Month: December 2024

Forgiveness Is Not Optional

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Forgiveness Is Not Optional

We are Called To Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us, Especially Our Enemies

We are called to forgive those who trespass against us.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32) 

Jesus modeled this desired behavior by forgiving those who were in the process of crucifying him.

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Forgiving those who trespass against us, especially our enemies, is both a divine command and an essential act of spiritual growth. This essay post explores what forgiveness entails, why it is necessary, and how we can practice forgiveness, particularly in the context of our adversaries.

What Is Forgiveness?

Forgiveness is the act of pardoning someone for their wrongs, whether they have sought forgiveness or not. Forgiveness is not merely an emotional feeling or mentally forgetting an offense; it is an intentional decision to sacrifice our position in the situation, absorb what ever wrong we have suffered, and release the perpetrator from the debt of their wrongdoing.

We are to forgive others just as God forgives us.  Our forgiveness is a reflection and embodiment of God’s mercy, offered to us through Christ’s sacrifice. 

Despite mankinds rebelion and rejection of God and His commandments, God decided to send His son in the flesh to rescue us.

Jesus gave up his position in heaven and came down to earth as a baby in the flesh.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”John 1:14

He lived a sinless life and then sacrified that life to pay the price for our sins. It is a rare person who will give thier life for someone else, especially if that other person was workign against them..

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ( Romans 5:8)

Forgiveness of others is required for our sins to be forgiven.Forgiveness is not optional. It is a demonstration of our understanding of the calling to love others, and our willingness to do what God asks of us. 

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15,

We are also called to love our enemies, as outlined in Luke 6:27-28, where Jesus commands, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Forgiveness is a transformative act that liberates both the forgiver and the forgiven.

Why Should We Forgive?

  1. Obedience to God’s Command:
    Forgiveness is an act of obedience. Jesus exemplified this on the cross when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example and extend grace to others, regardless of their actions toward us.
  2. Healing and Freedom:
    Forgiveness frees us from the burden of anger, bitterness, and resentment. Unforgiveness can imprison us emotionally and spiritually, hindering our relationship with God and others. In forgiving, we experience peace and healing. As Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  3. Reflecting God’s Character:
    Forgiveness mirrors God’s character and love. By forgiving others, especially our enemies, we bear witness to the transformative power of God’s grace. This act becomes a testimony of the gospel, showing others the possibility of reconciliation and renewal.

How Do We Forgive?

  1. Pray for Strength:
    Forgiveness, especially of enemies, often feels impossible in our human frailty. Turning to God in prayer is essential. Philippians 4:13 assures us, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Ask God to soften your heart and empower you to forgive.
  2. Remember God’s Forgiveness:
    Reflect on the depth of God’s forgiveness toward you. In Colossians 3:13, Paul exhorts believers to “forgive as the Lord forgave you.” When we grasp the magnitude of God’s mercy in our lives, it becomes easier to extend that mercy to others.
  3. Act in Love:
    Forgiveness is often accompanied by acts of kindness and love. As Jesus instructed in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Acts of love can soften hearts and pave the way for reconciliation.
  4. Leave Justice to God:
    Forgiving does not mean excusing or ignoring injustice. Instead, it involves entrusting the situation to God, who is the ultimate judge. Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”

Conclusion

Forgiveness is a divine mandate and a profound act of love that reflects God’s mercy. It frees us, heals relationships, and bears witness to the gospel. By understanding what forgiveness is, why it matters, and how to practice it, we can rise above our human instincts and live in obedience to God’s call.

As we choose to forgive those who trespass against us, especially our enemies, we emulate Christ’s example, bringing glory to God and experiencing the peace that surpasses understanding. Forgiveness is not merely an act but a way of life, rooted in the unfailing love of God.

 

 

We Each Need A Savior

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

We Each Need A Savior

We Each Need A Savior

The most important decision you will ever make is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior. This decision has eternal consequences, and it will change your life on earth. In order to make such an important decision you need to understand what is at stake and why it is such a big deal. This post will help you understand what sin is, who has sinned, what the eternal consequences of sin are, what Jesus did to mitigate those consequences, and then how to Accept Jesus as your savior.

What Is Sin?

Sin is any act, thought, or omission that violates God’s perfect will and character.

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).

God sets a very high standard. Love God with all your heart, mind, strength, and love your neighbors as yourself. Any deviation from those two great commandments is a sin.  

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

Sin is not merely external actions but includes internal attitudes and thoughts.

 Jesus said, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

At its core, sin is rebellion against God. It began with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when they disobeyed God’s command (Genesis 3:1–6). This act of defiance introduced sin into the world, it corrupted the relationship between God and humanity, and it corrupted the Image of God that was formed in us and is passed down through generations.

Sin permeates every part of human nature, affecting our choices, relationships, and spiritual standing.

Who Has Sinned?

No one is exempt from the stain of sin.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

This universal guilt is a result of both the sinful nature we inherited from Adam, and the baggage we have accumulated by our own personal choices to rebel against God’s commands.

We each inherit a sinful nature from Adam, a self-conscious nature that drives us to focus on ourselves and our earthly life. This pulls us away from a focus on God and pursuing righteousness with Him, and pulls us into self-serving agendas which work against Him and His kingdom,

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;

There is none who understands;

There is none who seeks after God.

They have all turned aside;

They have together become unprofitable;

There is none who does good, no, not one.” Romans 3:10-12

Anyone who does not believe they have sinned either does not understand the perfect moral standards of God, or they are not willing to admit to the flawed nature that lives within them.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

Sin has consequences and someone has to pay the price. Just like committing a civil crime; If you rob a bank, you cannot argue with the judge that you are otherwise a good person because you choose not to rob the other banks. No one is a good person.

Even the most righteous deeds cannot compensate for sin because they are tainted by humanity’s fallen nature (Isaiah 64:6). Therefore, every person, regardless of background, status, or morality, stands in need of a savior.

Sin Has Eternal Consequences

Sin leads to death—both physical and spiritual.

 “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

This death is more than the cessation of life; it signifies eternal separation from God, who is the source of all life and goodness. If we live this life separated from God, we will do the same for eternity.

“Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)

This eternal consequence underscores the gravity of sin and humanity’s need for a solution that only God can provide.

What Is a Savior?

A savior is someone who rescues others from danger, harm, or destruction. In the spiritual context, a savior delivers humanity from sin and its eternal consequences. The need for a savior arises from humanity’s inability to save itself.

God’s standard is perfect righteousness, and no human can achieve this on their own.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).

What Did Jesus Do to Become Our Savior?

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fulfilled the role of Savior by living a sinless life, dying on the cross, and rising again. His sacrificial death paid the penalty for sin, satisfying God’s justice while demonstrating His love.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and secured eternal life for those who believe in Him.

He proclaimed, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25).

By taking humanity’s place on the cross, Jesus bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God.

How Do We Accept Jesus as Our Savior?

Accepting Jesus as Savior involves faith, repentance, and confession.

Faith means trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, believing in His death and resurrection (John 3:16).

Repentance is a heartfelt turning away from sin and toward God (Acts 3:19).

Confession is acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9).

These steps are not works that earn salvation but responses to God’s grace.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Salvation is a gift that must be received personally and individually.

Conclusion

Every person needs a Savior because sin has separated us from God and condemned us to eternal death.

Jesus Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, offers salvation as the only way to be reconciled with God.

By understanding the nature of sin, recognizing its consequences, and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we receive the free gift of eternal life and a restored relationship with our Creator.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

May we each embrace this truth and the Savior who makes it possible.

 

Be Led By The Spirit

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Be Led By The Spirit

We are called to be lead by the spirit

The mature Christian life is characterized by dependence on the Holy Spirit, a divine Helper who guides believers into truth and empowers them to live in alignment with God’s will. “Being led by the Spirit” is a central theme of the Bible and provides believers with direction, wisdom, and strength for daily living. This post explores the identity and role of the Spirit, the importance of being Spirit-led, how to follow His guidance, and how this differs from being led by other influences.

What Is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third part of the Trinity—co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and Jesus the Son. It is the active outpouring from God the Father , Through Jeus the Son, that engages and influences each of us with Love and Truth. 

Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as an “Advocate” or “Helper” who will dwell with believers forever (John 14:16–17).

The Holy Spirit plays several crucial roles.

Convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8)

Testifies of salvation and identity as a child of God. (John 8:16)

Indwells, washes, and regenerates (Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19)

Illuminates scripture, reveals Jesus, and guides us into all truth (John 16:13–14)

Transforms and empowers believers to live holy and fruitful lives (Galatians 5:22–23).

(love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)

Prays for believers according to God’s will, even when they don’t know how to pray properly. (Romans 8:26)

Unites believers to the Father Through Christ, allowing a personal relationship

What does it mean to be led by the Spirit

To be “led by the Spirit” means to live under the influence, guidance, and control of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of life. This involves yielding to the Spirit’s direction rather than following our own desires, worldly influences, or the sinful nature (“flesh”).

The concept is deeply spiritual and practical, enabling believers to align their thoughts, actions, and decisions with God’s will.

  1. Submitting to God’s Guidance

Being led by the Spirit is a mark of belonging to God and involves seeking His guidance in prayer, through Scripture, and in everyday decisions. It reflects a posture of surrender to God’s wisdom and authority.

  1. Walking in the Spirit’s Power

To be led by the Spirit is to actively live in a way that resists sinful impulses and reflects the fruit of the Spirit. 

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

“The fruit of the spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23).

  1. Receiving Wisdom and Truth

The Holy Spirit guides followers into all truth:

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).

This includes understanding God’s Word, discerning His will, and applying biblical principles to life’s circumstances. The Spirit’s guidance brings clarity where human wisdom fails.

  1. Being Directed in Purpose and Mission

The Holy Spirit leads believers in fulfilling God’s purposes. For example, in Acts 13:2, the Spirit directed the early church, saying, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” This highlights the Spirit’s role in guiding believers toward their God-given callings and ministries.

  1. Living with Peace and Assurance

The Spirit’s leadership brings peace and confidence in decision-making. Colossians 3:15 states, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” which aligns with the Spirit’s work of providing inner confirmation of God’s will. His presence assures believers of their adoption into God’s family (Romans 8:16).

Why Should We Be Led by the Spirit?

Being led by the Spirit is essential for several reasons:

  1. To Fulfill God’s Will: The Holy Spirit reveals God’s purposes and directs us toward living in alignment with His plans. Romans 8:14 says, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Being Spirit-led is evidence of our identity as God’s children.
  2. To Overcome the Flesh: The sinful nature, or “flesh,” is at constant war with the Spirit. Paul writes, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit enables believers to resist temptation and live righteously.
  3. For Spiritual Growth: The Spirit transforms believers into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). This ongoing process, known as sanctification, requires yielding to His leadership.
  4. For Guidance and Wisdom: The Spirit gives divine insight that surpasses human understanding. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to trust in the Lord and not rely on our own understanding, and the Spirit plays a vital role in illuminating God’s wisdom.

How Is Being Led by the Spirit Different?

Being led by the Spirit stands in stark contrast to being led by worldly influences, human wisdom, or personal desires:

  1. The Spirit vs. The Flesh: The flesh seeks self-gratification, while the Spirit produces selflessness and obedience to God (Galatians 5:17). Decisions led by the flesh often result in sin and separation from God, while Spirit-led choices produce peace and righteousness.
  2. The Spirit vs. The World: The world encourages conformity to cultural norms and materialism, whereas the Spirit transforms believers by renewing their minds (Romans 12:2). Worldly leadership focuses on external success, while the Spirit prioritizes eternal values.
  3. The Spirit vs. Emotions: Emotions can be fleeting and unreliable, but the Spirit offers consistent, God-centered guidance. Proverbs 28:26 warns, “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”
  4. The Spirit vs. Human Wisdom: Human reasoning has limitations, but the Spirit reveals truths that are beyond human comprehension (1 Corinthians 2:10–11). Spirit-led decisions align with God’s infinite knowledge and ultimate purposes.

How Do We Be Led by the Spirit?

Being led by the Spirit requires intentionality and spiritual discipline:

  1. Prayer and Dependence: Believers must seek the Spirit’s guidance through consistent prayer, asking for wisdom and discernment. James 1:5 assures us that God generously gives wisdom to those who ask.
  2. Studying Scripture: The Spirit works in conjunction with God’s Word, illuminating its truths and applying them to our lives (John 14:26). Regular meditation on Scripture allows the Spirit to guide our decisions and actions.
  3. Obedience: To be led by the Spirit, we must be willing to obey His promptings, even when they challenge our desires or comfort zones. Acts 8:29–30 illustrates Philip’s obedience to the Spirit’s call, leading to a divine encounter.
  4. Sensitivity and Quietness: The Spirit often speaks in gentle, subtle ways (1 Kings 19:12). Cultivating a quiet heart through practices like solitude and fasting enhances our sensitivity to His voice.
  5. Community and Counsel: The Spirit often leads through the counsel of godly mentors and the encouragement of the church. Proverbs 11:14 highlights the value of wise counsel in making decisions.

Conclusion

Being led by the Spirit is a foundational aspect of the Christian life. The Holy Spirit, as our divine Helper, guides us in truth, empowers us to resist sin, and transforms us into Christ’s likeness. To follow His leading, believers must cultivate prayer, immerse themselves in Scripture, practice obedience, and remain sensitive to His voice. Unlike the fleeting guidance of emotions, the deceptive allure of the world, or the limitations of human wisdom, the Spirit provides eternal, God-centered direction. As we yield to the Spirit, we live out our calling as children of God and experience the abundant life He promises. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).

 

Additional References

John Bevere – How To Be Led By The Holy Spirit <video>

Kirkgasser Bible Study Presentation and Discussion

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Receive The Holy Spirit – Pray In Tongues

Posted on by jakirkgasser10439

Receive The Holy Spirit – Pray In Tongues

We are encouraged to “pray always, in the spirit”. That means we need to have received the Holy Spirit and then yield our mouth and tongue to release our spirit to pray directly to God, this is know as Speaking in Tongues.

“Receiving the Holy Spirit” and “Speaking In Tongues” are two topics at the center of discussion and debate dividing many Christian denominations. Conservative folks think speaking in togues is a bunch of worthless charismatic nonsense, it should have ceased centuries ago and these days only serves to distract believers and skare away non-believers. Most  Charismatic groups believe the only way to truly know if you have the Holy Spirit is if you can Speak in Tongues. Conservative groups believe we receive inflow of the Holy Spirit automatically when we confess faith at salvation and there is nothing more to be recieved. Charismatic groups believe there is a bold and dramatic inflow available if we ask for it, and this “Baptism in the spirit” opens the door to powerful spiritual gifts that empower believers to do bold works of faith for the kingdom. As with most religious debates, once you dig into scripture with an open mind, and lay out the truth, you will find that both groups have some of it right. The truth will indeed set you free. 

This post will lay out the scriptural truth about receiving the Holy Spirit, and Speaking in Tongues. This should clarify our understanding and give is a clear path to follow moving forward. As a spoiler alert, I will show you that we do indeed recieve an inflow of the Holy Spirit at salvation, this inflow is automatic and can be nearly invisible to us if we are not looking for its’ effects on us. I will show you that there is an even more pronounced inflow available to us when we are ready to yield ourselves and receive it. I will show you how speaking in tongues is one way you can confirm that we have received this full conneciton to the Holy Spirit.  I will provide a step by step process to ask for and recieve the Holy Spirit conneciton, and offer some guidelines for speaking in tongues to reduce the potential distraction it can cause others. 

Why is this a big deal?

We are spiritual beings and God is a spiritual being. God created us in His image and put us here for a purpose. Becasue of the sinful nature we inherited from Adam and years of life in this fallen world, we have become highly distracted form our purpose and our spirit has become numb, weak, and ineffective. Jesus gave us a path to wake up our spiritual natrue, reset our past, and restore our purpose. The more we yield our earthly self to God, the more He can help us realie our intended purpsoe. For example: When you yield your destiny, He can save us. When you deny our old life, He can give you new life. When your spirit has been born again, we are re-connected to the Father and have access to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can work inside us to transform our thinking so we can live the life God intended and overcome obstacles in the earthyl life. It can also work through us to do good works to serve others in God’s kingdom. We can change our world by speaking the right words; Life and Death are in the power of the tongue. When we get the Holy Spirit properly connected to our spirit and allow them to speak together through our mouth, God can actualyl move creation foward through us and cause His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, It is not a bad thing to be able to halp God further His kingdom. 

What:

The Holy Spirit is the third leg of the trinity: God the Father, Jesus the son, and The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been around since the beginning, and it is the leg of the trinity that deploys and makes things happen. It causes supernatural events to take place, it can send messages into peopels brains, it can move their emotions, and it can get thier attention. The old testiment is full of stories where people had been impacted by the Holy Spirit and were moved to take action.

When Jesus came to earth, he closed the book on the old testament, and changed the game. As Jesus was finishing up His work on earth and before He ascended up to heven, He promised to aks the Father to repackage the Holy Spirit and deliver it as a direct helper to each believer. This new Holy Spirit conneciton allows Jesus to come and live in each one of us and then work through us.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:15-18

He teaches us and guides us into the truth.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” John 16:13

We receive an inflow of the Holy Spirit when we initially confess our faith in Jesus. This inflow rejuvinates and refreshes our inner spirit, it connects our spirit to the Holy Spirit, and it renews our heart.  It replacing the cold and calous heart we have developed after years in this fallen world, with a heart more sensitive to the needs of others. It also activates our conscience, making it more sensitive to our actions which are misaligned with God’s intention for us. Insead of being entirely focused on our own agenda and being blind to everythign else, we begin to care. 

“…Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:36-38

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

The disciples actually recieved two doses of the Holy Spirit. The first happened just after Jesus was resurrected. 

“So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.'” John 20:21-22

His statement about “Peace be with you” cofirms that this initial inflow of the Holy Spirit is accomplishing salvation. The disciples were being spiritually reconnected to the Father. Jesus sacrificial blood was now in place on the mercy seat in heaven and it was able to forgive them. Their sinful nature was now covered by His blood, and they were at peace with the Father. This is the initial inflow of the Holy Spirit that we each recieve automatically at salvation. It is the beginning of an amazing tranformation if we yield to it an let it lead us.   

The disciples received a second dose of the Holy Spirit at pentacost. They were told wait in Jerusalem until they to recieved a “Baptism” with the Holy Spirit. This baptism would bring power so they could be effective witnesses for Jesus.

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;  for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4

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

They received this “baptism in the spirit”  in a dramatic fashion and immediately had an outpouring of the spirit from thier mouths

“When the Day of Pentecost had 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 the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4

This historic account shows us that there are at least two modes that the Holy Spirit can move in, A nuanced almost inviibile inflow that can change our inner nature, and a more bold “baptism” where we are emersed, filled to the point of overflowing, and the outpouring from our heart comes out our mouth in a new language. Both were  possible then, and scripture tells believers to expect them to happen now.

The power from the Holy Spirit only comes when you understand and beleive.  You have to want the full power of the Holy Spirit and ask for it in Jesus name.

Paul had to do some catch up work when some confessed believers did not understand what was avaialble to them, and ask for it in Jesus’ name.

“He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’  So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’

And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’    So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’  

Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would 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 hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Acts 19:2-6

Folks who do not believe in the baptism of the spirit or the power that it brings, will not recieve that power. Just like other spiritual gifts, If you do not believe in divine healing, you will not see much divine healing in your life. These things are a self fulfilling prophesy.  

Recieving the Holy Spirit is considerd a seal or confirmation that a person has sucessfully repented, confessed thier sins, and accepted Jesus as thier savior.

“In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. “Ephesians 1:13

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Ephesians 4:30

Speaking in tongues was used as the outward signal that a person had recieved the Holy Spirit. Scripture gives many examples of this process.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4

 “While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.” Acts 10:44-46

“And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.” Acts 19:6 

Scripture makes it clear that believers are intended and expected to Speak in Tongues, and to Pray routinely in the Spirit.

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;” Mark 16:17

“…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,…” Ephesians 6:18

The Holy Spirit empowers a series of spiritual gifts, tools to help us overcome this world and to help others on thier journey. Speaking in tongues is just one of the nine spiritual gifts available to members of the Body of Christ who have received baptism in the Holy Spirit:

Spiritual Gift

 Description

Word of Wisdom

 Receive divine insight on the appropriate approach for a situation. ie: God’s will revealed

Word of Knowledge

 Receive revelation of a hidden problem to open a conversation.  Ex: You have a torn tendon from a sports injury

Faith 

 Boldly believe and act on something not yet seen

Gifts of Healings 

 Facilitate flow of various modes of healing

Working of Miracles

 Facilitate manifestation of supernatural signs and wonders

Prophecy

 Receive and convey divine messages from God to help find thier path forward

Discerning of Spirits

 Sense spiritual activity and identify specific causes

Speaking in Tongues

 Your spirit speaking in a different language, to God in a unique language, or to others in thier own language

Interpretation of Tongues

 Interpreting someone else’s unique language

We are encouraged to pursue the spiritual gifts, incuding speaking in tongues.

“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts,…” 1 Corinthians 14:1

“The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, …  Now I want you all to speak in tongues,” 1 Corinthians 14:4-5

I have had many experieinces with most of these gifts over the last few years. The only one i have not personally experienced is interpretation.

Some of my testimonies are avaialbe on youtube. Here is a <link>    Check them out if you like.  I am happy to share my testimony with anyone who is serious about living a life led by the spirit.   

Why:

We are expected to imitate Jesus. 

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 

Jesus recieved the Holy Spirit and power after His baptism in the Jordan and went about doing good deeds and healing those afflicted by the devil.  

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38

The Hly Spirit works through us and brings power needed to do the works that Jesus did and more.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14

The Holy Spirit works inside us, it builds us up and gives us access to several tangible fruits like hope and peace and love.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 [a]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Baptism in the Holy Spirit releases power; Power to overcome obstacles in your life. Power to help others overcome obstacles in thier lives.

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

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11

If we are thirsty and want it bably enough, the Holy Spirit will fill us to the point of overflowing. 

“And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness” Luke 4:1 

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” Ephesians 5:18

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4

When we give voice to our spirit and allow it to express it’s prayers we are able to speak directly to God. This allows us to worship Him, to magnify Him with a unique and dedicated language devoted entirely to Him.

“For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 14:39

“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God“. Acts 10:46

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:18-21

Praying in the spirit brings us focus. It releases all distractions and competing agendas and allows us to focus specifically on commuicating with God. When we disconnect our mind from thinking about what to say and put out entire focus on commuicating with God, it opens the door to inflow of constructive thoughts and messages. It also brings a strong sense of connection to God. He is no longer distant, we are directly connected to Him. It demonstrates a level of yielding of our physical body and overcoming our inhibitions. It is a step in our journey to yielding ourselves and being led by the spirit. The builds confidence in our connection and enables faith to flow in. Scripture says we are edified or built up by this process. 

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20 

 “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church” 1 Corinthians 14:4:

When:

I find speaking in tongues helpful in three main scenarios

To Get In The Zone – When you want to tune in and focus your attention on God

“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 1 Corinthians 14:14-15

“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. 1 Corinthians 14:4-6

In Weakness – When uncertain about what is going on or how to pray about it. Spending a few moments speaking in tongues will often release revelation on how to proceed.

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26

To Be Bold / Fervent / Emphatic – When you want to muster all available energy and apply it towards what ever obstacle you are addressing

“… The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16

Always pursue your acitons with the Holy Spirit and through the Holy Spirit with love. Doing religious things just for the sake of doing them and being religious is not productive. You should always have a purpose rooted in love, a purpose ot serve others. All of your actions should be oriented to serve that end.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1

When not to blurt out in public in a strange language is just as important. Speaking in tongues does nothing for an observer unless somenone is able to interpret what you are saying. It is best to properly manage your vocalization in the spirit. Keep it private unless the situation is appropriate. If many people are praying and speaking in tongues as a group session for priasing God, that is fine, But be careful not to blurt out in public randomly and repeatedly because it may cause a distraction for others on thier journey.  

“If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.” 1 Corinthians 14:27-28

If there is any question remaining about wheather speaking in togues is appropriate, and whether it is appropriate for groups to actively discourage or even forbid it, scripture is very clear:

“So, my brothers,… do not forbid speaking in tongues.”1 Corinthians 14:39

How:

John 7 provides the essence of the process to receive the Holy Spirit.

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart (Belly) will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”  John 7:37-39

It involves 4 primary steps.

Be Thirsty – Want what Jesus has to offer
Come to Jesus – He is the only Baptizer in The Holy Spirit
Drink – Open your mouth, take a breath, and drink in the living water from Jesus
Release the Outflow – Breath out, relese the living water from your belly,  and yield your tongue and lips

There are a couple of prerequisits to this process:  We must be born again, and we must remove any spiritual barriers we may have accunulated during life in the fallen world such as unforgivenes and entanglemets with the occult.

The key process steps and the scripture references for each are laid out below:

Confirm you are Born Again/Accept Jesus As Savior                 – Romans 9:10

    • Confess Belief in Jesus as Son of God                              – John 3:16, Matthew 3:17
    • Acknowledge His Work for you on the Cross                    – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
    • Accept His Forgiveness                                                         – 1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:12, Jeremiah 31:34
    • Acknowledge your new identity as a Child of God             – John 1:12, Galatians 3:26

Remove Barriers

    • Forgive others, as Jesus has forgiven you.                       – Luke 6:37, Matthew 6:14-15
    • Lay down all unforgiveness.                                                – Ephesians 4:31
    • Cut all ties with the occult.                                                  – Deuteronomy 18:9-14, Galatians 5:19-21

Recieve the Holy Spirit

    • Come to Jesus as baptizer in the Holy Spirit.                    – Luke 3:16, John 7:37-39
    • Present your body as a temple for your spirit.                   – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
    • Yield your tongue to worship in a new language.              – Acts 2:1-4, 1 Corinthians 14:2, Mark 16:17
    • Ask For the Holy Spirit In Jesus Name                                – Luke 11:13, John 14:26
    • Believe you have received, and Thank Him                         – Mark 11:24, Matthew 21:22

Breath in the Holy Spirit: “Drink” Jesus’ living water                    – John 4:14, John 7:37

Demonstrate Outpouring: Give Your Spirit Its Voice                    – John 7:38-39, Acts 2:4 

Prayer for executing the inflow and outpouring

Recite this prayer from your heart to qualify yourself for receiving the Holy Spirit. When done with the prayer just breath in the Holy Spirit, and then exhale and give voice to your spirit. 

Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you are the Son of God.  I believe that you suffered and died on the cross for my sins. I believe you defeated death and rose again from the dead. Your are now alive in heaven at the right hand of the Father, and your innocent blood forgives all who call on your name. I trust you for forgiveness and for cleansing.

I believe you have received me as a Child of God, and because you have received me, I receive myself as a Child of God.

If there is any resentment remaining in my heart now, any unforgiveness against anyone, I lay it down. I forgive every other person as I would have God forgive me.

If I have ever been involved in the occult, I acknowledge that involvement as a sin. I ask for your forgiveness and I loose myself now from every contract with satin and occult power in the name of Jesus.

And now Lord Jesus, I am thirsty. I want to be equiped for all the good works you have prepared for me. I want to have the Holy Spirit dwell in me, to teach me and guide me, to empower me to overcome this fallen world. I want the spiritual gifts so i can serve you and contiue your work. I come to you as my baptizer in the Holy Spirit. I present to you my body to be a temple for your spirit. I yield to you my tongue to be an instrument of righteousness, to worship you in a new language.

By faith I receive this now, and I thank you for it in the name of Jesus, Amen.

>Now – Drink the living water flowing from Jesus: Inhale, breath in the Holy Spirit

>Then – Demonstrate the Outpouring: Exhale, move your tongue and lips, give voice to your spirit

Reference:

Derek Prince

Full Teaching:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ldJNZ1HGWc

Section on How To Receive: (T=32:52) https://youtu.be/2ldJNZ1HGWc?t=1972

 

Placeholder – a work in progress