It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

Archive for August, 2022

The Holy Spirit/The Holy Ghost – Within and Upon

The person of the Holy Spirit may be one of the most misunderstood persons of the Trinity. The names Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost are used interchangeably to refer to the third person of the Holy Trinity.

This fallen world system does not mind people having religious beliefs, because there are so many “little g” gods to choose from. Having a belief in any “god” without the true knowledge of salvation through faith in Christ can create an entanglement. This also could cause people to follow a religious cult that could bring them into bondage. God the creator, Elohim, has given us His word and His way, which is through Jesus Christ and has sent the Holy Spirit to be our comforter and guide. 

Belief in the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost, whichever way you may want to address this person, is attacked by the enemy, second only to the person of Jesus as the Son of God born of a virgin. The attack on Jesus is to try to keep people from salvation and the knowledge of Jesus as our Savior and to keep people on a path of eternal destruction.

If the enemy cannot prevent people from being saved through faith in Christ, then he will try and hinder their ability to be effective witnesses for God through the power of the Holy Spirit.     

The Holy Spirit comes upon us to empower us to betransformed into the image of God, valuable witnesses to whoGod is and to show God’s love and compassion for the lost. 

Luke 24: 48-49 You are witnesses of these things.  Listen carefully: I am sending the Promise of My Father [the Holy Spirit] upon you; but you are to remain in the city [of Jerusalem] until you are clothed (fully equipped) with power from on high.”  AMP

Jesus demonstrated the different roles of the Holy Spirit after His death on the cross, when He breathed on disciples and they received the Holy Spirit for salvation. Jesus had now paid the cost for salvation with His death. Jesus also promised after His ascension to send the Holy Spirit upon them with power from God so they could teach the gospel of Christ that others may have salvation and forgiveness of sin. 

John 20: 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, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” NK

Many people and denominations understand and accept the teaching of Jesus that one must receive the Holy Spirit within for salvation. Some people will reject Jesus’ teaching of the Holy Spirit coming upon us to empower us to be bold witnesses of God. The Spirit of God comes to live within us when we accept Christ as our Savior and our names are written in heaven as it was when Jesus breathed on His disciples to receive the Holy Spirit. The thief on the cross also acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God and asked Jesus to save him and he too received salvation upon his death. 

Luke10:20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

23:43 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” NKJ

At the death of Jesus, the disciples were saved but they were still full of fear and had not yet received the power of the Holy Spirit. Though Jesus had given them the Holy Spirit for salvation, they were fearful and did not operate in the full power of God. Jesus told the disciples that the Father would send them power from on high, the Holy Spirit, to help them. 

Luke 24: 48-49 And you are witnesses of these things.  Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”  NKJ

The Holy Spirit was seen in the Old Testament as the Spirit of God that came upon the people to empower them to fulfill God’s purpose and then return to the Father, the Spirit did not indwell or live within the people. The Holy Spirit came upon Sampson and others to help against their enemies and upon David as the king of Israel. 

Judges 15:14-15 When he came to Lehi, the Philistines came shouting against him. Then the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him; and the ropes that were on his arms became like flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds broke loose from his hands.  He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and killed a thousand men with it. 

1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. SoSamuel arose and went to Ramah. NKJ

Because of the completed work of Christ for salvation, the Holy Spirit is now given to live in us and to transform us into the image of God. As followers of Christ the Holy Spirit comes upon us to empower us to be witnesses of the power of God on the earth. Peter was saved through faith in Christ, but he was still afraid and hiding from the Jewish council. Once the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and Peter, he spoke boldly of the resurrection of Christ and 3000 people were converted.

1 John 4:14-16 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

Acts 2:14, 32-33 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

Acts 2:40-41 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. NKJ

The Bible speaks with authority and accuracy and every detail is given for a reason and purpose.  The words “indwell” and “upon” have totally different meanings and should not be mistaken as the same. This can cause misinterpretation of God’s word by allowing these terms and their meaning to be used interchangeably. The words “within” and “indwell” refers to being inside; to be in; or to be permanently present in. The word “upon” is to be on; to be affixed to; or to be next to something.  

Just as we can be in a pool of water and can become wet but yetbe thirsty.  We also can have our fill of water within and be completely dry on the outside. These are two different meanings with different aspects as to how the Holy Spirit functions and operates in our lives. One is for salvation when the Holy Spirit comes to live within us, and the other is thepower of God the comes upon us to empower us to be witnessesof God on the earth. 

If Satan cannot stop people from experiencing salvation, he will try to keep them from understanding the power of God through the Holy Spirit. He will try to limit their ability of authenticating the power of God by the Holy Ghost, which will bring God glory on the earth. This is why there is so much controversy, debate and argument over the Holy Spirit. 

Therefore, we must let the Bible verify and confirm the role of the Holy Spirit and not allow this fallen world’s opinion, or the traditions of family, or men determine our beliefs, views and principles.  Many things can be misleading when they are taken out of context. Many people rely on others to give them an opinion and to help them determine what they themselves should think. But, we are told to be diligent and study the word of God so that we may rightly divide and discern the truth of God’s word for ourselves. 

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. NKJ

Anyone can give an opinion, but it is the written word of God that authenticates and settles a matter.  The one question that should be asked, when addressing the things of God, is “where is that principle found in the Bible.” If it is not quoted in scripture, then we must hold those views loosely. God validates His principles and precepts with His word in two or three places. This is one reason some people feel the Bible is often redundant, but in actuality the Bible is confirming and validating the word of God with the word of God. 

Deuteronomy 19:15 “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established. 

Jesus said it would be beneficial to us for Him to go to the Father that He may send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit who would teach us in all things and bring to our remembrance the things we have been taught. 

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  

John 16:7, 13 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to yo

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 

Every follower of Christ should ask the Holy Spirit to come upon them to empower them to be bold witness for God on the earth.

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The Trinity of God, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit -One God in Three Persons

God is one God expressed in three persons, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The person of God is so immense and enormous that it is difficult for the human mind to comprehend. Because our fallen state has limited our ability to grasp the total concept of The Almighty God, The All-knowing God, The Self-existing Jehovah Yahweh, who needs nothing outside of Himself. The One God is revealed in the Trinity three Persons operating as One in mind and in the nature of theirBeing.   

Isaiah 45:5-6 I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me.I am the Lord, and there is no other NKJ

Daniel 7:13-14 “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed. NKJ

God has shown us the concept of the trinity within our own family units. As we may be one family unit, for example “the Browns,” yet there can be three persons in that one family. There is one God yet there are three persons functioning in one accord to perform the function of God Almighty. As there can be one family with three persons functioning in different positions for the success of the whole. The father has a function, the wife has a function and the child has a function and all are related to the growth and benefit of the one family. 

God the Father revealed His ways and character in the Old Testament through His relationships with mankind. God dealt with mankind and He revealed Himself through His names and also reveals Himself through His Character.  

These are some of the names God showed Himself as and their characteristics. He showed Himself as Yahweh-Jehovah, the all-knowing, Almighty, Self-Existing One that needs nothing outside of Himself and El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty. AsElohim the Creator and Sovereign God who created heaven and earth with absolute power and as Jehovah Jireh the God who provides. Adonai is a plural form of Lord-Master which refers to the Trinity as Sovereignty and Almighty. El Roi is the God of sight and who sees me and Abba is God our Father. 

Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. NKJ (Elohim)

Genesis 2:4 This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LordGod made the earth and the heavens (Yahweh)

Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ (Yahweh)

Genesis 16:13 Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” (El Roi)

Genesis 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I amAlmighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. (ElShaddai)

Genesis 22:14 And Abraham called the name of the place,The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” (Jehovah Jireh)

Exodus 3:15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’(Adonai)

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

As fallen creatures, if we are trying to understand the complex, preeminent all-knowing God on our own, this is hopeless. But God has given us through His word, His names and His character a partial understanding, so that we may know who He is and His purpose for our lives. There are many names of God in the Bible that refer to His nature and character but many of the different names were translated from Hebrew to God or Jehovah in the English translations.

The Bible reveals the Trinity of God and their specific but separate roles in the creation, redemption and salvation of mankind. We see God the Father as the main person of the Trinity who is interacting with mankind in the Old Testamentand these things were written for our instruction, admonition and warning as how to live in this world. 

1 Corinthians 8:4-6 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

The three Persons of God have been revealed to us over time with each One performing and engaging mankind with their particular function in the salvation and restoration of mankind back to God. God created mankind in His image, for His purpose to reflect the glory of God on the earth. The Father Himself engaged mankind providing a covering for them after the fall, speaking directly to them and made a temporary covenant in the Old Testament that would allow them to live until it was time for Him to reveal His Son Jesus as their Savior, Redeemer and Lord. Then the Holy Spirit was sent into the world as a comforter and guide to Christ followers.     

Galatians 4:3-5 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.   But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Jesus was the predominate person of the Trinity who engaged humanity on the earth as revealed in the Gospels. He came in the form of a man, born to a virgin and yet was the embodiment of God who lived as the Son of man and who died the death of the cross to save humanity.

Matthew 28:18-19 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

After the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus to the Father the Holy Spirit was sent to be the comforter and guide for God’s people. Currently the Holy Spirit is now the principal person of the Trinity operating on the earth, working in and through the children of God to fulfill their God given purpose, to reflect and reveal His glory upon the earth.

John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

God created mankind after His own image and made them a tri-part being. We are a living spirit, living in a body that has a soul. It takes all three parts of a human being to live and function well in life. Just as God is three in one, God the Father who is the head of all, Jesus Christ His Son who was given all authority in heaven and earth and the Holy Spirit the Comforter.

Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. NKJ

Reginald Heber, author (1826) Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

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Seasons of Perseverance – To Be Abased and To Abound

Life is a process of living through every season and every phase and it is going from one cycle of life to the next. Just being born and living will bring about variation and transformation, be it from infancy, to childhood, adolescence, adult and then death. This same goes for our soul, mind and spiritual growth, because in all these areas we will experience various seasons and cycles of life, whether we want life to change or not.

In this natural life, some people have a tendency to believe theyshould live without problems and troubles. They want to livefree from difficulties and harm, that is part of what is being taught by this fallen world system. It is saying, people shoulddo whatever they want and they deserve to live their lives free from restraint, but it is all lies, falsehoods and deception. We live in a fallen world that is full of sin and we will experience suffering and distress.  If we have not been taught to have the right mindset and understand the spiritual principles of thekingdom of God, we may fall into despair, misery and a state of hopelessness because of the lies of the enemy and what we have been told.

Psalms 119: 33-37   Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,And revive me in Your way. NKJ

Many societies have lost touch with the Biblical moral teachings of Christ. The daily teaching of God’s word and the truth of His love, compassion, forgiveness and unity has been removed from many mainstream circles such as schools, organizations and even some religious organizations. The typical person and many cultures are developing their own opinions, feeling and judgement as to what is right and what is truth according to their perspectives, rather than according to the truth of God’s word. 

Proverbs 14:12,15-16 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident. NKJ

Life will bring its challenges, be it the loss of a job, loss of health or a loved one, everyone will face extreme difficulties. Then the question will be, how we will endure and persevere in whatever state we find ourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. NKJ

We are told to forgive those who have wronged us and even though wronged, we do not payback evil doings with evil and revenge. We are to pursue and hunt for a way that is good for both us and those who wronged us. This is not easily done and may take many efforts to be accomplished, that is why we are told to pursue it, to chase it, and to go after what is good. We are told to continue to pray, so that we may grow andunderstand that if we are experiencing these trials and hardships, God has allowed it and it is part of His will for our lives in Christ Jesus. As followers of Christ, we will experience hardships just as He experienced, and like Christ we are to persevere to the end knowing that we will be victorious. 

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. NKJ

Horatio Spafford was a businessman, lawyer and follower of Christ, he suffered major ruin financially with the loss of property in the Chicago fire of 1871. Two years later in 1873 his four children were drowned at sea in a shipwreck while crossing the Atlantic. Horatio sailed to meet his wife, the only family survivor of the wreck and as his ship passed near the place his daughters died he was inspired to write the words to the song, “It is well with my soul.” 

“When sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot You have taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. Let this blest assurance control that Christ has regarded my helpless Estate and has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Only a life rooted in Christ and believing in the promises of God can withstand such blows and great losses financially and personally. We must realize it is not what we go through thatwill determine who we are, but it is how we respond to what we go through that will magnify God and reflect His glory on earth. Every life will experience loss and devastation but it is our response that will testify to the world that we have a Hope, which is Christ. If our hope is in this life only, then we all would live most miserably.

1 Corinthians 15:19-22 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made aliveKJV

It is by the truth of God’s word and being led by the power of the Holy Spirit that we learn how to survive life atrocities and brutalities. We must learn to live in every season of time and every phase of life knowing that God orchestrates situations and circumstances.  If we are going through hardships, He has prepared a plan of deliverance to work all things to our good sothat we will be witnesses of His Majesty and His Glory in the earth. 

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. NKJ

Our responsibility is to walk in confident faith and trust in Godand to persevere until we see the goodness of the Lord in our circumstances. We are to be thankful in whatever situation we are in, knowing it is the will of God for us. If God allowed these situations to take place, He has also provided for them and we should let our patience be at work as we persevere with hope in Christ Jesus.  

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

Philippians 4:12-13 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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