Both the Old and New Testaments use a variety of symbols, such as water, wind, and oil, to describe the work of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist links another image, that of fire, to the work of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11,Luke 3:16). There are many who have misunderstood John’s statement. The passage does not … Continue reading –>
Both the Old and New Testament use the symbolism of water to represent the Holy Spirit. The prophet Isaiah quotes the words of our Lord, “‘“I will pour water on him who is thirsty. . . . I will pour My Spirit on your descendants”’” (Isa. 44:3, NKJV). Isaiah uses a common Hebrew literary device called … Continue reading –>
What are some of the prime reasons that God gives the gifts of the Holy Spirit to His church? 1 Cor. 12:4-7,Rom. 12:4-8, Eph. 4:11-16. The gifts of the Holy Spirit might be divided into two large categories: some gifts are qualities, other gifts are callings. For example, the gifts of helps, hospitality, exhortation, and teaching are qualities … Continue reading –>
Throughout his ministry, Paul was guided by the Spirit, convicted by the Spirit, instructed by the Spirit, and empowered by the Spirit. In his defense before King Agrippa, he described the heavenly vision on the Damascus Road. He then testified that the purpose of his ministry to both the Jews and Gentiles was “‘“to open … Continue reading –>
“Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to your word.” Psalm 119:154 NKJV [Thought questions for The Word: The Foundation of Revival July 17, 2013] 1. Can the Bible revive us? If spiritual truth and power are contained in God’s Word, can reading Scripture draw us closer to the One who is Truth? … Continue reading –>
The Holy Spirit mightily moved through the teaching and preaching of the apostle Paul as he established the Christian church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a city of approximately two hundred fifty thousand people. It was considered the market place of Asia. As ships brought their wares from throughout Asia, people flocked to Ephesus to buy … Continue reading –>
How are the functions of the Word of God and the Spirit of God similar? Read John 5:39; 16:14-15. The Word of God bears witness of Jesus. The Holy Spirit also bears witness of Jesus. The Spirit leads us to a deeper experience with Jesus through His Word. The purpose of the Holy Spirit in revival is not … Continue reading –>
Read Hebrews 4:12. The passage states that God’s Word is living, powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword piercing our inmost being. How is God’s Word alive? What does that mean? In what way is God’s Word different than the intelligent counsel of any other wise teacher, pastor, or counselor? What do the following texts say … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Ps. 119:50, 74, 116; Heb. 4:12; 11:3; John 5:39; Heb. 4:1-2; Acts 20:27-32. Memory Text: “Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word” (Psalm 119:154, NKJV). Just as serious Bible study spawned past revival movements, we believe that it will happen again in the last days. The Holy Spirit will move upon a generation of … Continue reading –>
Probably all of us can remember a time when we were homesick. Can you remember coming home after being away for more than just a weekend? You just can’t get there fast enough, right? I’ve even read that animals can sense when they are going home. “Shepherds say that sheep that have spent the summer … Continue reading –>
