Hearing from God: The Holy Spirit ROCKS!

The Exhaustive and Incomplete Study of the Holy Spirit

Pneumatology, baptism, ministry, and more

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Without going deep (way over my head) in theology, recognize that God is three-in-one: God the Father, Jesus Christ his Son, and the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost to some). Within the Godhead—the Holy Spirit is God. In Scripture, we find the “Spirit” and “God” are interchangeable as is found in Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; and 6:19-20.

The Holy Spirit has obvious characteristics. The Holy Spirit has intellect as described in 1 Corinthians 2:10, 13; and Romans 8:27. From 1 Corinthians 2:11 and Isaiah 11:2 we see the Holy Spirit has knowledge. And we can grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30 and Isaiah 63:10), because He has emotions. Moreover, the Holy Spirit has His own will and volition as read in Acts 16:6-11 and 1 Corinthians 12:11.

The Holy Spirit really is a spirit (John 3:8; 4:24). And perhaps the oddest realization is that while the Holy Spirit is the one part of the Godhead that lives inside of us, we see that the Holy Spirit is the most misunderstood, mysterious and most neglected person in our Triune God.

It is also important to note that while it may be tempting to seek understanding of the Holy Spirit through experience alone, we need to keep to a Scriptural understanding of the Holy Spirit and allow that to form the framework that will then bless our experiences. So if we have little or no experience, or even “bad” experiences this may discolor our understanding, preventing us from really knowing the Holy Spirit who lives in us and wants to empower His saints.

Since the Holy Spirit is God, he also possesses divine attributes such as omniscience (1 Corinthians 2:10-12), omnipotence (Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4), omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-10; John 14:17); eternality (Hebrews 9:14), and holiness (Matthew 12:32). Furthermore, we must remember the Holy Spirit is equal to God (Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-5).

Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “the secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”

There needs to be a reverence that belongs to the LORD...We can't put our minds around God... There are things we will NEVER understand!

We will not FATHOM everything about God though there are things He has revealed. So there are things we simple can't/won't know about God; they are beyond us in so many ways.

Remember the Holy Spirit is not an “it” or “power” or “influence” or “form” of God the father we can use for our benefit (man-centric focus), or to be harnessed. The Holy Spirit is a person and is God (God-centric focus)!

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

From reading Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4; and Psalm 104:30 w understand the Holy Spirit was at work in creation itself. The Holy Spirit was also at work in the inspiration of Scripture (2 Samuel 23:2; Nehemiah 9:30; Micah 3:8; 2 Peter 1:21). Moreover, the Holy Spirit uniquely enabled men for specific tasks, like craftsmanship, military and administrative skills (Exodus 31:3; Numbers 11:17; 1 Samuel 16:13-14) and the Holy Spirit did not permanently indwell people (1 Samuel 10:10; 16:14; Psalm 51:11).

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament

The Holy Spirit bore witness of Jesus' identity as found in Matthew 1:18-20 and 3:16. From Luke 4:18 we find that the Holy Spirit worked with Jesus as He performed miracles. From further reading we find the Holy Spirit was promised to believers (John 7:37-29; 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7, 13), which happened when the Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost (Acts 1:5; 2:4, 38 cf. Acts 11:15-16).

What does the Holy Spirit do?

He fills us with power; he is the “Spirit of Truth”, he is our counselor, advocate, and helper. He helps us remember the things of Jesus and convicts us of sin and guides us.... well, think of all the things God can, will, and could do...He's God. The Holy Spirit is active in the life of every believer. He's even active in non-believers too...He's God, and there are no limits and there are no rules.

We know that the Holy Spirit regenerates believers (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5), indwells believers (John 14:16-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19), seals all believers ( 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30), and the Holy Spirit sanctifies believers (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2).

Within the sanctification we see that the Holy Spirit convicts both believers and unbelievers (John 16:8; Hebrews 10:15-17), illuminates a believers' mind as seen in John 14:26; 15:26; and 1 Corinthians 2:10. We are fortunate to have the Holy Spirit interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27), guiding/leading us (John 16:13 and Romans 8:14), and comforting us (John 14:16-17).

When the Holy Spirit is at work with us, His work is visible in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23 and Romans 8:13), He equips us to serve the Body of Christ—the Church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) and the Holy Spirit fills us for the life of ministry (Ephesians 5:17-18; Luke 1:67; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; and 13:9).

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

It is about receiving supernatural power fro the Holy Spirit. Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8 uses the word “power” which in Greek is: du/namiv dunamis; from 1410; (miraculous) power, might, strength:—ability.

We will receive supernatural power—ability. In context of Jesus' command to wait until this occurs and from the biblical accounts this dunamis is for use/work for God's Kingdom and His purposes. It is a spiritual equipping for God's purposes and the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not for salvation.

Salvation is through Jesus Christ, we know this to be true. One reference is again Acts 2:38;

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit...”

Do Christians automatically get the filling of the Holy Spirit?

No, Acts 8:14-17; 9:17-18; & 19:4-7 definitely shows us that this is not automatic, and no where else do we find Biblical evidence pointing to Christians automatically get the filling or baptism of the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for every believer, but not every believer receives it automatically.

Since there are no rules and we see the presentation of the baptism is different in different settings we can then say it is not automatic.

In Acts 19, Paul simply asks if they had the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It wasn't shocking to him; it wasn't assumed to be automatic. When he heard they did not, he prayed and laid hands on them. Even the laying on of hands does not seem to be a rule.

We can assume the first disciples were Christians (when does someone become a Christian?—that is a question for another time) as Christ sat with them in Acts 1. He said to wait for the gift and we see the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2.

Many will use the term "indwelling" for what happens when we become believers, and it is different from the overflowing of the Spirit's power/gifting/etc. that we refer to as Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Each Biblical reference to the incidence of this baptism shows it happening separately from conversion. And again, we can not put God in a box. There have been instances where people received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit within minutes of choosing to follow Christ - and then there is the whole deal with Cornelius... in Acts. We must remember the Holy Spirit is God and there are no rules. God things just happen!

The early church had the benefit of lack of experience/precedent to question whether it was automatic or not. They simply accepted what was happening to them as the baptism of the Holy Spirit happened; accepting what would happen to them as they first heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit; and accepting what could happen to them if they asked for the baptism, when they first heard of the baptism.

Perhaps this will be the best approach for all of us too. To simply want whatever is offered by the Holy Spirit, when we first hear of it…even asking for it like a child wanting some awesome toy for Christmas…in anticipation for the day we will receive it.

Then we can go on to tell others and share what we have with them too…freely received and freely to share.

What happens when the Holy Spirit fills us?

The Biblical accounts say “power” and within that there are many ways God can and does manifest this power in our experiences. There are no rules for how one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

What is the connection between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues?

We know from the Biblical accounts sometimes people received the gift of tongues when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Since the Bible does not reveal that this occurs every time. I would best say that the gifts of tongues is a possible manifestation but not THE manifestation that will occur all the time.

Remember God is sovereign. There are no rules. In my own experiences around this and having experienced this, I agree that God will manifest the gifts as He sees fit. 1Corinthians 12:4-11 describes some of the ways the Holy Spirit may manifest this power in our lives.

Does the Spirit fill us just once or many times?

At the beginning of Acts chapter 2 and near the end of Acts chapter 4, we see the same people gathering together, praying, and being filled with the Holy Spirit...again. So most definitely you can be filled with the Holy Spirit repeatedly. Look at Acts 4:29-31 as such an example.

Whether you call it be baptized repeatedly or be “refilled” does not matter, the outcome and purpose is the same...to receive more power to serve God's Kingdom.

What does the filling of the Holy Spirit feel like?

Excruciating pain. Just kidding. The experience will vary person to person and perhaps from time to time the Holy Spirit will come upon each of us differently. It seems to be all good and wonderful stuff and I have never been disappointed or discouraged.

Try to never put God in a box. Just when you think you have it all understood, God will show you something new and different. So if you find yourself falling to the ground, or crying with joy, overcome with an incredible sense of joy, laughter, or so many other possibilities, give God the glory and thank the Holy Spirit.

The essential point to hold on to is to relax and let the experience be genuine...don't try to fake it, or do things because “everyone else” is, or because that is what is “correct”. Let God be God and you be yourself, worshiping, desiring, and asking God for more power and gifts for HIS glory, honor, praise and purposes.

It's easy to be an expert:

Mark 1:8

Luke 11:11-13

Luke 24:49

John 1:33

John 16:7

Acts 1:4-5

Acts 1:8

Acts 2:2-4

Acts 2:38

Acts 4:29-31

Acts 8:14-19

Acts 10:44-46

Acts 19:4-7

*The above references are all the ones on the baptism/filling of the Holy Spirit. Additional scriptures describe the Holy Spirit and/or the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are the only ones about the baptism...

Really, what is there to argue about? Is it preconceptions, is it experiential, or is it bias?

The debate has gone on for years. Remember the Early Church did not have the Bible to study or challenge. They just accepted as a new norm the things that were happening.

When asked what to do; Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit...” [Acts 2:38]

Then we see; Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. [Acts 2:41]

A rose by any other name...kills controversy.

Call it whatever... who really cares?

The point is not whether you've received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the point is whether you want more power?

Well, do you? (Go ahead, make my day!)

The gift of tongues does not always accompany the filling of the Holy Spirit.

It does seem to frequently accompany the filling, but that is up to the Holy Spirit according to His sovereign will and purposes.

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to everyone, though new ones often come with His baptism.

We are born with some gifts and talents (some more “obviously” supernatural) and new ones and even an enhancement of existing talents often are revealed. Oh yeah, and there are no rules.

What happens when we ask?

The Holy Spirit answers. HOW He answers is up to Him; WHEN He answers is up to Him... Just ask and be expectant that He will answer. You gotta love His style!

1Corinthians 12:4-11

[4] There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

[7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Mark 16:17

[17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Some are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, but by no means is that exhaustive. Also there are differing opinions as to what is a talent, a gift, and even how such gifts manifest themselves.

More to the point should be, do we want the gifts the Holy Spirit chooses for us? And yes, we can ask for more... simply be willing to be a vessel for the Holy Spirit to use for His purposes.

Reasons for desiring the filling of the Holy Spirit

First of all, do you want more dunamis (dynamite) POWER?

Are you willing to be used mightily and radically by the Holy Spirit to serve others?

1Corinthians 14:5

[5] I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

So it may edify the church—the Body of Christ.

1Corinthians 14:4

[4] He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

So it may also edify ourselves as part of the Body of Christ.

Jude 20

[20] But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:26-27

[26] In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. [27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

To receive the Holy Spirits intercession and help.

1Corinthians 14:14-15

[14] For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. [15] So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

1Corinthians 14:6,26

[6] Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?

[26] What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

So it helps to strengthen the church—the Body of Christ.

Why Do You Want the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Acts 8:18-24

[18] When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money [19] and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

[20] Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! [21] You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. [22] Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. [23] For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

[24] Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

Check your heart and see the “why” for yourself. Is the desire to be “super-spiritual”? Are you motivated by the attention this may draw to yourself or are you wanting this to be a useful tool and partner in ministering to others—people in need, with real pain and sorrow?

Often we only see the inventory of spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 and perhaps a bit more gloss over chapter 13. A key point to what Paul is saying to the Corinthians is that the gifts are to be desired, sought after and MOST IMPORTANTLY used... used out of LOVE!

It really isn't about having any or all the spiritual gifts if love is missing. It is out of LOVE that the Holy Spirits gives these gifts for the benefit (love) of people. We are not to focus on what we get, rather we are to focus on what we have to GIVE out of love for and to others.

We are needed...to help others, again, OUT OF LOVE!

1 Corinthians 12-13

[12:1] Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. [2] You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. [3] Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

[4] There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

[7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

[12] The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

[14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. [15] If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

[21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don't need you!” [22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. [26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

[27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. [28] And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30] Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues*? Do all interpret? [31] But eagerly desire* the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

[13:1] If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. [3] If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

[8] Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. [9] For we know in part and we prophesy in part, [10] but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. [11] When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. [12] Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

[13] And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Grab hold of what James wrote (James 1:19-27). He was saying to “know” at these great spiritual truths and not “do” something with this knowledge is downright wrong. We are to go and help and love others with this knowledge...God's Word. In God's Word is all these spiritual gifts and Holy Spirit assistance, guidance, and purposes. “So what's in your wallet?” as the line from the commercial says...

Do you have the “right stuff” and are you going to use them for Kingdom purposes?

It's time to get to work with the stuff the Holy Spirit has to give each of us to do.

James went on to write in James 2:14-26

[14] What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? [15] If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, [16] and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? [17] Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

[18] But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” [19] You believe that *God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. [20] But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? [21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? [22] You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; [23] and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. [24] You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. [25] In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? [26] For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

James 3:13-18

[13] Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. [17] But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. [18] And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 5:13-19

[13] Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. [14] Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

[17] Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. [18] Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

[19] My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, [20] remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

High-Ho, High-Ho, it's off to work we go...

Ministering in the Power of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. [2] For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. [3] I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. [4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

It is important to strive for a personal passion for intimacy with Jesus – Not for knowledge. (Philippians 3:10). This intimacy is really being absolutely in love with Jesus! (1 Corinthians 2:2)

It is a heart matter.

We must also strive for a personal passion for a Spirit-filled identity – Not for excellence. Zechariah 4:6 reads, So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. It's so all about the Holy Spirit and NOT about us. It's not about me. Again, read 1 Corinthians 2:1. It's not about me...it's a God thing.

Seek a passion for your absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29; Isaiah 40:29-31). It is about removing self-dependence on ourselves...mere humans. When we are trying to be self-dependent we are moving independently away from the work of the Holy Spirit. When we truly are dependent on the Holy Spirit we are then proclaiming Holy Spirit empowerment which results in the demonstration of the Spirit. (Acts 19:11-12), hence we will experience unusual miracles in our lives and in the lives of those we reach out to.

When we are ministering in the Holy Spirit there will be fun, intimacy and an active close relationship with the Holy Spirit. We will see a fullness of the Spirit that will be evident in our lives.

In preparing to minister in the Holy Spirit realize it will be beneficial to first turn our focus to God. This is because before we can effectively minister, we should minister unto the Lord—Psalm 29:1-2 “Give unto the Lord. Then we hear God (v. 3-11).

2 Corinthians 13:14 speaks to being in communion of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, as it says in Ephesians 4:30, don't grieve the Holy Spirit (sin, blaspheme, stifle).

When we are ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit we will see the manifestation and expression of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7). And we will do well to consciously live and walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). And as Pauls says in Ephesians 5:18...be filled with the Spirit. Learn to wait on the Lord—intertwined, dependent on God.

Gifts of Revelation

1 Corinthians 12:8 &10

WORD OF WISDOM (Wise counsel by and through the Holy Spirit, reveals)

Helps find a solution to problems

(Acts 15:13-22)

Gives direction

(Acts 13:2-3)

Helps in decision making

(Acts 1:15-26; 15:28-29)

WORD OF KNOWLEDGE (Information revealed by the Holy Spirit)

Reveals sin

(Ananias & Sapphira in Acts 5)

Reveals diseases and problems (this helps build up our faith)

Helps understand people better

(Matthew 17:24-27; John 1:47-51; 4:16-18, 29)

GIFT OF DISCERNING OF SPIRITS (Not the same as discernment)

(1 Corinthians 12:10)

Helps us understand the moving of the Holy Spirit (John 10:27)

(encouraging, comforting, exhortation)

Helps us differentiate between the voice of God, man, and the evil spirits.

(1 John 4:1-3)

Must align with the Word of God and the character of God! Test the message given.

Keeps us from spiritual error.

(1 Timothy 4:1&2)

Gifts of Power

1 Corinthians 12:9-10

GIFT OF FAITH

Difference between saving faith and the gift of faith (Romans 10:8-10 = saving faith).

Gift of faith is the ability to “see” beyond what others see.

It is the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to believe the humanly impossible.

It enables us to see through the creative eyes of God.

GIFTS OF HEALINGS

(Always try to lead people to Christ before using gifts of healing...lead the person to the Healer than to healing.)

Psychosomatic disease healed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(mental/emotional) Not always demon possession. Need the gift of discerning of spirits to be effective.

Physical diseases healed by the Holy Spirit.

(Medically confirmed/diagnosed).

(Matthew 24:8-16; Acts 3:1-10; 14:8-10)

Deliverance and freedom from demonic powers.

(Acts 8:5-8)

**Deliverance ministry must include a lifestyle of fasting to be effective. One must always pray for protection for one's self, family, and friends.

Pray

Search your heart for sin, struggles, issues

Fast

Pray for family and friends

Clean up private life.

GIFT OF MIRACLES

(Acts 5:17-23; 9:36-39; 12:3-11; 20:7-12)

Solves humanly impossible problems.

Manifests the creative power of God.

Does what is medically declared as impossible.

LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES!!!

Gifts of Inspiration

1 Corinthians 12:10

The proud cannot hear; the humble are absolutely dependent on God.

Be totally founded on the Word of God!

(memorize, read, meditate)

GIFT OF PROPHECY

(1 Corinthians 14:3)

Edifies the listener's faith.

Exhorts or brings counsel and advice to a troubled person.

(Just speak—don't have to be dramatic)

Consoles or comforts a sorrowing person by speaking words of hope.

Prophecy is not so much for direction or guidance as it is for confirmation.

Prophecy given in a church service is more for the congregation as a whole rather than for one person).

GIFT OF TONGUES (Public form)

(Not to be confused with personal devotional/prayer language)

Public form = God speaks through the person

Devotional form = The Holy Spirit speaks to God on our behalf

Communicates God's message to those of a foreign tongue.

(Acts 2:1-12)

Does all what the gift of prophecy does.

Needs to be interpreted, so that others may understand the message spoken.

GIFT OF INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

Enables one to understand a message spoken in tongues.

Inspires one to speak out loud, in one's own language, a message spoken in tongues.

A message in tongues when interpreted edifies, exhorts, and comforts.

References used:

Leslie Keegel's teaching during Leadership Advantage 2007

Jordan Seng seminar notes, “Holy Spirit Retreat 2007”

Book and sermon notes from John and Sonja Decker, “Doing What Jesus Did” seminar.

Francis Chan's Podcasts on the Holy Spirit (2007) Simi Valley Community Church and his sermon notes, “The Doctrine Of The Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)”.