The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit… is the active presence of God in the world, and in us is God, from beginning to end. “…and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1:2 “The Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come!’” Revelation 22:17

The Holy Spirit is God: Acts 5:3-5, lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God. I Corinthians 2:10, 11, the Holy Spirit is to God what a human spirit is to a human, that is, God Himself. Romans 8:9, 14, is called “the Spirit of God.”

The Holy Spirit and Jesus Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Luke 1:35 Filled with the Spirit at baptism, Luke 3:21, 4:1. Led by the Spirit, Luke 4:1 “Christ”=“Messiah” means “anointed” by the Holy Spirit. Luke 4:18, Isaiah 61:1 Gives the Holy Spirit to us! Luke 11:13, John 16:7, John 20:22 He is the “Spirit of Jesus.” Philippians 1:19, Acts 16:7, Galatians 4:6

The Holy Spirit Inspires Scripture “No prophecy was ever produced by the human will, but people spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” II Peter 1:21 “…the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David…” Acts 1:16 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:13

The Holy Spirit in Us When you “ask Jesus into your heart,” it is the Holy Spirit who comes into you. I Corinthians 12:3 “Jesus is Lord.” “And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” I John 3:24 Every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit – we don’t need to wait for a second blessing.

The Holy Spirit Prays with Us “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us, with groans that words cannot express… the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Romans 8:27, 28 “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions…” Ephesians 6:18

The Holy Spirit Gives Gifts Romans 12; I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; I Peter 4 Isaiah 11:1, 2 Are these all the spiritual gifts?

Spiritual Gifts The Spirit is at work in both the ordinary and the extraordinary. The extraordinary comes according to God’s will and is not indispensable. According to God’s purposes in each unique time and place. Apostles were different!

Spiritual Gifts Claims for miracles must be verifiable; otherwise the credibility of the Church may be undermined. Claims of prophecy must be tested by the Church. Tongues must be interpreted.

Spiritual Gifts Spiritual gifts are in service of Jesus and His work, His good news. True manifestations of the Sprit will not distract people from Jesus. The Spirit is the Spirit of unity – His true gifts will not divide Christians. Rember what Paul says about the “greater gifts” and the “most excellent way,” I Corinthians 12:31

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us; Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us; Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us. Daniel Iverson