Playing with serpent spirits

I had a dream. In this dream I saw a person squatting down with their hand dangling on the ground. As I watched, a snake slithered around that person's hand. The person moved their hand as if they were playing with the snake when suddenly it bit the person.  I was horrified because it was a poisonous snake.  I watched as that person's hand began to swell some and turn an off color from the venom yet they continued dangling their hand near the snake. The snake continued to slither around their hand and even seemed to wrap around their hand playfully.  

There are some who are playing with serpent spirits.  It's injecting it's venom into them yet they are unaware of the poison that is flowing through their veins, slowly killing them spiritually.  They continue playing with those spirits, unaware of what they're toying with.

It's easy to justify self, words, and actions, but if it's contrary to the Word of God and is not a Fruit of the Spirit, then it is a serpent spirit. Cast it away from you. Don't toy with it.  

The most common tend to be spirits of rebellion and/or spirits of pride...those are twin spirits that usually stick closely together.  They are the two things that caused lucifer to get kicked out of heaven. They may appear to be spiritual but if they're walking in rebellion, will not submit to a pastor or authority,  it's a serpent spirit.  Their words and actions will reveal it.  Pray for them but guard your heart through prayer and fasting that you will not fall prey to that snake as they did.

Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. (1Sam 15:23)  Don't walk in rebellion! Don't practice witchcraft through a rebellious spirit!  It's a serpent spirit that will poison and kill you spiritually.  

Tomorrow is coming!

Matthew 12

46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

Have you ever wondered why Jesus did not stop and take time to see what His mother and brothers needed?  I have pondered on it a few times. Especially, since the Scriptures direct us to honor our father and mother. Jesus would not do anything contrary to Scripture.

As I was reading John 7, I began to understand a possible reason for Jesus' response. The Feast of Tabernacles was nearing, which is a feast that all Jews make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to commemorate each year.

Jesus had been avoiding Jerusalem and the surrounding areas because many Jews were seeking to  kill Him, but it was not time yet for Jesus to be crucified so He abode in the areas around Galilee where His family lived.

Jesus' own brothers did not believe in Him. Perhaps, partly because they knew Him as their big brother growing up. Sibling rivalry has been going on since the first brothers were born to Adam and Eve.  Perhaps, partly also because of peer pressure and hearing the scorn of other Jews.  But they began to jab at Him with their words....  

"Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.  For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world." (John 7:3-4)

They said these things because they did not believe in Him (Vs 5)  which made me wonder if perhaps their purpose in coming to speak with Jesus in Matthew 12 was not out of pure motives or purpose.  Jesus was trying to do Kingdom work.  His brothers coming may have been a distraction from the work He was trying to do. 

Jesus said in Matthew 12:50

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Jesus' earthly brothers were not doing the Will of our Heavenly Father....at that time. But I was excited to read in Acts 1:14 that those same brothers were with their mother Mary and the other Disciples in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was first poured out. 

Somewhere, they had a change of heart and began to believe.  And they, too, received the Holy Ghost. 

This is a testimony and gives hope to us all not to give up praying for and believing our family shall be saved.  It does not matter what they're doing, what they're saying or how they're living today, because tomorrow could bring the change that causes them to turn to God and live for Jesus.  

Don't lose hope! Keep believing and praying because tomorrow is coming! 🙌

Beware of false teachers with fair words and smooth speech

Be careful the voice you listen to. It may sound appealing to the flesh but is not necessarily the voice of God.

2 Peter 2:18-19

18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

2 Peter 3:3

Knowing this first,  that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts. 

The word scoffers means: false teachers, mockery (Strongs G1703) 

In the last days there will arise false teachers who will scoff/mock godly teachings. Their words will sound convincing yet they are walking after their own flesh and teaching accordingly.  Because it appeals to the flesh. 

Paul warned Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:3-4...

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (meaning: uncorrected instruction of God's Word - gg5198 g1319) but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. 

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (In other words: Something that is not true)

Be careful whose voice you are listening to. 

Search your heart to be sure you're not following a way or teaching because it appeals to and excuses the appetite of the flesh. 

Guard your heart against having itching ears that seek out teachings that make excuses for the flesh and sin. Teachings that lead to looser living and more ungodliness. 

The devil is intensifying his attacks against minds and hearts by making them question, "did God really say....?" "Is that really necessary?" "Do I really have to...?" That's the same serpent spirit that caused Eve to question God's Word in the Garden of Eden.

The devil seeks to un-clothe (ex: demoniacs, 7 sons of sceva, prostitutes) ,

 While you find the opposite in Scripture concerning Jesus...when He touched and delivered them, they were found clothed and in their right minds. 

Don't be drawn away of your own lust and enticed. 

Jesus is coming soon. Keep your garments pure without spot or wrinkle. Draw closer to Him and further away from the world.

Are You Walking in the Power?

 After Jesus had risen from the dead, He walked with and taught His disciples for 40 more days after His resurrection. 

He left them with one last Promise before He began to ascend up into the clouds...

And ye shall receive POWER,
after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…
Acts 1:8

Power?  What did Jesus mean?  What kind of power was He referring to?

The Strong’s definition for Power means: (Greek #1411)
           force; specially miraculous power
           (usually by implication, a miracle itself – i.e. a worker of miracles)

We don’t think about that…. 
           We focus on the need to repent and turn from our sins. 
           We know we need to get baptized in Jesus’ name. 
           We know we need the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues. 
           We know we need to strive to live a holy life, pleasing unto the Lord. 
           So we come to church and try to be good saints.
           We pray and read our Bibles.
          Occasionally, we try to invite someone to Church

But we overlook this verse of Promise where Jesus said we shall receive POWER! 

He wants to work through us and use us in the miraculous!  WE are His vessels.

Once we receive the Holy Ghost, God wants each of us to develop into a ‘worker of miracles’! 

We read about the miraculous things that Jesus did while on the earth…..
          * He healed the sick                         * made the lame to walk again
           * unstopped deaf ears                     * restored sight to the blind
           * raised the dead back to life         * healed a man of palsy
           * walked on water                            * multiplied loaves and fishes (twice)
           * delivered those who were tormented and demon-possessed
           * on a couple occasions, He commanded the storms with His Word saying,
              “Peace, be still!” and they immediately became calm.

These are only a few of the many miracles Jesus did that are recorded in the Bible. 

John 21:25
And there are also many other things which Jesus did,
the which, if they should be written every one,
I suppose that even the world itself could not contain
the books that should be written.

If everything Jesus did while on earth was to be written down in books, there would not be room enough on the earth to fit all the books written about His mighty deeds.  That is mind-blowing to think about! 

But even more mind-blowing is another Promise Jesus gave to us in:

John 14:12
Verily, Verily, I say unto you,
He that believeth on Me,
the works that I do shall he do also;
and GREATER works than THESE shall he do…

EVERYTHING Jesus did, He’s given us the authority and power to do as well… and GREATER! 

When we pray, we should BELIEVE and EXPECT great things will happen!

The Apostles walked in POWER and AUTHORITY!

Not only did the Apostles travel around from city to city and region to region spreading the Gospel, commanding people to be baptized in the name of Jesus, and praying with those they encountered to receive the Holy Ghost….

But they also grasped what Jesus was saying and walked in that power and authority through the Holy Ghost doing many mighty miracles.

Acts 2:43
and fear came upon every soul:
and MANY WONDERS and SIGNS (supernatural miracles)
were done by the Apostles.

(Reference also: Acts 4:30, 5:12, 14:3 + Romans 15:19 + 2 Cor 12:12 + Heb 2:4)

A man who was lame since birth was miraculously healed and labeled as a ‘notable miracle’ by those who opposed the Gospel of Jesus. (Acts 3 + 4:16)

They healed many who were sick and others who were vexed with unclean spirits.  (Acts 5:16)

The Apostles were put in prison, but then were found the next day preaching in the Temple because God sent an angel to open the prison doors and set them free.  Yet, when the officers went to check on them in prison, they found the prison doors still securely locked. (Acts 5:17-25)

Peter was also miraculously delivered from prison on a separate occasion.  (Acts 12)

A young girl who was bound by a fortune telling devil was delivered and set free.  That made the men who had enslaved her angry and so they had Paul and Silas beaten and put in prison.  But they were also miraculously delivered from prison when their worship caused an earthquake and the prison doors flew open.  (Acts 16)

These are just a few of the miracles God worked through them. That was way back then, but what about now?

 

HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT DENYING THE POWER THEREOF…

Paul wrote a letter to Timothy and warned of many things that would come in the last days.  He said it would be perilous times, we would see many signs, and one of those being that there would be those who would have a form of godliness but deny (reject/refuse) the power that God has given them. (2 Timothy 3)

I am sadly convinced that so many of us do not fully understand or grasp the power that God has given to us once we receive the Holy Ghost.  Perhaps it is because of lack of faith or perhaps it is from lack of teaching?

The Holy Ghost is Christ in us (Gal 1:27, Rom 8:9) so when we operate and walk in the power of the Holy Ghost, it is Christ working through us.  Yet, so many think that power is only for the big name popular preachers or the apostles of old and no longer available today. 

Jesus taught in Acts 1:8 that we will receive power after we receive the Holy Ghost.

Paul is warning there would come a time when people would appear to be godly yet deny that power.

Jesus teaches in His Word that there are signs that will follow every believer…not just those who are well known or the former apostles. It is not just for those operating in the Gifts of the Spirit (although those are available to every believer as well). 

But Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18 that signs will follow EVERYONE who believes….

{16:17} And these signs shall follow them that believe;
In my name shall they cast out devils;
they shall speak with new tongues;

{16:18} They shall take up serpents;
and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

If you have the Holy Ghost, those promises are available to you!

Jesus issued another promise in Luke 10:19 –                                                                           .
Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions,
and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Jesus instructed His disciples in Matthew 10:8 which is also instruction to us…               .
Heal the sick,
cleanse the lepers,
raise the dead,
cast out devils

Jesus instructed them (and us) to do these things.  Yet, we are not seeing this happen much if at all because too many of us are not claiming that authority and walking in the power God has given us.

God has not changed – our understanding and belief is what has changed.

LAY HANDS ON THE SICK AND THEY SHALL RECOVER…

That is a promise many will believe and somewhat claim.  I’m not against going to the doctor – I’ve had to go many times myself – but are we quicker to trust the doctor than in the power of prayer? 

I’ll be honest…I am amazed and do not understand why some do not ask for prayer, especially when they have something serious going on in their body.  

James 5:14 instructs…

Is any sick among you?
Let him call for the elders of the church;
and let them pray over them,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord

Jesus said to ‘heal the sick’ (Mt 10:8).  God is still able!  Do we no longer believe?  Who are we trusting in more?  God and His power to heal or the doctors? (again, I’m not against going to doctors – Luke was a physician and a Christian)

It’s easier to believe for the small things but what about the big things?  What about a new heart?  Or other serious health issues?

I’ve heard testimonies of people receiving a new heart through prayer or God performing a surgery, leaving the doctors amazed.

What about limbs growing out?  We mainly hear about this happening in other countries because people here in the states do not believe.

Jesus wants us to walk in that authority and power so He can operate through us.

*I could give many personal testimonies of God healing me, my children, family, or people I know.  I’m sure each of us could as well.

RAISE THE DEAD

That is one where many of us and our faith waiver. 

I did pray and pleaded with God to bring my first husband back to life after he passed. It didn’t happen.  I became consumed by guilt afterward thinking I didn’t pray the right prayer, I didn’t pray boldly enough, I was too timid and quiet in my prayer, maybe there was some sin in me that kept it from happening, etc.

God finally gave me peace that it was his time.  I had faith but it wasn’t in God’s plan.

So, should we then conclude that every time a person dies, we should just assume it’s their time and not pray in faith believing for it to happen?  No.

We are to do our part: pray in faith and in the authority through the Holy Ghost and believe it will happen.…whether it be for healing or for someone to be raised from the dead.  The outcome is up to God.  

Minister Lee Stoneking and Minister Jeff Arnold were both brought back to life through the power of prayer.

I recently heard a testimony posted by a woman who attends a Baptist church.  She was at Cracker Barrell with her mother and sister when a group of Apostolic women entered. She made reference to her family that ‘they’re having a holy roller convention.’

As they stood up to leave, her mother suddenly felt sick and had to sit back down.  One of the ‘holy rollers’ happened to be an RN so she came over to see how she could help.  She kept eye on the woman’s pulse. The daughters were checking her pulse as well and her breathing.  She and the woman’s daughters knew that she had passed away as they tended to her.  She was dead.

But rather than offer her condolences, she called for some of the other ladies who were with her to come help pray.

They began to pray in faith believing for God to raise her from the dead.  The daughter testified that they prayed for a little while.  I’m not sure how long she was dead but the daughter testified that suddenly it was like lightning went through her mother’s body and she jumped up. God raised her from the dead in the middle of Cracker Barrell.

How many of us would have prayed for her to be raised back to life? Or would we have just offered our condolences? And prayed comfort for the family?

I know we’re sticking our necks out and risk being mocked if God doesn’t do it – Jesus was also mocked - but Jesus said to raise the dead.  We are to obey and leave the outcome to Him.

CAST OUT DEVILS

There are a few reasons we are not seeing this happen more than it does:

Some are afraid and feel powerless against these devils
     I’ve been in services where people have backed clear away from the person who needs deliverance
     I’ve heard stories of others who have locked theirselves in rooms of their church out of fear.  Not sure how that will protect from spirits?   If a person is not right before God they shouldn’t be present.

Many are not detecting them –
     they come disguised as sheep when they are really wolves in sheep’s clothing. 
     Paul warned in 2 Cor 11:13-15 that the devil can masquerade himself as an angel of light.  And his ministers will appear to be ministers of righteousness.
         Paul warned that such are false apostles, deceitful workers, who have transformed into the apostles of Christ
         Jesus said not everyone who prophesies, casts out devils, or does many mighty works in His name will enter Heaven. (Mt 7:22-23)
         Not everyone who appears to be speaking in tongues is by the Holy Ghost.
         The devil will mimic tongues, quote Scripture, and isn’t afraid to say Jesus.
         The devil even tried to use Scripture against Jesus (Mt 4)
        That’s why we need to discern and try the spirits to see if they be of God.

Some devils are being labeled as ‘mental illness’
         That is not saying all mental disabilities or issues are a spirit. 
         Depression and some issues can be caused by a hormonal imbalance or just
          life.
         But sometimes we’re not discerning a spirit that is binding that person.

Some devils are disguised as an illness, disease, or infirmity (some…not saying all)
         A man brought his son to Jesus with what many might label as having
         seizures.
         The boy couldn’t speak or hear.  He would often fall on the ground
         wallowing in foam.  And sometimes would fall into water or fire.
         Jesus commanded that dumb and deaf spirit to come out of him and enter
         into him no more!
         Notice: a child can be devil possessed  (Mark 9:17-27)
         Notice: it was a devil that caused the boy not to be able to hear or speak.
        
         Is that saying every person who is mute and deaf or sick is possessed? 
         No, example of the man who was deaf and had a speech impediment
         (Mk 7:32-35)

There are many more examples I could give but for time sake, we’ll move on.

There are some devils who can only be cast out through prayer and fasting.  (Mt 17:21)

We need discernment which only comes by spending more time with the Master than with worldly entertainment which numbs a person spiritually and dulls their spiritual perception.

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

I know many believe that God is in control of the weather.  And He definitely is.  So, wouldn’t we be praying contrary to what God has sent if we pray against it?

Yes, God can create storms to someone’s attention. (Jer 10:13, Ezek 12:13, Jonah 1:4)

But - Not every storm is sent by God.

Let’s look at Job:
     Fire fell from heaven and burnt up all his sheep and the servants (Lightning?)
           The messengers called it the fire of God but God did not send it – He
           allowed it
     A great wind came out of the wilderness and destroyed the home of Job’s
           oldest son killing all of Job’s children who were inside. God did not send it.

Jesus and His disciples were in a ship in the middle of the water when a Tempest (a violent windy storm) arose.  Jesus wasn’t afraid of the storm.  He slept through it.  The disciples were afraid because they didn’t understand the power that was in the boat with them. Jesus commanded the winds and waves to be still and they obeyed Him. (Mt 8:23-27)  Did He send that storm? I don’t know if He sent it, but He allowed it.

What about us?  Are we able to calm a storm as well?

Remember Jesus’ promise in John 14:12……………………………………………………..

Verily, Verily, I say unto you,
He that believeth on Me,
the works that I do shall he do also;
and GREATER works than THESE shall he do…

Jesus promised that we shall do GREATER works than what He did while on earth.
That includes all of them! Even speaking to the storms. That is mind-blowing! Our finite minds can not grasp it.

There is a video of a tornado heading straight for a Church in the Philippines as they were in service.  The people began to pray and call on the name of Jesus as it came closer. That tornado disappeared as they prayed. (found on Youtube: Chasing away a tornado in Jesus’ name)

 

There have been a lot of violent storms move through over the past couple years, especially at church times.  Why is it not happening as much on non-church days?  Do you think God is trying to keep people out of Church? 

These storms are wearing some down spiritually because they are not receiving much spiritual food compared to the steady daily carnal appetite being fed through entertainment.  

We have the authority and power to command those storms to be still. The same authority Jesus used and gave us permission to use.

Tornado and severe storm warnings have been issued on several church nights lately. We prayed and came to church anyway.  God honored our faithfulness and de-escalated the storms every time!  Thank You, Jesus!

I understand needing to be cautious. Storms can be dangerous and have cost lives.  But we also need to walk in the power and authority Jesus has given us through the Holy Ghost.

Sometimes He calms the storm.  Sometimes He doesn’t.  We pray in faith believing and on the rare occasions He chooses not to calm them, we accept that it must be God’s will.  

That song by Jeremy Camp we sometimes sing says….

The same power that rose Jesus from the grave
The same power that commands the dead to wake
Lives in us, lives in us
The same power that moves mountains when He speaks
The same power that can calm a raging sea
lives in us, lives in us
He lives in us, lives in us

 

That same power is living in us!

HOW did they walk in POWER and see miracles?

They knew the power came through staying prayed up and FULL of the Holy Ghost! And they believed God! They had faith that what Jesus said He would also do!

God wants to use each of us.  He wants us to operate in the miraculous and the Gifts of the Spirit.

God wants to use each and every one of us…but we have to be men and women of prayer! 

We have to get prayed up and stay prayed up and be FULL of the Holy Ghost.

We have to be willing to sacrifice the will of the flesh through fasting.

We have to deny the flesh of its wants (turn off movies or tv shows, put down novels, turn off social media) and take time - make time to pray!

Prayer is what breaks chains of darkness and open prison doors…not only for our self but it can also have an effect on those around us.

We are in the last days and need to walk in and operate more in the Spirit and the  miraculous than we ever have before. 

That same power is available to each and every one who is full of the Holy Ghost.

 

The devil will fight you and your family the more you operate and walk in that power and authority of the Holy Ghost. You will face many spiritual battles, opposition, and trials.

But the devil is a bully.  You can’t back down or give in when those battles come.  Instead, that’s the time to pray more and take a stand in the authority and power God has given us over him. Because greater is He (Jesus) who is living in us than he that is in the world.

Jesus didn’t save us to live a defeated life.

Are you walking in the power? Don’t deny the power thereof.  God is looking for vessels He can use and work through.

The bunny or the Lamb?

I see posts concerning whether or not Jesus was truly crucified on a Friday and rose on a Sunday. 

My bigger concern is that churches are having "Easter" bunnies and (chicken) eggs when the focus of this most sacred and somber holy day should be about the Lamb. 

I'm not against celebrating - we will as well, because the greatest Sacrifice bought our redemption that we may obtain eternal life. 

But we need to be careful what we're celebrating or the message we'reportraying,  especially within the Churches. Are we celebrating the bunny and eggs or the Lamb?

I think bunnies are cute and I know egg decorating and hunts can be fun, but they should be at a different time and different place....Perhaps later to represent God's creation and springtime? 

The Crucifixion is gruesome but we should never forget or take lightly the sacrifice of Jesus. This holiday is not about the bunny, it's about the Lamb. 

Good vibes and positive thoughts

Good vibes and positive thoughts

I've been seeing a trend among Christians that is confusing me. 

Someone asks for prayer or posts a crisis that their family is going through. 

Some will respond with "praying 🙏"

Others will respond with "sending positive thoughts" or "good vibes"

Some will go so far as to ask people to send them "positive vibes " or "positive thoughts"

How is that supposed to help?

As Christians,  we know the only thing that will help in the time of need is PRAYER.

It is the EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER of the Righteous that avails much! (James 5:16)  It is through active  intense prayer that you will see the answers come.  Not through good vibes or thoughts. 

Good vibes and thoughts are the world's way of leaving God out of the situation as if YOU can bring healing and answers rather than GOD. 

Don't fall for the devil's tactics.  Good vibes and thoughts won't help you. 

But Jesus can and will if you look to Him. 🙌

Posted to fb 4-16-21

That I Might Be Redeemed

That I Might Be Redeemed

They placed a crown of thorns upon Your brow
As that precious Blood ran down.
You were despised and rejected
yet You opened not Your mouth.
Your flesh was tore wide open
As they placed stripes upon Your back.
Still with loving eyes You forgave each one
As the nails pierced Your hands.

Thank You for the Blood You shed,
And for the thorns upon Your head,
The Blood that ran a crimson red
To wash me white as snow.
Thank You for Mount Calvary
And for that cruel ol' rugged tree,
The agony You bore for me
That I might be redeemed
That I might be redeemed

On a cross You hung there dying
In agony and pain
You were innocent, I was guilty
Yet You bore my sin and shame
So unworthy, yet You loved me
Forgiving every sin
With Your Blood You washed and cleansed me
There's no greater love than this.

Thank You for the Blood You shed,
And for the thorns upon Your head,
The Blood that ran a crimson red
To wash me white as snow.
Thank You for Mount Calvary
And for that cruel ol' rugged tree,
The agony You bore for me
That I might be redeemed
That I might be redeemed

©️ 4-15-17 Deonna Wadsworth

https://youtu.be/J3Ve3rVo4No

Have You Received the Holy Ghost Since You Believed?

 There are varying views and beliefs concerning the Holy Ghost…whether it’s necessary for salvation or merely optional to receive it, whether a person receives it as soon as they believe on Jesus or do they need to seek for it, what is the sign that a person has been filled with the Holy Ghost.

 

Despite varying views and thoughts, there is only one that matters and that is God and what His Word reveals.  So, as we open our Bibles we need to open our hearts and pray that God gives us a mind to understand His Word and what it says concerning the Holy Ghost.

 

WHAT DID JESUS TEACH?

Jesus taught in John 3:5-7…

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; (natural birth)
 and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (spiritual birth)
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

 

Jesus taught we must be born again of water (which is baptism in His Name) and of the Spirit (which is the infilling of the Holy Ghost).  Without it, we cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. We MUST be born again just as Jesus said.

 

WHAT DID THE APOSTLES TEACH?

Paul said in Romans 8:9,15-16…

9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit,
if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of  His.

10  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin;
but the Spirit is life because of righteousness

11  But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,
He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies
by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father.

16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
 that we are the children of God.

 

Paul taught that we need the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us.   According to Scripture, if you do not have the Spirit of Christ dwelling within you, you don’t belong to Him.  Without His Spirit, we do not belong to Christ.  We are not a part of His family/His church/His bride.  So receiving the Holy Ghost is necessary!

 

The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of adoption to us and is witness that we are now the Children of God.

 

The Holy Ghost is the seal that we receive and is a downpayment from God until we inherit eternal life….  Ephesians 1:13-14

…In whom also after that ye believed,
ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise,

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption
of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.

 

 

WHAT MUST I DO?

Peter’s response on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:38-39 when asked “What shall we do?”…

Then Peter said unto them, Repent,
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 
For the Promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

 

First, we must repent of all sins.  Turn away from everything that displeases God.
Next, we must wash away those sins through baptism in His name.

          Repentance grants us forgiveness of sin.

          Baptism washes them away.

And God promised we can receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

The Holy Ghost is a Gift that God has promised to us if we will receive it.

 

Most denominations believe in receiving the Holy Ghost, but many believe you receive it when you confess Jesus as your personal Savior and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

We’re going to look at more Sciptures to see what God’s Word defines as the evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE OF RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST?

 

The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost. (John 7:39)

…The Holy Ghost was not yet given;
because that Jesus was not yet glorified.

 

Read Acts 2:1-4

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,

they were all with one accord in one place.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,

And it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,

And it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,

And began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 

In reading this we see as the Holy Ghost came on the Day of Pentecost that…

1. There was a sound as of a rushing mighty wind which filled the house

2. There appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire that sat upon each of them

3. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost and

4. Began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

So, what is the evidence of the Holy Ghost?  How do we know if someone has truly received the gift of the Holy Ghost?

 

Read Acts 2:5-12

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men,

out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad,

the multitude came together and were confounded,

because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another,

Behold, are not these which speak Galileans?

And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and dwellers in Mesopotamia,

and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia,

in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome,

Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians,

We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another,

What meaneth this?

 

 

After the Holy Ghost was poured out, a crowd began to gather.

          *The crowd was comprised of those who lived in Jerusalem or had made
             the Pilgrimage from other parts of the world to celebrate the Harvest.

          *They were amazed because they heard those who were in the Upper
             Room (the ones who received the Holy Ghost and were speaking in a
             language other than their native language) speak the wonderful works of
             God in a language they did not and should not be able to speak in.

 

The word Galilean was used as a name of contempt – when they called them that, they were speaking in a derogatory way against them.

*Refers to the Jews and Gentiles who inhabited the region of Palestine

*Majority were lower class tenant farmers & laborers (herders or fishermen)
           *Thought of as backward and unsophisticated

 

In Acts 4:13 – Peter and John were looked upon as ignorant and unlearned which caused the priests in the Temple to marvel at their teachings.

This is why they were amazed to hear them praising God in their native tongue.  They were considered to be too uneducated to be able to speak their language.

 

But does that prove that’s the evidence of the Holy Ghost? 

 

Some believe “Joy” is the evidence of the Holy Ghost.

          You can have joy when a new baby is born, but that’s not the Holy Ghost

          You can have joy when you get a new car or new house, but that’s not the
                   Holy Ghost

 

Acts 13:52 says “and the disciples were filled with joy AND with the Holy Ghost” showing there is a difference.

 

 

 

Old Testament prophesy foretold in Isaiah 28:11-12

 

“For with stammering lips and another tongue

will He speak to this people.

To whom He said,

This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest;

and this is the refreshing: ….”

 

 

 

 

 

Read Acts 8:5-19
          Vs 5-8 ….Phillip was evangelized the city of Samaria.  Many mighty miracles
                      took place and people were converted because of it.
          Vs 9-13 ….Everyone was baptized after they believed.
                      Even Simon the scorcerer believed what Phillip was preaching and was
                      baptized as well.

          Vs 14-18  …..Peter and John came to Samaria after they heard the people
                     were receiving and obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They then prayed for them to receive the Holy Ghost.   The people:

                   Believed

                   Were Baptized

                   But hadn’t received the Holy Ghost yet (vs 16)

They received the Holy Ghost when they laid their hands on them and prayed (17)

 

We know Simon saw some tangible, undeniable evidence that proved to him they received the Holy Ghost (vs 18-19) – when he saw that people were receiving the Holy Ghost, he thought they were performing a magic trick and offered to pay them for them to reveal to him how they made that to happen. While that particular passage does not say they spoke with new tongues, we know he saw something that peaked his interest.  Scripture supports Scripture as we’ll continue looking at what that evidence was that Simon saw…..

           

Read Acts 10:44-48 – Peter came and preached the Gospel to Cornelius/household

{44} While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

{45} And they of the circumcision (Jews) which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

{46} For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

{47} Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

{48} And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

 

In this passage we find….

          The Gentiles received the Holy Ghost just as the Jews received in (Acts 2:4)

          The Jews were astonished…how did they know they received the Holy Ghost?

          Vs 46…for they HEARD them SPEAK WITH TONGUES

          Vs 47…Peter confirmed they received the same Holy Ghost as those present   
               with him had received on the Day of Pentecost – they spoke with tongues
           Vs 48…commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord.

 

Read Acts 19:1-6

Paul, in his missionary travels, came across disciples during his travels.  He was excited to find that they believed on Jesus.  His first question to them was, “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?”  They responded that they hadn’t even heard about the Holy Ghost yet. 

 

Next, he asked how they were baptized.  Finding that they had only been baptized by John the Baptist, he began to expound the scriptures to them and explain that John’s baptism was just preparation for Jesus’ baptism.  Notice what he does next....he baptizes them correctly in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Afterward, he laid hands on them and as he began to pray, they were filled with the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking with other tongues.

 

 Act 19:1  And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

Act 19:2  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Act 19:3  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Act 19:4  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Act 19:5  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 19:6  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

 

*** Notice Paul did not ask, “have you received the Holy Ghost since you were saved?”  He asked, “have you received....since you believed.” 

 

Believing is just the first step for he that comes to God must believe that He is (Heb 11:6).  Jesus in Mark 16:16 states, “he that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved.”  Believing is important, but that’s not all there is.  We will look at many more Scriptures that explain and show us that being baptized in the name of Jesus and receiving the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues are not to be left out or considered optional.  

 

*** If it does not matter how you are baptized or whether or not you receive the Holy Ghost, Paul would not have taken the time to correct their error, rebaptize them, then pray for them to receive the infilling of the Holy Ghost.

Consistently throughout the Book of Acts, we find where those who received the Holy Ghost SPOKE in OTHER TONGUES.

 

In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus said there are signs that are to follow a believer…

And these signs SHALL FOLLOW them that believe;

In My Name shall they cast out devils;

They shall speak with new tongues;

They shall take up serpents;

And if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;

They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

 

If you’re a Believer, these signs should be following you.  You SHALL speak with NEW TONGUES!

 

1 Cor 14:18, Paul said…. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all;

 

In 1 Cor 14:39, He also instructed that no one is to forbid anyone from speaking in tongues.

 

Tongues is the evidence of the Holy Ghost.  When a person instructs another that they don’t need to speak in tongues, they are forbidding the Holy Ghost.

 

**A pastor may do that on a rare occasion when they discern that it is not of God.  The devil will mimic tongues**

 

There is a difference between speaking in tongues as the evidence of the Holy Ghost and the gift of divers kinds of tongues.

 

When you receive the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues for the first time, it is evidence that God now has control of your tongue and has bridled your tongue.

Keeping the tongue bridled afterward takes work on the part of the Believer – it takes staying prayed up and full of the Holy Ghost and self-control.

 

There is a difference between the Tongues given when a person first receives the Holy Ghost and the Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues (a Gift of the Spirit)

 

Many believe they are one and the same but the Bible reveals differently.

 

If we want to know HOW to be saved….

we look to the Book of Acts – that is where the birth of the Church is recorded and we can find evidence of how the first believers came to be saved = They believed, repented, were baptized in Jesus Name, and were filled with the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues.

 

Then to grow as a Believer in Christ and learn how to be a Christian and what we need to continue to do AFTER we’re saved….

we look to Romans through Jude = where we find instruction, correction, admonition, and inspiration. It is there that we learn how to operate in the Spirit and the 5 fold ministry that God has ordained for His Church.

 

The gift of divers kinds of tongues is an additional gift AFTER receiving the Holy Ghost given to some to be used for the edification of the Church body.

 

1 Cor 12:4-11

Now there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit.

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

And there are diversities of operations, 

but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit whithal.

For to one is given by the Spirit

The word of wisdom;

To another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit.

To another faith by the same Spirit;

To another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

To another the working of miracles;

To another prophecy;

To another discerning of spirits;

To another divers kinds of tongues;

To another the interpretation of tongues:

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,

dividing to every man severally as he will.

 

Divers kinds of tongues are usually (but not always) followed by the interpretation of tongues. A message will be given in tongues followed by someone being used by the Spirit to interpret that message.

 

Divers (Different) kinds of tongues can also be a prayer tongue which is used by a person fighting spiritual warfare.

Speaking in tongues as the evidence of the Holy Ghost can often be understood by a person of another nation.  But the Divers kinds of tongues can be a prayer tongue of intercession speaking mysteries that only God understands.

 

 

1 Cor 14:2

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaking mysteries.

 

1 Cor 12:28

And God hath set some in the Church,

First apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers,

After that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments,

diversities of tongues.

 

When Paul continued on in Vs 30 to ask, “do all speak with tongues?” he was not saying that not every believer would speak in tongues, otherwise, he would be contradicting the very words and teaching of Jesus in Mark 16:17-18 where He said that speaking in new tongues is a sign that SHALL follow a believer.

 

Paul is referencing the gift of divers kinds of tongues which will be dispersed for the edification of the Church as God decides and wills. 

 

He encouraged the Believers to covet the best gifts (1 Cor 12:31) and to desire spiritual gifts that follow after salvations (1 Cor 14:1)

 

One of the greatest deceptions the devil has perpetrated on mankind is that:

1.      they either do not need the Holy Ghost to get to Heaven

2.     or that they receive it at the moment they receive Jesus as their Savior without any evidence that Jesus has come into their heart.

 

He gets people to question, “Does God’s Word really say….?”  “Do I really need to?”

Why?  Because he knows that the Holy Ghost gives us power over him and gives us power to overcome sin.

 

Acts 1:8 – And ye shall receive POWER after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.

 

Peter and John were arrested for healing a weak helpless 40+ year old man and preaching Jesus.  They were asked, “By what power or by what name have ye done this?” Peter was FILLED with the Holy Ghost as he responded that it was by the Name of Jesus Christ that the man was made whole.  Then as they began to pray, the place was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 4:7-31)

 

They used the name but was the Holy Ghost necessary?

The reason the 7 sons of Sceva were unable to cast out devils was because they did not have the Holy Ghost.  They tried to use the Name of Jesus but they did not have the Holy Ghost operating in them.  They had no power over those devils which sent them running. (Acts 19:13-16)  The Holy Ghost gives the Power! 

I could go on and on showing Scripture after Scripture about the power of the Holy Ghost and the necessity of receiving it. 

 

There is something about the Power of the Holy Ghost!

 

Colossians 1:27 - …which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

It is the Spirit of Christ residing in us.  Why would anyone not want to receive it?

 

Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?