The Bible Christianity and The Spirit

The book of Acts gives a full account of the beginning of the Church. The Spirit of God is to be the power and strength of the Church not man. The early Church in the book of Acts is the handbook, its Gods standard for the Church today. The Holy Ghost is to give us our power, mission, and gifts that Christ paid for at Calvary.

With the acceptation of 2cd, 3rd John every book in the New Testament contains a reference to the work of the Holy Ghost, and every Gospel begins with a promise of His out pouring. If we do not get back to the truths of His work in and through us the Church will be void of the power, and the will of God. If the Church looses its salt it's good for nothing but to be trodden under foot of men Matt 5:13 and 14. Only He can make actual what Christ has made possible.

Through out scripture the Holy Ghost is clearly presented and spoken of as a person with feelings personality and characteristics all of His own. He is not an influence but the 3rd person of the Godhead equally God Almighty. He is a Divine person like the Father, and the Son- (Acts 5:3-4). He thinks (Rom 8:27, feels Rom 15:30, wills 1 Cor 15:11), loves, and enjoys fellowship. We should treat Him as a person infinitely God dwelling in our hearts. The Spirit has been sent to empower, direct, and guide the Church. Through Him the fullness of the Godhead takes up there abode in us, praise the Lord (John 14:15-23, and Eph 3:14-19).

The early Church feared the Lord and walked in the comfort of the Holy Ghost (Acts 9:31). They had an experience with the Holy Ghost and it was an every day walk.

All sin can be forgiven the sons of men but blaspheming the Holy Ghost. Not only because He speaks truth to the hearts of men, but also honing Him for who He is. After Ananias lied to the Holy Ghost he was judged and died. Notice to lie to the Holy Ghost is to lie to God (Acts 5:3,4).

He is the means to do and obey God's will, implying clearly He is our strength. A familiar passage comes to mind Zac 4:6. This was a time of rebuilding the Temple of God under persecution and trial.

(Zec 4:6) Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel - This prince was in a trying situation, and he needed especial encouragement from God; and here it is: Not by might, (of thy own), nor by power, (authority from others), but by my Spirit - the providence, authority, power, and energy of the Most High. In this way shall my temple be built; in this way shall my Church be raised and preserved. No secular arm, no human prudence, no earthly policy, no suits at law, shall ever be used for the founding, extension, and preservation of my Church. But the spirit of the world says, “These are all means to which as we must have recourse; otherwise the cause of God may be ruined.” Satan, thou liest! Adam Clark's Commentary on the Bible

1. The Spirit falls in Topeka in 1901	6.
2. The Azusa Street Revival from 1905 to 1908	7.
3. Are all the Gifts of the Spirit for Today	8.
4. The Spirit in the World Today	9.
5.	10.