Study of The Holy Spirit

(Believe the Death/ Resurrection of Jesus Christ) 

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬

"Sleep"... what is he referring too? " Sleep In Jesus" could refer to " Died In Jesus."  Now I am reminded of a scene in the Bible about Jesus speaking to his disciples about Lazarus, their friend, being "sleep." You can find it in John 11: 11-14

“... that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭

Ephesians 1:13

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

(In Reference) In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that, you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise.

• John 7:38-39: " He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

(In Reference)- He that believe on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.

^{39  "}(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"

( In Reference)- ( But this, he spoke of the Spirit, which they who believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.)" 

(In other words:) Jesus had not yet suffered and died and rose into glory, for God to give to us, through him, the Comforter or Holy Spirit/ Ghost. 

• Repent-

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

• (In Reference)- "Then Peter said to them, sincerely regret and ask for forgiveness of your sins, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the cancelation of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." 

• Baptized-

Mark 1:8: I indeed have baptize you with water: but he will baptize you with the Holy Ghost. ~ John the Baptist.

• Must keep his commandments-

John 14:21-He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

( In Reference) " He that has my instructions, and keep them, he It is that loves me: and he that loves me will be loved of my father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him." 

How do you keep his commandments?

• You must read the word,

• Must STUDY the word, ( rightly dividing the word ( breaking down the word)~ ( 2 Timothy 2:15)

• Must believe in the word and everything your reading to be true.

• Must be a DOER of the word, not a hearer or a seer of the word only.

John 14;22:  "Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?"

(In Reference)- "Judas says unto him, (not Iscariot,) " Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?

John 14;23:  "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

(In Reference)- "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make OUR ( Holy Spirit/Possession) stay with him.

“Words” can imply not only the surface of the scripture, like his commandments and the scripture itself, but can be found in a deeper meaning; implying even God's voice, or instructions for his will. 

“Our” can be referred to as “ in possession of” or  “belonging too.”

Furthermore, JOHN 16: 14-15 reminds us that they both possess the same things, even the power.

John16;14- He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

(In Reference)- He will glorify me: for he will receive of mine, and will show it to you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

(In Reference)- “All things that the Father has are mine: therefore said I, that he will take of mine, and show it to you.”

What is his ? The Holy Spirit :  What is theirs? The Holy Spirit

Sanctified-

 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 : " And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

(In Reference)- “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will live in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

(In Reference)- “Therefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unsanctified thing; and I will accept you.”

“And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

(In Reference)- “And will be a father unto you, and you will be my sons and daughter, says the Lord Almighty.”

Walking in Charity

~ 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that without Charity ( Love), though you may possess your gift for building up the kingdom of God. Without charity; it profits nothing.

1) “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

(In Reference-)“Though I speak with the tongue of men and of angels. And if I have not Love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinking cymbal.”

2) “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

(In Reference-)“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”

(In Reference-)“And though I give all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it gains me nothing.”

Can you be denied? God Doesn't deny us, we deny him.

Luke 7:30- But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. 

In Reference- But the Pharisees and Lawyers didn't accept the advice of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. ( Of Jesus) 

How was it against " themselves' ? Well Rather the pharisee and lawyers knew it or not, they need Jesus to save them, so them rejecting Jesus, it will come against THEM.

What was their Mistake? Not believing; Not being Baptized under his name.

Many may say: " Well I'm baptized in his name" or " I Believe in Jesus Christ,  Why don't I have it? 

2 Timothy 2:12 - "... if we deny him, he also will deny us." or (Titus 1: 16) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. 

(In other words:) " DENY" is deeper than the surface. Deny his word, deny his voice, deny his instructions, etc. YOU DENIED HIM. 

(Not only that:) To say " I believe in faith" but don't walk in faith."  YOU DON'T BELIEVE.

To say, " I know God will make a way, but then when the way is set, you don't move."  YOU DON'T BELIEVE.

Which also brings up a reminding scripture he foretold us in 2 Timothy 3, referring to the last days, and it reads:

... “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
‭‭(2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬)

YOUR HEART MUST BE IN THE RIGHT POSTURE

There’s a story in the Bible about Simon the sorcerer; and it can be found in ”ACTS 8 verses 9- 22” and it reads:

9 "But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:"

(In Reference) But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used whichcraft, and tricked the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was so great one:

10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

(In Reference) To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

(In Reference) And to him they had regard, because that of long time, he had tricked them with witch craft.

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

(In Reference) But when they believed Philip's teaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and woman.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

(In Reference) Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, watching the miracles and signs which were done.

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

(In Reference) Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they send to them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

(In Reference) Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

(In Reference) (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

(In Reference) Then laid they their on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

(In Reference) And when Simon saw that through laying hands on the apostles the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

(In Reference) Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

(In Reference) But Peter says to him, you money perish with you, because you has thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

(In Reference) You has no part nor lot in this matter: for your hear is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

(In Reference) Repent therefore of your wickedness, and pray to God, If perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.

Now as we read. SIMON BELIEVED, he believed Jesus was the Christ. He even got baptized under his name to where he could obtain the Holy Spirit. 

But there’s another reminding scripture in

 “1 Samuel 16:7” and it reads:

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

Focusing more on: “… For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man look on the outward appearance, but the lord looks on the heart.”

Simon the sorcery at this moment; was refused from God because of his heart. To think the Holy Spirit can be bought, is foolish. “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,”

But to want such power for personal gain, is even more foolish. Now to some, his response may have seemed legitimate. “ Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." But regardless God validates people actions by his scripture:

• Proverbs 21:2 - Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.

(in other words): Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord examines the hearts.

• Acts 15:8-  And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

(In other words): And God, which know the hearts, bear them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did to us;

• Jeremiah 17:10- I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

(In other words): I, the Lord, search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to this ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Now we know, that you can be denied if you refuse to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

• Sacrifice/ Fasting

  ~ Now some will say fasting is an option. But I believe it is a requirement.

( 2 Corinthians 6: 4-7 ) “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,”

(In Reference)- But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in pain and suffering, in (by doing the) essential requirements, in sorrow,

“In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;”

(In Reference)- In persecutions, in captivity, in disfunction, In working, In observing, in fasting;

“By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,”

(In Reference)- By sinlessness, by facts and information, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by genuine sincere love.

“By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,”

(In Reference)- By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,”

(Matthew 5:6)- Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

I Am also Reminded of the Daniel Story found in Daniel 1-3

(Other). Few Scriptures we can pull from Daniel that speaks about the CAUSE AND EFFECTS of FASTING!

(Daniel 9: 2-4) - 2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

(In Reference) In the first year of his rule, I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, where of; the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the state of destruction of Jerusalem. 

3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

In Reference) And I set mt face to the Lord God, to search by prayer and begging humbly, with fasting, and repentance and grief:

4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

(In Reference) And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made my confession ( repentance) and said, O lord, the great and fearless God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

(Daniel 9-21-22)

21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

(In Reference)- Yea, while I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel ( an Angel) , who I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly quickly, touched me about the time of the evening offering.

22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

(In Reference)- And he enlightened me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give you skill and understanding.

CONCLUSION:

(Final Remarks: Mark 16: 15- 20)

15)And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

(In Reference)- And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

(In Reference)- He that believe and is baptized will be saved; but he that believe not will be condemned by God.

17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

(In Reference)- And these signs will follow them that believe; in my name will they cast out devils; they will speak with new tongues; 

18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

(In Reference)- They will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay lands on the sick, and they will recover. 

19) So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

(In Reference)- So then after the Lord had spoken to them, he received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20) And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

(In Reference) And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.