The Holy Spirit

In both the Old and New Testaments, you will find the Holy Spirit displaying his presence in the most unusual ways! He shook buildings. People began to praise him—in new tongues. At Pentecost he came with a mighty, rushing wind! Fire flamed out from the heads of the believers! When the Holy Spirit comes, things get shaken up (see Acts 2:4 and 4:11).
John the Baptist preached, “I’m baptizing you here in the water. The main character in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out” (Luke 3:16).

About the Holy Spirit: Never Be Intimidated (Pt 7 of 7)

The last several day we have been learning about the Holy Spirit and “walking in the Spirit.” Since these are my last thoughts on the topic (at least for now), I’m going warn you about something. When you begin to walk in the Spirit you are going to be constantly harassed by demonic powers. But you don’t have to be intimidated by any demon power—anywhere, at any time! I’ll say it even stronger than that: Never Be Intimidated Again.

About the Holy Spirit: Letting The Spirit Work (Pt 6 of 7)

“Good Morning, Vietnam . . .” I tried to imitate Robin Williams, but it’s hard to do in an email . . . sorry. But I have really, really, good news. No, no, I mean REALLY good news . . . Our Heavenly Father loves you. I mean YOU! Look in the mirror and say, “God loves YOU!”—sure it’s not new news to you, and you have probably heard it since you were “knee high to a bug,” but it’s something you sometimes have to be reminded of—some days, more than others.

You see, it is at this point that many believers fail God. They are willing to be convicted of sin and failure—sometimes over and over again. But they won’t allow the Holy Spirit to flood them with the love of the Father.

About the Holy Spirit: A Higher Meaning (pt 5 of 7)

In 1 Samuel 9 we see that Saul was sent by his father to find some runaway donkeys. Taking a servant with him, Saul searched all over for those lost mules. Now he could have said, “You mules got yourself lost, go find your way home.” But his dad said, “Go find them.” So that’s what he did.

But he was finally discouraged enough and was ready to give up the hunt, but that’s when his servant told him about some guy named, Samuel, a seer; maybe he could tell him where to find the donkeys.

About the Holy Spirit: Obtaining a Walk In The Spirit (pt 4 of 7)

The last couple of days I hope we’ve been learning a few things about the Holy Spirit and one phrase we heard repeated over and over is, “Walking in the Spirit.” This command to “walk in the Spirit” is given to every believer—not just a few super-saints! Here is how you can obtain this walk: “I say, walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit—responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit . . .” (Galatians 5:16).

About the Holy Spirit: Let Go of Your Pride (pt 3 of 7)

In the New Testaments, the Holy Spirit fell on people in the most unusual ways! He shook buildings. People’s tongues began to praise him—often in new languages—as the Scripture say, in the tongues of men and angels. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit even took full control!

At Pentecost he came with a mighty, rushing wind! Fire fell! When the Holy Spirit came, things get shaken up (see Acts 2:4 and 4:11). And when he came, the believers began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them—praising the Father.

About the Holy Spirit: Knows What He is Doing (pt 2 of 7)

Well, we’re talking about the Holy Spirit. I suppose there’s all kinds of things we can learn about him—things that are way beyond me. I’ve learned a few things, but the whole concept of the Holy Spirit being given to me—or any of us, for that matter—is beyond my understanding. I’m just a simple believer who is trying real hard to grasp whatever the Lord will give me.

But one thing I have learned is that the Holy Spirit never performs his work in us in some disjointed, haphazard way. He doesn’t exist to simply help us cope with life, to get us through crises and see us through lonely nights. He’ll do all that, but he isn’t there just to pick us up and pump in a little more strength before putting us back into the race. Kind of like bot wars where the bot goes in and does battle and gets all broken up—then the bot is repaired and sent in to battle some more.

About the Holy Spirit: Received by Faith (pt 1 of 7)

Over the next couple of days I want to talk about the Holy Spirit. I’m sure you won’t mind, but I think there’s a few things we should consider about him. Is the Holy Spirit a “him” or a “her,” or something else? Hmmm, I may not be able to resolve that one, but there are a few things I think will be able to help us to know him better.

First, let me ask you a question: how did you receive the Holy Spirit? Was it the result of obeying the Law and doing its works, or was it by hearing the message of the Gospel and believing it? Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith? (see Galatians 3:2). My friends, this message should ignite your faith—and through that faith you should lay hold of God’s great promises!