What is the ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT today? Some teach that the supernatural (concerning the Holy Spirit) “ended when the last apostle died.” Some teach that unless one is “baptized with the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, he/she is not saved!” Some teach that “speaking in tongues (today) is of the devil!” Some teach that one “is filled with the Holy Spirit upon salvation…or water baptism…or with the laying on of hands…or on and on…”
When I began moving away from traditional Christianity and pursuing more of a Biblical approach to obeying the Word of GOD, I hoped that I would encounter groups and teachers that were more centered on things like the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Though I have encountered some really good folks in the Messianic, Hebraic and Jewish Roots movements, most of which want to follow YHWH according to HIS Word, I still sense some of the same apprehension among them regarding the ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT. I would like to address some of that in this article.
In Luke 11:9-13 we see YESHUA instructing HIS disciples in the proper perspective when asking the FATHER to give the HOLY SPIRIT. HE says, “If you then, being evil, 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!”
Here we see that it is biblically an act of “faith” (believing/obeying what GOD says) for us to ask HIM to give us HIS HOLY SPIRIT!
Some might suggest that this promise of the HOLY SPIRIT had it’s fulfillment as recorded in Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost (or more biblically; Shavuot/Weeks) and isn’t to be an ongoing experience. To that perspective, I suggest reading Ephesians 5:18 once again, because Paul doesn’t seem to be aware of a “once for all” type of filling! (By the way, the Greek word for “filled” in Eph 5:18 is the same word in Mat 5:17 translated “fulfill”, which does not mean “do away with!”) Forgive me, I couldn’t resist! :>)
Some also suggest that the ONLY ministry of HOLY SPIRIT is to enable us to remember and walk in HIS commandments, statutes and judgments! This seems to be very similar to what I encountered in traditional Christianity among those who seemed more interested in studying prophesy than they were in prophesying even though the Scriptures command us to “desire spiritual gifts…especially… prophesy!” (1Cor 14:1)
Not to mention a few other examples of those who were “filled with the HOLY SPIRIT”;
-Acts 4:8 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit…” Preaches and 4000 repent!
-Acts 4:31 when the early believers (many of whom had previously been filled) were facing persecution… “were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
-Acts 9:17-20 Paul receiving his sight and being empowered for ministry as he was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT!”
Why do so many followers of YESHUA shy away from the gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT? Is that we have found a better way? Is it that we don’t need to bother with this aspect of the HOLY SPIRIT’S ministry in our lives and fellowships? I hope not, but if so, we need to reject that and begin thinking according to HIS WORD!
Notice 1 Corinthians 12:7 “7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
I believe that many followers of YESHUA are hindered from being open to the HOLY SPIRIT in the biblical way because of exposure to and fear of the numerous unbiblical goofiness and extremes that are often associated with the HOLY SPIRIT, but in reality have nothing to do with the HOLY SPIRIT at all!. We must get beyond all of that nonsense and keep it in mind that when these antics and unbiblical manifestations contradict the true character and nature of HIS SPIRIT, as described in HIS WORD, they are to be rejected and not allowed to hinder our openness to HIS SPIRIT and the blessed ministry that HE has intended FOR us and THROUGH us to others!
When we are truly open to HIS SPIRIT and commit to walking in faith (believing & obeying what YHWH says, and rejecting the antics of man), only then will we truly realize and experience what HIS SPIRIT is able to produce! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25…
So true! It has profited me to hear this message and to continue to be exhorted and compelled to be filled. I know this message has done the same for others. Thank you for faithfully sharing the wisdom and knowledge of His Word.
Bless your heart sis! I appreciate the encouragement! May folks receive the exhortation and HIS SPIRIT to the fullest! :>)