The Holy Spirit (Part 1)

Luke 24:49 "And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you:  but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

Jesus made this important promise to His followers regarding spiritual power.

The power of the Gospel and the power of the Blood of Jesus are two key principles in understanding the Biblical concept of power. Experiencing both is necessary to receive spiritual power.  You have already experience the importance of them both as a believer.  But there is another vital spiritual experience which you must receive. It is the power of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus.

Jesus told His followers in John 14:16, 17 that He would.

"Pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may  abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
 
The Spirit of which Jesus spoke is the third person of the Trinity of God, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would "endue" or literally "clothe" the Disciples in spiritual power:

Please realize that this great spiritual power was to be experienced after receiving the Holy Spirit:

Acts 1:8 "But yet shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:  and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

-Power is a spirit:

2 Timothy 1:7 "But God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. "

Luke 4:14 "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about."
 
-That "spirit of power" is the Holy Spirit:

Acts 10:38 "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the  Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him."
 
The Holy Spirit ministers in many powerful ways in the lives of believers.  The Holy Spirit:

1. Dwells in him-1Corinthians 6:19-We are actually the temple or dwelling place of the Holy Ghost.

2. Unites him in one spirit with God and other believers-  1 Corinthians 6:17-There is great power in unity.

3. Intercedes for him-Romans 8:26-This powerful intercessor prays for us according to God's will.

4. Guides him-John 16:13-The Holy Spirit enables us to walk in power and not confusion.  He guides us to the place of power, the perfect will of God.

5. Imparts the love of Christ to him and through him- Romans 5:5-You will learn more about the power of love in the next chapter.

6. Reveals Biblical truth to him-1 Corinthians 2:10-  Powerful spiritual revelation comes through the Holy Spirit.

7. Comforts him-Acts 9:31 and John 14:17, 26-He comforts us in times of grief.

8. Conforms him to the image of Christ-2Corinthians 3:18-We are powerless to change ourselves into the image of Christ.  Self-improvement plans are doomed to failure.  But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be conformed to the image of Jesus. 

9. Teaches him-John 14:26-he greatest teacher takes up residence within us when we are endued with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Knowledge is powerful, and the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual knowledge.

10. Inspires him to true worship-John 4:24-Praise and worship are powerful spiritual strategies.  In some Old Testament battles they were the main methods used against the enemies of God.

11. Quickens him-Romans 8:11-The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us to quicken us.  This means we are endued with resurrection-like power while yet in these mortal bodies.

12. Sanctifies him-2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14-We do not have to try to live a holy life through self effort.  The power of the Holy Spirit sanctifies our thoughts and actions.  He enables holy living.

13. Changes him-Titus 3:5-Power is necessary to effect change and the Holy Spirit gives power for positive change.

14. Convicts him of wrong-John 16:8-11-The Holy Spirit convicts of wrong and leads us to repentance.  This enables the continued flow of God's power.

15. Gives assurance of salvation-Romans 8:16-Knowing your position gives you power.  The Holy Spirit assures your position in God.
 
16. Gives him liberty-Romans 8:2-Liberty provides the greatest opportunity for power.  The Holy Spirit gives liberty through Jesus Christ.

17. Speaks through him-Mark 13:11-We are not limited by our own speaking ability. The Holy Spirit speaks God's Words of power and authority through us. 

18. Demonstrates God's power-1 Corinthians 2:4-The Holy Spirit enables the demonstration of God's power in every area of life.

19. Strengthens him-Ephesians 3:16-When you are weak, God's strength is manifested.

Noise (Part 5)

Jude 17-23 "But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."

Jude told us there would be mockers who would walk after their OWN ungodly lusts. They would separate themselves, sensual, not having the Spirit. The word "sensual" here means "governed by breath." Jude simply tells us their will be some false teachers and prophets who do what they want and live the way they want to and still proclaim to be holier than thou.

Friends, we see that in every walk of life, but more so in the church today than ever before. We have encountered more rebelliousness from people who want what they want and not God than ever before. We have seen ministers destroyed because their lusts were revealed to the public. Jude said that we should keep ourselves in the love of God, building up our faith, and praying in the Holy Ghost, with our eyes on the mercy of Jesus Christ unto eternity. This is the key to staying spiritually strong in these troublesome days.

The biggest excuse people use to stay away from God and the church is the hypocrisy that they see in those who profess to be Christians. I think we have all questioned that before. I have seen in my ministry good people so swayed by a teacher that they would defend his wrongs just so he could teach. These were not unspiritual people or hypocrites, but they would justify his wrongs because they enjoyed his spin on the lessons. Some of those same people who would bypass his sin, would turn on someone else who made a mistake or sinned with a vengeance. Something is wrong with that equation.

Jude gives us two scenarios in dealing with the noise these false prophets and teachers create:

-The first is to have compassion on them and somehow make a difference in their lives. I have found it to be true that most people are not beyond redemption. If they err and truly repent they will change their ways. Jude says with compassion we have an opportunity to make a difference in their decisions to do it their way or God's way. The Bible shares there are two paths we can take.

One leads to safety and protection and the other leads to destruction. We have the power of God within us to remove noise/distractions from some people's lives and lead them back to the right path.

-The second is to save them with fear, pull them out of the fire, and hating the very garment that is spotted by flesh. What in the world does that mean? It means that we who are built up in the Holy Ghost should respect ourselves and our relationship with God so much that we would not become tainted by the very thing we rescue people from. Several famous evangelists and Christian leaders have admitted while trying to help others out of bad situations, they themselves got caught up in the noise of the ones they were trying to rescue.

Jude wants us to make sure that doesn't happen to us.

How do you overcome that noise?

Jude 24, 25 "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

Noise (Part 4)

Noise/Distractions take our eyes off those things that really matter. For a pastor, the health of the church is greatly at risk when he loses his focus because of it. LifeWay Research recently did a survey on pastors. Over 1,000 were included in the research.

One of their major foci was on the issue of distractions. They asked two questions:

-What specific things distract the pastor more than others?

-Is their widespread agreement among pastors on these issues? 

The SB pastors answered "Yes" to both questions. They told LifeWay in overwhelming numbers that dealing with critics was a huge distraction. To a lesser extent, but still significant, the pastors said conflict among staff and key leaders was a significant distraction as well.

For every person reading this who think pastors have it made think how you would feel being on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You're enjoying your vacation only to have to cut it short because of a death in the church.
You're always having to deal with people who don't like this or don't like that. The noise can get overwhelming sometimes.

I believe that God despises noise-makers. In fact the Bible says He hates them:

Proverbs 6:16-19 "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

The survey went on to some alarming results among Southern Baptist pastors:

-79% of them say critics distract them from their ministries. Nearly 40% strongly agree that they do.

-Though pastors of all church sizes felt this way, pastors of churches with over 250 in worship attendance were more likely to struggle with the critics.

-48% of them of say conflict among staff and/or key lay leaders is a significant distraction.

-Pastors in the South are more likely to have conflict among staff and/or key lay leaders than pastors in other regions.

Nearly eight out of ten pastors struggle with critics to the point that they admit it's a distraction from their ministries. In comparison, the issue of staff and/or key lay leader conflict appears small. Still, nearly half of the pastors pointed to that issue as a distraction in their ministries.

I'm sure that every pastor in every denomination faces noise/distraction from critics and staff members that cause division. I remember seeing a friend of mine struggling through false accusations from a staff member which cost him his position and standing in ministry. Sadly, it was that same pastor who had helped restore that staff member in a time of great noise in his own life and ministry. All it takes is one noise to distract from all the good that a man of God does.

Before you become a noisemaker or distraction walk a mile in your brother's shoes. That might help you silence the noise in the long run.

Noise (Part 3)

Acts 6 tells us that the early church was experiencing phenomenal growth. Luke says in Verse 1, "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration." The Hellenistic Jews complained that their widows were not being included in the daily distribution of food. Murmuring is a noise/distraction that most pastor have to deal with daily. In fact, most believers face it more than once in their Christian walk.

While murmuring is often unnecessary because it causes so much trouble, this need was real. However, these complaints had the potential to move the leadership from their primary tasks and thus hinder the momentum of the church. The leaders realized the danger of this noise/distraction and declared to the entire body in Verses 2-4:

"Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Their solution was brilliant in its simplicity. They selected seven wise men of good reputation to handle this matter so that they might continue in prayer and the ministry of the Word. I would that every church member would read that verse and understand the priorities of a pastor or minister of the Word.

The loudest noise in the church is less often based on interpretation of scripture and more on human expectation. So many things that we do today in the church create human expectation rather than spiritual sacrifice.

Let's face it-we do some things because we enjoy them more than because they are expected in the Bible. Here are a few things I'm talking about:

(1) People make a lot of noise about money. Either the preacher expects too much of us or is pleading for finances all the time. 

So many say they can't afford to tithe, but will spend $20 on a cake or pie at a church bake sale that same precious saint who is a faithful tither has baked. Those same people will buy a hot dog or chicken dinner, but complain when it's too hot or cold and the a/c or furnace needs repair. No where in the Bible does it say, "Thou shalt have a bake sale" or "thou shalt buy a hot dog." Yet it does say to "Give and it shall be given." Usually the loudest noisemakers/detractors don't support with regular giving, but want to tell the church what to do with the Lord's money.

(2) People make a lot of noise about the music or the atmosphere of worship.

It either too loud or too quiet, too hot or too cold, too new or too old, etc. Most complaints about these two items have created places of contention rather than worship. The Lord told us to "praise Him with all kinds of instruments and with spiritual songs and hymns". He said to "Clap your hands" and to "Enter His gates with singing." He's not looking for some on to make just a bunch of noise unless it's joyful unto Him. He didn't create worship for a distraction, but to attract us to honor Him. Somehow we think that the "traditions of men" make us guardians of the past, but God said that in everything we do we should give Him praise. Fussing out loud about the music or worship atmosphere only causes a bunch of noise that hinders the Spirit more than helps. 

(3) People want what they want and not what God wants.

There was a real need in the early church for a group of leaders to take care of physical needs. In many churches today, we have committees or boards, but just a few end up doing the implementation of what is needed. Then those who have input in a decision make a bunch of noise after the final decision is made and put into action distrust and discord. The Psalmist said in Psalm one that those are the kind of people we need to stay clear of. The one who talk a good game (make a bunch of noise, but then  want to complain when their plan is implemented.

God is not searching for noisemakers, critics, or complainers, but for servants who are willing to do and be what He desires them to be. 

Noise (Part 2)

Joshua 1:7, 8 "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go." 

God gives us some key precepts that we can apply in making the transition from our situation to our destinations without the interference of noise (distractions) preventing us from getting there.

1-God warns His people of he danger of becoming distracted or overtaken by the noise.

God warns them not to take their focus off of His Word and become distracted by what's going on around them. You will generally encounter noise/distractions when you are getting close to achieving something that will take you to the next level in your life. This happens almost every time in your spiritual development. To get to the next mountain you have to walk through a valley. Remember it's in the valley that "He restores your soul!"

2- Noise/Distractions are designed to take your focus off of your future and cause you to become fixated and stuck in your present situation.

Some of the most dangerous distractions are those that don't make a lot of noise, but creep in while we're at ease. The apparent ease that we enjoy often causes us to forget about the work that still must be done in order for God's promises to manifest in our lives.

A season of calm can cause the most diligent of us to become slack in the very thing that got us headed in the right direction. The enemy knows we pray more fervently and are more diligent in our efforts to be delivered, when we're in trouble then when we're at ease. Therefore, he instigates a season of "trouble free living", hoping that we will take our focus off of destroying his work, slowing being lulled asleep. Once at ease, we often don't discern his activity in our lives and slowly find ourselves struggling with the same things we once overcame. Nothing is truly free unless it comes from God. There is always a cost to be paid, even to what appears to be peace.

It's when we are at ease we allow God to slip into the background of our lives and we slowly drift away from His purpose and plan for our lives. If the truth were told, that is the reason many of us are in the situations we're in now. This is why we must stay focused on where we are going and what we are trying to accomplish. Don't let the noise overtake you.

3-Distractions also feed of our doubts and fears.

Matthew 14:25-31 "And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

When Peter began to walk on the water, he did not sink because he couldn't finish what he began to do. He sank because he became distracted and fearful of what was going on around him. As he stepped out and did
the impossible, the Bible says that the storm around him became more fierce. This is a primary mode of operation of the enemy. If he can't stop you then he will try to distract you with a stormy noise. You must be determined to finish what you've begun and be ready to face the distractions that will arise.

Your success will be found in your ability to keep your focus on what is ahead of you and not be distracted by what is going on around you. Distractions are not always giants or storms, but can also be found a season of apparent ease. The most dangerous enemy you can face, is an enemy that has not been detected because of the noise.  In those times of need remember the Bible promises in Isaiah 26:3 NKJV, "He will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him, because he trusts in Him." 

Noise (Part 1)

Nehemiah 1:1-11 "The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.  And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned. We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer."

How easily we can be distracted by the noise of many things, whether in our relationship with others or with the Lord. It's that noise that restricts revival, circumvents creativity, and cause confusion in the lives of believers. That noise or spiritual distraction can be anything that hinders us from receiving from God or doing our called work for Him.

Jesus told His followers that spiritual distraction begins with hearts that have grown dull, ears that are hard of hearing, and eyes that are closed:

Matthew 13:15 "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

Using the illustration of a farmer scattering seed, Jesus compared the seed that fell among thorns to a person who hears God’s Word but whose heart is focused on other things:

Matthew 13:22 “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful."

There is great value in having times throughout each day when we turn off the noise that distracts our mind, heart, and focus on the Lord.

When Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king, his heart was deeply stirred over the situation of the Israelites back home and the condition of their city. With the king’s permission, he set out to rebuild Jerusalem. He encountered numerous obstacles along the way, but refused to let them distract him from the job at hand.

When Nehemiah cried out in prayer about his people and homeland , the Lord showed him exactly what to do. Then God caused the king to be favorably disposed toward the request and to provide everything needed. When we know we are right where God wants us to be, He will give us the confidence to move through trials without being sidetracked. He will block out the noise so we can hear His voice alone.

Nehemiah knew that the Lord’s priority for him was to rebuild the city and he had to keep his focus on it. God also has planned things for us to do, and His work is always of great value, no matter how small it seems to us. We must block out any interference that would hinder us from doing what He desires.

Following every crisis he faced, Nehemiah returned to the task at hand. By keeping the Lord’s goal in mind, he was able to stay on track to get the job done. We’ll be able to stay in our God-appointed place, carry out each step, and remain on course if we don't let the noise turn us from God's call on our lives.

There will always be those who seek to interrupt our work, divert our attention, or attack us personally. They make so much noise it's hard to stayed tuned into what God has called you to do and be. With the Lord’s help, Nehemiah recognized whom to listen to and whom to ignore. Think about people and situations that are likely to distract you. Being aware of their potential to get you off track can help you stay focused.

Noise makers cause a lot of difficulty, but their main purpose of distraction cannot stop the power of God. Jerusalem was rebuilt because Nehemiah kept his focus. With the help of the Holy Spirit so can you!

Purpose and Plan (Part 6)

Philippians 2:13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do His good pleasure."  

God works in the life of believers to accomplish His purposes. To "do His good pleasure" means He is working in you to accomplish His purpose  and plan in your life. This includes salvation, infilling of the Holy Spirit, using you in ministry to others, and continuously conforming you to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. He also works through your life to accomplish His purposes:

Romans 6:13 "Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

When you yield yourself to become "instruments of righteousness unto God" it means you bring your life and ministry in harmony with His purpose and plans. By doing this, you become instruments through which He can work:

2 Corinthians 5:20 "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ..."

2 Corinthians 6:1 "We then, as workers together with Him..."

If God does not work in and through you, all your work is in vain:

Psalms 127:1 "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that built it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."

Your ministry will not succeed unless it is built upon the eternal purposes of God, rather than man:

Acts 5:38, 39 NIV "...For if their purpose or activity is of human  origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men.  You will only find yourselves fighting against God."From  the beginning, God's purpose has not changed. He has had many varied plans related to this purpose, but His purpose remains the same.

God has revealed His specific purpose in His written Word. He has also revealed  His general plan that the Church be the instrument through which He works to accomplish His purpose.

But as a believer you must make specific, detailed plans if you are to accomplish His will. That is where planning and management by objectives fits in. You must discover your  specific purpose within God's great purpose. Then you must make ministry plans in harmony with this purpose.