|
Bear's thoughts about the Holy SpiritAre the gifts of the Spirit for today ? How do I receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit ? Do all believers automatically get filled with the Spirit ? But I don't want God to make me do embarassing things. What are my gifts ? |
Are the gifts of the Spirit for today ?
In the more than twenty years I've been a Christian , I've heard quite a bit of controversy regarding the validity of the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Christian today. So much so, and with such drastically opposing views, I've had to practice what I preach and study these things for myself. In other words it seems like if you talk to any two people about the Holy Spirit, you're likely to get three or more opinions. This page is dedicated to the conclusions I've drawn, and why, but don't let me do all of your studying for you. I recommend that you never take any man's opinion about anything without studying the matter for yourself. Regardless of who it is. That person won't be standing with you when you stand before the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit Himself. Jesus said He would guide you into all truth. What better place to start than with the truths about Him.
First let me say that I whole heartedly embrace the idea that the Holy Spirit should be active in the Christian's life today. I would not get out of bed in the morning if I didn't think He would be there to help, guide, and counsel me throughout the day.
The area of spiritual gifts seems to have generated the most controversy. Some believe that certain gifts are required to be saved, while others believe the gifts died out with the apostles, or at least when the Bible was canonized. I suppose I would take a confirmed apostle's views on the subject over most anybody else's. Especially one who has be accredited with several healings and even the raising of the dead. (Of course we know and understand that it is the work of the Holy Spirit working through the man, not the man himself, that accomplishes these miracles.) I believe that both Peter and Paul confirm that we as Christians should be expecting the Holy Spirit to manifest Himself through us in the form of Spiritual gifts.
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul tells us to desire spiritual gifts, especially that we may prophesy. He does not put any time limit or other condition upon it. In 1 Corinthians 12, as well as Ephesians 4:11, Paul tells us that we can expect each (greek translates to each and every) one of us to experience manifestations in our lives to be determined by the Holy Spirit. In other words, it's the Spirit who decides which gifts will manifest in us as well as when. You and I don't decide that, though we are encouraged to desire those gifts that will edify the whole body, such as prophesy.
Peter gives us the real clincher in my mind though, when he preaches a very fruitful sermon under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It's in Acts chapter two. An event that's come to be known as Pentecost. The passage speaks for itself in Acts 2:14-18 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. (15) For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. (16) But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: (17) ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. (18) And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (NKJV)
Peter Clearly states this is the event that Joel spoke of and then says, "in the last days ..." Are the last days over ? If they are, then I missed something. I sure don't see Jesus reigning over all the earth from a throne in Jerusalem. If the last days are not over yet then we must still be in them. Therefore it is with great joy that I conclude that the activities of Pentecost are still very much applicable to today.
Since I have become convinced over the years that the Word of God is true, I not only enjoy the gifts myself, but expect all Christians to be able to enjoy them. Peter eliminates both age and gender restrictions in the above passage.
How do I receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
As you can see from the following passage, Jesus did not apply any specific criteria to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Obviously you must have enough faith to believe in it, but what you don't see is Jesus saying "if you're really, really good, I might send My Spirit upon you." Man says that, not Jesus. Jesus said you simply ask :
Luke 11:11-13 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? (12) Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (NKJV)
Matthew also assures us that all things are available to those who ask, seek, and knock.
Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (8) For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (NKJV)
Nowhere in the New Testament do I find that God's love is conditional. There are, however, a couple of things that can hinder you from walking and operating in the Spirit the best you can.
Please notice that all of these hindrances have to do with the attitude of your heart as much as your actions.
