HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US
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The term Carnal Christian is meaning a Christian who lives by the flesh and not by the spirit. This is a choice, even after regeneration. Carnal is of the flesh (sexual lusts etc), and thus we must give the Holy Spirit its rightful place to conduct our life in our spirit, and put to death the things of the flesh. But to think our fight spiritually is over would be a non-experience, for God gives us the Armor of God to fight this spiritual battle of outside influences of satan and our inward flesh, yet still outside of our spirit.
As one matures, the exercising of our faith begins to give us more peace and overcoming confidence and we learn to live from victory and we act less as if we were fighting for victory. We know better intellectually in our position, but we must experience it before we mature in it. Some Christians live by the flesh and will soon be sinning again, others live by a mix of flesh and spirit and have difficulties in God's relationship, others who mature, walk exclusively by the spirit and have a peace that passes all understanding; for they know by thought and action, that self has no value whatsoever, and proceed to live accordingly as Jesus lived.
Yet, as long as we are on the earth we still have the flesh in exile still harboring the disposition of sin. Our flesh then, is the old man's body, but God can restore the body to be a slave to righteousness and purify the body in that submission. But the body was what carried out Adam's sins thus it is doomed to death and the end of our lives. IN Christ we must start our New life, IN our renewed spirit in the Spirit of Christ. We must live our New life, IN Christ ( by way of the Holy spirit); and if we overcome with Jesus ahead of us and in us, we will be with God in the Kingdom of Heaven. But none of that has our name on it outside of Christ ruling our life by those many willful choices along life's way - IN Christ.
As one matures, the exercising of our faith begins to give us more peace and overcoming confidence and we learn to live from victory and we act less as if we were fighting for victory. We know better intellectually in our position, but we must experience it before we mature in it. Some Christians live by the flesh and will soon be sinning again, others live by a mix of flesh and spirit and have difficulties in God's relationship, others who mature, walk exclusively by the spirit and have a peace that passes all understanding; for they know by thought and action, that self has no value whatsoever, and proceed to live accordingly as Jesus lived.
Yet, as long as we are on the earth we still have the flesh in exile still harboring the disposition of sin. Our flesh then, is the old man's body, but God can restore the body to be a slave to righteousness and purify the body in that submission. But the body was what carried out Adam's sins thus it is doomed to death and the end of our lives. IN Christ we must start our New life, IN our renewed spirit in the Spirit of Christ. We must live our New life, IN Christ ( by way of the Holy spirit); and if we overcome with Jesus ahead of us and in us, we will be with God in the Kingdom of Heaven. But none of that has our name on it outside of Christ ruling our life by those many willful choices along life's way - IN Christ.
"To be of an humble spirit with the lowly" (Prov. 16:19).
"Honor shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Prov. 29:23).
"I will dwell...with the contrite and lowly of spirit,/To revive the spirit of the lowly" (Isa. 57:15).
Being humble is not despising oneself; rather, it is not looking at oneself. An attitude of self-conceit in a believer's spirit is the proof of his fall. Humility is not only before God, it is also before man. A humble spirit can be seen in communicating with the lowly. Only a humble spirit will not despise any man created by God. The presence and glory of God are manifested in the man with a humble spirit.
A humble spirit is one which can be taught, one which can be exhorted, and one which can receive explanation. Many believers are too haughty in spirit; therefore, they can only teach others and cannot be taught. Many believers are so immovably stubborn in spirit that it is hard for them to be taught. Even though they realize that they are wrong, they still hold on to their own view. Many believers are too hard in spirit to listen to others' explanation regarding a misunderstanding. Only a humble spirit has the receiving capacity. God needs a humble spirit to manifest His virtues. How can a proud spirit listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and co-labor with the Holy Spirit? The spirit must be void of any trace of pride and must always be soft, tender, and flexible. A spirit with any amount of hardness is unlike that of the Lord; therefore, it is unable to fellowship with the Lord. The spirit must be humble, always waiting on the Lord, and without any resistance towards the Lord before it can walk with Him.
"Honor shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Prov. 29:23).
"I will dwell...with the contrite and lowly of spirit,/To revive the spirit of the lowly" (Isa. 57:15).
Being humble is not despising oneself; rather, it is not looking at oneself. An attitude of self-conceit in a believer's spirit is the proof of his fall. Humility is not only before God, it is also before man. A humble spirit can be seen in communicating with the lowly. Only a humble spirit will not despise any man created by God. The presence and glory of God are manifested in the man with a humble spirit.
A humble spirit is one which can be taught, one which can be exhorted, and one which can receive explanation. Many believers are too haughty in spirit; therefore, they can only teach others and cannot be taught. Many believers are so immovably stubborn in spirit that it is hard for them to be taught. Even though they realize that they are wrong, they still hold on to their own view. Many believers are too hard in spirit to listen to others' explanation regarding a misunderstanding. Only a humble spirit has the receiving capacity. God needs a humble spirit to manifest His virtues. How can a proud spirit listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and co-labor with the Holy Spirit? The spirit must be void of any trace of pride and must always be soft, tender, and flexible. A spirit with any amount of hardness is unlike that of the Lord; therefore, it is unable to fellowship with the Lord. The spirit must be humble, always waiting on the Lord, and without any resistance towards the Lord before it can walk with Him.
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The old man dies with Christ and the new man is raised into newness of life [Romans 6]. Light cannot have fellowship with darkness, Christ cannot fellowship with Belial.
I am also not preaching sinless perfection, but you become a new man at conversion
Gal 5.24
[SUP]24 [/SUP]Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
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Yes, there is only one result of being in Christ; the results of Christ. Which is also the demeanor of God. Thus, we have two different subjects: gifts, and the fruit of Christ. Both are, in essence resulting from God in Jesus, but one is a different manifestation over the other.
Paul writes to the Colossians in the following manner: "When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested." Says Paul, "Christ is our life." Instead of saying, "When Christ is revealed," he says, "When Christ, our life, is revealed. So we can see that a Christian has nothing but Christ. And God gives us His demeanor and He gifts us with spiritual gifts as well, for anything of Him is resoundingly still Him manifested in us by way of Himself.
Paul writes to the Colossians in the following manner: "When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested." Says Paul, "Christ is our life." Instead of saying, "When Christ is revealed," he says, "When Christ, our life, is revealed. So we can see that a Christian has nothing but Christ. And God gives us His demeanor and He gifts us with spiritual gifts as well, for anything of Him is resoundingly still Him manifested in us by way of Himself.
I think it is obvious that Christians can "act" like carnal men as Paul talked about to the Corinthians. We are definitely new creations in Christ and the renewing of our minds is paramount to growing up in the Lord.
I believe that the Holy Spirit knew what He was doing when He had Paul write 1 Corinthians.
Some of them were going to temple prostitutes for sex, they were taking each other to court, they were in divisions and strife, they were not treating the poor amongst them right...etc.
Paul was saying that those in Corinth were acting like mere men and men of flesh (The KJV uses the term "carnal")- in other words not being spiritually minded.
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (NASB)
[SUP]1 [/SUP] And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.
[SUP]2 [/SUP] I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,
[SUP]3 [/SUP] for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
[SUP]4 [/SUP] For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos,"are you not mere men?
I noticed that in verse 1 Paul says that they are "babes in Christ".
- not that you are going to hell because you are sinning. Or that because they were sinning - that they are not born of God.
Paul then goes on to tell them about their true identity in Christ so that they would awake to righteousness and sin not.
I believe that the Holy Spirit knew what He was doing when He had Paul write 1 Corinthians.
Some of them were going to temple prostitutes for sex, they were taking each other to court, they were in divisions and strife, they were not treating the poor amongst them right...etc.
Paul was saying that those in Corinth were acting like mere men and men of flesh (The KJV uses the term "carnal")- in other words not being spiritually minded.
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (NASB)
[SUP]1 [/SUP] And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.
[SUP]2 [/SUP] I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,
[SUP]3 [/SUP] for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
[SUP]4 [/SUP] For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos,"are you not mere men?
I noticed that in verse 1 Paul says that they are "babes in Christ".
- not that you are going to hell because you are sinning. Or that because they were sinning - that they are not born of God.
Paul then goes on to tell them about their true identity in Christ so that they would awake to righteousness and sin not.
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I agree here brother.
Our spirit man is made perfect at conversion, it is our soul[mind, will emotions, passions, intellect, etc] is what we renew daily.
If the spirit man is in control the mind and flesh will follow the spirit, not the mind, if the mind is in control the spirit is shoved aside and the flesh obeys the mind.
To many confuse the flesh with the mind.
Our spirit man is made perfect at conversion, it is our soul[mind, will emotions, passions, intellect, etc] is what we renew daily.
If the spirit man is in control the mind and flesh will follow the spirit, not the mind, if the mind is in control the spirit is shoved aside and the flesh obeys the mind.
To many confuse the flesh with the mind.
I agree...and also people confuse the "voice" of the flesh that has the law of sin still in it as if it is their own heart but we know we have a new heart in Christ as He cleansed our hearts by faith. This is where Christ by the Holy spirit dwells Paul says in Ephesians.
If we go on a sin hunt - we'll be sin-conscious all our life until we go to be with the Lord. We need to be Christ-conscious and all that entails as a new creation in Christ - created in righteousness and holiness. We need to be righteousness conscious because we are joined as one spirit with the Lord.
Grace reigns in righteousness which is why we need to receive the gift of righteousness and not be trying to establish our own.
If we go on a sin hunt - we'll be sin-conscious all our life until we go to be with the Lord. We need to be Christ-conscious and all that entails as a new creation in Christ - created in righteousness and holiness. We need to be righteousness conscious because we are joined as one spirit with the Lord.
Grace reigns in righteousness which is why we need to receive the gift of righteousness and not be trying to establish our own.
yeah many talk about the gift of salvation but have never been told about the gift of righteousness that we also receive at conversion.
Romans 5.17
For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5.17
For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
My experience went the exact opposite way 
I used to "speak in tongues" and was often swept away by the emotional response that it invoked. I was told that if I didn't speak in tongues, that I wasn't indwelled or baptized in the Holy Spirit. That is just a misleading bold faced lie.
I have since learned that it can be used by the enemy, because we clearly do not understand what we are saying, or to whom we might be saying it.
So I studied the scriptures to gain a better understanding of it, and was quite shocked by what the Gift of Tongues actually is, and that it wasn't the babbling noises that I was making thinking that it could move the hand of God.
The modern manifestation of tongues that we often hear in some churches is really just a twisting of the scriptures and a misunderstanding of what actually happened during the Pentecost described by Luke in the Book of Acts.
My questions are as follows.
Why would God need or want us to speak in a mysterious spirit language that no-one can understand, when he can and does clearly communicate with us in our native tongue/language?
How is my salvation (the life breathed into me by the Holy Spirit) indicated or shown by my ability, or lack of ability to speak in this language?
How does speaking in tongues get me to some different level of spiritual communication, when I already have been given everything I need for life and godliness? (the Holy Spirit that dwells in me)
I believe the modern version of speaking in tongues is very close to mysticism and pagan ritualism and not the "language" of the Holy Spirit.
The gift of tongues was a miracle of God done at the Pentecost so that everyone totally understood what was being said and to clearly show what God was actually accomplishing. So that there was no misunderstanding. That was the miracle. They were all able to understand each others language as their own.
It was a gift of language or translation. The word tongues has just been used to give it some vague connotation that was not intended by the writer of Acts.
I do not doubt that if God wanted to use this miracle any time he wants, He could, but that miracle is NOT what I was doing before I was led to understand it more deeply and fully.
I know this is a hotly debated subject in the church, and I am sure this thread will get really heated and we will see lots of varying opinions, but I have my opinion on this subject. So I guess I will get some popcorn and watch for the responses
Peace!
I used to "speak in tongues" and was often swept away by the emotional response that it invoked. I was told that if I didn't speak in tongues, that I wasn't indwelled or baptized in the Holy Spirit. That is just a misleading bold faced lie.
I have since learned that it can be used by the enemy, because we clearly do not understand what we are saying, or to whom we might be saying it.
So I studied the scriptures to gain a better understanding of it, and was quite shocked by what the Gift of Tongues actually is, and that it wasn't the babbling noises that I was making thinking that it could move the hand of God.
The modern manifestation of tongues that we often hear in some churches is really just a twisting of the scriptures and a misunderstanding of what actually happened during the Pentecost described by Luke in the Book of Acts.
My questions are as follows.
Why would God need or want us to speak in a mysterious spirit language that no-one can understand, when he can and does clearly communicate with us in our native tongue/language?
How is my salvation (the life breathed into me by the Holy Spirit) indicated or shown by my ability, or lack of ability to speak in this language?
How does speaking in tongues get me to some different level of spiritual communication, when I already have been given everything I need for life and godliness? (the Holy Spirit that dwells in me)
I believe the modern version of speaking in tongues is very close to mysticism and pagan ritualism and not the "language" of the Holy Spirit.
The gift of tongues was a miracle of God done at the Pentecost so that everyone totally understood what was being said and to clearly show what God was actually accomplishing. So that there was no misunderstanding. That was the miracle. They were all able to understand each others language as their own.
It was a gift of language or translation. The word tongues has just been used to give it some vague connotation that was not intended by the writer of Acts.
I do not doubt that if God wanted to use this miracle any time he wants, He could, but that miracle is NOT what I was doing before I was led to understand it more deeply and fully.
I know this is a hotly debated subject in the church, and I am sure this thread will get really heated and we will see lots of varying opinions, but I have my opinion on this subject. So I guess I will get some popcorn and watch for the responses
Peace!
that is funny because I can't remember ever any of the gifts God gave to me were in HIS word there were both Modern and ancient Gifts of the Holy Spirit . Pagans did many things true but they had nothing to do with the Holy Spirit.
also the context of Acts 2 and 1 cor 12,13,14 chapter are some what different
Acts 2 birth of the church tongues used as a Sign as Peter under the Holy Spirit explained very clearly.
1cor 12, 13, 14 Gifts to the church as Paul Under the Holy Spirit explained very clearly.
I think the person who started this thread is correct when he quoted the word of God which is authoritative and cannot be dismissed by what pagans or mystic do :
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26
you are not correct. there is a daily war that we are in each day Paul talked about that in eph 6 and gal 5 and in Rom. anything you do that is not of faith is sin . and you are still in the flesh and will have short comings . this is why we have Jesus our mediator. for to tell someone to repent and get saved shows you lack discernment and maturity.
In an effort to understand where you are coming from could we discuss the following things or could you answer some questions and we could discuss them?
Do you believe man is a 3 part being? spirit, soul[mind, will emotions] and flesh[body]
Do you believe in renewing your mind to the word of God
Do you believe you are still a sinner after conversion or a sin forgiven son, that will still sin?
Do you believe the new man spirit is perfected at conversion?
is SIN a CHOICE or ACTION to you? Does the word say sin is a choice or action.
Jesus said we know people by their fruit, good or bad we will know them by discerning their fruit.
Could you explain what you think Romans 14.23 is telling you? how does this reconcile with James 1.13-16 and James 4.17
I consider SIN willfully doing anything that the Holy Spirit tells me never to do. This would be acting in the flesh, despite my spirit man being perfect.
The word does not say we battle 2 natures, the word says one nature was buried with Christ and the new nature is raised with Christ.
If you say that you are still in the flesh and ruled by it after you come to Christ, you are simply putting him back on the cross again.
We will never be sinless or perfect, but when we come to Christ we got our choice back and the old man is dead and buried, unless you continue to go dig him up and put on your back all the time.
We are talking spirit/nature not mind, will, emotions, those have to be renewed daily to the word of God.
The same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me, keeping me from digging up the old man.
You cannot kill a dead man can you?
Do you believe man is a 3 part being? spirit, soul[mind, will emotions] and flesh[body]
Do you believe in renewing your mind to the word of God
Do you believe you are still a sinner after conversion or a sin forgiven son, that will still sin?
Do you believe the new man spirit is perfected at conversion?
is SIN a CHOICE or ACTION to you? Does the word say sin is a choice or action.
Jesus said we know people by their fruit, good or bad we will know them by discerning their fruit.
Could you explain what you think Romans 14.23 is telling you? how does this reconcile with James 1.13-16 and James 4.17
I consider SIN willfully doing anything that the Holy Spirit tells me never to do. This would be acting in the flesh, despite my spirit man being perfect.
The word does not say we battle 2 natures, the word says one nature was buried with Christ and the new nature is raised with Christ.
If you say that you are still in the flesh and ruled by it after you come to Christ, you are simply putting him back on the cross again.
We will never be sinless or perfect, but when we come to Christ we got our choice back and the old man is dead and buried, unless you continue to go dig him up and put on your back all the time.
We are talking spirit/nature not mind, will, emotions, those have to be renewed daily to the word of God.
The same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me, keeping me from digging up the old man.
You cannot kill a dead man can you?
Some of the posts here were a bit confusing to me. (sorry) Speaking in tongues is not complicated as we humans make it. The things He has freely given to us I have found are not a burden or burdensome at all. The things I'm learning about Jesus are always about freedom and ease of access. I believe that is one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit to us.
I believe healing is for today just as it was when the church was begun back in the disciple's time. I agree with much of what Pastor Andrew Wommack said in that long post I cut and pasted on this thread. And I do realized there are other Christians who do not believe that way and that is understandable. I also believed that way so seriously I get it. So I'm not trying to make trouble here by explaining why I believe the way I do. But because of the truth of this matter in believing and using this gift of tongues, I have a desire to share with others here how the Holy Spirit very much equips us for help from Him. I was so needy and without a clue as to how to do this Christian walk with any confidence or strength.
There are more times than not when I'm walking a head in life knowing that it's the way Jesus wants me to go but not knowing how someone like me could be on such a journey. My only reason for confidence to step forward and keep going is knowing Jesus loves me and I shall not want. He leads and I'm learning how to follow each step at a time.
So these gifts we are given as believers are for our good and growth and help. Praying in tongues I've found is becoming a major part of my life. And it's good to know other Christians have also found it to be so. The Spirit always makes intercession for us when we ask Him to. Without getting into the deep theological issues., let me just explain how this prayer language is used in my life as a plain regular Christian woman.
Getting up for the day heading to the kitchen for coffee., I know the day holds in it things I have no idea about. I'll meet people and challenges already known and some not known. There are also issues from the previous days I've been learning about how to handle but have not been completely successful in yet.
Where this not having answers and complete success over a problem used to drive me deep into depression in the past., it no longer has the power to do that anymore. Why? because since being baptized in the Holy Spirit I know that the Holy Spirit is working where I can't see. And no matter how impossible things seems to my limited mind., this problem will be resolved by the power of Christ. It has already gone from a 100% mess to a 50% clean up.
The Lord has encouraged all along the path of this problem (and others) that He does miracles and will continue to do them. It's because He teaches us how to walk IN the LOVE of God in Christ through the Holy Spirit. We are not perfect yet in the "how toos" of attaining yet in our limited understanding., but we press on Philippians 3:7-14
[SUP]
7 [/SUP]Howbeit what things were [SUP][a][/SUP]gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,
[SUP]9 [/SUP]and be found in him, [SUP][b][/SUP]not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God [SUP][c][/SUP]by faith:
[SUP]10 [/SUP]that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death;
[SUP]11 [/SUP]if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may [SUP][d][/SUP]lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]Brethren, I count not myself [SUP][e][/SUP]yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,
[SUP]14 [/SUP]I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the [SUP][f][/SUP]high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
These words change everything when knowing the Holy Spirit will change us into the image of Christ as we go. What I used to think was so important in life previously it turns out to be nothing in comparison to what the Holy Spirit can do in my life. All so we can know Jesus and the power of His resurrection even today as we go through life in these bodies.
So the gifts of the Spirit are gifts needed to get us there. How to be more like Jesus in love., power and a sound mind and how to be fruitful can only be found in the power of the Holy Spirit leading us into all truth and comforting us as we go.
Problems come each day but where I used to pray with my own limited understanding and about what should I do Lord?! I now pray in tongues to bring me right back to the place of peace and safety knowing He will pray the right prayer for me as I open my mouth and pray in the Spirit.
There is no condemnation in Love and there is no fear in love. The Holy Spirit reminds me of my righteous standing before God in Christ and that He loves me and for that reason will be with me in the day a head. So reading the Bible is personal and directed at teaching me about what it means to be in Christ. Not because of our own righteousness but the righteousness He gave.
So there is always hope for the day and even an excitement in the daily pursuits. The dependence about how to get through is no longer on my shoulders. With my mouth I pray and sing in my dependence on the prayers of the Holy Spirit on my behalf. And His witness is in us as we do so and experience those rivers of living waters flowing in and through us just as Jesus told in John 7:38
[SUP]38 [/SUP]He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, [SUP][a][/SUP]from within him shall flow rivers of living water. [SUP]39 [/SUP]But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: [SUP][b][/SUP]for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.
I believe healing is for today just as it was when the church was begun back in the disciple's time. I agree with much of what Pastor Andrew Wommack said in that long post I cut and pasted on this thread. And I do realized there are other Christians who do not believe that way and that is understandable. I also believed that way so seriously I get it. So I'm not trying to make trouble here by explaining why I believe the way I do. But because of the truth of this matter in believing and using this gift of tongues, I have a desire to share with others here how the Holy Spirit very much equips us for help from Him. I was so needy and without a clue as to how to do this Christian walk with any confidence or strength.
There are more times than not when I'm walking a head in life knowing that it's the way Jesus wants me to go but not knowing how someone like me could be on such a journey. My only reason for confidence to step forward and keep going is knowing Jesus loves me and I shall not want. He leads and I'm learning how to follow each step at a time.
So these gifts we are given as believers are for our good and growth and help. Praying in tongues I've found is becoming a major part of my life. And it's good to know other Christians have also found it to be so. The Spirit always makes intercession for us when we ask Him to. Without getting into the deep theological issues., let me just explain how this prayer language is used in my life as a plain regular Christian woman.
Getting up for the day heading to the kitchen for coffee., I know the day holds in it things I have no idea about. I'll meet people and challenges already known and some not known. There are also issues from the previous days I've been learning about how to handle but have not been completely successful in yet.
Where this not having answers and complete success over a problem used to drive me deep into depression in the past., it no longer has the power to do that anymore. Why? because since being baptized in the Holy Spirit I know that the Holy Spirit is working where I can't see. And no matter how impossible things seems to my limited mind., this problem will be resolved by the power of Christ. It has already gone from a 100% mess to a 50% clean up.
The Lord has encouraged all along the path of this problem (and others) that He does miracles and will continue to do them. It's because He teaches us how to walk IN the LOVE of God in Christ through the Holy Spirit. We are not perfect yet in the "how toos" of attaining yet in our limited understanding., but we press on Philippians 3:7-14
[SUP]
7 [/SUP]Howbeit what things were [SUP][a][/SUP]gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,
[SUP]9 [/SUP]and be found in him, [SUP][b][/SUP]not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God [SUP][c][/SUP]by faith:
[SUP]10 [/SUP]that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death;
[SUP]11 [/SUP]if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may [SUP][d][/SUP]lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]Brethren, I count not myself [SUP][e][/SUP]yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,
[SUP]14 [/SUP]I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the [SUP][f][/SUP]high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
These words change everything when knowing the Holy Spirit will change us into the image of Christ as we go. What I used to think was so important in life previously it turns out to be nothing in comparison to what the Holy Spirit can do in my life. All so we can know Jesus and the power of His resurrection even today as we go through life in these bodies.
So the gifts of the Spirit are gifts needed to get us there. How to be more like Jesus in love., power and a sound mind and how to be fruitful can only be found in the power of the Holy Spirit leading us into all truth and comforting us as we go.
Problems come each day but where I used to pray with my own limited understanding and about what should I do Lord?! I now pray in tongues to bring me right back to the place of peace and safety knowing He will pray the right prayer for me as I open my mouth and pray in the Spirit.
There is no condemnation in Love and there is no fear in love. The Holy Spirit reminds me of my righteous standing before God in Christ and that He loves me and for that reason will be with me in the day a head. So reading the Bible is personal and directed at teaching me about what it means to be in Christ. Not because of our own righteousness but the righteousness He gave.
So there is always hope for the day and even an excitement in the daily pursuits. The dependence about how to get through is no longer on my shoulders. With my mouth I pray and sing in my dependence on the prayers of the Holy Spirit on my behalf. And His witness is in us as we do so and experience those rivers of living waters flowing in and through us just as Jesus told in John 7:38
[SUP]38 [/SUP]He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, [SUP][a][/SUP]from within him shall flow rivers of living water. [SUP]39 [/SUP]But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: [SUP][b][/SUP]for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.
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You can pray in tongues an hour each morning and then do something sinful. I am not against praying in tongues, however there is a deception in the minds of some folks who do this, they think that the practice of praying in tongues will make everything fall into place, it will not. I am thinking of a very famous Pastor who prayed in tongues an hour or two every morning, then he endorsed a book, the whole concept of which was false, even telling people not to worry about the false teaching just enjoy the story. That Pastor was very deceived, yet he was famous for tongues, the list could go on and on. Enjoy the tongues, just remember that being in God's truth is the most important thing and speaking in tongues will not do that for us, that requires a commitment to God's truth and discipline.
S
Thank God!
and let's remember that Paul said that God told him he was at his strongest when he was at his weakest...that is when God's Spirit was the strongest in Paul
I don't think we quite understand this, but I know in my own life, there have been times I 'felt' utterly hopeless and helpless and prayed anyway and God came through in such a big way
this is a fact and something I want to understand better