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What make the Holy Spirit difficult to share?
Acts 1:6-8 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” What are the reasons why, so many find it difficult to share, about role the Holy Spirit has in our lives? And, should those reasons be why a great many would just rather not speak about, “...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”?
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Permalink Reply by a servant (Chris) on
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I would like to assure everyone. This is not about any one particular, gift or expression through the Power of Holy Spirit. So often it seems this discussion is off limits. Because as many love to say, "it creates division, or much of it has passed away long ago." Why, people get so angry is beyond me. We have God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We understand the concepts of, Father and Son. Yet, the Spirit, we do not readily have examples as we do father's and son's. Something else about the things of the Spirit, they can't be faked. How someone thinks true expression is shared and seen, yes some "fake" those things. As do healers, preachers, teachers on and on. Sadly some people try and fool many by faking the healing of a person. Others, tickle the ears of their audience, all of these things are for mainly, money.
We have so many that, need to know and understand the Power of the Holy Spirit. We all need the Power of the Holy Spirit, working through ourselves and others. All aspects of who we are in Christ become stronger and more effective. I will stop here for now, just wanted all to know, this is not about any one aspect.
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Permalink Reply by Carla on
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What makes the Holy Spirit difficult to share?
I have a couple thoughts dancing around in my head....:-)
The Holy Spirit doesn't draw attention to Himself, He always points to Jesus. He doesn't make Himself the focus, He makes Jesus the focus.
The Holy Spirits power working in us manifests as the fruits of the Holy Spirit; Love, Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. The Holy Spirit will give us a boldness for Jesus.
We are in a spiritual battle.
so--to answer your question; What makes the Holy Spirit difficult to share?
It could be a few things....
~we are not obedient to His leading.
~perhaps we are obedient, and He is leading us to exhibiting the 'fruits' listed above, and not preach.
for instance... when a women is married and her husband is a non-believer, she is instructed to live gently and respectively rather than preach.. Her life being lived speaks louder that the husband is won-over.... 1 Peter 3:1-5
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 e Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - 4 rather let it be f the hidden person of the heart, with the 1 incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
~perhaps the believer is afraid of persecution.
I am unequally yoked because I came to the Lord several years into my marriage. I have learned some things in this trial.
1) I have to trust in God and not preach, rather than preach, I need to submit to my husband
2) there are times when I can't submit to my husband--if the thing he is asking does not honor God.
3) when those times come, my husband respects my integrity and conviction to hold fast to what I say I believe.
4) my husband is softening--significantly.
5) I need to trust God to bring someone to salvation--The Holy spirit wooes people---not me.
6) It can take a long time...but God is always at work.
7) Our actions speak louder than our words. live what you believe without hyprocisy.
8) God continually creates opportunities for my husband to hear the gospel.
9) God puts other people in my husbands life to 'preach' to him. God's used me sometimes...but now it's mostly only when he asks me a question specifically. I've learned to directly answer the question, and then stop talking--unless the Holy Spirit has directed me otherwise. It's up to my hubby to pursue a deeper meaning or answer. I used to 'over answer', now I don't.
10) I've learned to not try and hide or cover my flaws (physical, spiritual, emotional)....but rather be open about them that I am a work in progress, and God's Grace is sufficient. When I first became a believer I misunderstood what was meant by 'perfection', and I thought I had to immediately be perfect....which lead to trying to cover my flaws. I am learning humility and submission without hypocrisy. I understand that being 'perfect' doesn't mean actual perfection here in this life---but rather it means continually growing in maturity and humility and faith. God sees me as righteous because I am covered by the blood of Jesus. I still live here on earth, and as far as any human eye can see, I may not be perfect, but I am growing in my faith in a deeper way....and having a surface appearance of 'perfection' has really nothing to do with it....that could only lead to being a hypocrite.
11) when I don't lean on our Lord and rest in Him, I feel incomplete and restless. I need Him to do everything that is good.
There are other things I'm learning...but I think this gives you an idea.
I wonder if we often expect something 'big' to happen when the Holy Spirit is present. And the Holy Spirit does work in wonderful miraculous ways... but I think we often miss the point.
The Holy Spirit is helping us to become more like Jesus.
Christians can be found working in places that few other people would ever go....that's the power of the Holy Spirit.
for instance...
working on the streets with homeless people
going into brothels and pulling out the captives
having a person over for dinner just because you know they are lonely
going into hospitals and working with people who are sick and dying
We are called to seek Justice, Love Mercy, and walk humbly with God. When we do this, and combine this with sharing the gospel, then the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon us.
I've experienced persecution on a small scale---and I say small scale because of where I live in Canada. I live a blessed life. There are many places in the world who are not blessed to live in such a culture as the blessed 'North American' culture that i live in. however, even with the small amount of persecution that I have experienced, I have felt God's presence and protection over me.. It was like there was a protective barrier over me that nothing could permeate... I can't explain it. I know that God gives us the encouragement and protection we need to endure....and in that moment I felt only love and compassion for my persecutor. I've only experienced that once about 4 years ago..but the memory stays with me because I knew it could only be the Power of God doing that. There was nothing big or significant that anyone else could see...but I suspect that person saw something because years later this person has acknowledged that whatever happened to me at my conversion has changed me, and they noticed that this 'something' is exactly what I needed. it was a broken relationship, and God has now restored it.
We have the Holy Spirit's power working in us because we are God's children. It is shown in the gentleness and simplicity and all of the fruits as the Christian lives his/her life in humility and service to God. I could blab on more.. but I think I'll stop here.
Bless you Chris, Carla
ps-- I just looked up the meaning of the name 'Christopher', and it means "he who holds Christ in his heart"... beautiful.
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Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on
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:0) Thanks for sharing sis.
Love and blessings to you beloved.
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Amanda, God has made Romans 8:28 so very real for me. I'm simply left standing in Awe of Him. :-)
Scripture is alive... it's our food. :-)
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Bless you Sister
There are many verses about women in the New Testament I do not understand. Many will talk about customs, 2000 yrs was a long time ago. Of the 120 in the upper room there were men and women. I have seen women flow and operate in the gifts so Powerfully. Yet, the strength it takes to do as you have shared, also shows the gifts operating with Power and Grace. I would say from what I've read of the things you share, show a strong women of the Lord. Who has humbled herself for others. Lord Willing I dare say you may have a lot to teach and share with others. I have heard Christopher as "Christ bearer." I love the way this speaks to that, Thank you.
Just as Jesus also pointed to the Father and spoke of the Spirit. I believe we can see the Father pointing to the Son and the Spirit. I have seen so many people over the years, get to a certain point and then as if, a wall were before them they will go no further. I am speaking of operating in the gifts and offices we are called to do. Yet, so often the water gets muddied by those who do not understand, or are not willing to take that step of Faith. We read again and again about Jesus being full of the Spirit. As He walked here the benefits are seen in His Ministry.
Acts 1:15-16 15 During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Acts 2:1-4 1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. After these events took place, they all were forever changed as well as, those who were destined to hear, see, or read about them. Not because of who they were, but because of God's Plan. As Acts 2 go on to say, Peter stepped up and reminded them what took place almost 6 weeks before. Then instructed them in what they needed to do. Acts 2:38-41 38Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of 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 gift of the Holy Spirit. 39This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. I do think one reason we have people hungry and thirsty for more than what they have is because, all to many Churches are ok that people repent and are baptized in water. Then they stop. Then the question is asked, religion vs relationship. Before anyone gets upset. I am not slamming religion, or the need for order. Nor am I saying, people do not have a relationship with Jesus if they go to an certain denomination. Still, I did not coin the phrase, " religion vs relationship." Born in the 60's, child of the 70's, we gave name like that to struggles we had. It just seem many are more comfortable when they know how to package things, {put them in boxes}. So many miss out on the Fire that is part of the Spirit.
And Carla means, "free woman, strong one" or "warrior." I like that. I believe it fits.
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Thank you Chris.
It's interesting that one of the meanings of my name is 'warrior'.. you have no idea how encouraging that is to me....especially considering the many trials God has brought me through. I see now that is one of the things He started working in me when I first came to Him. One of the first significant things I began to learn as a new believer was the truth of the Spiritual Battle we're in, and how we need to fight in it daily.
I learned the importance and significance of the armor of God early.
I have a prayer warrior Mom who prays for me and my family continually. This battle is won on our knees in humility...with submission and gentleness, and topped off with grace. :-)
Thank you for your encouraging words brother.. you are a great encourager.. It's one of the gifts.
Bless you, Carla
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Thank You Carla
You as well. You encourage and lift up others, the Love of the Lord is clearly seen through your words. My Mom as well is a Prayer Warrior. In my younger days, I received much of His Grace through her Faith in the Lord. MUCH OF HIS GRACE!!! I tested a boundary or two, back in the day.
Lord Bless
Chris
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Permalink Reply by JB on
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Blessings Carla, Just thinking that maybe your husband hasn’t realized yet; that he has found a virtuous woman.
Pro.12:4, A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband…..
Pro.31:10, who can find a virtuous woman? Her price is far above rubies.
It didn’t really take me long to realize that I was blessed beyond measure. When God puts something together, super glue wanes in its integrity.
This is when they are blessed and not know it.
A lot of men are; as it is described in Jer.17:6.they are like the heath in the desert, and they don’t know when something good comes……...,
Excellent testimony.
Thanks
Joe
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Permalink Reply by Leonard T on
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Chris,
I wil toss our a couple of thoughts.
1) Ignorance.
2) Misinformed.
3) fear.
4) Blinded.
5) The experiential side.
The Bible tells us of a group of people who had heard about Jesus, but had not heard of the Holy Spirit nor had they been baptized (filled) in Him (Acts 19:1-7). They simply lived up to what they knew, but were lacking the knowledge of something deeper, something greater ... being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Many have been misinformed regarding the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. One thing many have been taught is that the gifts ceased at the end of the apostolic age. This teaching will often include discouraging people from seeking any manifestation of God's Spirit in their life or in the life of the church.
Many fear the unknown and thus fear what might happen if they seek after the Holy Spirit. One of the questions that arise are "What will God ask me to do?"
Some are just blind to the truth. This is especially true of the lost person.
Regarding sharing the truth about the Holy Spirit there is the Biblical doctrine and there is an experiential side that aligns with the Bible. We cannot teach the experiential, meaning it has to be experienced first hand. People have to taste for themselves, but often will not because of ignorance, misinformation, fear or because they are blind. The discussion is difficult to hold between two people, one having experienced His manifested presence and filling and the other not having experienced His presence and filling.
Lord BLess,
LT
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