1. A Fireside Chat on the way The Holy Spirit works in our lives. A practical talk for young Christians By Disciple John

2. Work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. What is His work? Personal/Collective How do we recognise it? How do we respond to it? What are the hindrances? Practical examples in today’s world.

3. So for each of us, how does all this Holy Spirit activity work in practice? In our minds/thoughts Why does it all takes place in our minds/thoughts? Because our minds control our actions. mind

4. Ten Hindrances destroying the Spirit’s work The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit The Flesh – result, we grieve (or quench) the Spirit Eph 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, 1 Thess 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.

5. The Holy Spirit is fighting a violent war. ‘The flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another’. (Gal 5:16-17) Now a very apt description Spiritual Ping Pong Living by the Spirit 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. As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Rom8:13-15)

6. Practical examples How does the Holy Spirit enable Christians to develop and grow? Discipleship is a package The Spirit needs the following basic tools to work with from the moment we are saved. The Bible Prayer Meditation Conscience Church membership

7. Christians have to make decisions. It is important to know that the Holy Spirit is guiding us and is effective in our choices. But How? 4 ways to test if the Spirit is guiding you. Is there clear guidance from Scripture? Your Word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against you. In the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Have you talked about it with others? In the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Do you have a real peace in your heart? Let the peace of God rule (arbitrate) in your heart. Have circumstances opened up a way? A great and effective door has opened to me. Verses quoted Ps. 119:11, Prov. 11:14, Col. 3:15. 1 Cor. 16:9

8. Nine blessings of the Spirit’s work in u. The Fruit of the Spirit Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. (Gal 5:32-3) Against these there is no law.

9. Holy Spirit’s Collective work in the churches Supplies the churches with gifted people (Eph 4:11-12) Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors (overseers), teachers Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors (overseers), teachers. Keeps an eye on the churches’ condition on behalf of God and Jesus. Also e.g. He appoints missionaries and controls their work

10. What about today? How does all this Holy Spirit activity work for the church in practice? He works via evangelists, pastors/overseers teachers. (no apostles and prophets today)

11. How did God communicate to the seven churches? Sent a personal letter using direct revelation. (N.T. was not complete) The Route God to Jesus to John (by signs). then John - in Holy Spirit - writes it down John - in Holy Spirit - writes it down. Summed up Hear what the Spirit says to the Churches’. ‘Hear what the Spirit says to the Churches’.

12. Now to finish Here is a little letter from God to you To be added later (Aug 2008)