He’s the Spirit of God, a.k.a. the Holy Ghost. He is our helper, guide, close friend and source of power. “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians. 1:13,14)
It’s the igniting of power & working of God’s gifts. “He (Jesus) shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3:16)
(How do I get the baptism of the Holy Spirit?) Ask the Lord for it, He wants you to be filled. “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children , how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (Luke 11:13)
Still don’t have it? Turn to God completely. “Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) Have a trustworthy follower of God pray for you. “When Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them: they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:6)
(What’s speaking in tongues, is that bad?) It may seem strange but is good and given from God. It is a prayer language that connects to God for us. “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.” (1 Corinthians14:5) “Do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (1 Corinthians. 14:39-40)
Trying to be a Christian without the Holy Spirit will only lead to dry religion & frustrating powerlessness. “To be carnally (sinfully) minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) Living with the Holy Spirit gives us these qualities. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:22-24)
True Holy Spirit points to and exalts Jesus Christ and doesn't exalt a person or the gifts themselves.
For to one is given by the Spirit the gifts of:
+ Word of wisdom; (Words of wise counsel from God)
+ Word of knowledge (A direct word of insight from God)
+ Faith (Great faith, that stirs others and trusts God)
+ Gifts of healing (By prayer the sick can be healed)
+ Working of miracles; (God can do the impossible)
+ Prophecy; (One who hears/gives words from God)
+ Discerning of spirits; (Awareness of spiritual beings and/or enemy tactics)
+ Different kinds of tongues; ( Prayer languages)
+ Interpretation of tongues: (Understanding tongues)
“It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” (1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
Many of God’s gifts are practical like these below. “God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” (Romans 12:5-9)
There’s also gifts, services and workings, or practical & spiritual abilities, management & operations. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. (1 Corinthians 12:4-5)
This verse is called the “five fold ministry” “And he gave some to be, apostles; some, prophets; some, evangelists; some, pastors and teachers ; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ-” (Ephesians 4:11-13)
+ Apostles (Church/ministry builder, sent by God)
+ Prophets (Hears and gives messages from God)
+ Evangelists (Excels sharing the gospel and equiping the Church for evangelism)
+ Pastors (Leaders and overseers of the church)
+ Teachers (Gifted in educating others)
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