Experience More Of The Holy Spirit

Experience more of the Holy Spirit By Irene McGough

A collection of studies to increase our understanding of the Holy Spirit

Copyright © 2009 Irene McGough Disciples of Jesus Ministry www.discipleofjesussite.com

DEEP WITHIN US ALL IS A DESIRE FOR MORE. Are you hungry for more, do you believe the best is yet to come, that you can draw so much closer to the Lord than where you are at present? I know I’m hungry, so hungry for much more. I know thee is a deep, deep place of intimacy beyond which I have experienced to date. I want more, Holy Spirit take me deeper, reveal more and more to me and draw me closer to Jesus.

Acts 8:14-17 14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of Jesus. 17 Then they began laying hands on them and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. (NAS)

Acts 9:17-18 17 And Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he arose and was baptized; (NAS) Acts 19:1-6 1 And it came about that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found some disciples, 2 and he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said,

"Into John's baptism." 4 And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 And 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 Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. (NAS) Acts 10:42-48 42 "And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. 43 "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days. (NAS) John 7:38-39 38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.'" 39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (NAS) Ezek 47:9 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and

makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. (NIV) Ps 42:1-4 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. (NIV) The cross is the doorway to the Kingdom of God. Vaughan Roberts says "In Christ we have everything, but manifestly we aren't living in light of all we have received in Christ." Amen. God is inviting us to realize what has been already achieved through Christ our Lord and Saviour on the cross. John 17:1-26 1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. 6 "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them.

They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name-- the name you gave me-- so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." (NIV)

We are to be in Him, as Christ lives in us. Rom 8:15-17 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (NAS) 2 Cor 3:1-18 CHAPTER 3 1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-- not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the

veil is taken away. 2 Cor 3:12-17 12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (NIV) 2 Cor 4:3-7 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. (NIV) 1 Pet 1:7-9 7 These have come so that your faith-- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your (NIV)

Rom 5:5 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (NIV) 1 Cor 13:1-13 CHAPTER 13 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we ee in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (NAS) 2 Tim 1:12-14 12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am

not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. (NAS) Rom 5:5 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (NIV) Love Jesus, think Jesus, desire Jesus, breathe and experience Him. Eph 3:14-20 14 For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. (NAS) Ps 46:4-5 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. (NIV) Ephesians. 1:15-23 15. For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus

which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints, 16. cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17. that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; 18. having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19. and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might 20. which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21. farall rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22. and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, 23. which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 3:16.f. that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; 17. that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19. and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God. Colossians 1: 9. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, The more is centred on Jesus, the whole prayer for more is centred on Him. Christ wants the whole church to be anointed. Rom 1:4 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. (NIV)

1 Cor 12:1-3 1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. (NIV) Paul introduces three guiding principles that distinguish the ways of the Holy Spirit: adapted fron Simon Ponsonsby's (More) 1) The principle of conscious control. Unlike paganism, the power of the Holy Spirit does not drive people into wild compulsive acts. His gentle dovelike ministry strengthens human personality. He empowers; He does not overpower. 2) The principle that Christ is glorified. All manifestations of the Spirit will harmonize with the truth about Jesus. 3) The principle of creedal faith . The main work of the Holy Spirit is to bring people under the lordship of Jesus. The Holy Spirit at work 1) The Bible may say that Jesus is Lord, but the Spirit makes that real to me. 2) The Bible may state that God is Father,but the Spirit makes that real to me. Rom 8:15-16 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (NIV) 3) The Bible may state that God is glorious, but the Spirit makes it real to me.

2 Cor 3:15-18 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (NIV) 4) The Bible may say that God is love, but the Spirit makes it real to me. Eph 3:16-21 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV) There are too many spectators in the Christian Church today, we need to go futher up and further in. God wants us to be participators..Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is worth losing everything for, nothing can compare to knowing Jesus. Matt 11:12 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. (NIV) If the devil can't hinder us coming to Christ for salvation, he is sure

going to try to hinder our sanctification. Luke 24:49 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (NIV) Acts 1:4-5 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (NIV) Gal 3:14 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (NIV) 1 Cor 12:1 1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. (NIV) 1 Cor 12:4-6 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. (NIV)

1 Cor 12:31 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.

(NIV) We are to desire the gifts to equip us for service, it’s all about Jesus. The Holy Spirit brings us closer to Him. The gifts are not just to give us a Spiritual uplift, they are empowerment for service, that we might go forth in power, that the name of Jesus might be glorified, that people might be won for the Kingdom of God. The Lord has given us a great commission which we have to obey, which I have to obey, I can’t even try to run away from it any longer, I look at people round about me in this world who are hurting, who are heading for a lost eternity and my heart cries out to them, but how will they know if people like me are too frightened to be bold and speak out about Jesus? That’s just it they won’t, and I pray the Lord will loose my tongue much more than it has already been loosed. Mar 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mar 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mar 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; Mar 16:18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Mar 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. Mar 16:20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. There is no such thing as having arrived Spiritually, we are all a work in progress, but we should desire the gifts and be sure to use them for the glory of God’s kingdom. Our minds and hearts should be focussed on Jesus, He is the author and finisher of our faith , but it is the Holy Spirit who helps us do so. Isa 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Isa 43:20 The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. Isa 43:21 This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise. Let’s declare the praises of our Lord and Saviour, allowing the Holy Spirit full sway in our lives, let the rivers flow. We should be a people of power, as Christians we all have the Holy Spirit within us. We need to die to self and let the Lord take the driving seat. There is always a deeper place, a deeper anointing, we are to keep on being filled with the Spirit. This is something we all have to learn but the Holy Spirit is there to empower us.

Keeping it simple an overview of the Holy Spirit Joh 14:26 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. The Holy Spirit is our helper Joh 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth 1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. The Holy Spirit leads us into understanding more of the things of God. Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself

makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray and indeed He intercedes for us. Joh 1:33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, "Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' Jesus is the baptizer with the Holy Spirit. Act 1:5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." We can be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Act 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." The Holy Spirit is our empowerer Act 8:17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Someone can lay hands on you for you to receive the power of the Spirit Act 10:38 how 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. Jesus Himself laid aside the full power of His deity when He became the God Man and was anointed by the Holy Spirit prior to His Earthly Ministry Act 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. The Holy Spirit can fall upon men

Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. When the Spirit came upon men and women in the book of Acts in most cases we are told they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Rom 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:13 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. We as believers are part of the Kingdom of God, this world is not our home. The Holy Spirit helps us to live righteous lives. He gives us hope, peace and joy. 1Co 2:13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. The Holy Spirit gives us Godly Wisdom, He teaches us as we read the Word. 1Co 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? All who have the Holy Spirit indwelling them (all Christians) are no longer their own person, to do what they will but they are the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1Co 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. No- one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. Eph 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of promise. He has sealed believers. Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. We as believers are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. 2Ti 1:14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. The Holy Spirit keeps us. Tit 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews us, He sanctifies us. Heb 2:4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? The Holy Spirit gives gifts, signs wonders and miracles follow. 1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Godhead. Jud 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, We are to pray in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit builds us up as we do so.

Anointing of the Holy Spirit

Act 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Jesus is talking here was talking about the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 says that the anointing of the Holy Spirit gives divine power to the believers. The anointing of the Holy Spirit and walking in the power of that anointing is for all of us. .

Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said,out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Luk 4:18 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,

Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit before beginning His ministry on the occasion of His baptism. We see here that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him. You may ask why was this necessary with Jesus being the Son of God? Remember though, He chose to lay aside His Majesty, His glory and come as a man. The Holy Spirit came upon Him for the purpose of preaching the Gospel, bringing salvation to those in slavery to sin, perform miracles, and share the love of God. The Son of God came to destroy the devil's work. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is from God, received through prayer, and for the purpose of ministry as it is the vehicle through which God is able to show His power.

God's purpose is for leaders and those who go into ministry, and in fact for all of us as believers to walk in the anointing. Jesus was perfect in every way, yet His perfect life did not change any lives as far as we know until after His anointing.

Isa 10:27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

The scriptures say that the anointing breaks the yoke, it tears away those burdens, and sets the captives free. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.

Rom 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Rom 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Rom 8:11 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.

All born again believers have the Holy Spirit within them , scripture is clear on that. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is not "receiving the Holy Spirit" as some people call it. The "Messiah" or Christ literally means "The Anointed One." The Spirit of God was upon Him. Can you see that a Holy Spirit anointing comes upon us?.

Num 11:16 So the LORD said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the

people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Num 11:17 Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.

Do you see that The Spirit was upon Moses, he was anointed by God and the Spirit came upon the seventy elders?

Deu 34:9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Moses laid hands on Joshua and he received the Spirit of Wisdom. An anointing even today can be imparted by laying on of hands.

Another example is Saul, the first king of Israel, who was anointed by Samuel to be king. After Samuel anointed Saul, Saul met up with a procession of prophets and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul and he began to prophesy. (1 Sam. 10:1-10) Saul though later walked away from his anointing.

1Sa 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

Samuel anointed David with oil. David was anointed by the Spirit, the Spirit came upon Him.

.On the day of Pentecost, when a sound like a great wind filled the room where the believers were and tongues of fire rested on the heads of each of the believers. Do you see that the tongues of fire came upon them? (Acts 2:1-4) Wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word for spirit (ruach) can also mean wind, breath, or life force. Peter explains to the crowd that God has poured out His Spirit on them. Act 2:17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.

When people in the Old Testament were anointed, special anointing oil would be poured out on top of their head so that there would be oil dripping off their beard (if they had a beard). Read Acts 2 the imagery is similar. We can receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit when someone with the anointing lays their hands on them. This is probably the most common way that someone receives an anointing of the Holy Spirit today. However, it can come from prayer and praise and surrendering ourselves over to the Lord, submitting to the Holy Spirit for the Spirit within us can rise up and fill us to overflowing.. What did the Psalmist David say? “You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.”( Psa 23: 5b )

A New Testament example of the anointing through the laying on of hands and a distinction between salvation and the anointing is also given in Acts 8.

Act 8:14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,

Act 8:15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Act 8:16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Act 8:17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. : Saul was converted on the Damascus road but he received an anointing of the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him. He was filled with the Spirit and the scales fell from his eyes and Saul was baptized. When the Holy Spirit anoints an individual, the scales fall from their eyes , and they get a clearer picture of Jesus. They are given a new boldness.

Act 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Act 9:18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

Compare if you will how Simon Peter denied the Lord three times prior to the crucifixion , then within a few short weeks after the Holy spirit coming upon him and anointing him at Pentecost he boldly spoke before hundreds of people proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. When the Holy Spirit anoints a person they are given a new and greater boldness.

In Acts 10: 33-46 and Acts 19:1-7 we see further evidence of people being anointed with the Spirit. Throughout, the Bible we see that when the Spirit of God comes upon somebody, God moves in power. I believe God wants us to minister in the power available

to us through His Spirit. Some of these acts of power come through tongues, prophecy, healing, miraculous signs and wonders, great strength, and acts of great faith and boldness in proclaiming the Gospel.

1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 1Co 12:2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 1Co 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 1Co 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1Co 12:5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1Co 12:8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 1Co 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 1Co 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 1Co 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Paul commands us to desire spiritual gifts, especially the greater gifts. (1 Cor. 14:1) One thing for us to take note of is that several of the above gifts may be manifested in an anointed believer.

Satan has an objective and that is to keep the Kingdom of God from spreading. He has fed a subtle lie to get her to believe that the great power available to us through the Spirit was confined to Biblical times. It’s the self same Spirit folks. For the Kingdom of God to progress properly, for us to realize the full power of the Kingdom we need that anointing, and to walk in that anointing, being continually filled with God’s precious Holy Spirit.

Let me make it clear also that all believers have some gifts but don’t we desire to be a people of power.

Joh 14:12 "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.

Ask yourselves is the Church really walking in power? Are signs and wonders happening within your church? If not, why not? Should we not be a people of power?

. Today all born again believers need the anointing of the Holy Spirit to equip them for ministry and to produce more fruit. It is the anointing that enables or empowers us to do greater exploits than would normally be possible.

Isa 60:1 Arise, shine;

For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. Isa 60:2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.

Folks we have the Holy Spirit. So we should seek the fullness of a Holy Spirit anointing being manifest in power in our lives. The anointing is to empower us for service, not just for us to experience. It’s time for us to walk in maturity, to put away childish things and be a people of power serving our Lord and Savior.

Joh 7:37 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. Joh 7:38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." Joh 7:39 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.

The Baptiser with the Holy Spirit Joh 1:32 And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. Joh 1:33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, "Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

Joh 1:34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."

The baptizer is Jesus Himself. Men and women may lay hands on another to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit but Jesus is the baptizer. Who is man except for God working through Him or Her

ANOINTING

Act 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Jesus is talking here was talking about the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 says that the anointing of the Holy Spirit gives divine power to the believers. The anointing of the Holy Spirit and walking in the power of that anointing is for all of us. . Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Luk 4:18 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, Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit before beginning His ministry on the occasion of His baptism. We see here that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him. You may ask why was this necessary with Jesus being the Son of God? Remember though, He chose to lay aside His Majesty, His glory and come as a man. The Holy Spirit came upon Him for the purpose of preaching the Gospel, bringing salvation to those in slavery to sin, perform miracles, and share the love of God. The Son of God came to destroy the devil's work. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is from God, received through prayer, and for the purpose of ministry as it is the vehicle through

which God is able to show His power. God's purpose is for leaders and those who go into ministry, and in fact for all of us as believers to walk in the anointing. Jesus was perfect in every way, yet His perfect life did not change any lives as far as we know until after His anointing.

Isa 10:27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. The scriptures say that the anointing breaks the yoke, it tears away those burdens, and sets the captives free. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Rom 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Rom 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Rom 8:11 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. All born again believers have the Holy Spirit within them , scripture is clear on that. The anointing or baptism of the Holy Spirit is not "receiving the Holy Spirit" as some people call it. The "Messiah" or Christ literally means "The Anointed One." The Spirit of God was upon Him. Can you see that a Holy Spirit anointing comes upon us?. Num 11:16 So the LORD said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Num 11:17 Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. Do you see that The Spirit was upon Moses, he was anointed by God and the Spirit came upon the seventy elders?

Deu 34:9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Moses laid hands on Joshua and he received the Spirit of Wisdom. An anointing even today can be imparted by laying on of hands. Another example is Saul, the first king of Israel, who was anointed by Samuel to be king. After Samuel anointed Saul, Saul met up with a procession of prophets and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul and he began to prophesy. (1 Sam. 10:1-10) Saul though later walked away from his anointing. 1Sa 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. Samuel anointed David with oil. David was anointed by the Spirit, the Spirit came upon Him. .On the day of Pentecost, when a sound like a great wind filled the room where the believers were and tongues of fire rested on the heads of each of the believers. Do you see that the tongues of fire came upon them? (Acts 2:1-4) Wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word for spirit (ruach) can also mean wind, breath, or life force. Peter explains to the crowd that God has poured out His Spirit on them. Act 2:17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. When people in the Old Testament were anointed, special anointing oil would be poured out on top of their head so that there would be oil dripping off their beard (if they had a beard). Read Acts 2 the imagery is similar. We can receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit when someone with the anointing lays their hands on them. This is probably the most common way that someone receives an anointing of the Holy Spirit today. However, it can come from prayer and praise and surrendering ourselves over to the Lord, submitting to the Holy Spirit for the Spirit within us can rise up and fill us to

overflowing.. What did the Psalmist David say? “You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.”( Psa 23: 5b ) A New Testament example of the anointing through the laying on of hands and a distinction between salvation and the anointing is also given in Acts 8. Act 8:14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, Act 8:15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Act 8:16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Act 8:17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. : Saul was converted on the Damascus road but he received an anointing of the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him. He was filled with the Spirit and the scales fell from his eyes and Saul was baptized. When the Holy Spirit anoints an individual, the scales fall from their eyes, and they get a clearer picture of Jesus. They are given a new boldness. Act 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Act 9:18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. Compare if you will how Simon Peter denied the Lord three times prior to the crucifixion, then within a few short weeks after the Holy spirit coming upon him and anointing him at Pentecost he boldly spoke before hundreds of people proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. When the Holy Spirit anoints a person they are given a new and greater boldness. In Acts 10: 33-46 and Acts 19:1-7 we see further evidence of people being anointed with the Spirit. Throughout, the Bible we see that when the Spirit of God comes upon somebody, God moves in power. I believe God wants us to minister in the power available to us through His Spirit. Some of these acts of power come through tongues, prophecy, healing, miraculous signs and wonders, great strength, and

acts of great faith and boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. 1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 1Co 12:2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 1Co 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 1Co 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1Co 12:5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1Co 12:8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 1Co 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 1Co 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 1Co 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Paul commands us to desire spiritual gifts, especially the greater gifts. (1 Cor. 14:1) One thing for us to take note of is that several of the above gifts may be manifested in an anointed believer. Satan has an objective and that is to keep the Kingdom of God from spreading. He has fed a subtle lie to get her to believe that the great power available to us through the Spirit was confined to Biblical times. It’s the self same Spirit folks. For the Kingdom of God to progress properly, for us to realize the full power of the Kingdom we need that anointing, and to walk in that anointing, being continually filled with God’s precious Holy Spirit. Let me make it clear also that all believers have some gifts but don’t we desire to be a people of power.

Joh 14:12 "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. Ask yourselves is the Church really walking in power? Are signs and wonders happening within your church? If not, why not? Should we not be a people of power? Today all born again believers need the anointing of the Holy Spirit to equip them for ministry and to produce more fruit. It is the anointing that enables or empowers us to do greater exploits than would normally be possible. Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. Isa 60:2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.

All who know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour have the Holy Spirit. So we should seek the fullness of a Holy Spirit anointing being manifest in power in our lives. The anointing is to empower us for service, not just for us to experience. It’s time for us to walk in maturity, to put away childish things and be a people of power serving our Lord and Saviour. Joh 7:37 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. Joh 7:38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." Joh 7:39 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.

Filled with the Spirit Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Act 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Act 2:3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. God fills us with His Spirit to empower us for ministry Act 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto 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. Act 1:5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: Act 13:9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him Act 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

Luk 11:9 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Luk 11:10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Luk 11:11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Luk 11:12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? Luk 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" Act 5:32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." Streams of Living Water Joh 7:37 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. Joh 7:38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." Joh 7:39 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. Isa 44:3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring; Isa 44:19 And no one considers in his heart, Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, "I have burned half of it in the fire, Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it; And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?" Isa 44:20 He feeds on ashes; A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?"

We are not filled with the Holy Spirit for our own sake, but in order to minister to others. Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, Eph 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, The living water is not just for us to drink but to flow out from us as streams of living water, touching other lives. Isa 32:2 A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Isa 32:6 For the foolish person will speak foolishness, And his heart will work iniquity: To practice ungodliness, To utter error against the LORD, To keep the hungry unsatisfied, And he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail. Two Ways of Ministry There are two ways we can live life. Jer 17:5 Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD. Jer 17:6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. Jer 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. Jer 17:8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked;

Who can know it? There are also two ways we can minister. When the Lord rebuked Israel, He pinpointed two primary sins: Jer 2:13 "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water. The spring of living water Jer 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You shall be ashamed. "Those who depart from Me Shall be written in the earth, Because they have forsaken the LORD, The fountain of living waters." The life of God is like a spring of water. It is constant, never drying up. God wants us to spend time in His presence each day, drawing from the spring of His life. As we are filled with God's Spirit, this spring will overflow in Spirit-filled ministry. Joh 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." Rev 21:16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Leaking cisterns But many Christians have forsaken the spring of living water and "dug their own cisterns." A cistern is like a well, but has no independent source of water. The water must be brought from another place. Many Christians find that their life leaks. They go to church on Sunday, but by Monday all the joy, peace and power has leaked away. They have built cisterns modeled after the ways of this world Joh 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a

fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." We can only truly minister out of the spring of God's Spirit. If we try to minister to people in our own strength and ability, independent from God's Spirit, we will either dry up or burn out. Whether in life or in ministry, we too must learn the lesson that God taught Zerubbabel: Zec 4:6 So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts. "...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty" Life in Overflow Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Joh 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. Joh 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. " Jesus not only came to give us eternal life, but also abundant life. God has designed the Christian life to be so abundant that it is in overflow. God does not just give us the peace we need for our lives. He gives more than we need, so that we can share it with others Mat 10:13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. God does not just supply enough victory to overcome our problem. He gives us more than we need, so that we can share our victory with others Rom 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

The Bible records many aspects of the Christian experience that God desires to be in overflow: Love: Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 1Th 3:12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, Joy : 2Co 8:2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. Phi 1:26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. 1Pe 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 1Th 1:6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, Peace : Jud 1:2 Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you . 2Th 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Hope: Rom 15:13 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. Comfort : 2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

Thanksgiving: 2Co 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 2Co 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, Col 2:7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding with thanksgiving. Praise: Psa 119:171 My lips shall utter praise, For You teach me Your statutes. Giving: Luk 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Grace: 1Ti 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, Jam 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." Blessing: Joh 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. Rom 15:13 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. Rom 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. There are two ways we can minister to other people - whether it be in witness, prayer or any other kind of ministry. We can minister out of a pressure to perform - to obey the outward rules and regulations that are

necessary for us to be "a good Christian." Or we can minister out of the overflow of our own experience in the Lord. Luk 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Beyond Measure Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Jud 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, Joh 3:34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. God wants us to be filled with His Spirit and empowered for ministry each and every day. Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit "without limit" and God is preparing His people to be filled "to the measure of all the fullness of God. Eph 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, Eph 3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Eph 1:23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Eph 4:13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; Col 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; Col 2:10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. We can know what it is to have Spirit beyond measure because we are

already complete in Him. A little oil 2Ki 4:1 A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves." 2Ki 4:2 So Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" And she said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil." 2Ki 4:3 Then he said, "Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors--empty vessels; do not gather just a few. 2Ki 4:4 And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones." 2Ki 4:5 So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. 2Ki 4:6 Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, "Bring me another vessel." And he said to her, "There is not another vessel." So the oil ceased. 2Ki 4:7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest. Olive oil was a valuable commodity in ancient Israel. It had a number of practical uses, from the holy to the mundane. It was used for various anointings, for certain offerings to The Lord, for medicative purposes, for cooking, and of course to fuel lamps for light. One of the wives of the prophets became a widow, and she found herself in severe financial difficulty. The story here shows how Elisha assisted her, by means of a miracle from The Lord - a supernatural production of oil. There was nothing in her house but a little oil. One small jar of oil and Elisha told her to borrow lots of vessels from neighbours and fill them from this small jar of oil and the woman kept filling those vessels up and there was still more oil and Elisha told her to bring yet another vessel and she filled this also. It makes you wonder what would have happened if she had only borrowed a few jars, or if she had not somehow organized those boys for the task of filling them. Wouldn‘t her lack of vision have limited God's blessing on her. The gift was apportioned to the vessels appropriated to hold it. This is a lesson for us. If we believe God will bless us, we will take action to be ready to receive it, and allowing room for God to work and receive all the praise and glory.

There were many ways that she could have been helped, but oil was chosen, not only because it was a readily-marketable commodity, but also because oil was symbolic of the power of the Holy Spirit, a Light in a dark world. In this same way God wants to pour out His Spirit abundantly. COME DRINK FROM THE RIVERS OF LIVING WATER, THE LORD WANTS TO FILL US UP TO OVERFLOWING. Rev 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Gal 5:17 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. Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Gal 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. There is such a lot for us to learn in those few verses, Do you see that Paul makes it quite clear that we are not only to be filled with the Spirit, we are to walk in the Spirit. We are not given poetic license because there is freedom in Christ. We are called to holiness. When we walk in the Spirit we allow Him to have His way. We are to remain in communion with the Lord. Any decisions we make are to be in the light of His holiness. We should be so occupied with our Lord and Savior Jesus

Christ, because the Spirit’s ministry is to engage the believer with Him.. When we walk in the Spirit, the flesh, or self-life, is treated as dead to us. We can’t be occupied at the same time with Christ and with sin. This is something we can’t do in our own strength, no matter how hard we try it is impossible for us to attain to Holy living without the Holy Spirit empowering us. We need to submit our lives to the Holy Spirit’s control. Scofield says: The problem of the Christian life is based on the fact that so long as the Christian lives in this world he is, so to speak, two trees—the old tree of the flesh, and the new tree of the divine nature implanted by the new birth; and the problem itself is, how to keep barren the old tree and to make fruitful the new tree. The problem is solved by walking in the Spirit.. The Spirit and the flesh are at war, God could have removed our fleshly nature from us at the time of our conversion, but He didn’t choose to do so because He wanted to keep us reminded of our own weakness; to keep us continually dependent on Christ, our Priest and Advocate; and to cause us to praise without ceasing the One who saved us. Instead of removing the old nature, God gave us His own Holy Spirit to indwell us. God’s Spirit and our flesh are perpetually at war, and will continue to be at war until we are taken home to heaven. As mentioned previously our part in the conflict is to yield to the Spirit. When we are led by the Spirit we are lifted above the flesh and occupied with the Lord. In such a state we are not giving thought to the law or the flesh. The Holy Spirit didn’t lead us to look to the law as a means of justification. He pointed us to the Lord Jesus Christ who died for us, and now sits at the Fathers right hand, the risen Christ as the only ground of acceptance before God. The works of the flesh can be categorized as sexual sins , sins connected with pagan religion, sins of temper, and sins of drunkenness. If our lives are categorized, overcome by those sins, if we habitually .sin it is proof that one has not become a new creature in Christ, and that he is not in the kingdom of God. See 2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. A Christian can fall temporarily into these sins, but he will be miserable until he confesses them and turns away from them.. Pro 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Paul wrote this to the churches because not all who profess to be saved are true children of God.. So, throughout the New Testament the presentation of wonderful spiritual truths often follows solemn warnings

to all who profess the name of Christ.. Let’s now take a look at the fruit of the Spirit. Works are produced by human energy. Fruit is grown as a branch abides in the vine. Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. In that verse fruit is singular, not plural. The Holy Spirit produces fruit, that is holiness. The list of fruits in Galatians described the life of the child of God. Dr. C. I. Scofield has pointed out that every one of them is foreign to the soil of the human heart. Love is what God is, and what we ought to be. It is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13, and told out in all its fullness at the cross of Calvary. 1 Co 13:4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 1Co 13:5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 1Co 13:6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 1Co 13:7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 1Co 13:8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth]. (AMP) Joy is contentment and satisfaction with God and with His dealings. See our Lord’s example.in Joh 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Peace could include the peace of God as well as harmonious relations among Christians. For peace in the life of Jesus, see Luke 8:22-25. Luk

8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. Luk 8:23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. Luk 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. Luk 8:25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. . Longsuffering is patience in afflictions, annoyances, and persecutions. See the example found in Jesus compassion for Peter as He tells him that Before the c**k crows three times Peter will have denied Him three times. Luk 22:34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the c**k shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. Kindness is gentleness, possibly best explained in the attitude of the Lord Jesus toward little children. Mar 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Goodness is kindness shown to others. To see goodness in action, we have but to read Luke 10:30–35. Luk 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Luk 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Luk 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. Luk 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, Luk 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luk 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two

pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Faithfulness may mean trust in God, confidence in our fellow Christians, fidelity, or reliability. Gentleness is taking the lowly place as Jesus did when He washed His disciples’ feet Self-control means literally holding oneself in, especially regarding sex. Our lives should be disciplined. Lust, passions, appetites, and temper should be ruled. We should practice moderation. Samuel Chadwick says “In newspaper English the passage reads something like this:the fruit of the Spirit is an affectionate, lovable disposition; a radiant spirit and a cheerful temper; a tranquil mind and a quiet manner; a forbearing patience in provoking circumstances and with trying people; a sympathetic insight and tactful helpfulness; generous judgment and a big-souled charity; loyalty and reliableness under all circumstances; humility that forgets self in the joy of others; in all things self-mastered and self-controlled, which is the final mark of perfection. How striking this is in relation to 1 Cor. 13.” Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Notice the past tense, not future tense here the deal is done we are crucified with Christ. It’s a DONE DEAL! So we should not be living according to the flesh at all. We are to walk in the Spirit. 5:25 If here carries the thought of “since.” Since we have eternal life by the work of the Holy Spirit in us, let us live out the new life by the power of the same Spirit. The law never could give life, and was never intended to be the Christian’s rule of life. (Believer’s Bible Commentary) The final verse here gives us three attitudes that we should avoid.: 1. Conceit—Let us not become conceited, forming proud empty opinion of ourselves. God does not want us to be boastful or conceited braggarts. 2. Provocation—Provoking one another. This is a denial of the Spiritfilled life. 3. Envy—Envying one another. Envy is specifically the sin of wanting something that belongs to someone else to which one has no right or

claim. Envy is unhappy with another person’s superior success, talents, possessions, or good looks. A true believer should esteem others better than himself. There are many lessons for us to learn from this passage. I know the Lord has been speaking to me through it. It is time to truly walk in the Spirit.. My flesh is crucified, so is yours believer. Wow! Let’s walk in the Spirit manifesting the fruits of the Spirit in all we do and say.

Father, We desire to walk in the Spirit, for the fruits of the Spirit to be really in evidence in our Lives. Please help us do so. We submit to the Holy Spirit and put aside the ways of the flesh. Fill us afresh with your precious Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name, Amen What are tongues for?

TONGUES ARE FOR EDIFICATION 1. Praying in other tongues will edify you.

1Co 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

To edify means to build up, strengthen, recharge. 2. Praying in other tongues is evidence that the Holy Spirit resides in you.

Act 10:45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 3.Praying in tongues builds up your faith, and helps you trust God more fully.

Jud 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 4.Praying in tongues is a great way to give thanks to God.

1Co 14:15 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. 1Co 14:16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 1Co 14:17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. 5.Praying in tongues helps us to yield our tongues, as well as the rest of our bodies, to the control of the Holy Spirit.

Jas 3:8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison 6.Praying in tongues helps us to pray God's perfect will, even when we don't know what or how to pray.

Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

7. Praying in tongues brings us into God's rest and refreshing.

Isa 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, Isa 28:12 To whom He said, "This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest," And, "This is the refreshing"; Yet they would not hear.

1Co 14:21 In the law it is written: "With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord.

Copyright © 2009 Irene McGough Disciples of Jesus Ministry www.discipleofjesussite.com

This ebook can be freely copied and distributed for noncommercial use