Yours for the Asking!

By -

"God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and of love and of sound mind" (2 Tim 1:7)


"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" (Acts 19:1,2). This was the very first question Paul asked a group of disciples. Not without reason. This is still the most important question for every Christian. The initial reception of the Spirit is called in the New Testament by various names: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:11; Acts 1:5), Enduement with power from on High (Lk 24:49), Filling (Acts 2:4), Receiving (Acts 2:38; 8:15) and Anointing (Acts 10:38). Oh the glorious "Promise of the Father!" (Acts 1:4). A rightful inheritance for every child of God!

Folks encounter certain common problems while seeking the Gift of the Spirit. Because these are not tackled, we have simply too many chronic seekers who are never able to appropriate this blessing.

First, the problem of fear. Some seekers are very apprehensive lest they would receive a counterfeit experience. This is absolutely unfounded. Christ predicted that people would have this fear while praying for the Holy Spirit. So He said, "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? ... 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?" (Lk 11:11-13). Any comment needed for this passage?

Then the problem concerning faith. It is inconceivable that people think they need a greater and extraordinary faith to receive the Spirit than the one they exercised to receive Christ. Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are God's parallel Gifts. The disciples were not men of super-faith when they were tarrying in the upper room (Mt 28:16,17; Mk 16:14; Lk 24:41). Nothing more than a basic faith was necessary (Jn 7:39). It is after that the Holy Spirit comes on us we grow strong in faith. Faith is one of His gifts (1 Cor 12:9).

Then there is feeling. Each person is different in his emotional make-up. Accordingly the outward expressions will differ. Some people jump or shake or fall flat when the Holy Spirit comes on them. But it is wrong to expect everyone to do it. Facts first, faith next and feelings last. This order is important.

Some feel that they are not holy enough to receive the Holy Spirit. The fact is that we don't receive the Spirit because we are holy, but in order to become holy!

Hallelujah!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bold Voice

By -
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches"  (Rev 3:13)  Precious Child, I want to bring you out of your apprehensions to witness for Christ. You are afraid that people might mock at you. Your throat chokes every time you want to open your mouth to share the Gospel. The fear of ridicule silences you. Don't feel bad about it, My child. This was the problem of the disciples of Jesus also even though they had walked with Him for over three years. Can you imagine how a key figure like Peter could ever deny and disown Christ? Their weakness overpowered their willingness. The problem was solved by My coming. That's why Jesus wouldn't let them go out until they got filled with My power (Acts 1:4). When I came upon them, the cowards became challengers! Be filled with Me. Don't consider your timidity or boast of your oratory skill. Depend on Me. I will grant you boldness in all situations to speak forth the message of the Cros...
Read more

Utter Confusion!

By -
"They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  But you keep your head in all situations" (2 Tim 4:4,5) I am an ardent fan of John the Baptist. There is no harm in admiring him because all who started as John's fans became Jesus' followers. A comparison of John with many Christian ministers of today makes me hang down my head in shame and sorrow.  John was filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb (Lk 1:15); but the modern prophets communicate with the spirits of men who have gone to the tomb.  The Word of God came to him (Lk 3:2); but many of their revelations contradict the written Word of God.  He was a desert-dweller, dead to the lust for popularity (Mt 3:1); but they are city-lovers, hunting for recognition and lusting limelight.  John was a voice from God (Jn 1 :23); but the modern preachers are an echo of someone of similar brand.  He did not seek pulpits but people sought him and...
Read more