I will begin this chapter by begging your indulgence because I want to speculate on some concepts that are not specifically spelled out in the scriptures, but I believe that we can connect the dots without any real violation to reason or the sanctity of the text. My...
The theme of the Holy Spirit keeps coming up time and again as we look at the history of the mission that Jesus left us of taking His gospel to the whole world. In the book of Acts, each expansion of the church was accompanied with a fresh move of the Holy Spirit. As...
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and...
The Apostle Paul introduces chapter twelve of I Corinthians with the admonition that we should not be ignorant of spiritual things. Although most translations use the word "gifts" in this sentence, that term is in italics indicating that it is not part of the original...
In John 16:7, Jesus said that it was expedient for us that He should go away because, unless He left, the Holy Spirit could not come. What is this advantage that Jesus spoke of concerning having the Holy Spirit in our lives? The book of Romans is actually the closest...
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,...
A friend of mine had become very interested in the baptism in the Holy Spirit. During the weeks following, we had Bible study sessions together, and I tried to help her understand what the Holy Spirit baptism is and how to receive it. I was shocked – to say the least...
Second Corinthians 9:10 says that God supplies on two different levels – seed for sowing and bread for eating. We have already considered the fact that He gives us the Holy Spirit at salvation like a seed and multiplies His work in our lives through the baptism in the...
It is of utmost importance that we remember that Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit in personal terms – as an individual rather than as an influence or substance. Unfortunately, many people today see Him as an influence rather than a person with whom we are to develop...
It is of utmost importance that we remember that Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit in personal terms – as an individual rather than as an influence or substance. Unfortunately, many people today see Him as an influence rather than a person with whom we are to develop...
A Promise to Believers John the Baptist had promised that Jesus would baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33, Acts 1:5) Certainly the disciples anticipated this baptism in the Holy Spirit every day during their three...
The Holy Spirit A Key Element in Jesus’ Life When Jesus’ disciples saw Him praying, they realized that there was something really different about the way He prayed; so they asked Him to let them in on His secret. (Luke 11:1) He began with a simple explanation...
Of all the pieces of literature ever written, certainly the book of Revelation – the Apocalypse – is the richest source for clues and hints as to the end times, but it is interesting that the book opens with a very poignant section that addresses life leading up to...
Where Can We Look in Times Like These? In what seems almost symbolic, one of my study Bibles is coming apart at the seams with a total break at II Peter chapter three. The result is that the book naturally flops open at this particular passage as if to purposely...
Once we begin to get our focus on the things that really matter about the end times, we will begin to think a lot more soberly about the times in which we live and will have less and less focus on the sensationalistic approach that many apocalyptic teachers try to...
The End Is Near! Or Is It? As my wife and I were busying ourselves about the kitchen one day, she asked me to check the time. Looking up at the read-out display on our microwave that serves as our kitchen clock when it is not in use, I responded, “It’s the end...
In Earth as it is in Heaven Almost anyone in leading another individual to the Lord in salvation will include some phrase of surrender in which the new convert dedicates his life to serving the Lord; however, most of them will then walk away without attempting to...
The Body One of the suggestions I made early on in our study was to get involved in a local church. Some believers have difficulty with this advice because they feel that they can study their Bibles on their own, pray privately, and have their individual relationships...
Not Just an Influence Throughout much of history, the Holy Spirit was seen as basically a doctrine of the church. He was not seen as a person who was active in the life of the church. Today, there is a danger that the Holy Spirit may be seen as just an influence. ...
Just a Little Talk with Jesus Prayer is a much-misunderstood concept. A few humorous stories might help us get the point of how radically in error we can be when thinking of prayer. Two Russian cosmonauts were in outer space when something went wrong with their space...