The Spirit of Grace: The Baptism In the Holy Ghost

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV

 In the last few weeks, we've been engaged in a study concerning the Holy Spirit. In review, the main thrust of this study has been towards growing in intimacy with the Spirit in our daily lives. We've seen that the Spirit is our comforter and helper. We've shed light on the concept of spiritual hunger while maintaining the understanding that He is ever present within us.

 These truths I am sharing are designed not to create division or raise debate. My prayer is that these truths I share will bring freedom, help you gain greater understanding, and empower you in your relationship with our good Father. Today, we want to explore more deeply the ministry of the Spirit in empowering the believer in Christ.

 Probably few subjects can create as much or greater controversy than what I am about to share. The Baptism in the Spirit and the availability of tongues and the supernatural gifts of the Spirit have divided so many Christians. Before you cast your stones and close your mind think of this. Innumerable Christians from all denominations, Protestants, and Catholics, and believers who are new to the faith have all shared a similar testimony. They've received this Baptism into the Holy Ghost and have spoken in other tongues. Why then the division?

 I personally believe that the enemy fears greatly, Christians who've received power from on high to be a greater witness, and are learning how to walk in their dominion and authority in Christ. Alongside pride, strife and division are the enemy's chief devices he tries to employ against us. The enemy goads Christians into regulating Christianity to mere intellectualism. If Christians from all backgrounds and different races, creeds, and color, all share a wonderful gift they've received and there are many objections raised, I suspect the enemy is trying to weaken and undermine the Church attempting to prevent believers from receiving this great gift.

The Baptism in the Holy Ghost

 What is this Baptism in the Holy Ghost? For me to answer this I ask for your sincerity. I ask that you turn off any religious traditional teaching you've ever heard on this subject. What will greatly assist you is if you actually read what the Word of God actually records. Don't read into any passage. Just let the Word of God speak for itself. 

 The Baptism in the Spirit is a baptism or immersion of the born again believer in Christ into the Holy Spirit. This immersion is subsequent to salvation. Salvation is when we are born again, made a new creature and the Spirit immerses us or baptizes us into the Body of Christ. Jesus likened the work of the Spirit in salvation as a well of water springing up to eternal life. Jesus likened this subsequent work of the Spirit as flowing rivers of living water from deep within.

 Jesus is the baptizer in the Holy Ghost. When you desire and simply ask to receive after you're a born again child of God, Jesus immerses you into the Spirit. This empowers you to be a witness and really enhances your total spiritual life in Christ. Look at how all four Gospels testify of this truth. Matthew 3 speaks of this. Mark and Luke and John also testify of this.

 Some may be thinking, well this sounds good but is this still for us today? Peter the Apostle makes it abundantly clear this gift is for all believers in Christ. Some may be thinking, I am interested in this but I've heard so many objections. Let's answer these objections.

 1.) First objection: we get all there is at the point of salvation. 

  Let me see how Paul the Apostle of Grace would respond to this. 

2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:2 NKJV

 If there is no subsequent empowerment from on high nor any gifts to be received after initial belief in Christ, why did Paul, the writer of over half the New Testament even ask this question? Paul knew and understood these believers needed the full benefits package the Finished Work brings.

2. Second Objection: We are complete in Christ! We need no extra spiritual gift or "2nd work of Grace" to be more complete. 

 While I as a Radical Grace minister am the first to proclaim your completion in Christ, this argument is operating on a misunderstood premise. Paul declared and revealed to us in Colossians that we are complete in Him. I rejoice and celebrate this truth. What did Paul exactly mean? 

 I ask that because though we are complete in Him the moment we believe, Paul in other places infers there are things that we are lacking when it comes to spiritual development. Paul in many places revealed the urgent need for believers to walk in the love of God. He instructed believers to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. He taught in other places for believers to put off the old man and put on the new. Why did Paul teach this? 

 Didn't Paul know we were already complete lacking nothing? Why tell me to be transformed by the renewal of the mind if we were already complete? I trust you can see that there exist no contradiction in his teaching but there is a proper perspective to what he taught.

 The truth is simple. In our identity as born again children of God, those made alive and partakers of the new nature and made the righteousness of God we are complete. We lack nothing in our identity in Christ. 

 However, in our spiritual development and growth and maturity into who He already made us we haven't "arrived" if you will. In light of this understanding, we can see how beneficial a subsequent empowerment from on high is a gift that brings greater fruit and power into our spiritual walk. 

 Now that we've allayed some major objections, let's briefly examine this Baptism in the Spirit.

4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4-5 NKJV

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 NKJV

 This is the first instance of the Baptism in the Spirit. This event is not the Spirit coming to complete the disciples union in Christ. The disciples were born again and had already received the Spirit in their heart. John's gospel records this event. What we see recorded in Acts are the disciples receiving power from on high. 

 Take a look at Peter. Weeks prior to this event he was too timid and ashamed to acknowledge that he even knew Jesus. After this empowerment from on high, Peter is transformed. He speaks before a multitude and proclaims the name of Christ and reveals the plan of salvation. Three thousand souls got saved because of Peter's transformation. This is the fruit of the Baptism in the Spirit.

 Ok brother, I can see the empowerment but what about the tongues thing? Ok, Paul and Jesus both declared in the mouth of two or three witnesses will something be established. In every instance when we see believers receiving the Baptism in the Spirit in the Word there is a physical manifestation. In Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19, we see a physical manifestation accompanying this wonderful Baptism. 

 In Acts 8 and Acts 9 it doesn't record that a physical manifestation occurred. Well, In Acts 8 Simon the sorcerer evidently saw something because he knew the exact instant one had received this Baptism and requested that Peter would sell him the ability to lay hands on people so they could receive. In Acts 9 it doesn't detail Paul's receiving the Baptism in the Spirit but we do know that he did speak in tongues because he admitted so in 1 Corinthians.

 Tongues or private prayer language is a free gift available to ALL believers that normally accompanies this Baptism. This Baptism and prayer language don't mean that one is a superior Christian. It has nothing to do with maturity, for new believers can receive this gift.  

 Would you like to receive? It is simple, no works or performance or "standard of holiness" required. Being a born again child of God is all that is necessary. Simply desire this gift, if you don't want it or disagree it's for us today God won't force you to receive a free gift. Next simply ask, Luke 11:13.

 "Jesus as a new creation, as your child, whom you love eternally, I ask that you baptize me in the Spirit now and I receive it now in Jesus name. Thank you, Jesus, you always have my best at heart!"

 It's that simple. I recommend spending some devotional time alone with our Father in a quiet time of communion and reflection. In this time trust and wait on Him for the release of the Spirit and the releasing of your prayer language. Understand, He won't speak the words for you, you must speak out that Heavenly language from within out of your own lips. It's not complicated and it's nothing to fear. You'll never be the same again!

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The Spirit of Grace: The Baptism of the Holy Ghost

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV

We've been engaged in a study as of late on the Holy Spirit. We've been focused on building a deeper intimacy with the Spirit in our personal lives and devotion to our good and Gracious Father. We've seen that the Spirit is our comfort and help in times of need. We've seen the proper understanding of what it means to hunger for God and His presence. 

 Today, I sense the leading to examine the ministry and operation of the Spirit in the life of the believer in Christ Jesus. This will be enlightening to some and to others it may step on their denominational toes so to speak. I trust, though if you lay aside the weight and yoke of tradition and just be open you will be blessed.

 As we begin, we must first solve a dilemma Scripture seems to present us. What dilemma? Two passages that appear at face value to contradict each other. If passages in the New Covenant contradict one another, then this whole system may be fraudulent and we can't be expected to place all of our hope and trust in it. Thank God, though, this New Covenant isn't fraudulent and the Word will interpret itself. Here are the two passages:

2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:2 NKJV

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; Ephesians 4:4-5 NKJV

 You see the apparent contradiction? Hebrews references baptisms plural, whereas Ephesians specifically state baptism singular. Which is right? The truth? They both are! How can this be so? 

 The Epistle to Hebrews is teaching us of the three specific baptisms taught in the New Covenant. Paul in Ephesians is teaching about the specific baptism that all believers share in. Wait, brother, three baptisms? One baptism? What are you saying? Allow me to elaborate.

 There are three baptisms that have three different elements in them. Let's look at the first.

1. Baptism in water.

 This is the one that is most familiar to believers. Yet, this baptism isn't without much controversy. Christians have fought and argued about the methods utilized in this baptism for centuries. In Jesus name only? Or is it in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost? You won't find a satisfactory answer to some steeped in their traditions. 

 What I will say is this, water baptism isn't what saves us. If you haven't been born again and decide to get dunked in a baptismal, you will come up out of water, wet, clothes soaked and still not saved. That said let's examine this baptism briefly.

Water baptism is merely an outward act symbolizing what actually occurred inwardly when we received Christ. It is also a public identification of your faith in Christ. Romans gives us an illustration of this symbolic act.

Water Baptism: What is the object of baptism? New believers in Christ. What is the element of baptism? Water. Who is the baptizer? A minister of the Gospel, the physical church.

2. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

 This is where the confusion happens. This is where the controversy is seen. The Pentecostal/Charismatic circles wrongly assign this baptism as the one that empowers believers. Mainline denominational Christians wrongly point to this baptism as proof that there exists no baptism apart from initial salvation. 

 What is the Baptism of the Holy Ghost? Allow the Word of God to define it for us.

13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 NJKV

1 Corinthians 12 gives us full insight into the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. 

 Paul is quite clear as to what the Baptism of the Spirit is. This is the one baptism he was referencing in Ephesians 4. Take note at the unity the Spirit of God is emphasizing. Our Father doesn't see class, or status, or ethnicity, national origin or gender. He sees those who are His and those who've yet to receive His free gift. It would do us all a great service to see all humanity this way. Those who've received new life and righteousness and those who've not yet received.

Baptism of the Holy Ghost: What is the object of baptism? The lost, instantly upon receiving Christ's free gift of righteousness. What is the element of baptism? The Body of Christ. Who is the Baptizer? The Holy Ghost.

 This is such a beautiful work and operation of the Holy Spirit. Instantly upon receiving Christ Jesus, He immerses us into the Body of Christ. In other words, God makes us accepted in the Beloved. He gives us a forever home. We belong!  

6 God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. Psalm 68:6 AMPC

 This has always been the heart of the Father. With the Baptism of the Spirit, this passage is fulfilled in the life of all God's children, those who've received His new life. 

 Hallelujah! God is so good! When you receive Christ, you're never alone. You're not forgotten or forsaken. He has placed His hand upon you. He will never abandon you or let you down. His healing hand will uphold you. His hand of love and mercy will guide you throughout this life. In Christ, you are never alone, or without hope or help. 

3. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost.

 This Baptism supersedes controversy and just stirs up a religious war of words amongst the Church. Some just flat out deny this Baptism even exists. Others dare teach if you don't partake of this Baptism you're not even saved. This inflammatory rhetoric is contrary to unity in the Family of God. Do the Scriptures acknowledge this Baptism?

4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4-5 NKJV

 These are Jesus' words, not any man's or denomination. Let's examine the object and elements of this third Baptism Scripture records.

Baptism in/with the Holy Ghost: What is the object of Baptism? The born again believer in Christ Jesus. What is the element of Baptism? The Holy Spirit. Who is the Baptizer? The Lord Jesus Christ.

In summation, these are the three baptisms recorded in Scripture. As we've seen Ephesians and Hebrews aren't contradictory. Paul, in Ephesians 4, was teaching about the one baptism that unites us all. the Baptism of the Spirit, the baptism which places us into the Body of Christ. One faith, one Baptism, one Father in Heaven. 

 In our next study, we will examine more closely the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. Yes, we will address all the controversies, and even look at speaking in tongues. You will be blessed as we explore this Baptism, answering is it for all? Is it for today? It will be an in-depth study sure to challenge some and enlighten others.

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The Spirit of Grace: Hungering for His Presence?

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV

We've been in a study in the recent weeks concerning the Spirit of God. We've seen that the Spirit is our comforter. He is our ever-present help in time of need. He is with us always. 

 In our previous study, we looked at the concept of spiritual hunger. We answered some of the objections or concerns some may be holding too. As with any truth, there exists a ditch on both sides that we can fall into when we embrace extremes. 

 New Covenant Grace understanding was breathed upon the hearts and minds of those seeking for truth. Those of us who grew weary of religion and tradition and performance traps, but still desired relationship with our Father received the truth the Father longed to bring. He has always wanted His Church to know and understand who He really is. He is a good and loving Daddy God who loves us with an everlasting love.

 This truth of Radical Grace wasn't designed to remove truth and uproot every single thing we've ever been taught. Grace is not about averting truth. It isn't a rebellion against rules and traditions. Grace and truth came by Jesus the person of Grace. It was given to enhance truth and to assist us in getting a clearer understanding of the truth of the Word of God. Certainly, it has uprooted errors, and traditions and performance based ideologies. With this understanding, let's explore the concept of spiritual hunger and the presence of God.

He is with us always

 This is the foundation we must always hold fast to. He is with us always. He said He would never leave us or forsake us. This is the truth, take note this doesn't require an emotion or feeling for it to be so. He declared it, therefore, it is settled. If we really understood this, would we continue making statements or singing songs to the contrary?

 "Draw me close to you, never let me go."

"Open up the doors to Heaven and let us enter in."

"Savior, while on others thou art calling, do not pass me by."

"Come by here my Lord, come by here."

Singing songs or praying prayers with verbiage such as this undermine right thinking and dissipates hope in the hearers.

 Resting on the truth He is with us always, does this mean we should not hunger or desire His presence among us?  Some would say if you're still hungering or thirsting then you haven't received of the New Covenant. In one sense, they are correct. That being He is with us always. We need not pray prayers like King David prayed. We shouldn't be praying things like don't take your Spirit from me. Or ask for God to allow us to enter into His presence. He is with us already, we are in His presence continually because He abides in us.

 This is true, but is there a positive hunger and thirst that doesn't deny His abiding presence? Yes, as we concluded in the previous study, when we hunger or desire what He desires, then we are in perfect rhythm with God. Rightly dividing the Word will help us reconcile both of these absolute truths.

 Jesus stated He is always with us when we gather in His name. This is a promise and again feelings or emotions don't alter it. Jesus also said this:

17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:17 NASB

 So there is an abiding presence and a tangible presence of God. Some then suggest, His abiding presence is always there but His tangible presence is not and we must chase after it. No, that isn't the idea here. They both go together. Does this still sound like a riddle or a puzzle? The Word of God gives us true clarity.

To hunger or not to hunger?

The simple answer is found in an account in the ministry of Jesus.

17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Luke 5:17 NKJV

 Here we see Jesus presence was abiding in their midsts. The tangible presence, the power of God, was also clearly there. Yet, the Scripture records no one received anything. His presence was there to heal, to help and yet nothing was happening. 

 Why wasn't anything happening? Jesus Himself lets us in on the secret in another passage here. Jesus is teaching us to desire for what He desires. We who have received the Lord have His abiding presence and His tangible presence is also with us. Yet, there are times when our meetings, our Bible studies, our fellowships, and gatherings appear just like they did in Luke 5.

 All too often, we see the depressed come into our gatherings and they leave depressed. We see the discouraged come in and leave with the same discouragement. We see the downtrodden, those in despair and destitute come in and leave the same way. We see the sick and broken enter and then leave with the same condition.

 So what is the answer? Again, why wasn't anything happening in Luke 5? So are we to hunger or simply rest in the truth He is with us always? The answer is this, we have the abiding and tangible presence with us always. However, we have a choice presented to us as in Luke 5.

An active or inactive presence?

 This is the answer to the question. Jesus taught us to hunger and thirst. We are to hunger for or desire what He wants. Jesus and His power were present in Luke 5 and yet no one received. The reason being because they chose an inactive presence. They didn't desire for God to do anything. 

 This is what we desire for when it comes to hungering for His presence. We don't desire for Him to show up because He is already present. We don't ask Him to come down and envelope us in His presence because we already have that. What we need to do is simply get on board with the Spirit of God and desire for what He wants to do in our midsts. We should have a passion and desire for His presence to be active in our midst.

 Instead of using our faith to "bring His presence down" we should be using our faith to find out God's heart and what He wants to do in our gatherings. This is what true spiritual hunger is. God may want to use you to give someone a kind word. God may want you to hug someone and reassure them it will be alright. He may want us to be a financial blessing to someone. 

 In summation, should we hunger for His presence? We should desire intimate fellowship, but we shouldn't hunger for what we already have, instead we should hunger or desire His presence to be active in our midst. When we hunger for an active presence, we aren't denying the truth that He is with us always. What we are doing is saying, God, we desire what you desire. Your heart is my heart. We want to cooperate with your leading and guiding. We want you active in our midst.
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Thankful for His Amazing Grace!

18 give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Voice

11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 NKJV

 This week we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Many will be traveling. Many will be gathering with friends and family to celebrate. Sadly, some will be alone this season. Still, others will not be looking forward to visiting with relatives as strife and bickering will be all they can expect to see.

 Whatever circumstance you fall into I'd like to share some encouragement with you. No matter what your experience you can rest in one truth that is everlasting and unchanging. That God is love, He loves you, He sent His only Son to die for you and to give you eternal life and His very own righteousness.

Thankful for His Grace

 No matter what we face we can give thanks in this. That His Grace is eternal. He has forever made us acceptable to our Father in Heaven. He has given us His free gift of righteousness. 

 This week, take the time to pause and reflect on just how great His Grace is towards you. When friends or family gather and they want to debate or argue or quarrel, resist the temptation to enter into that strife. Just reflect on how you've been made righteous and smile. If you find yourself alone, remind yourself you aren't truly alone. He said He will never leave or forsake you. He is the God of all comfort.

 We can all be thankful for His Grace. In Him, we have perfect acceptance. In Him, we have the free gift of righteousness. In Him, we've been made a new creation. In Him, we have peace that surpasses all understanding. In Him, we have freedom from all guilt and shame. In Him, we have no condemnation. In Him, and because of the Finished Work God will never be angry with us. In Him, we have an eternally secure salvation.

 We do have much to be thankful for. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded of it. God loves you and rejoices over you with joy. Have a wonderful, blessed thanksgiving. 

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The Spirit of Grace: What about spiritual hunger

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV



 We've begun a brief study on the Holy Spirit. The main objective of this study is for us to grow into a deeper understanding of our relationship with God's Spirit. When one speaks of the Spirit of God the question of spiritual hunger certainly will arise.

 For those who've gained a greater understanding of the New Covenant, sometimes the topic of spiritual hunger can be controversial. To elaborate further, sometimes the idea of hunger connotes the image of one in desperate pursuit of what they already possess in Christ. Because of this concept, some reject altogether the idea of being hungry for the Lord. 

 Is the rejection of hunger or more rightly stated as desire, the right response? When truth is presented we have three options. We can reject it. We can be foolish and take truth to the extreme and create an error. Or we can simply receive the truth. 

 When it comes to spiritual hunger I quite often see two extremes. I see some reject the truth of the New Covenant. I see them striving and performing in order to become what God already made them under Grace. I also see some who want to so distance themselves from a performance based faith they seemingly have no desire for the things of God.

 Under Grace, those of us who've received the Lord Jesus have been accepted in the Beloved. We've been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We were made a brand new creation in Him. We have a clean heart. Yet, I still see some believers striving and hungering to be made acceptable. This is misdirected spiritual hunger.

 In Christ, we know the Spirit of God dwells within us. He has said He will never leave or forsake us. The Lord is not far from us because He abides within us. Under Grace, there is no distinction between secular and sacred if you will. Why? Because we abide in Him and He in us and we are always in His abiding presence. 

 That said, because of His ever abiding presence, He is with us if we are watching the ball game or if we are in a quiet devotion. The extreme comes about because some then say to themselves He is with me always so I don't need devotional time with the Lord. This thinking is wrong because Grace is about a relationship. It is not a healthy robust relationship if one party never communicates or spends quality time with the other.

  As I have stated, there is no difference in secular and sacred. If one is awakened to the abiding presence of God within, folding laundry and cleaning bathrooms can be just as fruitful as spending ten minutes alone in prayer. What then is the answer to the question of spiritual hunger?

 I sensed the Lord impress this truth upon my heart. When we hunger or desire for what He desires, then we are in true spiritual hunger. How do we know what He desires? We discover His heart when spending time in His great love letter He gave us, the Word of God. 

 Desiring to be more holy, or righteous means one hasn't rightly divided the Word and can't see He has made us righteous and holy once for all time in the Finished Work. Again, this is misplaced hunger. On the other hand, possessing no desire to read the Word or pray simply means His love and goodness hasn't yet been made real to you. Some would feel pointing fingers and issuing demands would stir the desire to spend time in devotion. Not so, allow the Grace, the goodness and love and mercy of our Father cascade over your heart and mind. When His love is more real to you than your next breath you can't help but desire to fellowship and commune with our Father.

 Are you still convinced spiritual hunger or desire is about works or performance? Look at what Paul, the Apostle of Grace states about his heart's desire. 

10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] Philippians 3:10 AMPC

 Paul knew the New Covenant. Yet, his heart's strong desire was to have intimate fellowship with God. It does sound strange but the more full we are the more hungry we become. If we are hungry to be complete, then hunger is misdirected. If we are hungry for intimacy because we understand we've already been made acceptable then we are on the right track.

 Think of this. Why did God send His Son to pay the price for our sins? Why did God give us this free gift of the abundance of Grace and righteousness? So that we would go on living our lives apart from Him? Of course not, it was so the Father could frolic and fellowship with His most beloved creation. 

 We who were once lost and spiritually dead, separated by sin and condemnation, now can freely fellowship with our good Father. He rejoices over us with joy. He isn't counting our sins and shortcomings against us. We can cherish our time with Him because He isn't mad or disappointed with us. We get to dance and rejoice with our glad Father. Spending time reflecting on His love, His mercy, His protection and deliverance is not drudgery, it's delightful and refreshing. Desire rightly directed produces a more fruitful and rewarding relationship with our Father.
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The Spirit of Grace:Comforting, Counseling, Convicting?

10 “I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace...Zechariah 12:10a NASB

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV

 Today, I want to share with you the wonderful good news of the precious Holy Spirit. I've alluded to the Spirit and His work often in times past. This is the first series of study I've devoted to knowing and understanding God's Mighty Spirit. 

 The third person of the triune Godhead sometimes gets overlooked. Whenever we do hear about the Spirit it's usually because religion is teaching how we grieve and fail the Spirit. Or it is tradition's voice steadily teaching that all of His power and gifts are regulated to the first one hundred years of the Church's existence. 

 Today, I wish to begin a journey with you where we go deeper in intimacy and communion with the precious Holy Spirit. The Spirit yearns for and earnestly desires to spend time with each of us. I know some may be saying He is within so, I am always with Him. Yes, that's true He is ever present, He dwells within us. He can't get any closer. However, it is not so much about the abiding presence within but maximizing our relationship and fellowship with Him. 

 You know my wife and I could spend all day together. That means she is ever present with me throughout the day. However, what if we quarreled throughout the day? Would that be refreshing and intimate fellowship? Of course not. So in like manner, though the Spirit abides within all believers, some really have no fruitful, joyous, intimate fellowship with Him on a regular basis. 

Comforter, Counselor, "Convicter"?

 When Jesus introduces the Spirit to the disciples He references Him as the Comforter. This word in the Greek is a beautiful description of God's Spirit. 

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. John 16:7 KJV

 This word Comforter in Greek is parakletos. It means one called to come along one's side and help. It means intercessor, consoler, advocate, and comforter. 

 For many, though, they've been taught and therefore believe the Spirit is also the one convicting them of their failures, and shortcomings and faults. How can one have intimate fellowship with the one who is constantly reminding you of your failure and sin? So many traditional religious folk believe strongly that the Holy Spirit convicts Christians of their sins and failures. 

 They use this passage in John's Gospel to "prove" this is true. 

8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me;10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. John 16:8-11 NASB

 See brother it's right there. It says He will convict of sin. It seems some just see one word or phrase out of Scripture and create whole doctrines out of it. 

 We can't add to or take away from the Word of God. The Word says plainly He convicts the World of the sin of unbelief. If you take this passage in full context what we see is an evangelistic message for all humanity. The Spirit comes to all humanity and convicts them of their unbelief or rejection of Jesus. In essence, He is asking what will you do with the Lord Jesus?

 The Spirit convicts the lost of their unbelief, revealing that because Jesus has risen and ascended He has made available the gift of righteousness. Because He has already judged the enemy, they don't have to fear judgment if they receive what Jesus freely offers. In this passage, where does it teach Christians are being convicted of their sins?

 It's not in there. Does this mean we will never be corrected when we miss it? Certainly, the Lord corrects and instructs those He loves. It is the how He leads and corrects that people don't seem to understand. He is not the one telling you how deplorable you are because you are such a disappointing failure. 

 John's Gospel also reveals the way of correction. 

13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; John 16:13a NASB 

The Spirit leads us into all truth. Jesus is the truth. The Word of God is truth. The Spirit reminds us of whose we are and who the Word reveals we are. This is where correction and growth come to fruition. 

 When we understand just how much He loves us and how He sees us in His sight we will experience real growth and begin to realize more fruitful fellowship with the Spirit. God's not mad at you. God's not disappointed or upset with you. The Spirit longs for times of refreshing intimacy with you. Awaken to His abiding presence and walk conscience of His comfort and guidance in your daily life and you will come to know more lasting joy and peace regardless of circumstances. 

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