The Way Of The Holy Spirit

Everyone should want more power in their walk with God and their life. We read that the comforter or Holy Spirit will teach us all things and lead us in the paths of his righteousness. John 14:26 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. Acts 1:8 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. What is the Holy spirit but a portion of the spirit of God. Jesus had it without measure. John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. It is the spirit of truth and not a third part of God. John 14:17-18 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. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. This is the reason so many do not have it abiding in them. The worship God incorrectly. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Well, if do not worship and abide in the truth, how could ever expect the Holy Spirit of truth to live in or even with you? Justin Martyr himself lamented that the spirit and gifts of it left the Catholic Church back in his time. The Catholic record of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is not very good. In Justin’s day the gifts of the Spirit in most Catholic Churches had just about disappeared. Reverend Marvin M. Arnold, in his great work the History of the Christian Church, quoted Thomas O’ Dea as saying: By the time Justin wrote his Apology in AD 150 in which he described the Eucharistic service of the Catholic Church, free expression of emotion characteristic of earlier meetings, such as ‘prophesying, speaking with tongues, and interpretation of tongues’ had disappeared. Eusebius, a Catholic Bishop and one of the early Catholic Church historians, wrote against Montanus in no doubt very exaggerated terms; that is, he claimed that Montanus, Maximilla, and Priscilla claimed to be the Lord Jesus Christ, and sometimes the Holy Spirit. This is nothing but foolishness. For anyone who knows anything about the spirit of prophecy or the interpreting of tongues, knows when God speaks through any of His children, in either of these gifts, He always speaks in the first person and not the third person! This does not mean the child of God, who is speaking, claims to be God, but only a mere tool that God is using to speak through. Who would dare say that the donkey, God spoke through to Balaam, claimed to be God because God spoke through it. Therefore, when we read Eusebius, or any ancient Catholic priest’s writing, who wrote against their enemies, we should bear in mind he is speaking from a heart that is full of bias and hate. With this in mind, let us read what Eusebius wrote about Montanus and his two helpers. Eusebius stated: There is said to be a certain village called Ardabau in that part of Mysia, which borders upon Phrygia. There first, they say, when Gratus was proconsul of Asia, a recent convert, Montanus by name, through his unquenchable desire for leadership, gave the adversary opportunity against him. And he became beside himself, and being suddenly in a sort of frenzy and ecstasy, he raved, and began to babble and utter strange things, prophesying in a manner. He stirred up besides two women, and filled them with the false spirit, so that they talked wildly and unreasonably and strangely, like the person already mentioned. And the arrogant spirit taught them to revile the entire universal Church [meaning priesthood] under heaven, because the spirit of false prophecy received neither honor from it nor entrance into it. These persons were expelled from the Church and debarred from communion. Since, therefore, they called us slayers of the prophets. Because Catholic Bishops believed in and taught Ignatius’ Nicolaitan Monarchial Bishop doctrine and the priesthood of only certain believers, they did everything they could to stop any movement of the Spirit of God in their services. They did not want anyone standing up and saying: “Thus saith the Lord,” and thereby defy their absolute authority over the church, as Montanus and his followers had done. After all, when Ignatius or any other Catholic Bishop claimed that their authority over the Church is the

same as God’s authority over the Church, they certainly did not want God or anyone God was using to contradict anything they said or taught. Therefore, these Catholic Bishops were afraid of the Gifts of the Spirit. Well, what did they do to stop it? The first thing they did was to forbid it by claiming it was of the devil! The second thing done was to take away the liberty and joy of spontaneous emotional worship, and replaced it with the ritual and ceremony of the Mass! They obviously realized that the Gifts of the Spirit usually moved on the people, when they were pouring out their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ in love in verbal worship! As we can clearly see that these people quenched the spirit of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the spirit. Now we can see that by the time of Justin 97-167 AD that he had already changed the baptism formula, from the name of Jesus to a slightly extended trinity, with Jesus still at it's center. We are baptized into the life and resurrection of Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, and Galatians 3:27 among many state this fact.) And until we baptized in the only saving and commanded name, (Jesus name is commanded in all things, Colossians 3:17. Neither is salvation available in any other name, Acts 4:12.) we do not have the spirit of God in us. But let us read on of this historical account on the disappearing spirit from Catholic worship services. There are two basic truths that we can learn from the writings of Irenaeus: First, he claimed that the gifts of the Spirit were still in operation in his church in Lyons, and in some of the other Catholic Churches in France around this time. Therefore, the Holy Spirit of God was evidently being quenched in most of the Catholic Churches around the world. Second, Irenaeus believed that gift of the Holy spirit with the evidence of another language, and other gifts of the Spirit (Such as laying on of hands and healings by whatever means, handkerchiefs, shadows, etc.) would continue until the resurrection took place. So with this in mind, let examine Irenaeus’ writings. Irenaeus, like Justin Martyr, connected the ascension of Christ with Jesus imparting the gifts of the Spirit to the Church. He wrote: For the Lord, through means of suffering, “ascending into the lofty place, led captivity captive, gave gifts to men,” and conferred on those that believe in Him the power ‘to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy.’ Irenaeus was a disciple of Polycarp. In his book entitled “Against Heresies” he spoke of the gifts of the Spirit this way: Those who are in truth His disciples, receiving grace from Him, do in His name perform [miracles], so as to promote the welfare of other men, according to the gift which each one has received from Him. For some do certainly and truly drive out devils, so that those who have thus been cleansed from evil spirits frequently both believe [in Christ], and join themselves to the Church. Others have foreknowledge of things to come: they see visions, and utter prophetic expressions. Others still, heal the sick by laying their hands upon them, and they are made whole. Yea, moreover, as I have said, the dead even have been raised up, and remained among us for many years. The name of our Lord Jesus Christ even now confers benefits [upon men], and cures thoroughly and effectively all who anywhere believe on Him. It is tragic that this Catholic Bishop speaks as an observer and not as a participator! Eusebius, in the fourth century, interpreted Irenaeus writings when he wrote: He shows that manifestations of divine and miraculous power continued to his time in some of the churches. And in another place the same author [Irenaeus] writes: ‘As also we hear that many brethren in the Church possess prophetic gifts, and speak, through the Spirit, with all kinds of tongues, and bring to light the secret things of men for their good, and declare the mysteries of God.’ So much in regard to the fact that various gifts remained among those who were worthy even until that time. Irenaeus believed that speaking in tongues and the gifts of the Spirit would continue in the Church until the resurrection. He declared that the apostle Paul taught that the perfect man was one who was filled with the Holy Spirit of God, and one who kept the Holy Spirit until the end, and preserved his spirit, soul, and body blameless, until the resurrection when he will see God. Irenaeus said it this way: And Paul declared: ‘Not that I have already attained, or that I am justified, or already have been made perfect.’ ‘For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;

but when that which is perfect has come, the things which are in part shall be done away'. As, therefore, when that which is perfect is come, we shall not see another Father, but Him whom we now desire to see for ‘blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God'. Today all can partake of the Holy spirit of God freely. Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission (Forgiveness is it's equal in our vocabulary today.) and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) What does that statement mean? Simply put, when we are baptized into Jesus Christ we have put him on. We can put on the Holy Spirit/Ghost and speaking in tongues is not a requirement of salvation. We have the mind of Christ. One no longer is moved by his own will. John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. Here it is speaking of the spirit of God. I have been prompted as many have by an invisible yet powerful force named the Holy Spirit. John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, (It flames the fire or fans it. In other words we cleanse ourselves inwardly in a continual fashion, getting rid of dead works by taking heed unto the word of God revealed to and in us.) and brings the words of God to our hearts and mind. John 16:7-15 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (These could not bear as yet they did not have the spirit of God freely released unto them. It would be poured upon all flesh after the rising of Christ Jesus. If it did not appear to all men and give them conviction of sin, who would repent and then by faith be baptized in the name of Jesus then? None. That is why many today who feel the Holy Spirit touching their lives to lead them away from darkness by leaving false churches yet not hearing or heeding the spirit, instead giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; yet these feel that this conviction alone saves them. We can bear all things by faith in Christ and his grace given to us, especially of the household of God.) 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. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. The Holy Spirit showed or revealed to John at the Isle of Patmos, the things to be. Paul received great revelations from God. He speaks here of himself though because he does not wish to give glory to the flesh. Even as Christ Jesus did the same thing. Thus, the mind of Christ. Here are Paul's words of himself. 2 Corinthians 12:1-5 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. Peter was moved himself by the Holy Spirit in Acts 10:9-20 Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never

eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Now Peter who had the Holy Spirit, was shown by it that he was to accept something that was commonly forbidden to him before. Cornelius who as yet had it not, was instead sent an Angel. He was instructed to call for Peter at a specific location, to hear his words of light and life. God will reveal his secrets to his servants. But we must serve him in his spirit and with his truth. One cannot put on a strange garment and expect him to welcome us in, as we are in rebellion at that point in time. We are part of his family only by the spirit, blood, and water. 1 John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. We cannot overcome the world by faith unless we by our active faith have been baptized into Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. We who have believed have the Holy Spirit as our witness inside us. The spirit and kingdom of God is within us. If you lack this then it is because you have not followed his word. Acts 7:51-60 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. This same Holy Ghost in Stephen put conviction in sinners to hear and obey the word but Catholics destroyed those (Just like they put to death Stephen, these could not gainsay nor resist his spirit, that is the Holy spirit of God.) who did not accept their traditions by all means available. They would do so today again if God was not restraining them by his spirit. Also they lack the opportunity to do so. this is not the spirit of God that leads them. Many throw stones at the Catholics for their past bad history. I say now they must repent and obey the truth or be thrown into the bed of great tribulation. This will come upon the whole earth as a snare or net. God is not against mankind, instead he is withholding his judgement and wrath so that all may have the chance to be saved. The tide or strength of evil is now rising. As anyone in touch with God or the spiritual now feels this. Do not be deceived, Satan informs his army of evil even as God reveals the truth to his people. God will not be mocked: for whatever you sow or do will be counted for or against you, at judgement day. The household of God faces judgement now instead of later. Either way there is a price to be paid. One will let Christ pay it now or they themselves will pay it then. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God (Given to us by our faith and his grace.) is eternal life through (A triad or trinity? NO!) Jesus Christ our Lord.