Scrapbook #9: Holy Spirit

A section of the Daily Bread post that started it:
“During the August heat of 1891, R. G. Dyrenforth arrived in Midland, Texas, determined to blast rain from the sky. Known as a “concussionist,” he and his team launched and detonated huge balloons filled with explosive gases, fired cannons, and exploded piles of dynamite on the ground—shaking both earth and sky. Some believed he made it rain a little, but most said all he caused was noise. The explosive power was impressive but ineffective.” (Full post here)

The comment that I want to highlight:
“If ever there was a time when a large section of the church of Jesus Christ was “concussionist”, it is now. There is lots of noise… all sorts of noise… but very few signs and wonders, very little power, and very little of what appears to be “wisdom” from the Holy Spirit. Although this sounds harsh, what is undeniable is that we are not seeing the kind of results that the early church saw as demonstrated by Stephen.

Every Christian that I know agrees that, “In our life for Christ we accomplish nothing without the power of the Spirit.” Most Christians that I know, want, or at least say that they want to be “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”. So, clearly, there is a problem, and a very big one at that. Could it be that we lack clarity on how to achieve the fullness of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the triune God and is as much God as is the Father and the Son.
1. Through the Holy Spirit, God the Father draws persons to Himself in Salvation. (John 6:44 & 1 Corinthians 12:3; Titus 3:4-7)
2. At the time of conversion, He seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 3:24).
3. He will sanctify us in separation unto the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 6:11)
4. He produces fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22)
5. He is our Helper, and will help us with our prayer life, and in every other area of our life. (John 14:26; Romans 8:26-27; John 15:26)
6. He will guide us into all truth and teaches us all things (John 16:13; John 14:26; 1 John 2:20)
7. He will provide us with divine power (Acts 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:5)
8. He provides us with specific spiritual gifts for the edification of each other (1 Corinthians 12:7-11;

God is not hiding from us, and He is certainly not lost. But he rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Because it is impossible to be saved without the working of the Holy Spirit, and because He seals us for ultimate redemption, we know that as Believers we have the Holy Spirit. The only real question is, “Does the Holy Spirit have us…, and if He does, how much of us does He have?”

It is my understanding that as we deliberately, and prayerfully surrender specific areas of our life to His control, one at a time, we will be increasingly filled by the Holy Spirit. As we seek to commune and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, there can be no substitute for time. The more time we spend with Him, the more intimate and effective will be our relationship with Him.”

– Doctor Perspective

1. The Holy Spirit is one of my most favourite people to talk about. 🙂

2. The past 2 years of my life as a Christian have been remarkably different from the past 18 years as a Christian (give or take a few-I’m one of those people who got saved in Sunday School).

3. The difference? The Holy Spirit. Everything changed when I encountered Him. Everything.

4. He has changed the way I look at God, myself, the people around me and the world around me…

5. I really have no idea what I was doing without Him. Wait…actually I do. Not much.

6. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to be a believer without the help of the Holy Spirit.

7. Of all the things Jesus could have left us with when He went back to heaven, He chose the Holy Spirit. Ever asked yourself why?

8. He’s part of the salvation package. You have Him. But question is-does He have you?

9. Doc Perspective (I love his name lol…) ended his comment with this prayer. I’ll leave it here for anyone who needs to find their way to the Holy Spirit…

“Dear Lord, please daily draw me closer to yourself as I confess and denounce all sin in my life. Help me to become comfortable in your presence as I yield my will, my mind and my body to your control. Fill me with your wisdom and power. Amen.”