If we have God's Holy Spirit in us, why do some continually "pray down the spirit'? Doesn't the spirit stay with us once we have it? You're not sure? You need to read this article.
If you watch religious programming on television, you know it is not uncommon for people to be "praying down the spirit'. It consists of singing, shouting, dancing, leaping and various other methods to get God's attention. Do we need to do this to have the spirit in us?
Maybe we need to ask ourselves, just what is the Holy Spirit? And why is it so important for Christians to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them?
As a former Methodist, I used to believe in the trinity, I used to sing "holy, holy, holy, God in three persons, blessed trinity'. Is this true?
Is the Holy Spirit a being? At least, is it the third person or being of the Godhead? Is God a trinity?
If we go to the Old Testament, we hear David, in the contrite prayer for forgiveness in Psalms 51:11 saying "cast me not from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.'
In Joel 2:20 it reads "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out mv spirit upon all flesh."If the Holy Spirit is a third person, how does God pour him out?
WHO WAS JESUS' FATHER?
When we read of the conception and birth of Jesus, there are some who have the problem as to who was Jesus' father?
We read in Matt. 1:18:"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise; when his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)." Was the Holy Spirit Jesus' father?
Notice in Matt. 1:20- "For that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.''
In Luke 1:35 we read "and the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee. and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.''In this case, the word God is from the Greek word "Theos", which is translated as the Father.
So we see the problem some have as to whom the father of Jesus was. When we read the scriptures, we find Jesus did not pray to the Holy Spirit, he constantly prayed to, and talked about His Father, who was God or Theos, never referring to the Holy Spirit as His Father.
Most Christians will agree that Jesus was born with the Holy Spirit in Him at birth. But we see something puzzling when Jesus seeks to be baptized by John the Baptist.
Turn to Matt. 1:13 where we read "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to
Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him."V.14- But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?"
v.15 - And Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.'
Jesus was talking about Daniel 9:24- "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation (atonement) for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy. And to anoint the most Holy.
Let's notice what happened at Jesus' baptism. In Matt. 3:16- 'And Jesus when he was baptized went up straightway out of the water.'Question? What was Jesus doing in water to be baptized? Especially when most Christians baptize with the sprinkling of water on infants. Was Jesus' baptism an example of how we, too, should be baptized?
The word baptize is from the Greek word 'baptizo' which means to overwhelm , to make fully wet. From the word 'bapto' which means to cover wholly with fluid. The word ablution is used which means a washing or cleansing.
Let's go to the book of Romans where the Apostle Paul defines baptism in chapter 6:4. 'Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
v.5- 'For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death'."So baptism has a meaning for us, it places us together with Christ.
In Colossians 2:12- it reads: 'Buried with him in baptism; wherein also ye are risen with him, through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.''
So we see Jesus had been fully immersed into the water, and it says 'when he was baptized (immersed') went UP straightway out of the water.
Then we read something happening after he was baptized. Let's continue in Matt. 3:16 - 'And lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.'
V 17- 'And lo a voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.'
What happened at that baptism? If Jesus had the Holy Spirit at birth, what was God doing with His Son?
If we move ahead to Matt. 4 we see that Jesus was to encounter Satan the devil after 40 days of fasting. Plus Jesus was to embark on his ministry.In Matt. 4:17- 'From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
God was at this time giving Jesus the "power" of the Holy Spirit. A power he seemingly did not have before this time.
Later, we find in Matt. 10 that Jesus at certain times transferred this power to his disciples, and they too were able to perform great miracles.In Matt. 10:1- "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.' And in v.8 we read they even had power to raise the dead.
As God placed this power in his son, his son was able to 'temporarily' transfer some of this power of the Holy Spirit into his disciples.
We read that at this time, the disciples did not have the Holy Spirit. Notice what Jesus did with them after his resurrection, and glorification in the book of John.
John 20:17 — "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
v.19- Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
v.20- And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD
v.21-Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
v.22- And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them. receive ye the Holy Spirit."(But it seems they didn't receive the power at this time.) We do not see the disciples making use of that spirit on their own, until after the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2.
Prior to this, Jesus told the disciples not to depart from Jerusalem because he would send something to them. They were to wait for this.
Acts 1:4 -'But wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.' Jesus was referring them to John 14:16.John 14:16- And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter, the he may abide with you forever.' So was Jesus the first Comforter?
v.17- even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,neither knoweth him, but ye shall know him; for he dwelleth with you. and shall be in you.
We read in Acts 1:5- For John truly baptized with water (John's was the baptism of repentance only) but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.v.8- But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you. and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
This is what happened to Jesus at baptism. He received the "power" of the Holy Spirit at that time.
Turn to Acts 2:1- When the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all
with one accord in one place. (As we read in Acts 1; 12-15.)
v.2- Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
v 3- To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
v.4- And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
We know God is not the author of confusion, so this could not have been a language that couldn't be understood. Rather it says 'everyone heard them in their own language'. (v. 8)So v.4 means they heard the Galileans speak in their own language which was a miracle in itself.
Then what is happening when the disciples begin to speak in a language even they didn't understand? What profit would there be in preaching in a tongue that no one could understand, even those claiming to be able to do so?
Let's continue to read in Acts 2:5 - And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, (those of Judaism) devout men, out of every nation under heaven. v.6- 'Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
v.7- And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another,
Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
v.8 -And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
v.9- And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
v 10- And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
v 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
What does the word tongue mean? Is it an 'unknown' tongue? Because wherever you see the word unknown, it is in 'italics', which means it was added by men, and was not in the original Greek Manuscript.
In Strong's Concordance: Tongues: #1100 = qlossa = a language, one naturally acquired.
The miracle was that though the men of Galilee were speaking in their own language, those of other nations heard them in their language. Obviously, it was not an unknown language. They understood the message in their own language even though it was spoken in another language.
If we turn to the "tongues" chapter in I Corinthians 14. we read the word 'unknown' in italics. Unknown should not be there, it was added later.
What I Corinthians 14 is alluding to is if the person had the gift to speak in his language, it means nothing if no one can interpret what they are saying, or if the audience doesn't understand the language.
Read all of I Corinthians 14 and read what Paul is really telling the Corinthians is that "tongues' meant nothing if they couldn't be understood.
Notice in I Corinthians 14:16- "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
v 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
v 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
v 19 -Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
v 20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."We saw the gift of the power of the Holy Spirit come upon the 120 on Pentecost.
Up to this time there is no record of these men speaking in the manner in which Peter was addressing the crowd. Peter was obviously speaking under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit, and he likens it to the last days as prophesied in Joel 2:28.
Back in Acts 2, when Peter really tells it like it is, the crowd is guilt stricken.
v.36- "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
v.38- Then Peter said unto them repent, and be baptized (baptizo) everyone of you in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Did you notice? Peter did not say "in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit', but only in the name of Jesus, the Messiah or Christ.
Then he said: 'And Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.v.39 "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call." p----------
There is no record of shouting, leaping, dancing or singing, but to be baptized in Jesus name and if the person has repented of their sins, God will impart into them His Holy Spirit.
They didn't have to beg to receive the Holy Spirit. God gave it to them as a gift.
Which leads us to another question:
WERE THE APOSTLES BAPTIZING IN A MANNER CONTRARY TO WHAT JESUS TOLD THEM?
We notice in Matt. 28, Jesus saying something different than what Peter was saying in Acts 2.
Matt. 28: 18- "And Jesus came and spake with them saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. v.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;. v .20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world (age). Amen.
However, when we read of this in the writings of the other apostles we do not find it recorded as such.
Let's read Mark's account in chapter 16:14- "Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
v 15 -And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
In the New English version if reads: "Go forth to every part of the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.Let's notice Luke's account in the King James version.
In Luke 24:44- "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
v 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
v 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
v 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
v 48 And ye are witnesses of these things."We read in John 20:30- "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
v 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."There are some theologians who believe the scripture in Matt. 28:19 was added by those who were promoting the concept of a triune God or the trinity.
We can find this being done in I John 5:7 in the King James version where it reads: 'for there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one."
This is a deliberate mistranslation in the writing of I John that does not appear in any other New Testament translation of the Greek.
I have a book with 8 translations of the New Testament. Let's notice how some read I John 5:7-9.
In the New International Version we read I John 5:6 "This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the spirit who testifies because the spirit is the truth. V.7 For there are three that testify. V.8 the spirit, the water, and the blood, and these three are in agreement."
In Today's English version we read: I John 5:7- "There are three witnesses, the spirit, the water and the blood; and all three agree."
In Phillips Modern English: "Jesus Christ himself is the one who came by water and by blood - not the water only, but by the water and the blood. The spirit bears witness of this, for the spirit is truth; the witness therefore is a triple one - the spirit, the water of baptism and the blood of atonement - and they all say the same thing."
In the Jerusalem Bible: I John 5:6- "Jesus Christ who came by water and blood, not with water only. But with water and blood, with the spirit as another witness - since the spirit is truth, v.7- So that there are three witnesses v.8 The spirit, the water, and the blood, and all three of them agree."
In the Revised Standard Version: I John 5:7- "And the spirit is the witness because the spirit is the truth. V.8- There are three witnesses, the spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree."
In the New English Bible: I John 5 -"This is he who came with water and blood, Jesus Christ. He came, not by water alone, but by water and blood. And there is the spirit to bear witness because the spirit is truth for there are three witnesses, the spirit, the water, and the blood and these three are in agreement."
Nowhere in I John 5 is it translated as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit except in the King James Version, a deliberate mistranslation.
The footnote states: Late MSS of the Vulgate (Latin) add 'in heaven, the father, the word, and the holy spirit; and these three are one.
Actually, if we want to check it out, it tells of the 'spirit of truth'. Who makes this claim?In John 14:6 Jesus says "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man can come to the Father but by me.”
In John 16:13- 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 show you things to come.
John 17:17- Thy word is truth. What is the word?
In John 1:1- In the beginning was the word and the word was with God, and the word was God. v.2 the same was in the beginning with God.v.14- And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
HOW DID THE APOSTLES BAPTIZE NEW CONVERTS?
How did the apostles baptize? We read what Peter said in Acts 2:38-Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 8: 5-8 we read of Philip going to Samaria to preach Christ.
v.5-"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
v 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
v 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
v 8 And there was great joy in that city."
In v. 12 'but when they believed Philip preaching things concerning the
Kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both
men and women.
We read in v.15-Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
v 16- in the name of the Lord Jesus.
v 17- Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."Let's notice something that happened when the apostle Paul met with some disciples of John the Baptist in Acts 19:1- "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
v 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
v 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
v 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
v 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
v 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
In Acts 10 we read of God opening salvation to the Gentiles.v.34- Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
v 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
v 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
v 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
v. 44 "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
v. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
v. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
v. 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
v 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."Let's notice in Phillipians 2:5- "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
v 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
v 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
v 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
v 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
v 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
v 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
We read Peter's words, and find that the Holy Spirit is a gift. It did not come with a lot of fanfare, rather through the laying on of hands, such as we read in Acts 8:17, and in Acts 19:6.
Let's look into Christ's words about the Holy Spirit in John 14:15 - "If ye love me, keep my commandments.
v 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
v 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
The Greek word for Comforter is 'parakletos, which means an intercessor, a consoler, an advocate, and of course, a comforter.
The Holy Spirit was there with the disciples; yet at this point, it did not seemingly live in them, but that it will live in them, in the near future.We read in John 20 where Jesus breathed on them and said "receive ye the holy spirit.' But since Jesus was still with them, it was not considered the Comforter because Jesus said the Father would send another Comforter after He was gone.
Question?
WAS JESUS THE COMFORTER WHILE HE WAS ALIVE AND
LIVING WITH THE APOSTLES?John 14:18- "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
Is Jesus referring to himself as the Comforter that will come to them? If so, in what manner?
Notice v.19- ''Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
v 20- At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
v 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
Then notice v. 26- "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
Read the remainder of chapter 14:v 27 -"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
v 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
v 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
v 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
v 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Now notice in John 15:12- "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."
Notice in v 26- ''But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:''
Remember what it says in John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me"
We see Jesus words in John 16:7 -"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.
v 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
v 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
v 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
v 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
v 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
v 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.
v 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
v 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
v 16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
Question?ARE THESE SCRIPTURES ALLUDING TO THE FACT THAT THE COMFORTER WAS AND IS JESUS?
Have you ever pondered about the scripture in 2 Corinthians 13:5? "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
Notice in Phillipians 2:5 -"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
And in Colossians s 1:24- "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
v 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
v 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
v 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"
For years we have preached that the Holy Spirit is the power through which the Father works. Yet we also read in Matt. 28:18-" And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
It states all power was given Christ; wouldn't that mean that the Father has turned all things over er to Christ, at least until God's plan is nearly completed?
Remember in Matt. 10, Jesus gave the 12 disciples power, be it but temporary.
In Acts 1:8- "But ye shall receive power, 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."
In v. 4; it says wait for the promise of the Father.
Question: Is it just coincidence that the power of the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in Acts 2 after Jesus had already ascended into heaven in Acts 1:8-10?CAN WE LOSE THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Once we receive the Holy Spirit, where does it dwell in us, and can we lose it through neglect?
Let's turn to Ephesians 4:21- "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
v 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
v 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
v 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.Then notice in v. 30- "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
v 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
v 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven ya'all."The word grieve is the Greek word "lupeo", and it means to distress, to sadden, to cause grief, to be in heaviness or to make sorry.
Remember, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit in us. Let's notice in Revelation 7:1-4 , something that will happen in the last days. ) v 1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
v 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
v 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
v 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.We are sealed now if we have received the Holy Spirit, but Revelation 7 indicates more will be sealed before the day of God's wrath.
But once we have the Holy Spirit, we are warned to make sure we don't grieve it or lose it. Notice what Paul said
in I Thessalonians 5:19 -'' Quench not the Spirit."
The Greek word for quench is "abennvini", and it means to extinguish or allow to go out.
We are warned not to grieve or quench this precious gift that God gives us upon our repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands.In closing I want to ask a question:
Are you sure you have the Holy Spirit? Do we have to continually pray down the Holy Spirit? Or do we maintain the Holy Spirit?
It's like how electricity must flow continually into the light bulb to produce light. Cut off the supply of electricity and the light goes out.
Are you sure you have the Holy Spirit? The Bible tells us it comes through repentance, full immersion baptism and the laying on of hands.
For those who feel you must pray down the spirit, have you received it in the manner in which I just described? If not, you might want to think about it.
If you feel your immersion baptism is valid, then you need to have hands laid on you by someone who has the Holy Spirit, and you shall receive it.You will be amazed at how your life will change once Jesus dwells in you and you in Him.
May God open your mind to His precious truth, and may the Spirit of Truth dwell in you forever.
