Holy Spirit

Book Review- “Birthing the Miraculous” by Heidi Baker

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In this book Heidi Baker shares some of her experiences in sharing the gospel and caring for children in Mozambique.

In describing the power of the Holy Spirit to work miracles and bring healing to people, she constantly comes back to the importance of the Secret Place- time spent alone in the presence of the Father. It is intimacy with God that gives us the love for people that motivates us to share Jesus with them and then connects us with God’s power to release the miracles.

At times there have been battles. She recounts how she prayed for every blind person she met. For one year not one of them was healed but every one of them received Jesus. Then there was a blind woman named Aida (the equivalent of Heidi) who had no pupils or no iris but God restored her sight, The next blind person she met was also a woman and she was healed. In fact there were three women in a row that she met who were blind and who were healed- all three named Aida. This started a remarkable outpouring of miracles.

This is a breakthrough book for me. It ministers not just to the head but the heart. It reminds us again that we can do nothing apart from God, but with Him nothing is impossible.

Head knowledge of the Scriptures will not draw us closer to God. All the programmes and preaching brilliance that the church relies on will not bring revival to our land. We need to learn to depend on God and God alone.

Book Review: “Strangers to Fire- When Tradition Trumps Scripture”

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Last year conservative evangelical Pastor John MacArthur published “Strange Fire” a polemic against charismatic and Pentecostal christians. While MacArthur’s position has been well-known since his book “Charismatic Chaos”, many were surprised by the extreme positions he has since adopted, such as calling the Pentecostal/charismatic movement the biggest deception and worst problem facing the church at this time.

“Strangers to Fire” is a collection of essays by leading theological scholars and is in two sections. The first, smaller, section directly addresses the shortcomings in “Strange Fire”, including its exegetical failings and logical errors. The second, longer, section looks at the scriptural and historical arguments against the doctrine of “cessationism”, the belief that the gifts of the Spirit died out when the apostles died or when the New Testament was completed.

The scriptural arguments against cessationism are quite strong. In fact, nobody who comes to the New Testament without prior instruction would be led to the belief that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for today. It is clear that the expectation in Scripture is that miracles,speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing and so on should continue until Jesus returns.

What I found really illuminating is the post-apostolic era. Several authors list the early Church Fathers (approximate time scale is 100-400 AD) and their writings clearly demonstrating that miracles and healings were common in the church. In two instances cited, christians were punished for their faith by having their tongues ripped out, but God miraculously enabled them to keep talking and praising Him. Other writers from the period speak of the vast majority (or even all) of their converts speaking in tongues as they emerged from baptism.

Because this is a scholarly book many people will find it heavy going. The style of the book, a collection of essays written over several decades, means that there is quite a bit of repetition and some readers might find that annoying. Nevertheless this is an important book that will give pastors and teachers sound resources for critiquing the cessationist position and for encouraging parishioners in their experience of the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Strangers to Fire- When Tradition Trumps Scripture” Edited by Robert W. Graves. Published 2014 The Foundation For Pentecostal Scholarship. ISBN 9780996044509.

Three Types of Tongues

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paraclete

In the Bible, there is often more description of the way things are or should be than analysis of events. If we are not careful, we can easily be confused because we try to impose an order or a structure onto the scriptures that is not meant to be there.

The gift of tongues (sometimes called “glossolalia” from the Greek word meaning literally to speak in tongues) has three different applications in the New Testament and in contemporary experience. We need to be aware of these different usages in order to read the scriptures properly.

1. Sign of the Baptism in the Spirit

In Acts 2:4 we are told: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

When we receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (or are filled with the Holy Spirit), God releases a special spiritual language that enables us to pray to God from our spirit to God’s Spirit. This is one of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11.

In Acts 10:46 (the conversion of Cornelius’ household) and in Acts 19:6 (Paul in Ephesus) there are two more descriptions of the giving of the Holy Spirit and the sign of this is speaking in tongues.

Someone might ask what is the purpose of this prayer language? There are several:

  • There are times when I simply don’t know how to pray, so in tongues my spirit communicates directly with the Holy Spirit.
  • There are times when my human desire might be contrary to God’s desire in a situation. How can I pray without being directed by the Holy Spirit?
  • Some people claim that the Devil cannot understand glossolalia so this intimate communion with God is important in times of intense spiritual warfare.
  • It is a reassurance that the Holy Spirit is still with me, even when I feel inadequate or unworthy.

This is a private, personal use of tongues.

2. Tongues as an Interpreted Miracle

In Acts 2, the disciples were speaking in languages that were, to them, unknown. Yet the gathered crowds heard them speaking in their own various languages. You can argue whether there was a miracle in the speaking or in the hearing, but in either event people heard a tongues phenomenon in which they heard people speaking familiar words.

There have been numerous accounts of people speaking in tongues in a gathering discovering that someone present was hearing a message in a human language or dialect unknown to the speaker. This kind of event is quite rare in practice. When it happens it brings deep conviction to the hearer who is usually an unbeliever.

3. Tongues as a Public Utterance

There have been times when I have experienced in an open meeting someone standing up and speaking a message in tongues. Following this, another person (or sometimes the same person) will give a message in English which is an interpretation of the glossolalia. Together the tongues and interpretation amount to a form of prophecy.

In my experience, the language of the public tongue is different to the private prayer language. It feels different inside as if the Holy Spirit is pushing something out. I have also experienced the interpretation part of the equation whereby as another person is spekaing in tongues, I an hearing the words in my head in English.

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul addresses the proper ordering of charismatic worship. His concern was not so much about which gifts were best, but facilitating the most helpful way of people participating so that the Holy Spirit could minister and everyone could have a turn.

Paul gives guidelines for the proper administration of this mode of speaking in tongues.

  • Don’t overdo this or prophecy. Let a few people each have a turn, speaking one at a time.
  • There must be an interpretation. The speaker must pray for the interpretation, and if there is no interpretation coming then there should be no more public tongues.
  • People are able to speak in tongues privately to God without restriction

These three modalities of the gift of speaking in tongues are quite different in their operation and usage. We need to learn to flow in the power of the Holy Spirit in whatever way He wishes to work.

Today’s Sermon

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Pentecost-of-many-tongues

The sermon for June 15th 2014 is now available on the New Life web-site.

In this sermon, which is based on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, I talk about the unity in the Body of Christ.

Click here to listen.

Margaret Baxter’s sermon from the 8th June is also available here.

More Air, More Spirit

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Before going on my almost daily bike ride this afternoon, I decided to check the pressure in my tyres. I was surprised to find that they were down to only 20 psi and 30 psi instead of the preferred 50 psi . I got out  the compressor and in the space of a few minutes I corrected the problem.

When I rode, I immediately noticed the difference. Instead of slogging away,feeling as if there was a stiff wind blowing against me, I almost seemed to fly. My speed was nearly 5 km/hr faster than yesterday, and I returned home feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.

A bit of air in the tyres makes all the difference.

In the bible the words for spirit in both Hebrew and Greek can also mean breath or wind.

If we have the Holy Spirit leading our lives, directing our paths and empowering our deeds, we will find ourselves able to do more with less effort. Instead of it being all my work, I become energised by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Next Sunday the church marks Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out into the church. Lives were transformed and within a couple of generations the whole of the Roman Empire was filled with people proclaiming the message that “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Pumped up, full of the Holy Spirit- nothing can stop the man or woman of God.

Spurgeon- The Lack of the Times

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mildorfer_pentecost340x600

“We must confess that just now we have not the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that we could wish.  Many are being converted.  I hope that few of us are labouring unsuccessfully; but we are none of us labouring as our hearts could desire.  Oh, that I could feel the Spirit of God in me, till I was filled to the brim . . . . We seek not for extraordinary excitements, those spurious attendants of genuine revivals, but we do seek for the pouring-out of the Spirit of God.  There is a secret operation which we do not understand; it is like the wind, we know not whence it cometh nor whither it goeth; yet, though we understand it not, we can and do perceive its divine effect.  It is this breath of Heaven which we want.  The Spirit is blowing upon our churches now with his genial breath, but it is as a soft evening gale.  Oh, that there would come a mighty rushing wind that should carry everything before it, so that even the dry bones of the Valley of Vision might be filled with life and be made to stand up before the Lord, an exceeding great army.  This is the lack of the times, the grand want of our country.  May this come as a blessing from the Most High.”

C. H. Spurgeon, in Lectures Delivered Before The Young Men’s Christian Association in Exeter Hall From November 1858 to February 1859 (London, 1859), pages 168-169.

5 Ways That Praying in Tongues Will Change Your Life Forever by LARRY SPARKS

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praying in tongues

5 Ways That Praying in Tongues Will Change Your Life Forever

One of the most controversial and, sadly, most misunderstood gifts of the Holy Spirit is praying in tongues. I am convinced that there is so much antagonism aimed at this gift because of the incredible power it releases into our lives. In the same way that many reject the prophetic ministry because of abuses, misuses and bad experiences, the same approach has been taken—perhaps in greater extremes—toward praying in tongues.
Tongues Is a Controversial Subject That Requires Our Attention
At the end of the day, we need to be honest with ourselves and honest with the biblical text. This unique gift of the Holy Spirit actually announced the birth of Christianity on the Day of Pentecost. It was highly prized by the man who wrote the majority of the New Testament (Paul). It equips believers to communicate with God on a unique level and empowers us to effectively live the supernatural life. In short, it would make a lot of sense that the enemy would tirelessly fight against something that has such strong potential to pillage his expansion of darkness in our lives and on the earth.
Corey Russell, a senior leader at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, wrote the book and curriculum The Glory Within not simply as a teaching on the subject of tongues, but as a summons to experience the power of a Person—the Holy Spirit. In the past, many books and teachings have emphasized tongues in almost a robotic way. What was intended to be a source of supernatural power and a catalyst for deep intimacy with God has been reduced to a mere theological position in many charismatic churches.
Read the rest of this article here

Who Are You Really?

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Great thigs happen when we listen to the Holy Spirit and obey the “still small voice”

Who Are You Really?

 

 

 

by Jesse Birkey

 

The other day I was walking through a parking lot and noticed an older woman a little bit ahead of me.  As soon as I saw her I heard the Lord speak the word “blessing”.  So I asked the Lord if He wanted me to let her know what He thought of her and I had the distinct sense that He did.

 

 

 

So next came the awkward task of chasing down a woman in the parking lot.  Always an uncomfortable endeavor.  I guess I just have to be confident God will protect me from their urge to pepper spray. 

 

 

 

So I approached her and introduced myself.  I told her that sometimes God speaks to me things that He would like me to deliver to others.  I asked her if it would be okay if I shared with her what I felt God wanted to say.  She told me yes but looked a little unsure.

 

 

 

So I began to share with her about the blessing that she is.  God gave me words to share with her about how special she is and how much she delights the Lord.  He spoke to me about the power He’s given her to influence he surroundings and bring His light into places that are dark.

 

 

 

That’s when she sort of tilted her head and looked at me like she wanted to believe that last part but was having trouble pulling up any evidence it was true.  It was then that the Lord began to show me some of the sorrow of her life and the things she wished were different or could go back and do over. 

 

 

 

I quickly asked the Lord what He wanted me to do and the response I heard was to again exhort and call out the ability she has to bring change to the atmosphere and people around her through Him.  So I did and her smile began to grow.

 

 

 

When I was finished she thanked me and squeezed my hand.  The Lord had touched something deep inside of her and we were both blessed.

 

 

 

God has been speaking to me a lot over the last several years about how we can manage His words with love.  Part of that is looking for the virtues in people we can call out instead of the bondage or negative things. 

 

 

 

I’ve mentioned before that it’s easy to see the bad in people but harder to see the virtues that God wants to call out, nurture and develop.  The woman from the story above had lived a long time under the belief that she was powerless to be a vessel of change to the dark world around her. 

 

 

 

But instead of only revealing the wrong beliefs and weakness the Lord revealed who He has truly created her to be.  Now this doesn’t mean that the Lord will never lead us to reveal the sin that we seem to find ourselves in.  I wouldn’t venture to be that black and white about it.  But I do think that many times when we think God is leading us to expose He’s really not.  What He’s really after is letting the person know who they are in Him and who He is in them.

 

 

 

So let’s try to wait just a bit longer for the words of God to find our hearts as we discern the things in people that may not line up with His heart.

 

 

 

Blessings,

 

Jesse and Kara Birkey

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.jessebirkey.com

Victoria Boyson: Partnering with the Holy Spirit Changes Everything!

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Victoria Boyson“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. 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.” Romans 8:26-27

Saturated with jealousy, satan has been consumed by his lust for power. God created humans and chose to give them a free will. Satan continually, without rest, pushes to steal that free will away from God’s creation. He will stop at nothing to gain power over humanity. Through his unquenchable thirst for power, he’s ravaged the earth in his war for dominance.

Satan coveted what belonged to God and fell from the exalted position God had given him. He burned with envy then and has not changed his tactics since this war began. He is still emboldened by jealousy – it’s the way he works – he can’t stand for you to have anything God wants to give you.

While subverting our destiny, satan seeks to align us with his twisted agenda. When we open ourselves up to trying to control others, we allow the enemy to use us. The strongholds of evil that we allow to have place in us can so easily beset us from the plans and purposes of God. So, like the generations before us, we must wage war for the control of our own hearts.

Read the full article here

Related articles

Contending Again

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It’s now 12 months since I woke up in the middle of the night with the Lord saying to me “You must contend for the rain.”

You can read my previous posts about this journey here, here, here, here, here, and here.

I have discovered in my praying and thinking about this issue that the rain referred to is both natural rain and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that is so powerful and pervasive that people receive salvation and miracles easily.

Another dry winter and spring has brought me again to the place of praying more passionately for the rain.

Finally, last night the rain came. We had 19mm overnight, and after thinking it had cleared away, it is raining again this morning. I was interested to see that at the various weather stations in and around Narrabri the registration was around 4 mm, except for Jacks Creek where they received over 40 mm . Just 1 km from here made all the difference.

I’m not claiming any responsibility for the Mooloobar St monsoon, just noticing a strong link.

I’m still praying, still contending. “Send more, Lord.”