I received at least 2 phone calls from my Mother, (may she RIP), over the years, where you could hear hurt, disappointment and sadness in her voice.
I wish I had received neither.
One of them was in October, she called to ask if we had forgotten her birthday. (In June).
There are so many people outside the doors of our churches and homes, who do not know Jesus, do not want to hear about Jesus, will not accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
WARNING: LONG POST, DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU CARE FOR A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS.
I stand here flummoxed. …why do they not understand the peace, joy and grace that could be theirs? Why can’t I convince even those in my own family to realize the gift of Forgiveness?
This is very frustrating. There is something even more frustrating though.
That is the number of people who believe in and accept Jesus but who do not accept the fulness of His Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit (and His Gifts ) are the Talents the Master left us and expects us to invest and increase until His return.
So many accept the impossibility of Jesus dying on the cross to save us from sin and death but the Power of the Holy Spirit. ….not for me, not for today, I don’t need it, God doesn’t want us confused.
On the day of Pentecost the first Gift of the Holy Spirit given to all, was the Gift of Tongues. The crowd received the Gift of Interpretation.
Romans 12:3. Tells us God gives everyone a Measure of Faith. We choose to activate it when we repent, confess and accept Jesus as both Lord and Savior.
Then it is up to us to increase, to build up the Faith we have received. We do this by reading the Word, by stepping out in that Faith, sharing the Love and Grace, (Gods unmerited Forgiveness and Favor, Salvation).
James 2:26
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
For Faith is not passive but demands action.
Jude 1:20
King James Version (KJV)
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
Praying in the Holy Ghost or Spirit, that my friend is Praying in Tongues. ..This is where being Filled with the Spirit comes in.
The Lord doesn’t appear to give a measure of the Holy Spirit : He certainly filled Jesus.
John 3:34
King James Version (KJV)
“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.”
When we receive the Lord we receive the Spirit in Full, someone came up with what we have called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
I have thought of it this way for over 30 years, the Baptism of the Spirit as a second blessing. An immersion into and of Gods Spirit.
Always hearing those who don’t speak in tongues arguing, if I didn’t have the Holy Spirit, I couldn’t have been saved.
Peter and Paul both asked: “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you’ve believed? “
They then prayed :
Acts 2:4
King James Version (KJV)
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Some point out speaking in tongues is not always mentioned, true; but it is not ruled out either.
Paul encouraged us to be filled with the Spirit :
When did Jesus receive Power?
I would hazard a guess, that most people think Jesus was powerful from birth, I don’t believe so.
He told His Disciples:
“You will receive power after the Holy Ghost shall come upon you.”
I believe the same held true for Jesus. You remind me of the water into wine.? Remember the response Jesus gave:
The Truth of the Matter is, people no longer accept truth. The Word is Truth. How many do you know who don’t accept Jesus as Lord and Savior? They say; “That’s your truth, Not My Truth.”
“Don’t you force your truth on me, the sky is not blue, grass isn’t green, up is down and wrong is right.”
It is hard to convince people of the Truth of the Gospel, without the Power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish His will.
Too often we accept the Gifts of the Spirit of Teaching and Ministering, because they are easy, we just share what we have learned from the Bible and other books.
It is quite easy to impress low information Christians. They have accepted the Truth of the Gospel, they are hungry for Righteousness, they have experienced some of its Cleansing Power, the Blood of Jesus covers a multitude of sin.
They understand the Freedom the Truth imparts.
How do we reach the unbelieving?
That is our real calling. The man that was called Legion, was sent to tell all, what He knew. All He knew was the Power of the Lord to make him clean, free and Righteous in Gods eyes.
No theological degree, no license to marry and bury, just Revelation Knowledge.
Accept the Bible as Truth, ask Jesus to Reveal to you the Power and Love of the Holy Spirit. Ask him to make you a vessel He can use.
READ THE WORD, ASK, SEEK, KNOCK.
The Lord will give you the Gifts of the Spirit that you will use for His Glory.
I firmly believe, we do not see a lot of Signs and wonders, miracles following; because we cannot be relied upon to Give Him the Glory.
That is the problem in my heart and I wonder about all who Love and believe, do you think the Lord had an experation date on the Gifts or have we just left them on the shelve because our word is so powerful.
We haven’t really entered the Holy of Holies, haven’t really Submitted ourselves to God, Humbled ourselves, so we might be lifted up, used in a mighty way, becoming the Hands of the Lord, to heal the sick, lame, brokenhearted, those blind to the truth deaf to the Wisdom of God.
Saints, we must push into the Higher Calling, the World needs the Truth of God.
Lord, help us to share Your Truth, by the Power and Leading of Your Holy Spirit. Please help us to become useful vessels of Your Love.
Thanks for visiting,
The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote.
Know you are loved.
Matthew 11:29-30
” Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
When we learn to take up His yoke, it will be impossible to be behind or ahead of Him. We have to Walk beside Him, where He would have us go.
We would be touching the lives as He wills. If we become proficient in understanding His will, we would Walk in the Power of His Love.
We would learn to Walk in the Spirit, we would find ourselves in the Holy of Holies as the Lord uses us to complete His will.
His yoke is easy, burden light, we find rest unto our souls. How often are we restless, nervous uptight, worried, concerned.
Learn to rest in Him, ask Him to give you a heart after His, to make you into a vessel He can use. Mold and make us Lord, guide and direct us, protect us from ourselves and the evil one.
Fastband pray, push yourself into the Holy of Holies, receive the Anointing because of your persistence.
He will not give a stone, when we ask and need wheat.
Every good gift comes down from the Lord above.
Ask and you shall receive. The Lord wants you beside Him, Walking with Him, doing snd seeing His Grace and Mercy, Power and Might.
Only believe.
Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.
Thanks for visiting,
The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote.
Know you are loved.
Is the Holy Spirit :
* Guiding you?
* Directing you?
* Walking with you?
How can you tell? Do you recognize His voice?
Abram was told by the Lord to: “Walk before me and be ye perfect.”
Moses: “Walked in the Ways of The Lord.
David: ” walked before me.”
We have quite a bit of information of Davids walk:
” David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:”
“the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.”
” if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, ”
” the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, ”
” he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.”
David was a man after Gods own heart, yet he walked before, or in uprightness and integrity of heart to do all The Lord commanded.
We have a different calling:
” walk in the steps of faith, walk in newness of life, Walk in the Spirit, walk in love, Walk in wisdom, walk in the light, walk in truth.
This is our New Testament calling. We are no longer walking before or in the ways of.
We are now called to:
Matthew 11:28-30
King James Version (KJV)
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Have you learned to walk in His yoke? That means to walk with Him like Enoch, Noah, Levi…not before, in the ways of, but beside, in harmony with, in rest.
In the peace that passes understanding, in joy unspeakable and full of glory. In the Power of the Holy Spirit, healing all that are afflicted. Causing the blind to see, the lame to walk, the deaf to hear.
Comforting the brokenhearted.
Lord help us to walk with You, to hear and understand Your direction.
Thanks for visiting,
The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote.
Know you are loved.
Is the Holy Spirit :
* A figment of our imagination?
* A fairytale?
* A promise not yet received?
A vibrant, living center of you? The Holy Spirit is here, available now, He is at hand, to comfort, lead, guide, direct, teach, empower, heal, raise the dead, give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, the deaf hear, proclaim the year of the Lord.
Do you see His hand in your life? Church? Fellowship?
(Sand Sculpture at Atlantic Beach, NC this year, do not know artist. Facial expression, priceless ).
The Apostles did. Why? They knew the Old Testament and realized exactly what the Lord had delivered them from. Sin and Death, Sacrifice and Mourning, Rituals and False Religion.
Today some of us feel if we are saved we can’t sin. Wrong
Some of us feel we aren’t worthy to do his work. Wrong
We don’t need His Baptism of the Holy Spirit, because we have His Spirit because we’re Saved. Wrongheaded.
We shouldn’t desire Spiritual Gifts. Wrong….”Desire Spiritual Gifts, Desire the best Spiritual Gifts.”
We aren’t worthy, trustworthy, faithful, prayerful, humble, teachable, moldable, flexible, holy……
Herein lies the problem.
We really have not learned to walk in the Spirit. At least I have not learned to be immediately available and obedient. When my sister-in-law was in the hospital in pain, the nurses asked us to leave the room, so they could do their thing. I believe the Lord wanted me to annoint her with oil and pray right then.
I prayed outside her room for a half-hour before I had a piece. Another half hour went by before we could go back in the room….she was still in pain, I finally annointed her with oil and prayed some more.
A half hour later the nurses finally did what was needed to relieve her. If I had been immediately obedient instead of holding back (fear of ?). I believe she would’ve suffered for a much shorter time.
(Picture of a quilt square at The Waterfowl Museum on Harkers Island, NC).
I don’t believe the Lord is upset because of my hesitation, maybe disappointed. He understands the learning curve we must complete. He wasn’t mad at Gideon, He just walked him through.
I get a kick out of the story of Abram, in Genesis 12 it says: ” Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, ”
To me this means. It was said more than once. If our hearts are turned toward the Lord, He will walk us through the learning curve, as He did for Abram, Abram walked before the Lord for 24 years, he believed Gods promise and was counted as Righteous.
We must walk with the Spirit all the way along the learning curve, untill we understand His guidince, obey His directions, see His Power and Love in action.
Do you believe? Will you step out in Faith? Pray for the sick? Believe the Word?
Thanks for visiting,
The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote.
Know you are loved.
Now I know some of you are thinking that we can’t just find examples of the New Testament Gifts of the Spirit in the Old Testament. Really? Am I sure, a Word of Knowledge is telling us a thing and a Word of Wisdom is what to do with that knowledge? Or is a Word of Wisdom telling us a specific thing and a Word of Knowledge how to us it? Nope, not positive whitch is whitch but one is one and the other is the other, not sure which label to put on either. They are both there for our education.
If we don’t learn from the Old Testament than, where did the writer of Hebrews get his explanation of Faith? What is Faith if not a Gift of the Spirit? (Hint: OT)
What is your measure of Faith? We all have a measure. Hebrews 11 tells us:
” Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
(You would really need Faith to launch out into the deep with this crew)
I have never understood what this means. To me the best definition of Faith is in the life of Enoch.
“ By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Believe God is and a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
We see examples of this in Ables sacrifice, Enochs walk, Noah in building the Ark, Abram, leaving at hearing the Lord, later believing he would become a Father of many nations.
So how about you? Do you know how to hear and act at the prompt of the Spirit? What does your faith look like?
It is interesting to note some ages also. Enoch, 65 – Abram, 75 – becomes Abraham, 99 – Moses led people out of Egypt at 80.
Quit blaming your youth and inexperience, or your age and health…..if you make yourself available and believe God is and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. The Lord has a job for you. You could be the much needed leader for today.
Lord, help us to grab a hold of Your Word, make it come alive help us to understand the Gifts of the Spirit and how to allow them to be powerful in Your Church.
Thanks for visiting,
The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote.
Know you are loved.
Revelation
an uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen. God has been pleased in various ways and at different times (Heb. 1:1) to make a supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes and plans, which, under the guidance of his Spirit, has been committed to writing. (Bible – The Word of God ) (Eastons Bible Dictionary)
Word of God
(Heb. 4:12, etc.). The Bible so called because the writers of its several books were God’s organs in communicating his will to men. It is his “word,” because he speaks to us in its sacred pages. Whatever the inspired writers here declare to be true and binding upon us, God declares to be true and binding. This word is infallible, because written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and therefore free from all error of fact or doctrine or precept. (Eastons Bible Dictionary)
Everyone that studies the Word of God is eligible to receive Revelation. The first Revelation the Christian receives is the knowledge of sin, the need for repentance, the joy of discovering forgiveness and love, through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, too many quit searching there. They don’t recognize the ability to find comfort, peace, the fulfillment of needs and desires, that Christ offers us.
Many search elsewhere, writings, gurus, false prophets or angels. Wading through the Bible is too hard, it’s not in order, those Biblical names and places are too difficult to pronounce, or remember.
The Lord will fill us with the Spirit of God, a Spirit of wisdom, understanding, knowledge and skill to build His Church. The Gifts of the Spirit are available to whosoever will. Most won’t. Most seem to hold Church Doctrine or Rituals higher than the Word of God.
It is not. We must know the Word. We must walk in that knowledge. When we do, we will receive Revelation Knowledge, we will understand how to Walk with God. Jesus told us:
Matthew 11:28-30
King James Version (KJV)
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The way we learn of the Lord is through His Word. Martin Luther was a good Catholic, the Wesley brothers were good Episcopalians. Then they studied the Word.
“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other. My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”
–Martin Luther. Quote Originally posted on The Isaiah 53:5 Project: thanks.
I pray I have the faith and strength to stand on the Word also. Amen.
Thanks for visiting,
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote.
Know you are loved.
Now we see through a glass, darkly;
Revelation came in a flash of light, to Martin Luther, the Wesley brothers, to the founders of many Denominations. To the men and women in many successful businesses.
An idea, a way of doing things, a brand new product, an understanding of the Word of God, that has suddenly jumped off the page, opened your mind and heart.
You are never able to view it, in the old understanding again.
When someone has a new understanding of a passage or verse from the Bible, we need to study to find out if it is the truth or a lie.
Does it line up with the rest of the Word? Are there two or more Witnesses in the Word?
First, we must make sure we check it against the Word and not the Doctrine of our Church. Martin Luther found the Word in disagreement with the Catholic Church Doctrine. A new movement was born.
The Revelation I wish to share should not cause a problem, but build up the body of the Church.
The source for my study is the Bible, I start with KJV, and check my understanding with other versions. First the scriptures:
Matthew 25:14-31
” For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.”
The Parable of the talents, how often have I heard: “you should be playing piano at this or that church, you have buried your talents”?
I often wondered why it was only the piano player that did this? How about the guy who knew how to make money? The carpenter or plumber, electrician? Artist?
We seem to have a very limited view of this scripture. It’s either about money or physical talent.
A man is going away, he leaves something with his servants. According to their ability to handle this thing.
” Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.”
The one that received the most, (the one with the right attitude, and skills), used these talents to increase.
The one who received two, according to his ability also increased his.
The one who received but one, hid the one, so, no increase at all.
” After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.”
You know the story, the two that increased received praise and more responsibility. They heard: ” Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Not so for the other: ” Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”
I believe the Lord used money and not piano playing for a reason, (pianos weren’t invented yet), increase in cash is easy to visualize.
The problem with us is we treat this story as a Parable, when in reality it is a Prophesy.
Jesus is Proclaiming His Death and Resurrection.
He is telling us, He is leaving something in our care that we must increase. What could it be?
Money, skill with a paint brush or hammer?
NO, HE LEFT US THE SPIRIT. The Spirit also, gave us gifts, they sit on the shelf, waiting to be acknowledged. They are available to whosoever will.
To teach, guide, direct and protect us. To lead us to all truth. We have hid the Spirit in our Churches. Buried it, are afraid of it.
We must seek God, ask for the Wisdom we need to increase that which He has given us.
Thanks for visiting,
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote.
Know you are loved.
Like this old tractor, the church is dead, the framework is still intact but it can’t seem to go
anywhere.
We wonder why?
* There is sickness
* There is little power
* There is strife, rebellious people
* There is no repentance, holiness
There is sin, unbelief, idolatry in the body.
What is sin and idolatry today?
Colossians 3:5
King James Version (KJV)
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Getting ready to finish teaching on the book of Joshua and start teaching the book of Judges, I am reminded once again that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Unfortunately, so are we.
The Hebrew peoples followed the Lord all the days of Joshua and the elders that saw the miracles of Egypt. Then they fell away into sin and idolatry which leads to unbelief.
” the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim: they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, ” (selected verses from Judges 2)
This is the church, we Worship our order of Worship. Don’t you dare change anything. We allow sin to abound, believe the Church Doctrine more than the Word. Gay marriage, abortion, covetousness. ..
We do evil in the sight of the Lord, reject holiness, reject true praise and worship. Then we wonder why things don’t work as we plan.
The Church needs to dig up the Talents the Master left us, (Matthew 25 ). He left us the Gifts of the Spirit, we don’t believe they are for us, now. We have the written word of God, we have no need of Words of Wisdom or Knowledge, the Gift of Faith, the Working of Miracles.
Gifts of Healing, Prophesy, Discerning of Spirits, heaven forbid tongues and interpretation.
We have buried the gifts, we will not hear. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Our leaders and teachers, Pastors need to learn to use and teach the Church what is available to whosoever will but they won’t believe in, never mind ask for and use the Gifts.
The Church today is no different than the Hebrews in Judges. We need the Spiritual gifts to bring people to and keep them in the love and grace of God.
” the people lifted up their voice, and wept.”
This is what the Hebrews did in Egypt and through out the book of Judges. The Lord answered these prayers.
” And when the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the Lord because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.”
The Lord hears and answers our cries but when we cry out, it must be effectual, fervent prayer. ..this only happens when it comes from our innermost parts.
Our pretty, public Church prayers are not that.
We have temptations, evil, sin all around us for a reason.
” That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.”
Lord, help me to walk with You, to love, obey and share Your love. May I learn to increase the Gifts of the Spirit in my life and the life of Your Church .
Amen
Thanks for visiting,
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote.
Know you are loved.
Mark 16:15-20
King James Version (KJV)
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
I believe Jesus wants all of this to happen. That it isn’t, isn’t the fault of Jesus.
This is alot of Scripture. …please feel free to question.
Acts 2:1-8
King James Version (KJV)
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born.
Acts 10:42-48
King James Version (KJV)
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain
Acts 19:1-7
King James Version (KJV)
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.
Acts 19:11-12
King James Version (KJV)
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
Tongues and interpretation are for edification of the church…in public must have interpretation. They heard them magnify God and Prophesy.
Romans 8:26
King James Version (KJV)
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Jude 1:20
King James Version (KJV)
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
Romans and Jude are speaking of our private prayer language. We know not what to pray, the Spirit knows and builds our faith.
Below are selected verses from 1 Corinthians, please read the full chapters 12-14.
1 Corinthians 12
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Notice for the Word of Knowledge and Word of Wisdom, we must learn to hear, then we will have the Special Faith to work in the Spirit. He is speaking about public prayer in tongues, must interpret.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Notice how the church has gone from do all?.. To none. The church is burying the Talents or Gifts of God.
1 Corinthians 13
King James Version (KJV)
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
(That which is perfect is the second coming of Christ, he is giving instructions to an out of control church. ..this is how it is supposed to be).
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
1 Corinthians 14
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
( edified self).
I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. (Giving thanks)
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
It is interesting the spirits ofthe prophets are subject to the prophets. ….we find tongues magnify, and prophesied, in public with interpretation.
In private, they edify, give thanks, speak to God our spirit to His Spirit, that what we know not. Our faith is built up by praying in the Spirit.
I would not have you ignorant.
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Neglected Caroline : You may have a beautiful church, if you neglect the Spirit, it looks like this on the inside.
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What to believe?
I have family that I love who are Godly, giving, loving and religious. They are Mormons.
I saw on Facebook, (I guess I would call it), a defense of Mormon beliefs, kind of equating Joseph Smith to Moses
To show us the Lords way. (My words, I lost the article, computer is still a second language).
(I will say the Mormons and Jehovahs Witnesses have a better handle on Missionary work and helping others than most other Christian Denominations.)
The thing that struck me is both Joseph Smith and the Christian Church have missed the mark and for the same reason.
The Mormons believe that when the Apostles died there was no longer Godly leadership in the Church.
The Church went into error.
The Christian Church seems to believe that when the Apostles died the signs and wonders stopped.
I think thats where the Church went into error.
If we believe Jesus, than when we look behind us we should be seeing signs and wonders. We may see a few but the God I believe in is Mighty.
So what is the problem?
Jesus told the parable of the talents. He told it in terms of money because we all understand its use.
Whst if He was really talking about the Gifts of the Spirit.
I believe we see a few who have multiplied some of the Gifts.
– Peter, James, John, Paul, Steven. …then the signs and wonders stopped.
Then we see them again:
– Katherin Kohlman, Oral Roberts, RW Schambach, Benny Hinn and other lesser knowns.
Why them and not us?
They pressed into the Holy of Holies and touched the hem of His garment.
Mark 6 tells us all who on touched the hem of His garment were healed.
We seem to think our preaching is the only tool Christ left us to build His kingdom, I contend He left us the Gifts of the Spirit and we have left them on the shelf.
Well saints, according to your faith, so be it. As for me, I will continue to boldly seek to enter the Holy of Holies.
I will continue to reach for the hem of His garment, until I see the signs, wonders and miracles following as He promised.
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The Fix-it Shop – The Holy Spirit
Here are the verses in the Old Testament that mention the Holy Spirit :
Psalm 51:10-12
King James Version (KJV)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
Isaiah 63:9-11
King James Version (KJV)
“In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?”
These two are the only mentions of the Holy Spirit. …both about being grieved. In Daniel he speaks of the spirits of thd holy gods.
Daniel 4:7-9
King James Version (KJV)
“Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying, O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.”
Daniel 4:18
“This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.”
Daniel 5:11
“There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;”
How about the Spirit of God or Spirit of the Lord in the New Testament.
Spirit of God:
“Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
cast out devils by the Spirit of God,
the Spirit of God dwell in you.
led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God;
things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
the things of the Spirit of God: are spiritually discerned.
the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
The Spirit of the Lord :
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door
the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more:
the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The Holy Spirit : NOG BIBLE
There are 89 mentions of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. In the KJV there are 89 mentions of the Holy Ghost and 4 Holy Spirit mentions.
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The Fix-it Shop : The Spirit of the Lord
We just looked at the Spirit of God (Ruach Elohim), now we will study the Spirit of the Lord. (The Ruach Yahweh ). As we study the word we should ask the Holy Spirit for Wisdom and Understanding.
The first mention of the Ruach Yahweh is in the book of Judges 3:10
“When the Ruach Yahweh came over him, he became the judge of Israel. He went out to war. Yahweh handed King Cushan Rishathaim of Aram Naharaim over to him, and Othniel overpowered him.”
Again in Judges 11:29
“Then the Ruach Yahweh came over Jephthah. Jephthah went through Gilead, Manasseh, and Mizpah in Gilead to gather an army. From Mizpah in Gilead Jephthah went to attack Ammon.”
The Ruach Yahweh is a Spirit of warfare:
We find Ruach Yahweh in the life of Samson :
“The Ruach Yahweh came over him. With his bare hands, he tore the lion apart as if it were a young goat.
When the Ruach Yahweh came over him, he went to Ashkelon and killed 30 men there.
But the Ruach Yahweh came over him. The ropes on his arms became like strings burned in a fire, and those on his hands snapped.”
We find the Ruach Yahweh in the life of King Saul to prophesy:
“Then the Ruach Yahweh will come over you. You will be a different person while you prophesy with them.” (King Saul )
In David :
” Samuel took the flask of olive oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers. The Ruach Yahweh came over David and stayed with him from that day on. Then Samuel left for Ramah.”
King Saul lost the Spirit :
“Now, the Ruach Yahweh had left Saul, and an evil spirit from Yahweh tormented him.”
Note: Yahweh can send an evil spirit to torment or harden a heart as he did to Pharaoh. “He sits on His throne and does as He pleases.”
The Ruach Yahweh was upon Elijah and Elisha, gave the Word of the Lord to Samuel, also:
“the Ruach Yahweh came to Jahaziel.
Jahaziel said, “Pay attention to me, everyone from Judah, everyone living in Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what Yahweh says to you: Don’t be frightened or terrified by this large crowd. The battle isn’t yours. It’s Elohim’s.”
In Isaiah we find the Ruach Yahweh also supplies :
The Ruach Yahweh will rest on him— the Ruach of wisdom and understanding, the Ruach of advice and power, the Ruach of knowledge and fear of Yahweh.” like the Ruach Elohim.
Micah 3:8
Names of God Bible (NOG)
“But I am filled with the power of Ruach Yahweh,
with justice, and with strength.
So I will tell the descendants of Jacob about their crimes
and the nation of Israel about its sins.”
The Ruach Yahweh is a Spirit of warfare as well as prophesy, wisdom and understanding.
There are 20 Old Testament verses of the Ruach Yahweh, 16 of Ruach Elohim.
Did you realize that Daniel mentions the holy spirits of God, David prays in Psalm 51, take not your Holy Spirit away and in Isaiah 63 , the prophet speaks of vexing the Holy Spirit. These are the only mentions of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament.
The Holy Spirit is a New Testament experience.
We next study the Holy Spirit :
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The Fix-it Shop : The Spirit of God :
Originally I thought to take you through the Bible, examining all the instances we see the different Natures of the Father and Son.
It is interesting to see some Heroes of the faith dealt almost exclusively with the Lord and others with God.
First let us take a look at the Spirit of God and the Spirit of the Lord and see if they are different from one another. Are they the Holy Spirit?
Let us walk through the Spirits of God and the Lord.
We first see the Spirit of God in Genesis 1:2
“The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep water. The Ruach Elohim was hovering over the water.”
Ruach Elohim the breath or breeze of God the Creator / Ruler of all.
1 Corinthians 12 :4-7
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
“The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
The Spirit is there at creation hovering, waiting to be activated. We next see the Spirit at the time of Joseph. After being sold into slavery we find that the Lord was with and protected Joseph.
“Yahweh was with him. Yahweh reached out to him with his unchanging love and gave him protection.”
Whether in Potiphers house or prison the Lord was with him and promoted him. When in prison Pharaohs baker and cup barer had dreams.
“We both had dreams,” they answered him, “but there’s no one to tell us what they mean.”
Joseph answered :
“Isn’t Elohim the only one who can tell what they mean?” Joseph asked them. “Why don’t you tell me all about them.”
This eventually brought him before Pharaoh, with his dream:
“Because Elohim has let you know all this, there is no one as wise and intelligent as you. You will be in charge of my palace, and all my people will do what you say. I will be more important than you, only because I’m Pharaoh.”
The Pharaoh asked: “Can we find anyone like this—a man who has Ruach Elohim in him?”
Joseph protected by Yahweh, knew it was Elohim who gave him the “word of knowledge and the word of wisdom”.
We don’t see the Spirit mentioned again until the time of the Exodus. In Exodus 31, we find the Lord giving the Spirit of God:
The Craftsmen for the Tent
“Yahweh said to Moses, “I have chosen Bezalel, son of Uri and grandson of Hur, from the tribe of Judah. I have filled Bezalel with the Ruach Elohim, making him highly skilled, resourceful, and knowledgeable in all trades.”
The Lord gives men the Spirit of God, making them highly skilled, resourceful, and knowledgeable in all trades. To build the Tabernacle of God. (The Church, the body of Christ today).
I have given every craftsman the skill necessary to make everything I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, the ark containing the words of my promise with the throne of mercy on it, and all the other furnishings for the Tent. They will make all these things as I commanded you.”
Moses who met the Lord and God at the burning bush, wrote the first five books of the Bible. In Exodus 35:
30″ Then Moses said to the Israelites, “Yahweh has chosen Bezalel, son of Uri and grandson of Hur, from the tribe of Judah. 31 Yahweh has filled Bezalel with the Ruach Elohim, making him highly skilled, resourceful, and knowledgeable in all trades.”
The Spirit of God (Ruach Elohim ) mentioned 16 times in the Old Testament, gives Wisdom, understanding, knowledge, skill and prophesy.
Balaam had the Ruach Elohim come apon him to prophesie, Sauls messengers, Saul himself prophesied by the Ruach Elohim. In Ezekiels life: ” In these visions from Elohim, the Ruach carried me between heaven and earth. “
We see the Spirit of God (the Ruach Elohim), gives Wisdom, understanding and knowledge to build the Tabernacle of God. The Spirit of God also give words of Knowledge, Wisdom and Prophesy. To meet the needs of Gods people.
The Spirit of the Lord does all this and more.
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Neglected Caroline
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The story of Elisha is quite incredible. In our mens meeting this am Pastor Nelson mentioned the Lepers of 2 Kings 7, the city was besieged, people were eating their children. Elisha had a Word of Knowledge and predicted provisions in plenty tomorrow.
Four Lepers decided to see if the enimies would feed or kill them, they hoped for mercy. When they entered the enimies camp they had fled leaving everything behind.
A couple of points interested me.
■ 2 Kings 7:6
King James Version (KJV)
“For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.”
When we are surrounded and there is no way we can win, The Lord is able to deliver us. Sometimes we must just believe the Word of the Lord. “Stand fast and see the Salvation of God.”
The Lepers ate and carted off spoils…..when a Word of Wisdom came to them. It is a Word we need to heed.
■ 2 Kings 7:9
King James Version (KJV)
“Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household.”
Why are we not doing well?
We are besieged all about by sin, degradation, temptations, greed, lust the world and all its glory.
Why are we not doing well?
We have the Glad Tidings, yet we do not proclaim it with our Words, actions or attitude. We hold our peace. …let someone else do it.
We were sent out to share the Good News “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”
Jesus is alive, a personal force we can intimately know and love. He would have all come to the knowledge of His Grace and Mercy.
We must learn to dwell in His Secret Place, the Holy of Holies, to put on His Yoke. To learn to say YES LORD. Not What? Where? When? How or Why?
■ Romans 10:14
King James Version (KJV)
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
We must share the Word of Life……
Have the Wisdom of the Lepers. Some mischief is coming, be prepared, spread the Love of the Lord.
If we would hunger and thirst for righteousness, the light of the Lord will touch those we meet.
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theunfetteredpreacher 