THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OUR MINISTRY

The Holy Spirit is not an optional choice that a Christian could opt-out of, but a must have power needed to live as a Christian and the power to do the work of God. He is sent by God in Christ's name (John 14:26; 15:26). He has always been there and active, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. He was involved in the creation event and the redemption of creation. He is mentioned three hundred and sixty one times in the entire Bible. The Holy Spirit suppose to abide with us forever, John 14:16-18

1) The Holy Spirit is mentioned 100 times in the Old Testament.

2) He is mentioned 261 times in the New Testament.

a. Fifty six times in the Gospels

b. Fifty seven times in the book of Acts

c. One hundred and twelve times in Paul's Epistles

d. Thirty six times in the remaining Gospels

The foremost responsibility of the Holy Spirit:

a. Manifest God and his Christ (John 1:33)

b. Reveal the things or the mind of God and his Christ (1 Corinthians 2:11)

c. Bring Glorify to God and Christ - John 16:14

d. To guide us into all truth

e. To convict people of sin

f. Help us to distinguish between the spirit of God and the spirit error

John 14:15-18 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 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. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John 20:21-23 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Acts 1:4-8 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye 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.

Acts 10:38 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 Process That Leads To Infilling Of The Holy Spirit Start With:

1. REPENTANCE

The Holy Spirit is only given to those of us who have repented and put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Individual might have an encounter with the Holy Spirit, but until one repent of sin and put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will not abide in him/her.

Luke 24:49 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

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.

Acts 2:37- 42 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls

Acts 4:11-12 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

2. FAITH UNTO SALVATION

During the message of salvation, it is the power of the Holy Spirit who empowers the word to convince and convict the hearer. In Apostle Peter's sermon at Pentecost and Philip's message at Caesarea are example of the work of the Holy Spirit to bring effectual response when the gospel is preached. The faith in Christ unto salvation is the only way by which anyone can be saved and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from God. If anyone does not believe in Christ he/she does not have the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11)

Romans 8:9-11 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

John 14:6 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 16:8 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Acts 4:12-13 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 17:30- And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

1 Peter 1:3-5 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Romans 1:16 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

3. WATER BAPTISM

Matthew 28:18- 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:14-16 14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17

HOLY GHOST BAPTISM,

The baptism of the holy spirit is very essential in the life of the Christian. Let me be clear; for the fact that you have been saved does not mean you automatically have the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2) The disciples were saved before Jesus ascended to heaven but they still needed the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-6) In short, the Holy Spirit is only for those who who repent and believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) The Holy Ghost baptism is never earned, but is given as a gift from God (Galatians 3:2,5; Acts 8:20)

Acts 8:12-16 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money

Acts 19:2-6 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve

Acts 2:1-6 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Acts 2:38 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

~ A Promise From God ~

Luke 24:49 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.

Acts 1:4 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Acts 2:33 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Galatians 3:14 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith

Ephesians 1:13 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 5:18 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Who Is The Holy Spirit Intended For

~For All Christians~

Acts 2:38-39 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call

Acts 10:44-48 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Galatians 5:16-17 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

How We Receive The Holy Spirit

~By Faith Through Prayer~

Like 3:21-22 21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Luke 11:13 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Galatians 3:2 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

John 14:15-18 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive( 1 Cor. 2:14), because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

The Way The Baptism Happens

A. Spontaneously as a group pray to God for the baptism

Acts 2:1-4 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

B. Laying on of Hands

Acts 8:14-17 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:17 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized

Acts 19:5-7 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.

C. Individual quest for the Holy Ghost Baptism in prayer

1 Corinthians 14:18-19 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

THE SIGNS WHICH FOLLOW

As we see from the account of the Bible, every event of the Holy Ghost baptism, is accompanied by speaking in tongues or prophesying and speaking in tongues.

Why Do We Need The Holy Ghost

~ Unify The Body Of Christ ~

Acts 2:37-44 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 4

~Power To Preach Or Witness~

In the process of preaching the gospel we will encounter the powers of darkness. The power of the Holy Spirit given to us overcomes the powers of darkness. The sick and the bound need to be set free by the power of the holy spirit. It is an indictment against any church that refuse to receive the power of the holy spirit in order to set people free.

Luke 4:18. 18. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Acts 1:8 8 But ye 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

Matthew 12:28-29 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house

1 Corinthians 1:17 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent

1 Corinthians 2:4, 10-12 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Luke 24:44-49 44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."

Acts 2:1-13 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Acts 19:1-7 1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.

~ To Convict People Of Sin~

The evidence of this was seen after the Holy Spirit baptized the disciples that Peter by the same Holy Spirit spoke in defence of what they had just experienced and the Holy Spirit through the word convicted three thousand souls.

John 16:8-9 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Acts 2:37:38 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

~ Guide ~

John 16:13-14 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

~Teaches ~

John 14:26 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

1 John 2:27 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Isaiah 54:13 13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

~ Prayer ~

Matthew 26:41 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak

Romans 8:26-27 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Ephesians 6:18 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Jude 1:20 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

~ Cast Out Devils~

Mark 1:23-25 23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

Mark 16:17-20 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Matthew 10:1-2

1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Luke 9:1-2 1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Acts 16:16-18 16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

We Need The Holy Spirit So That We Can Love as God Would

~Love~

Romans 5:5 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

~We need to understand why God gives the spiritual gifts.~

~God gives the spiritual gifts as the power and the ability to build the body of Christ and for the work of ministry~

a. God gives the gifts as he wills, 1 Cor. 12:11, 18

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will......

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him

b. The gifts are given to serve others. I Peter 4:10

I Cor. 12:1-11 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Ephesians 4:7-14 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

The church will be dysfunctional without the holy ghost baptism and the spiritual gifts. Therefore any church who downplay the Holy Ghost baptism and the spiritual gifts is not in the will of God, and cannot even call itself a church of Christ in the context of Scriptures. As mentioned earlier in this studies, many churches have confused talents with spiritual gifts & the power of the holy ghost and are using the worldly commercial tactics to bring people to the church without conviction.

By my observation there are two groups of the spiritual, namely, the leadership gift for equipping for ministry and there are general gifts for the saints. Our role model, Jesus Christ, was an Apostle (Heb. 3:1), a Prophet (Lk. 24:19, John 4:19, Acts 3:22-26), an Evangelist (Luke 4:18), a Pastor (Jh. 10:2, Heb. 13:20, 1Ptr. 5:4), and a Teacher (John 3:2). He personifies how we should operate in these gift through love and care for the saints. Any other way will not represent God's intended purpose for these spiritual gifts.

Leadership/Equipping Gifts And Their Functions

Ephesians 4:11-16 1. Apostles; They guard against false doctrine and practices in the churches. A close examination of scriptures also reveal that the apostles work very closely with prophets. Luke 4:49, Eph. 2:20, Rev. 18:20,

2. Prophets; They reveal the plan of God and mysteries to the church to guard and guide them as they seek God's directions. Examples in New Testament are Agabus in Acts 21:10, and Judas & Silas in Acts 15:32. According to the bible the word of the prophet or the prophecy must be examined, and if the prophecy disagrees with the written word of God, then that prophesy must, and should be rejected. (Deut. 18:22; Jer.28:9; 1 Cor. 14:29; 1 Thess. 5:19-21)

3. Evangelists; They special anointed to gather in unbelievers through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their gift is usually accompanied with signs, wonders, healings miracles, and casting out of devils.

Examples in New Testament Acts 8:5,26-40, Acts 21:8,

a. They travel to preach the gospel

b. Signs, wonders and miracles follow their ministry Acts 8:6-13

c. They do citywide meetings and crusades

d. They equip believers for ministry

4. Pastors; They shepherd the local flock to grow and equip them to reach spiritual maturity.

5. Teachers; They are given a special ability by the holy spirit to explain and to make one understand the word of God fully. They equip believers and also guard against false teaching. The role of teaching is usually combined with the role of pastor or the elder (1 Timothy 3:2, and Titus 1:9).

General Gift for the saints and their functions

6. Prophesy- To make inspired declarations of what is to come or to speak as a mediator between God and humankind or in God's stead. The Bible command the one that has the gift to do it according to the proportion to his or her faith.

7. Ministry -To give service, care, or aid that attend to wants or necessities. The person with this gift is asked to serve.

8. Teaching- To impact knowledge or skill by instructions. Wait on teaching Acts 6:4

9. Exhortation - An utterance, discourse, or address conveying urgent advice or recommendations.

10. Giving - To present voluntarily and without expecting compensation. the bible ask the one the have the gift to do it with Simplicity

11. Leading- To have a principal role of directing and demonstrating how is done. the bible ask the person has the gift to lead in Diligence

12. Mercy - Compassion or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender an enemy or other person in one's power. The Bible directs us to do it Cheerfully.

13. Word of wisdom- the quality of knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action done by discernment or insight. (Ephesians 1:17; 1 Cor. 1:26; 1 Cor. 12:8)

14. Word of knowledge- Acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation.

15. Faith- Ability given by the Holy Spirit to have confidence or trust in God that is exceptional, Gal.5:6

16. Healing- Supernatural ability given by the holy spirit to cure all kinds of diseases

17. Work of Miracle- Supernatural wonders that manifest into the physical realms.

18. Discerning of spirits- Supernatural ability to judge spirits, things and situations accurately.

19. Different kinds of tongues- Supernatural ability given by the holy spirit to speak different languages that were not previously learned, ( These tongues have meaning).

20. Interpretation of tongues- This is an ability given by the Holy Spirit to interpret the above tongues.

What causes the Spiritual gifts to be released to the believer?

1. Discipline in prayer,

2. Discipline in fasting

3. Discipline in studying scripture

4. Discipline in obeying the Holy Scriptures

A. The spiritual gifts should be desired, because of the love for the church, and desire to fulfill God's calling. (I Cor. 14:1, 12; Rom. 12:9)

B. Trusting God that what he is giving you is good and avoiding the thought that you might receive something evil

Luke 11:9-13

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Things that hinders the spiritual gifts.

1. Disbelieve: If the church and individual do not believe, then they will not teach it nor pursue them.

2. Ignorance and lack of scriptural teaching on them (Knowledge): If the church or the individuals are not aware of existence of the spiritual gifts and their work then it will never be taught or taken seriously

3. False Teachings regarding the gifts and lack of proper guide : confusing natural talent for spiritual gifts

4. Fear

5. Desiring spiritual gifts for selfish gain

From the Scriptures the leadership or the equipping gifts can be in combination of the above eg; an apostle-pastors, pastor-teachers, prophet-pastors, and evangelist-pastors.

A close examination of scriptures also reveal that the apostles work very closely with prophets. Luke 4:49, Eph. 2:20, Rev. 18:20, In many instantaces, churches pray that God will pour out the gifts into the church, but the same people also opposes its manifestations, this can not be if we so desire the for God to do his work.

THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OUR MINISTRY

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