“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11 NIV
Throughout the Holy Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, we are told about the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit of God is given to those men and women of God whom God has chosen, and whom God has appointed for great work concerning His Son and His Kingdom. He gave His Holy Spirit to those who prophesied, to those who healed, to those who led His people, to those priests and ministers in the temple, to His musicians and praise leaders, to His builders and artisans, and eventually given to all of us who have faith in His One and Only Son, and what he came to do for us.
Sadly, today we have a lukewarm church, a church body not on fire for God or filled with His Spirit. We have a truly apostate church devoid of the Holy Spirit. This is not recent, nor was it unknown. We are told by God’s prophets and teachers that the Last Days church would be apostate and devoid of the Holy Spirit. The worst part is that they do not even know it, they think they are rich in “Spirit” and have need of nothing. Even the modern preachers warned us:
“If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference. … I remind you that there are churches so completely out of the hands of God that if the Holy Spirit withdrew from them, they wouldn’t find it out for many months.” – A.W. Tozer
“No one can know truth except the one who obeys truth. You think you know truth. People memorize the Scriptures by the yard, but that is not a guarantee of knowing the truth. Truth is not a text. Truth is in the text, but it takes the text plus the Holy Spirit to bring truth to a human soul.” – A.W. Tozer
“If you have to be reasoned into Christianity, some wise fellow can reason you out of it! If you come to Christ by a flash of the Holy Spirit so that by intuition you know that you are God’s child, you know it by the text but you also know it by the inner light, the inner illumination of the Spirit, and no one can ever reason you out of it.” – A.W. Tozer
“Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless. … From the descent of the Holy Spirit at the beginning we may learn something concerning His operations at the present time. Remember at the outset that whatever the Holy Spirit was at the first, He is that now, for as God, He remains forever the same-whatever He did then He is able to do still, for His power is by no means diminished.” – C.H. Spurgeon
“If we let him—for we can prevent him, if we choose—he will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a…dazzling, radiant, immortal creature, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine, a bright, stainless mirror which reflects back to God perfectly (though, of course, on a smaller scale) his own boundless power and delight and goodness.” – C.S. Lewis
God gave His Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (Old Covenant) to equip his chosen people for service to Him:
“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.” Exodus 31:2-5 NIV
“The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.” Numbers 11:16-17 NIV
“Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but did not do so again. However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” Numbers 11:25-27 NIV
God gave His Holy Spirit to those who would prophesy to God’s people, telling the words God gave them to tell. It never was wrong or invalid, because it was given by the Holy Spirit. Men’s prophecies failed, but God’s true prophecies never did.
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 NIV
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:17-25 NIV
Many people today, especially unbelievers, say that God’s Holy Spirit took advantage of a young woman, and impregnated her, like modern criminals do. That could not be farther from the truth. God’s Holy Spirit is the Creative Agent, forming the child in her womb without human means, and she was clearly a willing vessel for the holy child. She said to God, “Behold, the handmaiden of the Lord!” She knew it was a great honor that had been bestowed to her, and one that many women in Israel wished to receive: to be the mother of God’s Son, the Messiah.
Just as there is a Holy Spirit, and God’s messengers, the Holy Angels; there are also bad spirits, evil spirit who are loosed on the earth to torment and tempt. They are from the original fall of Lucifer, now called Satan, who took a third of Heaven’s angels with him in rebellion. Two-thirds of the fallen spirits are bound in chains, awaiting the Day of Great Judgement, but one-third is still remaining on earth to torment mankind. These are what we call “demons,” who will oppress and possess. They are real, they are evil, and they do inhabit humans. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and wicked spirits in High Places. That means many world rulers are, and often, possessed by evil spirits. That is most evident today, and they will help usher in these Last Days that we are seeing. The one God warned us about. It all won’t be going back to “normal” folks, so best to trust God right now. Our world will never be the same. God gave His Holy Spirit to Christ Jesus’ believers to be able to cast them out, and drive them away.
“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.” Matthew 8:16 NIV
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Matthew 10:1 NIV
“Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” Acts 19:13-16 NIV
Many obviously tried to cast out these evil spirits, but without the Holy Spirit they were unable to do so, and put themselves and those possessed in great danger by playing around with the power God gives. God will not give His Spirit to those who do not have respect for Him, for those who are power-hungry, or to those who are not humbled vessels. Today we see many that blaspheme the name the Holy Spirit, either by faking it in what they call a “deliverance ministry,” because it is very popular and lucrative today, or by those who mock and grieve the Holy Spirit by claiming those who are under the true power of the Holy Spirit are liars or play-acting. A gift of the Holy Spirit called “Discernment” is needed here. Christ Jesus himself gave us all the instruction we needed on this subject:
“Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
“Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 20:22-37 NIV
“Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.” Mark 1:23-28 NIV
The Holy Spirit of God is given to we who believe in order to comfort us, to guide us, to teach us, to give us new life, to transform us, to give us power, to give us wisdom and understanding, to heal us, to quicken us, and to give us courage and words of wisdom in the face of trials and tribulation—which Jesus said we would have in this world if we follow him. In the Last Days we will be persecuted beyond belief, even by the rest of the supposed “church” body and leaders who are eaten up with envy; and dear pilgrims, we are there now.
“Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:11 NIV
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.” Luke 2:25-29 NIV
God clothed Himself in Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus repeatedly said he was filled with God’s Spirit, and that his Father was indeed Spirit himself. God sent His One and Only Son to fulfill the prophesies given by the Holy Spirit about Christ Jesus. He is the only one these passages refer to:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [Isaiah 61:1-2 (see Septuagint); Isaiah 58:6] Luke 4:18-19 NIV
For someone to be “born again” is a modern term for those who have been given God’s Spirit. We are born of flesh, by earthly parents, but God’s children are reborn of Spirit. God gives them His Holy Spirit to transform them, give them new life, life more abundant, and to give them Eternal Life in His Kingdom. God’s Spirit is the Spirit of Life, the Spirit of Peace with God, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Worship and Praise, the Advocate, the Comforter, and the One who was promised to us after Christ Jesus ascended to the Father.
“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.” Luke 10:21 NIV
“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8 NIV
“You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:22-24 NIV
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
“Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:15-27 NIV
“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27 NIV
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:7-15 NIV
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
“Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:1-8 NIV
The denomination of Christianity called “Pentecostal” has a good grasp on the Holy Spirit and his gifts. I used to be one of those people, being raised a Southern Baptist, that said they were not Christians, called them names like “holy rollers,” and I was told to shun them as blasphemers. The denomination I was raised in does not believe or teach much on the Holy Spirit or his gifts, except the remission of sins and having the ability to “sin no more.” That is what is called a “Perfectionist Doctrine.” That is not of God or Christ Jesus. They also do not believe that women receive the Holy Spirit, are not allowed to teach or preach the name of Jesus, and only are to hold certain offices in the Body of Christ.
I, personally, was one of those very people mentioned above. That is until I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit as I visited a Pentecostal church when I was young. I didn’t know about it, wasn’t taught about the Glossolalia or Holy Spirit power, so I know it was real. However, it was not until recently that I was able to manifest the Gifts of the Spirit in earnest, and in completeness. I had been jaded terribly over the years by false teaching, skewed or biased teaching, unbelief, spiritless preaching, spiritless churches, fake healers, fake tongue-talkers babbling in an obvious made-up “Buh-buh-buh” type stammering, and other things regarding the AOG church. I had never heard the real fire-filled Heavenly language of Angels, and had been taught all my life that the true meaning of “speaking in tongues” was speaking in other known earthly languages. I had never heard the truth. The truth is in scripture:
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4 NIV
“Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Acts 2:13-21 NIV
“For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people.” Isaiah 28:11
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.I would like every one of you to speak in tongues but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.” 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 NIV
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV
I have now heard the true Heavenly language, and it resonated in my Spirit. I knew beyond doubt that what I have heard is the true language. It actually sounds like a language, a sort of type of Hebrew; not bubbling, or babbling. It is so clear that often it is interpreted in the Spirit inside, in the heart. But often a prophetic word given in the Heavenly Tongue is accompanied with a spot-on prophecy interpretation by another person as in 1 Corinthians 14. The message is usually for someone or a few people, and they know it. I have spoken it myself, so I know I’m not making it up or lying. It comes welling up out of your inner spirit, and it is almost like you cannot contain it. It must needs come out. The laying on of hands is just as real, just not common like in the early church. It is amazing!
The Holy Spirit and his power are real, dear pilgrims, and I pray you get to experience it before Christ Jesus comes again. But please, avoid the ones who want to sell it to you, or make you buy a book or teaching program before you can receive the gifts or understanding. Those are not of God, they are like Simon who wanted power, not God or Christ Jesus.
“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
“Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” Acts 8:9-24 NIV
“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17 NIV
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.” Acts 10:44-48 NIV
The Holy Spirit, when he inhabits people, causes great joy, great praise and great worship! The Holy Spirit of God gives power, real power, to do many things. He gives power to heal, power to speak the Gospel with fire and anointing, power of authority and leadership in the body, power to cast out evil spirits, power to overcome, and great power in praise and worship to God and Christ Jesus. The Spirit of God inhabits the praise and worship of His people (Psalm 22:3, etc.). This is a very important function of the Holy Spirit. (Most churches do not do this anymore, and consider praise and worship unnecessary. One reason they have grieved the Holy Spirit.) The Holy Spirit gives the believer and chosen minister of Christ Jesus great anointing and power to contend and preach the Gospel message. The Holy Spirit is our seal, our guarantee of Eternal Salvation.
“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 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.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:1-3 NIV
“The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:49-52 NIV
“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. [The Holy Spirit gave him discernment to know that the evil spirit in the girl was not of God, even though to outsiders it would appear that way.]
“When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”
“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.” Acts 16:16-34 NIV
“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied.
“Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.” Acts 19:1-7 NIV
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12 NIV
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26 NIV
“These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 NIV
“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.” 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 NIV
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:11-23 NIV
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Ephesians 4:1-7 NIV
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Ephesians 4:29-31 NIV
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:18-20 NIV
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18 NIV
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16 NIV
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NIV
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” Hebrews 2:1-4 NIV
The Holy Spirit of God does impart gifts to the people that God chooses. The word says that these gifts are available to every believer, without question. Look at the evidence in scripture as to the power that the Holy Spirit gave the early church. Some say that the Holy Spirit does not do these things today, and they could not be more wrong. The modern church has been jaded by charlatans, and thrown out the baby with the bathwater. The modern church is in great apostasy, and the Holy Spirit will not work in a apostate or lukewarm church. As Tozer said, they will not even know the Holy Spirit has been grieved and withdrawn from them. They will continue to believe they are doing God’s work.
The Holy Spirit today still works miracles, still gives prophecy and gives messages in tongues; but he does not have much to work with. Churches today are more concerned with politics, the world, the wayward leaders of this country, their money, and their secular popularity than God, Christ Jesus or the Holy Spirit. They have grieved the Holy Spirit away. They do not believe what Christ Jesus told them about these Last Days. They actually make fun of Spirit-filled believers, calling them names like “cowards” because they refuse to bow to peer pressure and become insurrectionists following after a political messiah. They have given to man what belongs to God: their utter devotion, trust, praise and worship. Those who have experienced the actual power of the Holy Spirit cannot go back, because they know it is real. We have put our hand to the plow and will not turn back for anything. Our worship is in Christ Jesus, and our trust in God alone through His Holy Spirit.
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age.” Hebrews 6:4-5 NIV
“You unfaithful people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble [Proverbs 3:34].” James 4:4-6 NIV
“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests on you.” 1 Peter 4:14 NIV
“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:17-21 NIV
The Holy Spirit of God wants to inhabit us, and when he does he will cause great things to happen in the name of Christ Jesus. People will be healed, people will be set free from every type of bondage and addiction, they will speak in an unknown tongue, they will pray in a Heavenly language, they will prophesy, they will dream dreams, they will interpret, they will know the mysteries of God, they will be given insight, they will have great unspeakable joy and peace, they will laugh in the spirit, they will weep in the spirit, they will fall to their knees in the spirit, and much more! But the most important thing these Spirit-filled believers will do is bring in these Last Days a true revival of the Spirit. This will be in little pockets, not great mega-churches with wildly popular preachers, and the world will wonder at them. They will bring the fire again, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit again. They will bring—most importantly—Christ Jesus to the forefront of the church again. You see, Christ Jesus has been removed from the church along with the Holy Spirit and his power. The world does not need more complaining, division or mocking. We need Christ Jesus! The church has kicked him out. The true Church in the Last Days will have a great desire for Christ Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit again. They will sing, rejoice, praise, speak in tongues, lay hands on others for healing and Spiritual gift impartation. They will cry for Jesus, they will desire him again. They will fulfill the command of Christ Jesus, and go and make disciples of him again, and not disciples of men or women. They will endure mocking, ridicule, and ostracizing from the main body of the church, all for his name’s sake.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” Revelation 22:16-18 NIV
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
Dear pilgrims, we are living in the Last Days and we need Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit more than ever. While the rest of the church world is kicking them out, we need to bring them back in. In a knee-jerk reaction to false teachers and traditions, we have removed them entirely. Christ Jesus will be returning, and very soon. There will be much weeping and gnashing of teeth by those who thought they had a relationship with Christ Jesus and God the Father, but were void of His Spirit. Will you be one of them? Or will you be filled with God’s Holy Fire? Will you be ready for the Lion of Judah to open the scrolls? Will your name be in the book of Life through the Holy Spirit, or will it blotted out by giving him away? Selah.
A Pilgrimage Into God's Word 