WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? Part #1

The Holy Spirit is a person. He is not simply a power or force. He is not simply an extension of the Father or Christ. He is God. The Holy Spirit is part of the trinity or God-head.

The Holy Spirit is an indispensable part of the Christian life and church. Every aspect of the Christian life should be directed by Him. He is indispensable because it is He who enables us to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to serve God and man. It is the Holy Spirit that draws us to Christ. It is He who gives us the new birth. He in a sense is the mother of eternal life in Christ.

It is the Holy Spirit that makes us different than all other religions of the world. It is only Christianity that offers a person like the Holy Spirit. All other religions require the person to follow their principles and beliefs through self-sacrifice and discipline. It is in their own strength they seek to follow their god. While as believers, we have the Holy Spirit who guides us, and enables us to follow Christ.

It is important for us as believers to understand that the Holy Spirit is a person. He is not human because he doesn’t have a body, but He is a person because he has all the traits of a person.

We know He is a person because he has a will.

I Corinthians 12:11 – “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

We see here that He distributes the gifts of the Spirit as he determines. One of the symbols of the Holy Spirit is wind, but He is not simply a wind that blows about. A wind cannot decide where it is going or what it is going to do, while the Holy Spirit is able to do these things.

We know He is a person because He has a mind and able to intercede on our behalf.

Romans 8:27 – “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

Another symbol of the Holy Spirit is fire, but He is more than a fire. A fire is not able to think. A fire is not able to intercede on someone’s behalf.

We know He is a person because He has feelings.

Ephesians 4:30 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

The Holy Spirit could be compared to electricity. Electricity is an energy that can accomplish many things in this life. Yet, the Holy Spirit is not simply an energy or force field. He is a person because He can feel. Cut an electric wire and it does not feel a thing, but disobey the Holy Spirit, we will grieve Him.

We know He is a person because He acts only as person can act. He does the same things a person does.

I Corinthians 2:10 – “these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. “

It is only a person who can search and reveal things.

John 16:13 – “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

It is only a person who can guide, speak and hear. (See to John 15:26; Revelation 2:7; John 16;13)

John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

It is only a person who can intercede, teach and remind a person of something. (See to 2 Peter 1:21; Romans 8:26)

Cling to the Word of God

Luke 1:37 - For no word from God will ever fail.”

Cling to the word God has given you, It will be accomplished in God's timing.

Titus 1:2-3 - "in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light ......... "

Before the beginning of time, God had promised salvation and eternal life which became a reality in Christ Jesus. From the fall of Adam to the work of Christ on the cross was approximately 7000 years.

We often begin doubting the promises of God if they are not fulfilled in 3 months to 3 years. As long as we are certain of God's promises, we must not allow time to bring in doubt.

Yet, what is great about God's promises is, that when we doubt or even forget God's promises, God often will often accomplish them anyway.

Submission is a Daily Thing

Submission is a daily thing.

James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Luke 4:13 - "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time."

In Luke we see when Jesus was tempted and how he resisted temptation. Jesus was victorious. Yet, the devil was not through with Jesus. Jesus had won one battle, but the war was still on. He left Jesus until Satan found an opportune time again to attack him.

It is the same in our Christian walk. Satan will tempt and attack us many times. It is for this reason as believers we must submit continually to the Lord. It is not a one time act. We must continually resist Satan. We never know when he will raise his ugly head again and try to tempt, deceive and destroy us.

Yet, as we remain submitted to him and resist him, every battle will be ours. Yes, and there will be those times where we do not submit and resist. Where Satan will be victorious, but it is only one battle of many. Accept the loss, ask for forgiveness and strength, then submit to God and continue to resist the devil. The war is ours in Christ Jesus.

God want to do a new thing

Luke 5:39 - "And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’”

Here Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees. Jesus here tells them a parable to show them that the old and new can not go together. Jesus was saying to them I have come to do a new thing, and establish a new covenant. Yet, you want to hold onto the old and not take hold of the new thing that I am doing.

How often in our lives when God wants to do a new thing, we want to cling to the old?

Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."God

Who are you to judge someone else's servant

Paul says in Romans chapter 14 that we are not to judge someone else's servant. (Romans 14:4) There is a lot of this going on these days. What is Paul saying?

To understand this, we must understand how the Scripture uses the word judge. It is used in two senses, one to condemn (passed sentence), the other is judging between two things. We are not to do it in the first sense, because it is only Christ who has the right to condemn or pass sentence on another. Yet, God calls us to make judgements in the second sense. (I Corinthians 5:12-13; I Corinthians 6:1-2) We are called to judge what is right and wrong based on the truths in God word and tangible (seen) evidence (actions). Yet, it is only God who is able to judge the motives of the heart.(I Corinthians 4:5)

So what is Paul saying when he says that we are not to judge someone else's servant?
He is saying that we are not to condemn or pass sentence on another. We are not to judge other people's heart or motives.

Paul here was opposed to the idea of passing judgment on disputable matters. The disputable matters he was addressing in this chapter were: eating meat or not eating meat, there are holy days or all days are alike and clean or unclean food. We are not to condemn a person who chooses to do one over the other. They are both a matter of conscience and faith. As long as it is done in faith, they are not condemned by God and should not be condemned by you, because not one is wrong or right. It is not a matter of sin. It is not a sin if you do it nor a sin if you do not do it. Along as the Bible doesn't clearly say it is disobedience or not disobedience, we are not able to pass judgement on the person for doing it or not. It is a matter of preference or what they believe is right. Yet, if Scripture clearly shows or states that it is sin or disobedience to God, we have every right to say the person is in the wrong or sinning against God. Yet in matters that are not clear in the Bible, we must act according to our conscience or faith (belief). In these disputable matters, God will be the judge and we are not to judge.

Let us bring this to everyday life examples. If someone is not telling the truth, stealing, committing adultery or any other sin that is clearly stated in the Bible, we have the obligation to speak out against this and tell the person they are in the wrong or sinning against God. (Ezekiel 3:18-20) We even have the right to discipline them if we are in authority over them. In these cases we are not condemning the person, but seeking to keep them from condemnation because if they don't repent they will be judged by God. When we bring a person who has wandered from the path of truth and life, we are doing good and God is pleased with this as long as it is done in love and a spirit of reconciliation.

So what are some disputable matters that we may face in the church today where we need to be gracious towards that person and not pass judgement on them.

One of these would be how a person dresses. The Bible does not clearly state how one should or should not dress.

I Timothy 2:9 - "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,"

This is the most cited Scripture when it comes to how a Christian should dress. Yet, it is one of those disputable matters because modesty, and decency are all subjective. It is the society whether Christian or secular who determines this. It is very culturally determined. The Bible does not describe any of these words. Paul takes it for granted that Timothy knows what he is referring too. We can be assured that what the church or society of that day called modest and decent are much different than what it is today. This does not say that their view of these things were necessarily better than ours. An example of a great difference, the women wore a veil that covered their face in Paul's day. Therefore, in their view, a woman who does not do this is not modest or decent while most Christians today, even the most conservative, would not agree with Paul's view.

Even propriety is some what cultural. Propriety being one who has proper manners and behaviors. Although their are Scriptures that clearly state what is proper manners and behaviors, much is not clearly stated or even spoken of in the Bible.

Another disputable area that bring much controversy is hairstyles, jewelry, and expensive clothes. There are many churches who are opposed to these things and believe whoever has an elaborate hairstyle, wears jewelry or expensive clothes is not obeying God's Word. Yet, what is considered elaborate as far as hairstyles, jewelry and clothes is somewhat subjective. Also, people often ignore the underlying principle which is not seeking to bring attention to oneself and prideful spirit. The sin of trying to show others that you are better than them.

There are many other disputable matters such as: how to raise ones family; use of alcohol; veil or no veil; holy day or all days are the same; food allowed or not allowed; how to dress for church, orphanages are good or bad; amount of money & things one is allowed; what kind of movies to watch or music to listen to and we could go on an on.

In summary, what is the apostle Paul saying? He is saying there are things that are disputable, unclear, and a matter of opinion. We should not look badly on others or condemn them because they don't believe the same way we do or live their life the same way. In these kind of things let each person act according to their faith and conscience. Also, be careful that your beliefs and actions don't cause others to stumble in their faith or walk in the Lord. Don't let these disputable matters bring division among us as believers. What is most important in these grey areas is that that each person is to be convinced in their own minds and do the thing as unto the Lord in faith that it is not displeasing to God. (Romans 14:5-6)

Let us be more gracious and forgiving of others who don't have the same opinion as ours. Let us ask God to help us not have a critical spirit, but a spirit of kindness, love and unity.

HOW CAN I HEAR GOD SPEAKING TO ME?

Turning to the right channel
Like turning to the right channel, God speaks to individuals who are ready and prepared to listen. A friend once put it this way: A Christ follower who builds the following four habits in his life will be in a good place to hear from God.

First, Christians should build relationships with other Christians. This doesn’t mean excluding those who are not of the same faith from your circle of friends. Rather, a believer in Christ who makes close friends out of those with the same priorities finds it easier to live a faith filled lifestyle.

A Christ follower should spend daily time reading the Bible, mulling over the message, and praying for ways to make scripture’s lessons into a lifestyle. Setting aside time for reading and reflection immerses a Christ follower in God’s purposes and nature.

By adding prayer for others and himself to this daily quiet time, the Christian will find it easier to turn away from their own self-focused desires, and advance God’s priorities to first place. 

The fourth discipline is the most challenging. Christians should actively seek opportunities to tell others about what they are learning from and about God. By sharing your thoughts about God, the internal becomes external, and the lessons learned in private become part of an outward lifestyle that is changing toward God’s purposes.

If you do these 4 things every day, you will be in a good place to hear from God. You will have turned to the right channel, so to speak. God can speak to anyone, at any time or place. Yet God will not often speak with a person who is not ready to hear.

Reading the Channel guide.
In the Bible, God used talking animals, a flaming bush, angels, visions, and a “still small voice” to speak to his people. God can use anything to communicate to a person who is ready to hear. Nonetheless, here are a few methods which God often uses.
God will often speak to you from another friend or leader. Often we need only see a situation from another set of eyes in order to hear God’s will. A good friend whom you trust as a committed and consistent Christ follower can bring God’s voice to you.
The Bible has examples of most of life’s problems, pitfalls and priorities printed throughout its pages. These words from God tell of God’s general plan, and often will spell out the advice you need to find God’s will for a specific situation.
The Bible describes God speaking in a ‘still small voice.’ God often speaks directly into your mind if you will set aside the time to pray, and wait for his answer. This practice should not be confused with some kind of cosmic vending machine. God is under no obligation to give you the answer you seek after you deposit the “coins” of an hour or two of prayer. Yet God promises that he will answer if you will pray and wait. His still small voice can be a thought in your mind, a clear and simple response to your prayers.
Tuning Out the Static
Hearing from God is primarily a heart issue. You will hear from God when you decide to hold his will as your most important priority. More than being disciplined or practicing religious habits, a disciple willing to let go of his own desires that are counter to God’s expressed purpose shows single minded, pure hearted devotion. This person will hear God’s voice, not because he’s good enough, but because God promises to speak to the pure of heart.
If you want to hear from God, you must tune out the static from your receiver. God promises that if you are a person who deliberately, willfully, and repeatedly puts your own will ahead of his, He will not likely speak to you. Period. Deliberate, repeated and habitual disobedience will silence God’s voice. He will often not speak again until you put his priorities back into first place in your heart and life. (Bible references related to this article:2 Timothy 2.20-21, Acts 2.46-47, Philemon)
We Hear God by His Word
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
There’s a strong emphasis at the beginning of these verses with the word “All.” Every little bit of Scripture is breathed out by God…as in…God talking to us. God Himself tells us that His Word is breathed out by Him, and is profitable for everything, so that His Children may be made complete and equipped for every good work.
Let’s not miss the point that God tells us Himself how He speaks to us…through His Word. And the fact that we, as followers of Jesus, need His Word to make us complete. That means we are lacking without it and won’t be equipped if we don’t listen to God as He speaks to us from the Bible.
The Bible is living and active and if you want to hear from God and know what He is saying for sure, open up the book and read it. The very words you’ll read are the very words of God and you can confidently know that you are hearing from God as you read it.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
We Hear God by Following Jesus
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
The other primary way we hear from God is through Jesus Christ. As followers of Him, we’ll know His voice when He is speaking to us. One of the best ways we’ll know this is because we can look to the Bible to see who Jesus is and how He lived.

Remembering Why We Are Doing What We Are Doing

I have recently felt led to pick up the book, “Eternity in Their Hearts” by Don Richardson. The title comes from the Bible verse, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” (Eccl 3:11) In his book, Richardson gives accounts of numerous secluded, remote peoples who were just waiting for someone to come to them with the Good News. I remember what Luke wrote in his Gospel, “[Jesus] sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1) He send us to the place where He Himself wants to go.

In the midst of this, we often find ourselves in circumstances and situations where we just might forget the mission that we are on, and see things only as a trial to be endured. We continue on doing what we do, but somehow we might forget why we are doing it. This can, and usually does, result in resentment, anger or even (God forbid!) bitterness that can be expressed to those we serve, those we serve with, or those serving us (office.) This not only can make for a miserable time for others, it doesn’t make a person in that state very content either.

Some of the hymns we used to sing are full of reflections upon difficult times endured by the author. But the hymns see the difficulties in the light of the mission on which we have been sent. We might sing, “It is well with my soul,” or “through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come.” There is a lot under the surface of those words.

It’s not that difficult to remember the mission, but forget the purpose. We can stay in the work, but lose sight of why we are there. In Revelation, Jesus reminds the Ephesian church to return to their first love. This was not a “sinful” church, but apparently, a church with all programs working, things happening, busy doing the “work of God.” He said of them, “I know your works, your labor, your patience…Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Rev 2:2, 4) He told them to repent, or their lampstand would be removed.

In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he writes, “…remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Thess. 1:3) Paul commends the church for their work, because it is work being done in faith, he commends them for their labor, because it is labor being done in love, and he commends them for patience, because their endurance is rooted in hope. The exact same three things that the Ephesian were doing, but they were only laboring, not laboring in love. They were working, but not in faith. They were exercising patience, but had lost a sense of hope and purpose. We can be so involved in the things of God, that we forget that it is God who has placed us.

Isn’t it exciting to know that He is sending you to the very place that He Himself is wanting to go? Isn’t it exciting to know that God has placed eternity into the very hearts of those to whom He intends to visit? You can work in faith, or just work. It’s your choice. You can labor in love, or just labor. You can endure, or you can endure with a vision of God’s eternal glory being revealed in the people to whom you are sent. These are our choices. May the Lord help each of us as we serve Him in faith, in love and in hope!