Acts, The Apostle Question

After a my last entry, I have had much feed back and time for reflection.  This week there are a few things I want to clarify, then a few more points on the book of Acts.  In my last entry I asked some questions that when I received feed back nobody seemed to answer. The main one was, when did the manifestations stop and where in scripture can we back that up? 

There seems to be this prevailing thought that many think God only worked through the twelve apostles. Where do we find that. Now, I will not debate with anyone on the ideal that the church was established on the foundation of those apostles and they will be represented in the coming kingdom (Eph 2:20 NKJV) having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,) In the ideal that there were only twelve who were with Christ who may have been called apostles and none since I would agree.  Yet I can not throw the whole ideal out that God uses people in an apostolic way.  Let’s look at what Paul had to say about this.

(Rom 1:1-6 NKJV)  Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God {2} which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, {3} concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, {4} and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. {5} Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, {6} among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

(Rom 11:13 NKJV)  For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,

Paul in several places sets the record strait about his apostleship.  I used these first two just to show you his claim.  I have heard from those who say to be an apostle you had to have seen Jesus.  In all my searching I could not find any place in scripture where qualifications are given to be gifted, or called by God other than being faithful and obedient.  I guess one could try to make the case in Acts 1. 15-26, that to be an apostle, one had to be with Christ during his earthly ministry.  That then would eliminate Paul, for he only saw him in vision. If seeing Jesus is qualification for being an apostle then everyone who claims they have seen Jesus could be an apostle.  We all know we cannot thrust in everyone’s claims alone.  Yet I would like to see where we get the ideal that only the twelve plus Paul were apostles, Barnabas is called an apostle in Acts 14.14.

Let’s look at the very word apostle. The Greek word used is apostolos, which means delegate; spec. an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ["apostle"] (with miraculous powers):--apostle, messenger, he that is sent.  With this understanding I feel anyone who is obedient to the gospel and have a God called purpose on their life could possibly operate as an apostle.  A missionary for example going to a land that has not heard the gospel and establishes a group of believers could be considered an apostle, like Paul who took the gospel to the gentiles, establishing groups of believers.  Paul even said that we are ambassadors for Christ II Cor. 5.17-21.

Lets look at another scripture where Paul mentions apostles.  We should take notice in how Paul gives an account of the resurrection and those who give witness to the event.  He first mentions Peter and the twelve.  Which twelve is Paul talking about, Judas had already committed suicide by the time Jesus arose and appeared to Peter.   Was he referring to Matthias, who was chosen by lot not called by Jesus?   Then Paul mentions five hundred brethren, none of whom he mentions names.  The next verse he says James the brother of Jesus had seen Jesus alive.  In the book of Acts we understand that James was the leader of the church in Jerusalem.  Could he not be considered an apostle since many of the other apostles answered to him and the church council?  In verse seven, Paul tells us all the apostles seen Jesus alive.  Notice no number is given and the time line would exclude Judas and Paul from this group. He already mentions twelve so who was Paul talking about when he says all the apostles?  Paul then mentions his own testimony of seeing the risen Lord in his vision, and him being one of the apostles.  Is it me or does it seem that Paul is making a distinction here?  Not all the twelve were apostles, but some of the foundation apostles were a part of the twelve in which Paul was not a part of the original twelve.  My Point is this, if one is to make the case for whom is an apostle based on what we read only in Acts 1, that one had to be with Jesus, then the foundational twelve would have been completed in Acts 1, with Matthias by lot.  Then if you read it to be just those who have seen Jesus after resurrection (I Cor. 15) the number is more than twelve, including Paul, and maybe the five hundred.

(1 Cor 15:4-9 NKJV)  and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, {5} and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. {6} After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. {7} After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. {8} Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. {9} For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Now, before you get upset at me, I want to state here that I do not believe in the abused use of the term apostle today.  There are many false leaders calling themselves apostles.  There is the false teaching of the five fold ministry. There are those who claim they have special callings who teach false doctrines, in which I fully disagree with.  This is nothing new Paul even dealt with this as well.

(2 Cor 11:12-15 NKJV)  But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. {13} For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. {14} And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. {15} Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Paul used some strong language in the above scripture, and I think we should not be afraid to do so as well.  There are false teachings out there that only leads people into bondage and false hopes.  Those who follow such teachings always end up in despair and confusion.  This will bring us to another scripture from Paul that will help clear up this confusion and lead me to the point I made last time and want to make clearer. 

(1 Cor 12:27-31 NKJV)  Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. {28} And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. {29} Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? {30} Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? {31} But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

 (Eph 4:1-7 NIV)  As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. {2} Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. {3} Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. {4} There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- {5} one Lord, one faith, one baptism; {6} one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. {7} But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

(Eph 4:11-14 NIV)  It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, {12} to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up {13} until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. {14} Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

With the understanding of what the word apostle means I want to make the case that God still have all aspects of His gifts working in the church today.  One would be hard pressed to prove otherwise with scripture. We do however need to look at what is said by Paul.  In I Cor. Paul makes it known that there is diversity in the gifts.  We need to understand there is a difference between gifts and manifestations and I will deal with this later. It is God who gives the gifts and chooses to whom they are given.  It’s not yours or mine to decide who gets what.  We are encouraged to desire the greater gifts.  Yet, Paul tells us there is something more important. I will deal with I Cor. 13 later.

In Eph. Paul does the same thing as he did in I Cor.  He lays out what is more important and what we should be looking for in knowing a gift that is in us or another person. He stress that there needs to be humility, love and an effort to keep unity. 

When I questioned the lack of true manifestations in today’s church, I said that maybe it was because the gospel was not being preached like it should in unity.  I was talking about manifestations and not gifts. I had many responses asking to whom I was referring to. No one is my answer to that.  I think if we take what Paul says here and begin to understand some basics, we can come to an understanding.  I feel it is very clear that there is only one faith and one God, well you can read it.  No mater what, almost everyone would say Amen to those verses.  Now, how that is defined becomes the many doctrinal differences.  I will stand firm in believing is says what it says. In Acts we find this was not a problem for they all followed the apostle’s doctrines. The basic message I was referring to in Acts last time was the simple message of Jesus the son of God who lived a sinless life, died and rose again to set all sinners free, then ascended to the Father with a promise to return and set of a kingdom on this earth.  This basic message has over the years been muddled up so much by doctrines of men that hardly anyone knows what truth is. Yet it is so plain in scripture.  You have to just open your eyes and read for yourself without your doctrinal glasses.

In the above verses Paul lets us know two things.  God through Jesus gave gifts to lead the church into truth that produces unity.  (It should be obvious that we are not in unity) Not one of those is mentioned to be finished or done away with.  They are all needed to complete the task that is before us. If you remove one gift you have to remove them all. Until we reach the unity in the faith we need all the gifts.  Who God chooses to give what gift to is not up to me.  However I have been given a measuring stick so to speak, to make sure those who claim they have truth and a gift do measure up. Like I have told many in my responses , it’s by God’s grace who He chooses to use and not mine to fight against.  Yet I will measure all that I see today by the Word of God, like the verses in Eph. Four. 

If you are not seeing spiritual manifestations, it could be one of several reasons and only you can answer for yourself.  Just don't dismiss them as not of God or not for today.  Maybe you feel you have the true gospel message but reject the gifts.  You may feel you have a gift but reject the true gospel (I am not sure you can have a gift without truth, but that’s up to God). Maybe you lack Godly love, or real compassion.  You might have the gospel, but you are not bringing people into unity.  I could go on an on.  I can only seek God for myself in these matters and desire the best God would have for me.  Who am I to judge another in their heart?  I just want to be found obedient to God and the faith.  Over the next few weeks we will look at the manifestations some more and I just want to be a humble servant as I present some thought and insight.  

The Acts

Some call the first book of the new church as chronicled by the writer Luke, the acts of the church.  There are others that call the book acts of the holy ghost.  I think either one really fits, but I lean towards the church.  This is a book showing us the birth of the New Testament church of which we are still a part of.  This week I want to point out a few observations I have mad of Luke’s retelling of our beginnings, and the fulfilling of Jesus’ promise of holy spirit.  Then there are a few points I would like to make with a few questions for those who struggle with holy spirit manifestations.

If we take Luke’s account of everything in the book of Acts to heart I feel we need to admit a few things.  First, it needs to be understood that this book is not a complete history of the beginning of the church.  It comes from one writer and focuses on just a few people and events that were important to the transition of ministry to the gentiles.  That is how many of us have been given this wonderful privilege of knowing the gospel message and being born again in baptism of holy spirit. Let’s start at the beginning.

  (Acts 1:1-3 NIV)  In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach {2} until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. {3} After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

Notice here that nowhere is there a mention to how many people saw Jesus alive.  None of the writers of the gospels give an account of how many people saw Jesus after the resurrection.   Yet it is Paul who later gives us some ideal of how many witnesses there were to Jesus being alive. 

(1 Cor 15:5-8 NIV)  and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. {6} After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. {7} Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, {8} and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

Paul tells us that one time Jesus appeared to over five hundred before he was taken to the Father.  This is also giving us an indication that it was some time during those forty days before he was taken.  The five hundred were not on the mountain when he was taken.  The only record we have is Luke’s and he does not tell us but gives us some kind of ideal.  That it was the apostles and maybe a few others who are mentioned in verse 14.  Mary, Jesus’ mother and his brothers, there is no indication to any others. 

Why is what I am pointing out important?  I want to make a point here that nobody really knows how many were in that room when God gave the gift of holy spirit.  Yes, in verse 15, Luke mentions about a 120, but there is no time line given from that verse to chapter 2.  Some could have been added or for some reason some could have left, we just don’t know.  I know we have heard the massages telling us there were 120 that day that received the holy spirit,  but they just did not read the account right. So what, you may say.  It does make a difference when coming to truth and trying to understand what God was doing and still doing in His church.

You see for those who say that the manifestations and tongues was just for the Apostles or just for then, miss understand Luke’s account and the rest of the scriptures.  One should notice how Luke starts Acts and then how it finishes.  It is like he is continuing from his gospel Luke into Acts, but never gives it a finish or real end.  No salutation, farewell or mentioning of continuing thought.  He does not even mention the end of Paul’s life of whom he was giving an account of at the closing. The book is left open like it is to be finished.  That brings me to a point I want to make.

A number of years ago I heard a well known Bible teacher say that the days of the Apostles, signs and wonders, tongues, and the manifestations were over because we had a completed Bible today. I may not be saying it exactly like he did but basically this is what he said.  Since then I have heard him say it on a number of times and have also heard others say basically the same. Before I go any further, I want you to know I do believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and is complete cannon of scripture.  Then there is where I draw the line.  I do not think it was an accident that Luke did not finish the book of Acts.  It is still being written.  The acts of the church are not over until Jesus returns.

Where do we find in scripture that it is all over, done and God does not need the church to be filled with holy spirit?  Where does God say he stopped needing the gospel preached with signs following?  Where does He tell us we don’t need tongues anymore?  If God is no longer working through the gospel message with power of holy spirit, what’s the point of us gathering, worshiping, or praying.  Why should we bother God with our prayers if He does not do any of those things today?  If I need a miracle, I don’t want to ask any of you who think God doesn’t operate in the manifestations to pray, you’re not going to believe for answers to your own prayers. Then what would be the point in believing for anything if those days are over.

My point is this, I truly believe what God started in Acts chapter 2 was just the beginning.  The birth of His glorious church was done, but the church is not complete, or finished.  Yes, God has given us His word; we call it the Bible, but he has not stopped talking to and operating through His church. The gift of holy spirit was given to us to bring us to completion, the day of resurrection, and the return of our Lord Jesus.  In the book of Acts, the writings of Paul and the others we can conclude this also includes all the manifestations.

Another thing I observed is, this was not just to a select few.  We can also see it was not just to leadership, but all those who were faithful to the gospel message.  Acts chapter 3, 4, 8, 10, I could go on an on.  Paul in chapter 19 found a few that where just baptized in Johns gospel and he laid hands on them and the spoke in tongues.  Even in chapter 2 everyone who was in that room spoke in tongues.  Now this is the only recorded time that what they spoke was understood by those who heard.  Yet, in that same account we may be able to say that not all of them spoke an actual language.    (Acts 2:13 NIV)  Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."  With this statement, that some considered them drunk, maybe there was some just babbling in tongues.  Luke gives no other account of understandable language being spoken.  He does however give witness to many other accounts of people speaking in tongues upon receiving holy spirit.

Another thing I noticed was the first eleven chapters is about the growth of the church in Jerusalem.  How it grew from those baby stages and dealt with the struggles of all that was going on.  Luke gives us a pretty good picture that they had to learn on the fly.  They were just doing what had to be done as it developed.  We also see because of this that God moved mightily on others that were not in leadership.  Then there are the seven that were selected by the people, yet God seemed to endorse this as well.

Then the rest of the book of Acts is primarily devoted to the ministry of Paul.  Yet we find God using many others in the manifestations as well.  Paul did not back down or give any indication that the holy spirit was different for the gentile believer.  I will say this, Luke shows us that Paul never claimed everyone he prayed for was healed or spoke in tongues, yet we can see he expected it to happen every time he prayed.  Paul’s ministry was that of a delivery of the gospel message to the nations in which he did have signs following and that brings me to my next observation.

There seemed to be a close connection to with the gospel message and the manifestations of the holy spirit.   Maybe that is why today we are not seeing the manifestations like they had.  We have stopped preaching the true message of the gospel and the coming kingdom; therefore there is no power or true manifestations.  I know there are those who will say they have it all working in their church, or point out their favorite evangelist.  My question is, are they true manifestation or embellished stories, emotional frenzies, or just something that happens now and then. 

Upon close reading you will find that many of the signs and wonders happened, not in a group of believers, but before unbelievers. From the beginning it was the speaking in tongues that got the crowds attention.  There was not a church service going on when people put their sick loved ones in the street, hoping that the shadow of Peter would fall on them and be healed.  Paul did more in adverse situations than many of us do in ideal church conditions.

The point I want to make is we need to get the gospel message back.  We need to seek for the true message of Jesus and the coming kingdom.  Jesus himself was moved to obey his Father and stick to the message he was given.  The people in Acts did the same.  They were faithful to the message and like Jesus, had real compassion on those who were lost. They used the scriptures to show God’s love and fulfillment of promises.  They never made claims that God was done or that was all there was.  They preached with expectation, of God’s promises and the return of Jesus.  They understood why the gift of holy spirit was given and had expectations for its manifestations.  God worked through and on anyone who would believe, and I say he still does today.       

(Mat 9:35-38 NIV)  Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. {36} When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. {37} Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. {38} Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

His Dwelling Presence

I want to be completely honest with you who may be reading this. There is so much teaching out there on the holy spirit and the manifestations, it may seem hard for one to come to a proper conclusion.  I have seen both extremes over the years and at times I am not sure where I fit in.  One extreme is there is no real significance to the indwelling holy spirit, the other is everything is spiritual and anything goes kind of mind set.  I have seen many silly things go on in churches and be labeled “coming from the holy spirit”.  I do not agree with most of what I have seen over the years and the outright stupidity it produced.  I have seen and dealt with the disillusioned and discouraged when real life problems hits them square in the face.  I have seen the many failures of modern day prophecies and so called prophets. Then there is the seemingly easily fooled Christian that blindly follows leaders of such false groups.       

As I think about this I find my own self in the middle somewhere.  That in it’s self creates a problem, because today there seems to be this thinking you belong to one group or the other, there is no middle ground.  We are encouraged to take sides, but the problem with that is I can not be honest with myself if I do.  I have many friends in ministry that come from both kinds of mind sets.  I love them dearly, but can not agree with them in the matters of their teaching about the indwelling holy spirit.  I also find that in each group the mind set that will not allow anyone to speak otherwise to them or even think differently.  Yes, I have been given the label heretic, trouble maker, lost, or just plain stupid.  I do like to think of myself as a free thinker and willing to ask the questions, most are not willing to ask.

I was raised basically Pentecostal, now that carries a lot of different meanings to others. I have been exposed to nonsense, and spiritual stupidity.  Yet, I have seen and bear testimony to many great things and demonstrations of God’s power.  I have been a seeker of truth basically all my life and more so today than ever.  I have experienced God’s word at work in my own life and felt Him doing a work in me.  I know first hand the goodness of God’s indwelling presence, and what His spirit can do.  I do speak in tongues, (my prayer language), I can never that I have spoken in another human language, I just don’t know. Like Paul to the Corinthians, I may speak in tongues a lot, maybe more than most.  I do understand what I am saying and know what praying in the spirit has produced in me.

I have not done it for the glory from man or exploited it for recognition, or gain.  I have worshiped God in it and opened my heart in prayer through it.  It has interceded on my behalf and when there were no words that I could utter, it knew what to say.  I will not say I understand it all or that I am an expert on this subject.  What I do have and come to believe can be found in the scripture; I do believe it’s for everyone and for today’s believer.  I will not say everyone should speak in tongues as I do, but I would encourage you to seek God and His Word about it and maybe you would find the manifestation of His spirit at work in you.

Now, I know there is a lot of debate over when one receives holy spirit.  Two basic schools of thought on this, no matter how they may feel it is reveled.  One, you receive it at your confession of faith.  The other is, you have a separate experience called the baptism of holy spirit.  Two extremes exist in these thoughts. One there is no spiritual significance and manifestation other than fruit.  The other is, only if you speak in tongues do you have it.  Like I said, I am this guy who is in the middle somewhere.

First of all, today’s understanding of salvation is not truly biblical.  Saved from what?  This is my question. Hell maybe? What are we saved from, maybe we need to understand that first.  What does it truly mean to believe?  The demons believe there is a God, are they saved? (James 2.19) One must be transformed, born again by the Word and the spirit. 

(1 Pet 1:22-23 NIV)  Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. {23} For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

 I will deal with this subject later, but for now I do believe salvation is something that is only completed at the resurrection and the rebirth is now and a growing process, called maturing, coming to fruit.  This is an ongoing obedience to the gospel message, our God, and Jesus.  Repentance is to change, do a 180 in all we do and how we live.  I have always asked the question, “How can one claim to be saved or be filled with the spirit and never change?”  Now it is not my place to judge another, but many of their fruits have left a bitter taste in my mouth. Enough said for now.

Jesus himself said that the spirit would dwell in us. (John 14:17 NKJV)  "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. Then Paul comes along and teaches the workings of the spirit in as, and confirms that it dwells in us.  This will create in us two natures and Paul often deals with them.  One is our human nature with all its emotions and earthly knowledge, born in sin and is evil in heart.  The other is God’s spirit at work in us producing godliness, preparing us for the complete change from mortal to immortality. His spirit will cause us to change and walk in obedience to Jesus.  This is an ongoing work that one day will produce a harvest of who God intended us to be. Just Like the parable of the good seed and the tares, they had to grow up together until reaping time.  Then the one is gathered for destruction, and the other for life.

Romans chapter 7 is all about the earthly sin nature in man, who is incapable of obeying God’s laws.   (Rom 7:20-24 NKJV)  Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. {21} I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. {22} For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. {23} But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. {24} O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

We are all held captive and in need of an answer to this dilemma, that death rules over us. That is why Paul continues on. 

 (Rom 7:25 NIV)  Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.(Rom 8:1-10 NIV)  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, {2} because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. {3} For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, {4} in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. {5} Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. {6} The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; {7} the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. {8} Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. {9} You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. {10} But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

Notice what Paul is saying, without the spirit of God we are not capable of living the Christian life. If I could put it this way, until one is born again of the spirit they are still in the womb incapable of living freely as God designed.  You cannot live for God without His spirit in you, Paul says it is impossible.  So, how can one truly say they are saved and not have the spirit?   On the other hand how can one say they are filled and are experiencing so many manifestations and still not be able to walk in obedience to God?  I say maybe neither is truly possible according to Paul.  Our human rational soul can only be changed by the spirit of God.

Paul, even uses a little stronger words in (1 Cor 3:16-20 NIV)  Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? {17} If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. {18} Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. {19} For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; {20} and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."  God’s spirit dwells in us and we are to change our lives to reflect that.  We are the temples not made with men’s hands.  How are you treating God holy place of dwelling?  Here Paul tells us that God would even destroy those who disrespect His dwelling place.  I am not sure if that is now or the coming judgment, I feel maybe both in many respects.

Back to (Rom 8:11 NKJV)  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  Paul is letting us know it is the same power and spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.  Notice, he is letting us know that this spirit and power will effect our body.  This scripture I believe also is two fold.  Now, in this life its effects are to help us grow and spread the gospel message to a world that needs to hear the true message.  Then also to help us grow and prepare for the coming kingdom, in which we will rule and reign with Jesus.  The first is the part I want to talk about for a few weeks if I can.   How God’s spirit affects us, what it should look like and manifest through us.  The manifestations are they for everyone?  What about tongues?  How does that play a role in spreading the gospel message? These are tough issues for some and I can only hope to maybe shed some light or cause you to pray and study to find out for yourself what God wants to do in you and through you.

God’s spirit, it’s in You

I have been giving this subject a lot of thought and consideration.  In all I feel so many believers are missing out on the glorious benefits of being filled with holy spirit.  Many except the ideal we have been given this gift from God, but often deny many of the aspects of what that means.

Before I get into much of the New Testament writers on this subject let me summarize what Jesus was letting us know about this gift.  We can learn about the power and effects of having holy spirit from what Jesus taught.  I feel that Jesus was letting us know, that the spirit is the life force of the believer.  Without holy spirit one could not truly be a believer.  That is maybe why he said that a person could be forgiven of any sin, but a sin against the spirit. ( Matt 12.31)

Jesus said that our human flesh is weak, but the spirit can help us against temptation ( Matt 26.41).  We also find in Matthew and Luke that it was the spirit that led Jesus. In return Jesus says in John that the spirit would lead us.  Jesus quoting from Isaiah 61 in (Luke 4:18-21 NKJV  "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; {19} To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." {20} Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. {21} And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." ) was letting us know that it was the spirit that was giving him the ability to proclaim the gospel message. This is what he was telling his followers in John, that the spirit would help them proclaim the gospel message.

Then we can look at the conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus in John 3.  The question was asked how a man can be born again.  Jesus made it very clear that it was a work of the spirit that made it possible.  Let’s look at the word spirit used in John 3.

  (John 3:3-8 NKJV)  Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." {4} Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" {5} Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. {6} "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. {7} "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' {8} "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

4151. pneuma, pnyoo'-mah; from G4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by anal. or fig. a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by impl.) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Comp. G5590.

(John 6:63 NIV)  The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

Let me express some thought here and share some things I feel I see in this.  As we see the word spirit basically means breath or wind.  Breath and wind is expelled and inhaled on a regular basis, and this is how we are living beings.  You take the breath away and we are dead and there is no more life.  We are not eternal breathes, we are living souls.  Take away the breath and we die, end of story.  There is no scripture that refers to man to be eternal spirits, but there is for man being living souls. 

It is also breath that goes into and out of God.  In Genesis God breathed into Adam and he became a living soul.  God’s breath carried with it the power and essence of God himself into man to make him a living soul and then man breathed spirit.  To be reborn is to breathe a new breath of God’s spirit that will give you life and hope for a resurrection into a new life eternal.   

Looking at a message from Jesus in Matthew 13, telling us the kingdom of God is like one sowing seed.  I learned early in life lessons on seeds, many of you may have too.  In grade school we took seeds and put then in a bag with a damp towel and after a few days the seeds began to sprout.  Now, there was no telling how long the seed had remained in the packet or on a shelf.  They could have been there for many years never sprouting. 

All seed, plant or human have life and promise of future life in them, but in themselves they do not have the power to produce.  It takes an outside element to cause growth and life. Like in my childhood class it took moisture to cause the seed to come to life, still for it to produce it needed good ground.  Even in humans a male child has seed in him, but not the power to produce a living person by himself.  Even if that seed is deposited into a fertile womb that life can only exist connected to the womb.  It is only when it takes its first breath (takes in spirit) that it can grow and produce life in itself. 

Born again is being transformed by the gospel message, believing as John 17.3 tells us, then filled with God’s spirit.  God deposits His word into us and then breathes His spirit into us and makes us a living force of God’s spirit, able to live a holy life growing into maturity and truth.  Without the spirit, you are just like a baby in the womb; living but not alive, always taking in but never giving or growing into maturity and truth, knowing nothing but the womb.   

The true message of the Gospel suffers and religion takes over.  Theses people call themselves believers, but yet they have no life in them.  I often have said “Something is wrong when a person who says they are born again, attends church for years and never grows or changes from where they were before.”  We all should be concerned about our spiritual growth if we are not becoming more like Jesus and finding deeper truth.

It is the spirit that gives life and power to the true message of God.  Isaiah 61 should be our own words as well as Jesus’.  The message of the coming kingdom and hope of all mankind has been given to the church of God.  We have been given the spirit to produce life and power, showing each generation in demonstration, that one can live a holy life and power before God.  We have been given the deposit or taste of what is yet to come in the future.  If the Kingdom and resurrection has not yet come then we should conclude that the demonstration and power of holy spirit has not been done away with.

  (Luke 3:16 NIV)  John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Jesus came to baptize all believers with holy spirit and to help them be connected to the Father.  Without holy spirit how can we know the father, or his son like we should?  How can we truly know all truth.  It was a command to believers to be filled.  It is how you are born into God’s family.  Everywhere in Acts and other places you read of outpouring, it is on all those that believed not just a select few.  If the works of the spirit is finished then the work of water is finished as well.

  Going back to John what can one conclude about this gift that is in us and what should it be doing for us? (I will start dealing with demonstrations and gifts later)

(John 4:23-24 NIV)  Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. {24} God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

We can only be true worshipers when filled with God’s spirit.  This gift that is called holy spirit, comforter, helper, is given to help us to live a life of worship and obedience to the Father.  I believe without it is imposable to please the Father and obey Him.  Our flesh will always win out and lead us down a path of sin and destruction.  

The gift of holy spirit will do the following in our lives if we will let it.

1. Reveal the Father
2. Lead us into truth
3. Bring us peace
4. Give us joy
5. Make us one
6. Show us true love
7. Empower our message
8. Give us the word to say
9. Give us a taste of what is yet to come
10. Produce unity in the body
11. Power to do mighty works
12. Help us obey God
13. Makes us sons of God
14. Help us remember God’s words
15. Produce Fruit in our lives
16. Helps us abide faithfully in Jesus
17. Helps us endure struggles and persecutions
18. Helps us in prayer
19. Makes us over comers
20. Prepare us for the coming Kingdom

I know there is much more many of you may come up with, but this is a good list to start.  In closing this week I want to leave with the following scripture. When Jesus was about to leave this world with the promise of return, he gave a command to everyone that was there that day, not just the twelve.  Telling them that what John the Baptist had said was about to be fulfilled.  Is it fulfilled in you?

(Acts 1:4-5 NIV)  On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. {5} For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

The Gift

As I sit here and type this week I can’t help but wonder what happened to the church.  As I read in the context of Jesus’ words to his followers, I see no promise of glorious acceptance in a fallen world.  I feel the church over the centuries have made many compromises with the gospel message and the gift of holy spirit to be more palatable to the world.  Today, we seem to have almost a complete rejection of the teachings of Jesus and what this precious gift can bring to the believer.

In our modern society the truth is so far gone that one can hardly recognize it.  Religion did a dumb down the gospel message so far, no wonder a so called Christian would not know who God is or even how He works.  Today, when the fastest growing religion is not Christianity, we as believers should recognize we have a problem.    

Yes, we have great big churches and ministries, but if we take a close look at what is going on we should all be concerned.  The numbers that are being given as converts are mostly recycled church goers. They have quit the church and came back or they switched their doctrines.  Yet, the truth is being hidden in small groups of whom many have separated themselves completely from the main stream.  Because of all this we are not seeing a true growth of new believers in or modern world.  So, false religions, preachers, movements are having their way among those who are looking for answers to life’s problems.  They prey on the unlearned and spiritually weak.  Those who have been conditioned by religion to look to men for answers and spiritual leadership fall victim to the devices of men who do not have the truth.

One should read John chapters 14-17 carefully and see what Jesus had to say to his followers and for those who would came after.  Jesus lays out for us what to expect from the gift of holy spirit and why.

In John 14:26 ( NIV  But the Counselor, 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.) Jesus is telling us that the spirit would teach us and remind us of his teachings.  I may have not been there when Jesus was giving all his teachings about the kingdom and living a life of obedience to God, but I do have the scriptures and holy spirit to help me find truth.

Notice right away he is associating this with peace.  (John 14:27 NIV)  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. There is no comfort or peace in this fallen world.  Even religion has tried to find peace by the way of the world and history proves that has not worked.  The vast majority of our wars in history have been religious of some sort. Peace is given by the spirit which is a gift from the Father, which transcends the way of man and our understanding. (Phil 4:7 NIV)  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

If we remove the chapter markers this conversation continues. That Jesus is telling us one condition of Christianity is abiding.  One may ask how that is possible.  Through the spirit and where we let our minds dwell. Like a branch of a vine there has to be a complete attachment to the trunk.  The words here for fruit is completion or maturity.  One does not go to a fruit tree desiring fruit that is immature or not ripe to eat.  You should notice two other stories in Mark 11.13 and Luke 13.6, about seeking for fruit and not finding any.  In each of the stories we find that the trees did not have fruit because they were not capable, but there were issues in each story.  The point is, God is looking for maturity and that comes from obeying and living connected to Jesus through holy spirit. 

You should also notice Jesus is making it very clear that love is an attribute of God’s spirit in us and the ability to fully obey.  How can one say they have the gift and not be able to show love, or obey the teachings of Jesus? Are these people really abiding in Jesus or are they connected to another religious vine? 

Then there is that part that seems to baffle me, that is how the church is trying to be accepted in this world. Jesus makes it very clear that the world will reject us and persecute us as much as it did him.  It was even more so by the religious system of His time.  It was when the church in the fourth century was given a status of freedom and prominent position that compromises were made to hold on to that position and power.  The work of the holy spirit and the true message of the gospel was almost completely lost.  Teachings of men now take the place of the teaching of Jesus given to us through holy spirit.

  (John 15:26 NIV)  "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.

Jesus, then makes a promise that as sure as he was to go to the Father, he was going to return. Until then we would have his gift of the spirit given to us, to be a testimony for him in this world.  Every believer is to be living examples of him, as he was of his Father.  We are to be the bright shinning lights in a darkened world.  Do others know you are from God, or are you just another religious person to them?

(John 16:7-15 NIV)  But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. {8} When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: {9} in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; {10} in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; {11} and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. {12} "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. {13} But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. {14} He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. {15} All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

Jesus is laying out the work of the spirit for us and telling us that this is given until he returns.  He is not talking about his return back to life, but the return when he comes as a conquering king. Paul referred to this as the deposit laid down for something that is greater to come.

(2 Cor 1:22 NIV)  set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

(2 Cor 5:5 NIV)  Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

(Eph 1:13-14 NIV)  And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, {14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

A couple of things I want to point out here is; one, we should see that the work of the spirit is to bring power to our message.  When we share the message of Jesus, the gift of spirit is there to convict, reveal righteousness, and make judgment on the works of Satan.  How was this done in Jesus?  If you would read the gospels with an open heart and mind you would see it was not only with words, but demonstration of God’s power.  Devils trembled, sinners sought him out, and many miracles were done by him. Why, one should ask. Because he obeyed his Father completely and stayed true to the message of the kingdom.  This may be a good reason why we don’t see many demonstrations of God’s power today; we are not truly obeying the Father, and staying true to the message. (Just saying)

I know there will be those who will try to point out; it was for just the Apostles.  You should ask yourself a couple of questions.  One, has Jesus already come back to rule?  Has the truth been fully preached? Then there are those who always point out scriptures or times where somebody did not get healed.  Didn’t Jesus have such times too?  Then I have those who say they can see it coming to a close in the scriptures, yet they hold onto many regulations and rules that scriptures clearly say they are not needed. 

This brings me to my second point, that there were many things Jesus could not tell them yet and it would be the spirit that would teach them.  This is how we have received what we call the New Testament.  Notice Jesus said “Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.”  The spirit is given to us to guide us to truth.  The truth of what, you may ask.  I feel the truth of who God is and his son Jesus.  The spirit would reveal the truth of the gospel message of God’s kingdom and his intentions for redeemed man. Jesus said in John 8.32 that the truth would set us free.  Another part of the truth I believe would be about the working of the spirit in the believer and the church. 

Jesus then prayed for his followers, not just those there with him, but those who would later come to believe. (John 17:17-21 NIV)  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. {18} As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. {19} For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. {20} "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, {21} that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

This gift of holy spirit is for every believer, so we may know truth and truly demonstrate to the world that Jesus is the Christ, from God.  Now, as Jesus said, the message of those Apostles would have a great role in this, and we have much we can learn about the gift from them.  There are many more attributes of this gift and much more we can learn about what God has given.

In my own journey, it has been a willingness to stop checking my brain at the door of the church.  I had to stop depending on man to provide truth, stop reading the Bible with religious glasses, and dare to ask questions of what was held sacred.  If we are all truly lead by the spirit, and truly allowing the attributes of His spirit work in us, should we not be coming to the same conclusions or at lest willing to talk about them?  I will not say I know it all yet, but I do have the spirit of the one who does.  Everyone does not have to express the spirit, or worship just like me, but we need to get the gospel message right and learn to love each other.  Otherwise the true message of Jesus will be forever lost and the question in Luke 18.8 may become reality “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”