Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

Good morning and welcome to Living Faith Church. I am so excited to be able to worship Jesus Christ with you on this amazing Sunday. If we have never met before, my name is Aaron. I am so excited to hear and see what God has been doing in our church family. As a mater of a fact, I want you to hear some of what I am hearing. I’m going to invite my friend (9 am: Mike Hackenberg) (11 am: ?) to share with you their testimony.

Throughout this series we have been looking at the various faith statements that this church stands upon. If you are just joining us for the first time, we are calling this teaching series We Are Pillars. My prayer for each of us is that as we take in Gods word to us, and learn about what God says about each of these topics, our faith will become stronger - allowing us to become people that those around us can trust in, can lean on, can rely on.

Over the years I have been fortunate to collect a small but mighty set of tools. Now, my tools set is no where close to that of many of you in this room, however, it works really well for the kind of work that I do; which is light remodel. I’ve never framed a house, or repaired a car engine, but I have laid tile, installed base boards, fixed minor electrical issues. Mind you, I am no handyman. My sink fell our of kitchen counter a few months back and I was on the phone begging for help. But, you know, I am light years from where I was when Stella and I first got married. Actually, here today I have with me the entirety of my tool collection from 2006. Why 2006? Because it was in 2006 that I tried to build a shelf in my garage. I used my hammer to bang in a few nails, my drill to screw in a few screws that this little guy couldn’t and some scrap wood I found laying around the house, and up it went. I was so satisfied, I got all those Christmas decorations, the baseball card collection, and a few boxes of who knows what up on that shelf and I walked away. Stella was surprised that it worked… she didn’t have the confidence that she has now in my construction abilities. I honestly was not worried at all. I mean, what could go wrong? It’s a solid wood shelf… so what if I didn’t have a saw to cut the wood to fit. I used to work in a cabinet shop you know. I know a thing or two. Nails and a little prayer can go a long ways. Well, around midnight we were awoken out of a dead sleep by a very loud crashing sound… I was stunned when I heard a very sweet but firm female voice, that I thought sounded kind of familiar, grunt, “your shelf”. That was it, not your awesome shelf, or your amazing shelf, or even your useful shelf… just “your shelf”. As if she could discern all the way from the bedroom that the loud crashing sound was my shelf that I had worked so studiously on. Why assume it was my shelf? I mean, maybe it was a burglar, or maybe it was the neighbors shelf… he has shelves too you know! It had to be something else, not my shelf! I walked into the garage only to realize that, all my hard work broken to pieces on the floor! Years later I was helping a boss of mine remodel his shop. I warned him about my shelf. He said to me, “Aaron, it’s all about the tools”. Well, if he was right, we were in good shape, this guy had more tools than Home Depot. And you know what, he wasn’t half wrong. I was laying sheetrock, framing walls, and it all worked, it still stands to this day!

And it is not that different when working on life. Really, the tools make all the difference. That’s why after Jesus gave His disciples the great commission… “Go into all the world and make disciples- Jesus said;

Luke 24:49 (NASB95)

49 “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

And we find that that power came in the form of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was ensuring that these disciples had access to the right tools for job. Over the last many weeks we’ve talked about the Bible, Healing, Christ return, and many other topics. Today we are going to talk about a topic that is very important to all of us, and its the topic of the Holy Spirit. Now, the Holy Spirit should never be viewed as just a tool in a tool chest; we will talk about that in a moment. But the Holy Spirit does enable us, with gifts that empower us for the life God has called us to. If you were to look at our statement of faith, found on our website, winactiy.com, you would read this language.

We Believe: In the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.

Let’s Begin by looking at our Acts 19 passage.

Acts 19:1–6 (NASB95)

1 It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples.

2 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 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 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.

I want to begin today by addressing three important misconceptions about the person of the Holy Spirit.

1. The Person of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not a force. Often our tendency is to etherealize Holy Spirit. Maybe because of the word spirit, or because the Holy Spirit was not incarnate like Christ. The The Holy Spirit is a person. Specifically the third person of the Trinity. So, to impersonalize the Holy Spirit by relating to the Holy Spirit as a force, an “it”, an emotion or experience is to distance ourself from the very real person that God has desired for us to get to know.

2. The Co-Eternal Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit was not created at Pentecost.

Genesis 1:1–2 (NASB95)

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

The Holy Spirit, just as was God and Christ existed before creation. All three parts of the trinity are eternal beings. They are without creation, no beginning of days, no ending of days. Contrary to some beliefs, the Holy Spirit was at work prior to the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit work in the Old Testament was temporal in comparison to the New Testament outpouring. It seems as if the Holy Spirit came only upon a select few in Old Testament days in contrast to the Holy Spirit being available for all in the Post Resurrection days. However, we do find instances such as in Genesis 41:38 we find that after Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, Pharaoh replied:

Genesis 41:38 (NASB95)

38 Then Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?”

When Moses was building the tabernacle, Exodus 28 says:

Exodus 28:3 (NASB95)

3 “You shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me.

So, the Holy spirit is eternal, and did work among mankind from the beginning of time, however, post cross- Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, that He might be available to all mankind.

3. The Co-Equal Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not God Jr. or a demi god. I am amazed at how many Christians do not really understand the Holy Spirit. Many view the Holy Spirit as an option, or an accessory to salvation. Let me help clarify what I am saying with a question. How many in this room, by a show of hands believe that you are saved in Christ, you are a Child of God? OK- Now, let me read for you Romans 8:16

Romans 8:16 NASB95

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

The Holy Spirit within you is what has given you that confidence of your salvation.

How many of you sensed a conviction of your need for a savior; a conviction that your sins had separated you from God?

John 16:7–8 (NASB95)

7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;

That conviction was the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. The Holy Spirit is equal in power, equal in authority, equal in Holiness to the rest of the Godhead. Keven Connor author of Foundations of Christian Doctrine say this:

The Holy spirit is the third divine person of the eternal Godhead, co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existent with the father and the Son. - Keven J. Connor

4. Not The Zenith of Our Faith

So, the Holy Spirit is not sub par to God or to Jesus, but He is also not the chief aim of our spiritual existence. So many streams of faith can treat the Holy Spirit as if He is the creme de la creme of the Godhead. As if being baptized in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is the chief aim of every Christian. And the truth is, in Acts 2, Acts 10, and in Acts 19, this was just the beginning. Following this account of Acts 19 in Ephesus, we will see that a Bible School was opened Acts 19:10 says that “all who live in Asia heard the word of the Lord”. It goes on to share that extraordinary miracles began to take place, a reverent fear fell upon the city, witchcraft was renounced. The name of Jesus was magnified and Acts 19:20 says:

Acts 19:20 (NASB95)

20 So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.

If I were to read without any denominational influence, I might be lead to believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is basecamp for revival. By this I mean, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not the zenith of Christian life, but rather the spark that ignites a fire in the Christian life.

Understanding Spirit Baptism

So what does it mean to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit? In Acts 1, just prior to Christs ascension we read:

Acts 1:5 (NASB95)

5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

This Greek word Baptizo means “dip, plunge, sink, or drown”.

Titus 3:5, John 3:1-8, Romans 8:15-17 and many others remind us that when we accept Jesus, when we receive His free gift of saving grace, His spirit now dwells within us. Romans 8:17

Romans 8:15 NASB95

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!”

But there is more of God that what can be contained by the human flesh. 1 Corinthians 12 lists for us nine of the gifts of the spirit, or divine enablements of the Holy Spirit. Some of these are the gift of faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, tongues or interpretation of tongues.

Romans 8 includes more, including; encouragement, service, mercy and so forth.

This might help you understand that if all of this Holy Spirit manifestation, and there is so much more than can be explained in this little message, came to dwell within you upon salvation - you would do nothing short of burst wide open! God is simply too vast, too powerful, too good! So the Father made a way- which is what He is good at doing. Rather than simply saying, it wont work, He made a way by allowing you to be dipped, soaked, plunged, or baptized in His Spirit. By which the Holy Spirit now can administer these gifts, these manifestations, and enable you to operate with them at the Spirits will. This is what 1 Corinthians 12 means when Paul says:

1 Corinthians 12:11 (NASB95)

11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit simply means, you have been soaked in the spirit of God and now a you can more intimately know God, more powerfully represent God and work on His behalf.

Such as Peter, who 50 days prior denied Christ, but now just moments after being filled with the Holy Spirit stands up to preach his first sermon ever and three thousand people were saved.

Understanding Tongues

Now, some have asked me; “Aaron, I’m fine with the gifts, the miracles, the prophecy, etc. but do I have to speak in tongues”? I will not stand as the judge as to whether one is baptised with the Holy Spirit, or is not baptized in the Holy Spirit. But let me share this one Scriptural truth with you.

There are a total of five New Testament passages that include Holy Spirit Baptism. For your benefit, here are those passages.

Acts 2:4 - Tongues mentioned

Acts 8:17 - Not mentioned, focus is on Simon wrong motive

Acts 9:17 - Not mentioned, however implied by 1 Cor 14:18

Acts 10:46, 47 - Tongues mentioned

Acts 19:5-6 - Tongues mentioned

Three out of the five Holy Spirit baptism moments do include the manifestation of speaking in tongues. Acts 9, when the Holy Spirit comes upon Paul post conversion, does not include the manifestation of tongues. However later, Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:18 does mention that he wish we all spoke in tongues as he does. So by implication the argument could be made that Paul received his gift during his Acts 9 spirit baptism.

My heart today is not to convince you that the evidence of Spirit Baptism is speaking in tongues, however, we do find overwhelming evidence that this may be the case.

The gift of speaking in tongues is the gift of speaking in the language of heaven. This means the prayers of heaven are not filtered through our natural mind, but being uttered directly to your spirit, and back to God. One man asked; why can’t I understand what I’m praying when I pray in tongues? The truth is; if you did, you may stop praying!

Through the gift of tongues we are able to pray beyond our understanding - the will of God!

Through the gift of tongues we are able to pray when we do not know what, or how to pray.

Through the gift of tongues we allow the Holy Spirit to do a work in us that we cannot do on our own, or maybe otherwise would not allow to be done due to our stubborn will.

Through the gift of tongues we are allow the Holy Spirit to rewrite thought patterns, fill our spirit with new emotions, and erase old mental habits long persisting.

1. Pursuing the Presence

Acts 19:1–2 (NASB95)

1 It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples.

2 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.”

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your personal life begins with the recognition of His reality and desire to be a part of your every day life. This group of Ephesians had never received the Holy Spirit partially because they did not even know the Holy Spirit existed. But just a couple verses later the Holy Spirit fell upon them, they began speaking in tongues, miracles began happening, and the city was turned upside down.

Once you are filled with the Holy Spirit, the desire must persist just as with any other relationship. One must seek the Spirit of the Lord, and pursue the Spirit of the Lord in the same way you would any other relationship. I seek Stella out daily, I pursue her and desire to please her; the same is required for one who desires a Holy Spirit filled life.

This is why in our services weekly we give time for the Holy Spirit to move, through praying for miracles, waiting on God in worship, the prophetic voice to come forth. We are a Spirit lead, presence driven church. And I believe that God wants your home to be the same.

Tonight, we are hosting a night of worship and prayer. During this time, if you are seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, come and we will pray with you for that gift.

Salvation Response

But the truth is, this all begins with a life fully surrendered to God. And life given over to God.

Maybe you do not have a personal relationship with God; maybe you are still carrying the anxiety, guilt, and pressure that sin induces in your life. Maybe you are stressed out by trying to navigate life all on your own. Can I assure you; today all of that can end, and you can walk out of this room with hope in your heart? The Bible tells us:

Romans 10:9 NASB95

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

Many people have told me, I don’t want to become a Christian because I can’t keep up that goodie lifestyle. But this verse says nothing about your lifestyle. God is more interested with your heart. If He can get to your heart, He will deal with your actions later.

Romans 6:23 NASB95

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We know that sin leads to death – you’ve felt the sting, and pain of sin. The good news is this, Paul calls God’s gift of life a “free gift”. I want to pray with you right now to receive this gift. If you would say, I want God’s forgiveness, I want to accept this gift of life, I want Jesus to live in my heart, raise your hand so I know who I am praying for.

“Heavenly Father, I trust You to save me through Your Son, Jesus.  Forgive me for all of my sins.  Make me brand new.  Because You died for me, I want to live for You.  Fill me with Your Spirit, so I could follow You.  Jesus, You’re now my Lord and the Savior of my life.  Take my life.  It is Yours.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.”