GREAT PROBLEM, GREATER HELP, 11

[These reflections are rooted in an excellent article entitled, “Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Initial Evidence, and a New Model,” by Dr. Gordon Anderson, President of North Central University, Paraclete, Fall, 1993]

As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire … What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 3:15-16; 11:11-13 ESV)

            The first three books of the New Testament are known as the Synoptic Gospels. Synoptic means the narratives of the life and times of Jesus agree frequently in subject, order and language. Mark may have been written first and served as an outline for Matthew and Luke.

            Matthew was written for Jewish believers, showing Jesus as the genuine Messiah. 

            Mark was written to a Roman audience, preparing the church for suffering. Peter was the primary source of information. Jesus is seen as the suffering Servant.

            Luke was the truest historian having an eye for detail, extensively interviewing key witnesses and thoroughly investigating everything. He wrote to a Greek believer, revealing Jesus as the perfect Man.

            Both Matthew and Luke record Jesus saying, “If we, being evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our Father in heaven give…,” but here the two writers part company. Matthew records “good gifts,” while Luke records “the Holy Spirit.” Combining the two, “good gifts” are found in the fullness of “the Holy Spirit.” Matthew and Luke both reveal the Blessing comes to disciples who ask.

            When a person places faith in God, the convert receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the breath of life. The Spirit guides the follower of Jesus to behold the glory of the Father and reflect the image of Christ. The nine graces in the fruit of the Spirit grow and Jesus is naturally seen in their life. The focus of Spirit fruit is strength of character.

            Another experience with the Holy Spirit comes to believers who ask – an additional work of grace in which Christ is supernaturally witnessed. The focus of Spirit gifts is power of Presence.

            For a person to complete their representation of Christ, their testimony of Jesus to the world, both the natural and supernatural dimensions of His nature must be seen.

            A core value of the Church is that “all believers are entitled to, should ardently expect, and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry. This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth. With the baptism in the Holy Spirit come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit, a deepened reverence for God, an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work, and a more active love for Christ, for His Word, and for the lost.” (Statement of Fundamentals of the Assemblies of God) The day of Pentecost is about experiencing the fullness of God’s presence.

            Pentecostals and Evangelicals are not fundamentally the same. The fervent desire of Evangelicalism is reformation, established by study of Scripture. The enthusiastic passion of Pentecostalism is transformation, consummated by regularly yielding to the fullness of the Spirit.

            An emphasis on a cognitive knowledge of God is based on reformation. Yet an emphasis on an experiential knowledge of God is based on transformation. Combining experiential to cognitive creates a holistic consciousness of God.

            Spirit-filled believers recognize Bible study as one of several activities helping to develop a meaningful relationship with God. Scripture declares believers are not to be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:1). Transformation is primarily accomplished by yielding to the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Nine components of life and ministry

            Every person needs nine spiritual activities for purpose and fulfillment. Growing eternally is uniquely achieved through these various expressions of faith.

            Following Jesus: Receiving forgiveness of sin and being adopted into God’s family. Becoming spiritually alive and gaining the potential for eternal growth and development. Enjoying fellowship with God and experiencing His many blessings.

            Water baptism: The act of experiencing death to pride and the resurrection of humility; a visual testimony of the crucified life.

            Scripture: Receiving divine direction, confidence, and encouragement.

            Prayer and Fasting: Gaining strength, power, and discipline, resulting in an overcoming life.

            Holiness: The progressive activity of getting rid of sinful impurities, occurring throughout a lifetime.

            Community: Receiving correction, comfort, rebuke, and relief to successfully live a Jesus kind of life, along with opportunities to help others.

            Suffering: Divinely orchestrated situations producing character and perseverance.

            Ministry: God called assignments bringing fulfillment to the Heavenly mission.

            Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An experience subsequent to salvation providing more power for service, more miraculous manifestations, and other added dimensions of dedication. Also involved is an ability to have communication with God my means of a heavenly prayer language, as well as increased passion and a greater sense of urgency.

            Sacred events have significance in the wellbeing of a follower of Jesus. These nine are vital for spiritual advancement.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit

            Many dedicated followers of Christ not claiming the baptism in the Holy Spirit are accomplishing wonderful things for the Heavenly Father. They are gaining a meaningful ministry by virtue of Bible knowledge, or a well-developed prayer life, or suffering. How much more could these individuals accomplish if they experienced all the provisions for fulfilling the mission of the church?

            The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the gift of more. The experience is about additional power and ability for witnessing greater accomplishments, a second Blessing. Followers of Jesus reaping this supernatural expression should give careful attention to all the components of spiritual life, while those denying the manifestation would benefit greatly by giving vigilant consideration to the Blessing.

            This immersing experience of God, subsequent to salvation, provides increased power for life and ministry, characterized by a deep sense of divine presence. A profound feeling of mystery and emotion is often involved, establishing supernatural communication with God in a language not learned or understood.

            Speaking in tongues is beneficial in relationship with all the dimensions of eternal living. What actually happens when speaking in tongues? The believer enters edifying communication with God in a different mode, talking heart to heart rather than head to head.

            In search for approval from the broader faith community are Spirit-filled believers losing the very thing that makes them effective, the passionate approach to life and service? God provides liberty in the Holy Spirit. Included in this freedom is an escape from cognitive to super-rational conversing with God.

            For advancing the Great Commission believers should seek the Blessing that makes for dynamic accomplishments, the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ earthly ministry was saturated with the Spirit

            Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the maiden Mary. From this miraculous conception He was holy and free from the taint of sin.

            Jesus experienced the Holy Spirit coming upon Him when baptized in water, visually anointed and fully equipped to give an accurate revelation of God.

            Jesus was full of and led by the Spirit when tempted by Satan in the wilderness, gaining a greater ability to resist.

            The older covenant prophesied the Messiah would be empowered by the Spirit. “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3) After reading a portion of this passage at his hometown synagogue Jesus stated, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21)

            Jesus relied on the Spirit while performing His ministry. He said, “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:28) “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.” (Luke 4:14)

            Jesus was raised from the grave through the Spirit’s power as the vindicated Son of God.

            Jesus ascended into heaven and in His exalted position received the Holy Spirit from the Father, pouring the Spirit out on His disciples during the Festival of Ingathering.

            Today, the Holy Spirit takes that which is of Christ and makes it known to His followers, disclosing His mercy, victory, healing, and imminent return.

            Becoming like Jesus involves experiencing a full and powerful relationship with the Holy Spirit.

More

            To be all you can be in Christ, ask for the Holy Spirit baptism. “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV)

            Every promise is yes. Have you appropriated all His promises? Are you able to respond “Amen” to the infilling of the Spirit?

            Peter declared, “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off [every generation]….” (Acts 2:39 ESV) Experience the Blessing! Be full of the Holy Spirit.

GREAT PROBLEM, GREATER HELP,10

“Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” (Genesis 2:7 ESV)

“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:19-22 ESV)

            On Resurrection Sunday Jesus made this fourth appearance to His disciples, the first appearance to them as a group. Only ten were gathered, Thomas was not present.

            The resurrected body of Jesus possessed certain characteristics. The four Gospels reveal He consumed food, was able to transport Himself behind locked doors, had visible and material wounds, and had a body consisting of flesh and bone although no longer subject to decay.

            When He appeared in the room He did not censure the disciples for pass failures. He could have made several accusations. They all fled during His arrest and Peter denied Him throughout the night. The marvel was that these were the kinds of people He entrusted to be world-changers. Instead of condemning He breathed on them.

            Breathing is the act of living. They experienced the indwelling nature of the Holy Spirit, gaining fulfillment to what Jesus promised earlier. “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also…. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:1-3, 16-18 ESV)

            Jesus promised “another” Helper, meaning of the same kind as Him.  He promised another “Helper,” meaning Adviser, Advocate. He promised the Holy Spirit would be “with you forever,” meaning stay, remain, continue.

            The Holy Spirit is referred to as the “Spirit of truth.” He brings light, illumination, revelation and the reality of Jesus to bear upon the human heart, experiential knowledge. A vital relationship would occur with the Lord through the Helper.

            Three prepositions were used when revealing the Spirit’s relationship to believers, giving explanation for the human heart not being troubled but filled have peace.

            The Spirit would abide with the believer as a companion through every experience. (v.16) The Spirit would abide with the believer as a defender in spiritual conflicts. (v.17) The Spirit would be in the believer as a means of divine power. (v.17)

            As a result followers of Jesus would not be orphans, not left in a defenseless condition. There is no fear of being alone, as fatherless. Believers are not left without a protector.

The mission of the Spirit of truth

            The Spirit of truth teaches “all things.” (John 14:26)

            The Spirit of truth reminds you of “everything Jesus said.” (John 14:26)

            The Spirit of truth testifies “about Jesus” (John 15:26)

            The Spirit of truth guides “into all truth.” (John 16:13)

            The Spirit of truth tells “what is to come” (John 16:13)

            Therefore, the Holy Spirit directs your decisions, counsels you continually and remains with you forever.

Jesus is still breathing on His followers

            The breath of life is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The prophet Ezekiel speaks about the breath.

            Ezekiel 36 gives the reason: “…I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. ²³I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes…. ²⁶I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. ²⁷And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws…. ³²I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign LORD. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct…! (Ezekiel 36:22,23,26,27,32).

            Ezekiel 37 reveals the experience: “¹The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. ²He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. ³He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”  I said, “O Sovereign LORD, you alone know.”  ⁴Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! ⁵This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. ⁶I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”  ⁷So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. ⁸I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.  ⁹Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” ¹⁰So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army…. ¹⁴I will put my Spirit in you and you will live…, declares the LORD.’” (Ezekiel 37:1-10, 14)

            The experience is for the sake of His holy name. The purpose is God being glorified throughout the whole earth. His people are finally able to reveal God truthfully and accurately. His visible and invisible attributes as well as His natural and supernatural capacity can be witnessed in His people.

            The experience brings His people to life. They possess eternal vitality, experience everlasting victory, and have timeless vigor.

            The experience makes His people a mighty force, a vast army. His warriors are adequately equipped for battle. They demonstrate a supernatural commitment to His cause and are equipped for spiritual conflict.

            The experience restores hope. Instead of losing heart on account of the deadness in the world, His followers have hope of eternal life. Expectancy replaces a sense of despair.

            The experience makes possible a relationship with God. The finger of God touches and His breathe fills.

 New Status and New Life

            With faith in God you have status. Status is an important element of society. How anyone views themselves is linked to social status. Titles, awards, possessions, friendships are important to achieving status. The normal tendency is to be a status seeker, becoming closely aligned with status symbols.

            God offers you status – spiritual more than social, godly rather than worldly. His status is far more significant and satisfying, building true worth. You are given the title child of God – loved, adopted and accepted by the Heavenly Father.

            What greater status can be achieved? What more is needed? Jesus, your Savior, declares you are no longer an orphan.

            Yet a relationship with God is more than receiving new status. It involves a new life.

            A separation between new status and new life does not exist. You cannot be accepted by God without becoming alive to God. The mission of Jesus is not separate from the mission of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus a person has a right standing with God, new status. Through the Spirit a person experiences radical change in character and conduct, new life.

            The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the distinguishing mark of a child of God. A follower of Jesus not only receives a meaningful relationship with God, but receives the transforming power of God. You are adopted through the Son and the Spirit breaths transforming life in you. With new status comes new life, bringing a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

            Suppose someone came to you in dire need. They are down and out, in rags and tatters, wounded and ill, starving and undernourished. A bath, a change of clothes and a wholesome meal is not enough. An inward change is also needed so the outward condition no longer continues; a change in attitude and ambitions.

            You have come to God down and out, in the rags and tatters of sin, spiritually wounded and eternally malnourished. Your sins are washed away and you are clothed with His righteousness, new status. Yet the healing grace of Calvary must also treat the wounded heart. The Spirit of truth must transform the outlook and change the direction, new life.

No dissection

            People usually analyze by dividing ideas into understandable components. When analyzing a relationship with God theologians use terms such as justification, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. They break down the divine association for the sake of study. Yet salvation is holistic.

            A relationship with God is a packaged deal. You cannot have new status without new life. You cannot live approved by God by living in a way that excludes Him. He breathed in you the breath of life for His name sake. The God profaned by your former life no longer suffers reproach on account of your new life. With the status child of God, He breathes in you the Holy Spirit so you can live like His child.

            My oldest son was involved in high school sports, participating in football, basketball, track and field, and cross country. He earned a high school letterman jacket.

            Each year different insignias were awarded for placement on the coat. Freshmen year participation provided the year-of-graduation numbers. Sophomore year involvement gave a small school letter. Junior varsity gave a medium size school letter. And varsity gave a large school letter. Pins representing the sport and the years played were also given for clipping on the appropriate emblem. The back of the jacket listed every sport the athlete participated in. By the senior year the coat was impressive. Joseph’s coat of many colors was in tough competition for the “Most Likely to Amaze Others” award.

            Our youngest son was also a very good athlete. He briefly played basketball but shined and excelled as a high school volleyball player. He too earned the appropriate insignias for his participation in his field of endeavor.

            Our youngest son during his sophomore year wanted to wear his older brother’s senior letterman jacket. As he was about the leave the house I stopped him and vetoed my oldest son’s permission. I told him he could wear any of his jackets except that one. The coat indicated status. The youngest son had not participated in the same sports to warrant the status. For him to wear that jacket would be hypocritical.

            Some claiming to follow Jesus declare status without living the life and His name ends up profaned. He breathed the means to live His life. The Holy Spirit is with you and in you. You are in a relationship with God and in that relationship you have been brought to life. He gave the power to live for Him so just do it, sports fans.

GREAT PROBLEM, GREATER HELP, 9

THE “DAY OF PENTECOST” EXPERIENCE

“And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49 ESV)

“For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5 ESV)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4 ESV)

            The last article emphasized the importance of being led by the Spirit. What does the Bible say about living in the Spirit?

            A major waterway of this country is the Mississippi River. Waters from 39 different States flows into this conduit. Some of the main tributaries are the Missouri, the Ohio and the Illinois rivers.

            I have crossed the Great Mississippi at several different locations, the Twin Cities of Minnesota, the Quad Cities of Iowa/Illinois, and the city of St. Louis in Missouri. I have also seen the river as it enters the ocean at New Orleans, Louisiana.

            The river gets wider at every point south, and also gets dirtier. By the time the water enters the Gulf of Mexico, a person does not want to swim in but be rescued from the cruddy stuff.

            Suppose you are on a life-raft at the end of the dirty Mississippi. The current of the filthy and pungent waters is working against you, preventing you from getting home to your clean and sweet-smelling dwelling place. Someone throws you a rope from the shore and offers his help going against the stream. Would to take it? 

            Similarly, the smelly and slimy currents of society are working against you getting to a heavenly home. God has thrown you a lifeline to assist your struggle against the numerous repugnant social trends. He has sent the Holy Spirit. The help is available but will you take it? Will you allow yourself the help God has provided?

            An important dimension of church life is the presence the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead. On a special festival day He came with power to those already following Jesus to help them flow in the presence of God and passionately fulfill the purpose of God. The early disciples were filled with the Spirit of God.

            One way to describe the church is with the acrostic GIVE. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The church exists to: G—Glorify God in worship; I—Invite others to Jesus; V—Validate the day of Pentecost experience; E—Equip believers for life and ministry. Out of worship for God comes enthusiasm to tell others about Jesus, energized involvement in what God is doing, and greater gains in spiritual depth. These are not only attached but inner-related, and the Holy Spirit is the bonding Agent.

            Many today embrace the day of Pentecost experience, some historically and others in practice. Having heritage does not always translate into having a fire burning in the furnace, having God-endowed passion.

            Several years ago the classic work The Master Plan of Evangelism, by Robert Coleman, was studied extensively by evangelical churches. Coleman, a scholar and conference speaker, was credentialed with the Methodist church. The Pentecostal church has clearly recognized historical links with the Wesleyan Holiness Movement.

The early Methodists were fiery. Church members not only affirmed good preaching with shouts of “Amen” but would occasionally give a “hooping” response, leading to the unsavory name “The hoopin’ Methodist.” Robert Coleman, out of this context, spoke as a man with a fire in his furnace.

            I invited him to speak at a minister’s gathering in the north part of Chicago. His passionate presentation was inspiring. Afterwards I lightheartedly told him there was a place for him in the Assemblies of God. He replied, “You guys took the fire and left us the stove.” What happened to his church movement can happen to any church.

            Richard Wilke, another Methodist minister, authored the book, And Are We Yet Alive? He wrote, “Once we were a Wesleyan revival, full of enthusiasm, fired by the Spirit, running the race set before us like a sprinter trying to win the prize. The world was our parish; we were determined to ‘publish the glad tidings in the full light of the sun.’ Our Wesley-inspired dream and directive was to ‘spread Scriptural holiness’ across the continent. Circuit riders raced over hill and valley. New churches were established in every hamlet. Our missionaries encircled the globe.

            “Now we are tired, listless, fueled only by the nostalgia of former days, walking with a droop, eyes on the ground, discouraged, putting one foot ahead of the other like a tired old man who remembers, but who can no longer perform. We sing ‘O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing’ as if it were an anthem instead of a testimony.”

            Losing the passion of the Holy Spirit happens to both churches and individuals. The challenge for every believer is to vibrantly follow Jesus, requiring heavenly fire.

            The day of Pentecost experience comes with a promise and a miracle.

The promise

            The physician Luke, a traveling companion of Paul, wrote a two volume edition of the Gospels. The gospel of Luke shows the Christ executing His mission in the power of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts shows the body of Christ executing His mission with empowerment by the same Spirit.

            Those with faith in God are heirs and successors to a Spirit-driven ministry initiated by Jesus. For His work to advance, broaden, and multiply, believers must be filled with the Holy Spirit.

            The gospel of Luke and the book of Acts refer to the day of Pentecost experience as “a clothing … a baptizing … an empowering … a filling … an outpouring.” These descriptive terms give clarity to the event.

            The day of Pentecost experience is referred to as “clothed with power.” Clothed describes the putting on or wearing of garments. John the Baptist wore clothing made of camel’s hair. The father of the prodigal son commanded for his best robe to clothe him. At Jesus’ trial the soldiers clothed Him in a purple robe.

            These New Testament recordings use the same word in the original language as the clothing with power on the day of Pentecost. Followers of Jesus are to be covered with heavenly power just as people are clothed with garments.

            The promise of power is consistent with the commissioning of the Twelve recorded in Luke 9. Jesus gave them power over demons and diseases. Through the exercise of this power the disciples partnered with God in manifesting His kingdom.

            Early disciples would have associated the promise with the same power that characterized the ministry of Jesus. It was the ability recorded in Luke 6:19 – “And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.”

            The day of Pentecost experience is also referred to as “baptized with the Spirit.” John the Baptist contrasted his ministry with the coming Messiah – “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16 ESV) When Jesus came to John to be baptized, the special covering was manifested – “…and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove….” (Luke 3:22 ESV)

            The Spirit baptism to believers in Jerusalem in Acts 2 parallels His coming upon Jesus at the Jordan River in Luke 3. Both Jesus and His disciples acted in obedience to God. The Spirit descended after a season of prayer. There was a physical manifestation of the Spirit. Both ministries began after the Spirit was upon them.

            The day of Pentecost experience is also referred to as “empowered by the Spirit.” This power is not some kind of impersonal force but a demonstration of the person of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Spirit is for more effective witnessing, equipping believers for greater service. To be empowered with the Spirit is to possess an assurance that Jesus has not abandoned His followers to personal resources.

            You are fully equipped for every divinely-given task. You have received the same empowerment Jesus exercised in His early ministry. This is the promise.

The miracle

            On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the waiting disciples with sudden and dynamic impact. They heard but did not feel the force of wind. They saw tongues of fire that did not consume. They were ecstatically worshipping God. The unusual behavior of the disciples is attributed to being “filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:4)

            What does Scripture reveal about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?

            The infilling of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost was not an isolated event. The occurrence was one of several occasions, both prior and following that day.

            Before: “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:41 ESV)

            After: “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31 ESV)

            The infilling of the Spirit is both an individual and group phenomenon.

            Individually: “And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit….” (Luke 1:67 ESV)

            Group: “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52 ESV)

            The infilling of the Spirit is not a once-for-all experience. The incident reoccurs throughout a lifetime.

            Acts 9 makes reference to Paul’s initial experience: “So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 9:17 ESV)

            Acts 13:9 makes reference to a later experience of Paul: “But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at [Elymas]….” (Acts 13:9 ESV)

            The term “filled with the Spirit” describes supernatural inspiration. Three types of divine inspiration is recorded in Scripture – worship, judgment and witness.

            Supernatural worship is described in 1 Corinthians 14, involving learned and unlearned languages. The Spirit is the inspiration behind praise and adoration.

            Supernatural judgment was seen when Paul pronounced to Elymas a season of blindness in Acts 13.

            Supernatural witness was seen when Peter healed the lame man in Acts 4.

            The miracle of Pentecost is the unexpected and energetic impact that occurs when followers of Jesus are filled with and living in the Spirit.

            No one is ever the same after the day of Pentecost experience. The priorities of life change. This is the miracle.

Living in the Spirit

            A genuine deepening of worship and ministry occurs with the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Followers of Jesus are to experience the full and vibrant blessing of the day of Pentecost experience.

            Ian Macpherson wrote in the book, Like A Dove Descending: “On December 23, 1965, I went into the building in the center of Los Angeles which houses the Department of Water and Power. In one room I came upon a large glass barrel containing desalinated sea-water. I tasted it and found that it was perfectly fresh.

            “A notice on the barrel read: ‘Desalted Sea-water … drink all you want, there’s an ocean-full more where this came from.”

            To all who are thirsty for the fullness of God drink as much as you wish! If anyone is deprived, the Holy Spirit is not doing the depriving. There are no heavenly restrictions or limitations. By becoming filled with and living in the Spirit infinite resources are at your disposal.

GREAT PROBLEM, GREATER HELP, 8

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:12-17 ESV)

            The great problem is sin but the greater help is the Holy Spirit. With the decision to follow Jesus, life moves from dependence upon self to trust in God. To overcome sin requires dying daily to self and relying on the Son. This is only possible by being led by the Spirit. Believers put to death rebellious attitudes, ambitions and actions only by the Spirit of God. And by the same Spirit they do not fall back into errant practices.

            My four children were dedicated to the Lord as newborn babies. To know and do God’s will is the doorway to lifelong joy and peace. Dedication means wanting a child to live-out the purpose and plans of the Lord.

            What you do in life and how life turns out is not something revealed in a single snapshot. Life is a journey, a pilgrimage that unfolds step-by-step. Living often involves unexpected twist and turns, sometimes setbacks. Many have had to start from scratch all over again, even more than once. Disappointments and frustrations occur.

            In the classic movie “The Natural,” starring Robert Redford, the exceptional baseball player finds himself in a hospital because of a mistake done years earlier. His childhood sweetheart visits him and they ponder together the regretful blunder. The woman responded, “I believe we live two lives – the one we learn from and the one we live with afterwards.” No one can personally predict everything life will ask, even things rendered unfair. The bottom line is that you have one life to live and constantly need help bringing that life to ultimate fulfillment.

            Loving the smell of sea air and enjoying activities associated with boats and beaches I never saw myself leaving Washington State, let alone the West Coast. Yet I have lived in several parts of the country.

            Brenda and I talked about having two children maybe three, never ever considering the possibility of four.

            I never imagined overseeing a college, a couple of great churches in Chicagoland, or serving in statewide church leadership. Yet all these things were asked of me and I attempted to faithfully serve with dependence upon God.

            A couple of times I have been asked, “What is the hardest thing about leadership? Working with difficult people? Experiencing days filled with extended hours? Dealing with crisis or tragedy?”

            The hardest part of leading is knowing God’s will. Discovering the direction He wants to go and effectively implementing His plan is critical.

            The book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell gives a strong argument against the myth of being self-made.  Every case study in the book shows a consistent pattern: People were successful because of opportunity and preparation, both working simultaneously. Those following Jesus know that God is the author of opportunity and also helps in preparation.

            Instead of God leaving you to figure out what to do, the Holy Spirit has come. Everyone needs His continual help. He is referred to as Helper in John 14-16. The word in the original language is “Paracletos,” meaning “One called alongside to help.”

            The Holy Spirit wants to come beside you and assist in your daily journey and eternal development. He seeks to actively direct your life. To what extent is He allowed to operate in you? Does He have your permission to guide you? Have you called upon Him for help?

            Much of what can be learned about the help of the Holy Spirit is found in the books of Acts. Luke reveals the practical and spiritual journey of the newly born faith-community. Every chapter tells stories about people being Spirit-led. The activities of the early church help you learn how to follow His lead.

He helps in your understanding of God

            God does not want His children wandering around in a quagmire of error and uncertainty. The Holy Spirit leads you in your discovery of God. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13 ESV) Error is alien to Him.

            The Holy Spirit reveals what is true about the person and nature of God as opposed to the thoughts developed by manmade reasoning. He especially brings greater understanding to the truths of Scripture, God’s written word.

            Consider the townspeople of Berea: “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.” (Acts 17:10-12 ESV)

            The Holy Spirit helps you see the God of Scripture in lieu of the gods of culture.

He helps in your education of life

            He is the teacher/guide. As Guide He brings a person to the point of truth and as Teacher He instills that truth in their life.

            “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)

            The Holy Trinity is involved in your education. The Father sends the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit teaches and reminds you the truths about the Son. He is the divine memory prompter.

            Another dimension of teaching relates to upholding the message of salvation. “Do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12 ESV)

            The instruction of the divine Teacher is greater than human astuteness. “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13 ESV)

            Weighty responsibility is upon those instructing others about the truths of God. Relying on the Holy Spirit is imperative when talking to people about Jesus.

He helps in your service to God

            “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.” (Acts 13:2-4 ESV)

            The Holy Spirit reveals how you can best serve the Lord. God has plans for every believer and shows them where they can bring advancement to the cause of Christ. How He reveals the divine calling varies with each person yet comes from the same source.

He helps by illuminating the future

            While believers spurn fortune-tellers, the Holy Spirit can and does reveal the future when it serves His purposes. He wants to influence your plans and actions.

            “And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.’” (Acts 10:19-20 ESV) The Holy Spirit established Peter’s impending action.

            The Holy Spirit sometimes guides by closing doors of opportunity. “And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.” (Acts 16:6 ESV) Some direction comes negatively (“you can’t”) and others positively (“you can”).

            “While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, ‘Thus says the Holy Spirit, This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” (Acts 21:10-11 ESV) The Spirit consoled Paul about the upcoming danger associated with God’s plan.

            The revelation to Paul was not for the purpose of changing directions. The Holy Spirit had established his course while in Macedonia. The Lord was now assuring Paul that he was on the correct path and calling others to lift him up in prayer.

Spirit led

            Rely on the Spirit of God. Gain His help. Let Him guide you into all truth. He is the perfect Teacher. His leading is always on the ideal pathway. He knows your future as if it is happening today.

            Give testimony of being God’s child by depending on the Holy Spirit.