DIVISION IN THE CHURCH OVER THE HOLY SPIRIT
Last month we started a look at divisions in the Christian church. I think we all have seen or experienced the different rules, regulations, expectations and culture of the American Christian churches. Some of these are just man-made ideas or expectations. One aspect of the church, however, that is often overlooked, untaught and avoided......the Holy Spirit.
I am not saying that the Holy Spirit is never mentioned, but usually it is tied to, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” in baptism or prayer. There is much more about the Holy Spirit that we need to understand.
Jesus counseled his disciples before he was crucified, by saying: “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]”. John 16:7 (Amplified version) So, Jesus is promising to us that once he is crucified and goes to the Father, he would send the Holy Spirit to us.
I am not saying that the Holy Spirit is never mentioned, but usually it is tied to, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” in baptism or prayer. There is much more about the Holy Spirit that we need to understand.
Jesus counseled his disciples before he was crucified, by saying: “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]”. John 16:7 (Amplified version) So, Jesus is promising to us that once he is crucified and goes to the Father, he would send the Holy Spirit to us.
Man was created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26). Man then, is a triune (three part) person: body, soul and spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12). God has three parts as well: Jesus (body), Father (mind, will and emotions), and Holy Spirit (spirit) and all three make up one GOD. The trinity requires a complete Bible study of its own, but to know that the Spirit of Jesus/God comes to live in you is the main point to look into today.
Often the Holy Spirit is referred to as “it”. The Holy Spirit is not a ghost or apparition. The Holy Spirit is a He, one part of God living in you. He is referred to as God, spirit of God, co-creator of the universe, He enabled the writing of the Bible, and is treated equal to God the Father and Jesus our Lord. When do we receive the Holy Spirit? Some say we receive the Holy Spirit as soon as we ask Jesus into our life. Some say that we receive the Holy Spirit at another time with evidence of speaking in tongues. The scripture that causes people to believe the latter is Acts 8:15-17 that the recently saved had not received the Holy Spirit and Peter and John prayed for them and they received the Holy Spirit. How did Peter and John know unless there was a visible sign? |
This is where many churches do not agree. Some believers are taught that the work of the Spirit is over (cessationism) because the period of evangelism and need for prophets and other gifts was only at the time of Jesus. Others believe that the need for the Holy Spirit is just as important, and maybe more so, now. (continuationism) I believe that you do receive the Holy Spirit when you accept Christ as Lord and Savior. But I also believe that there is a second anointing of the Spirit that empowers you for ministry. This anointing can be seen in the actions of Jesus when he was baptized in water even though John the Baptist protested. John had said, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" We can’t deny that the Spirit of God was in Jesus at this time, but he submitted to baptism because, as he said, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness," and at Jesus' urging, John consents (Matthew 3:14-15). Then Jesus began to pray and the Holy Spirit like a dove descended upon him and God spoke saying, “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” This is when the ministry of Jesus began. |
Jesus gave us an example of how our “new life” in the kingdom starts. First people must be convicted of sin, confess that sin and accept Jesus’ payment for their sins, salvation is complete, baptism in water (death to the old person and life as a new creation with God’s Spirit), seeking God in prayer and baptism in the Holy Spirit to empower you for ministry.
We may not agree on this, but we can purpose to pray and study the Word so that the Holy Spirit can teach us the truth. Continue to love the body of Christ. None of us know the whole truth. We will know the whole truth when we see Him face to face. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 Next month: The gifts of the Holy Spirit KLN |
Visiting the Body of Christ
We have been visiting churches in the area in the hope of networking with fellow Christians as we search to bring unity, and build the Kingdom of God. It is amazing to see the work that these bodies are doing for their communities. We hope to visit your church in the weeks to come!
First Baptist Church of Deer Trail - Pastor Sam Courts
Journey Church Strasburg - Pastor Dusty Morris
Calvary Baptist Bennett- Pastor Bob McCurley
Mountain View Christian Strasburg - Pastor Donn Headley
Strasburg Community Church - Pastor Steve Musser
Living Springs Cowboy Church Byers- Pastor Zac Sanger
Save the Cowboy Kiowa - Kevin Weatherby
Cornerstone Fellowship - Pastor Keith Sauder
First Baptist Church of Deer Trail - Pastor Sam Courts
Journey Church Strasburg - Pastor Dusty Morris
Calvary Baptist Bennett- Pastor Bob McCurley
Mountain View Christian Strasburg - Pastor Donn Headley
Strasburg Community Church - Pastor Steve Musser
Living Springs Cowboy Church Byers- Pastor Zac Sanger
Save the Cowboy Kiowa - Kevin Weatherby
Cornerstone Fellowship - Pastor Keith Sauder
Galatians 6:2 encourages fellow believers to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. As a community, we are bound together with the love of Christ. We exhibit that love through prayer for one another. Someone in our midst may be hurting, believing for a new job, seeking direction from God. When we come together in agreement for each other, we see God begin to work! We want to agree with you. We encourage our readers to let us know what we can all agree on for you. If you have a specific need that you would like us to pray for, let us know. The Word of God compels us to pray for one another in the community where we live. So agree with us as we pray for each other!
Click on the "Comments Page" button below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Click on the "Comments Page" button below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Community Prayer List
Calling all Prayer Warriors:
-Pray for the upcoming Corridor Connections meeting @ May Farms
-Pray for BM for healing in his back and upcoming surgeries to go well.
-Pray for RG, he is home from rehab, but still needs healing for his back.
-Pray for SD for healing in her back from a bad accident.
If you, then, though you are evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven
give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven
give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11