of the commander is that he speaks and people hear and heed. The anointing power (authority) does not give us ability to lord or command others, but with the anointing, one speaks the rhema of God with authority. God’s Word directs, and when an anointed preacher preaches, the message is heard as God’s Words, and devil’s flee, sinners feel the pricking of the Spirit upon their souls.

　
　
This anointing authority is something we should exercise. The exercise of this authority is chained to the gifts and offices that we are given by God. When we have a particular gift—whether administration, preacher, evangelist, prophet--we already have authority in that area because we have a gift and calling of empowerment in that area. The ‘anointing’ authority is a right to speak with the rhema power that prophetic words would have. God speaks with authority through the anointed one.


Luke 10:18-19 (KJV)
18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
19 Behold, I give unto you power (exousia) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.


This power to tread over the serpents and scorpions is a delegated authority from God to command them to leave, to be bound, to be taken to the abyssed. They are subject to the words of one who is anointed, as they would be to the voice of Jesus Himself. The anointed one has the right to use the authority of God to destroy Satan's works.



The words "to tread on" means to have complete supremacy over the evil spirits. This ‘anointing’ authority is like the ‘shadow of the Almighty’, and like the ‘feathers’ and the ‘wings’ of God that come upon us, to protect us from the works of devils.



Psalm 91:1-9 (KJV)
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;



Anointed Christians are to have power over all power of the devil, "and nothing shall by any means hurt" them. This does not mean none of us shall ever die, nor get sick. The ‘serpents and scorpions’, i.e. the demon and evil spirit powers have no power over the anointed. Rather, the anointed has authority over them, can cast them out, defeat their lies to others, by speaking words that explode their lies.


"The people were astonished at His (Jesus’) teaching,... for He taught them as one having exousia." The ‘authority’ of Jesus made His words to astound and befuddle the evil ones. The ‘wisdom’ of others was made to be shown to be foolishness by the words of Jesus. There was power in His words, not only when miracles were done by them, but even the hindrances and walls of devils could not keep the words of Jesus from reaching the hearers.


Jesus taught on a wholly different plane.

John 12:47-50 (KJV)
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.


When words that are ‘anointed’ words are spoken from an anointed one, they may be rejected, but the rejection of those words brings judgment.


John 17:14 (KJV)
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.


John 14:10 (KJV)
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.


John 14:22-24 (KJV)
22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.


God needs ‘anointed ones’ who with authority speak what God gives them to speak. The sermons that are anointed have results, and the ‘word’ does not ‘return void, but accomplishes’ its divine goals.


Jesus, because of His words of authority, was "despised and rejected of men". Rejected, despised, but still, the anointed words have great authority.

more to come...

 

[mrhappy3]

Can you explain what we get when we are born again - I have spoken to several people including people like Andrew wommack, and several prominent ministers....and it seems some seperate AUTHORITY from POWER, others say they are the same thing. Do we get some dumanis on being born again ? or ONLY when we receive a Baptism in the Spirit ? or do we get a bit of both. CAN you break this down please ? Thanks Murj.

I hope the above is clear, because I want to get this right. IS EXOUSIA more VERBAL whilist DUNAMIS is more SPECTACULAR in operation. ?????

Can we COMMAND using exousia, and get demons to flee, or do we need DUNAMIS for that ???? I have heard a mixed response from people on this.

PLEASE PROVIDE CLARITY ! x

 

[murjahel]

Can you explain what we get when we are born again - I have spoken to several people including people like Andrew wommack, and several prominent ministers....and it seems some seperate AUTHORITY from POWER, others say they are the same thing. Do we get some dumanis on being born again ? or ONLY when we receive a Baptism in the Spirit ? or do we get a bit of both. CAN you break this down please ? Thanks Murj.

I hope the above is clear, because I want to get this right. IS EXOUSIA more VERBAL whilist DUNAMIS is more SPECTACULAR in operation. ?????

Can we COMMAND using exousia, and get demons to flee, or do we need DUNAMIS for that ???? I have heard a mixed response from people on this.

PLEASE PROVIDE CLARITY ! x

I think the best way to look at this is to use the examples of the 12 disciples.. These twelve apostles were of the first fruits of this N.T. way of receiving POWER.

These guys were similar in their devotion to Jesus, but were very different in temperament. Peter was bold, impulsive, and eager... John was thoughtful, quiet... Nathaniel was believing and prayerful... Thomas was skeptical... Matthew was conciliatory... Simon the Zealot was rebellious, angry, and impatient...

But, by being with Jesus, and by being taught by Him, they changed. The ignorant men became learned men. The unprepared became prepared. The weak became strong. The doubtful and skeptical became believing. The angry and vengeful became loving. The called became sent.

The difference was Jesus. He had called, trained, and prepared them. Then


He gave them "authority", and He gave them this before Pentecost, so this is something that is available with salvation. It comes with it, and can be used, if we so choose to employ it. This is the EXOUSIA power, authority.
.

​

Matthew 10:1
"He (Jesus) called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority (exousia)."

​

Jesus shared His authority with them. He then had told His disciples to pray for "laborers" for the "harvest", and their prayers were then answered when Jesus gave them the work to do. Jesus continued after imparting authority to them to tell these twelve to:

heal the sick...
raise the dead...
cleanse the lepers...
cast out demons...​

Some equate those kind of events with 'dunamis' power, but they already had the 'authority' to call for this kind of power before Pentecost. So, there is something more to realize in the power.

Jesus passes on this exousia ‘authority’ and now with the baptism of the Spirit, we also have the dunamis ‘power’ to do the works of Jesus.

We are commanded to go forth, preach... after ‘being with Him.’ The exousia power is given to aid our preaching and teaching. Jesus has this mission to win the world, and He passed this 'authority' to us, and gave us the same powers, in it, that He had when here, and doing miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit.

One does not need Spirit filled to cast out demons, that power is promised to all who 'believe' (Mark 16).

One does not need to be Spirit filled to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, that power is given to the prayer of a righteous one (James 5)

Matthew 28:18-20
"And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power (Greek = exousia = authority) is given Me in heavens and in the earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

​

Acts 1:8 (KJV)
8 But ye shall receive power (dunamis), after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

　​

So, at salvation, they already had received the Spirit, and had authority to call upon that power as they needed it. At the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we have another event...

Notice...: "YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER AFTER THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS COME UPON YOU."​

The words "COME UPON" mean "supervened" or "added to."

We have Someone Who is "added to" us.

We may now go through the same kinds of trials as before, have a calling to ministry as before, yet, now there is a difference.

The Spirit is present within us to move mightily. The Power is "upon" us. This power is not just available, but we are filled with Him, and He begins ministering through us, in greater ways than we did before.

The terminology - "full of the Spirit" is often used in Christian circles.

Some have been ‘baptized’ in the Spirit, but still are not ‘full of the Spirit.


This filling of dunamis power can come and go.

One can become carnal of thought, doubting in faith, weak in determination and consecration, and still ‘baptized’ in the past in the Spirit.

We need to learn to be ‘full of the Spirit’. There are many fillings, many opportunities to tap into this power that originally came when we were baptized in the Spirit.

This ‘full of the Spirit’ refers to the liberality of God in His pouring out of the Spirit. God crams us full, overflowing, filled to the brim. Vacuums are contrary to nature. We can let worries, cares of life, etc fill our minds, or we can let the Spirit fill us with His power. We must become full of something. We are commanded to "BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT."


Stephen and Philip were "full" of the Spirit (Acts 6:3,5). How did they know that they were full of the Spirit ? It was by the demonstration of the power (dunamis) of the Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit were evident. The Holy Spirit was more in control, leading them, speaking more openly to them, directing them, telling them how, when, where, He wants to move.


Spirit filled men were men of power.

Peter and John had healing to offer the lame man at the temple (Acts 3).

Peter could preach boldly, and not fear as he did when a maid questioned him. When the maid questioned him, he had exousia power to call upon, but when on Pentecost, he had the infilling, and the Spirit called upon him, and did miraculous things through him.

Stephen was a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 6:5)

Paul and Barnabas were also empowered of the Spirit's fullness (Acts 13:9, 11:24).

These men and others that were filled with the Spirit were used of God to turn many to the Lord. Great revival followed these men. The Holy Spirit was far more in control, directing, and demonstrating His power.

Ananias was a man that was "full" of the Spirit. How do we know ? First God spoke to him with a word of knowledge about Saul. Then Ananias obeyed God's instructions. Paul was healed as Ananias prayed. Paul was filled with the Spirit when Ananias lay his hands upon him. These were the manifestations of the power of the Spirit. (Acts 9:11-18)

Ananias, in the natural, did not want to trust Paul. Paul had been on his way to that city to persecute. But... being full of the Holy Spirit, he was at the direction of the Holy Spirit to do as led, to have power he might not have wanted to use. Paul, when blind was helpless. Heal him, and he might revert back to persecuting. But Ananias was filled with the Spirit, and did not understand all the Spirit was doing and going to do, but Ananias was being led by the Spirit, trusting Him to empower, direct, and protect.

Power is evident wherever people are Spirit-filled. Before, power could be called for, to aid our ministry. In the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we become agents of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Following the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, there were "many signs and wonders." Many believers were added to the kingdom. (Acts 5:12, 14)

​

​

The move of the Spirit in our lives fills us with GIFT POWER. The word "gift" is from the Greek - charismata. From this word we get the word "charismatic." We are presently in a "charismatic" revival. This type of revival is a fresh endowment of gifts from the Holy Spirit on believers. Paul told us to "EAGERLY DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS." (I Cor. 14:1 NIV)

These are not desired for the purpose of just receiving personal blessings. They are meant to edify the entire body of believers. All of us should desire to have many gifts in operation within the church. Messages in tongues, and interpretations are common in churches that desire them. The same is true for the other gifts. The Spirit will manifest this power of gifts whenever He finds the desire for them.​

I Cor. 12:4
"THERE ARE DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS, BUT THE SAME SPIRIT."

The Holy Spirit is in charge of the gifts that He bestows. He directs, and employs them as 'He wills'.


So, at salvation we were bestowed with exousia power. In the baptism of the Holy Spirit we receive dunamis power, and let the Spirit lead and empower with what He is wanting us to do.

There is more... those are only two... for even with those two, we are told we only have the FIRST FRUITS of the Spirit.

Someday soon we will find that suddenly our mortal bodies have been transformed and raptured up into the clouds to meet our Savior, Jesus. This TRANSLATION POWER will come from the Spirit.

Romans 8:23
"OURSELVES...WHO HAVE THE FIRSTFRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, EVEN WE OURSELVES, GROAN WITHIN OURSELVES, WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION, TO WIT, THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY."

We are waiting for even more than those two kinds of power. There is a translation power, that will transform this mortal body, in a split second, and make us immortal, and heaven bound. This power we have not experienced yet.

So, the differences between exousia and dunamis, are in the anointing of the Holy Spirit to give us far more than we had in the 'authority' power to call upon as needed. Now, we are filled with the Spirit, and He is directing us into His works, gifting us with whatever powers we will need, and doing far greater works that we ever imagined in our own minds.

The third part of 'translation' power, is soon to come. We are not 'cessationists'... We know the Holy Spirit is still giving gifts. In fact, we are more than continualists... for He is going to do more than just 'continue' with those gifts. We are 'anticipationists' waiting for more than the first fruits we already have... There is more to come. 　

　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　​