HOLY SPIRIT AND ANOINTING

What is Holy Spirit?

The Holy spirit is the third power in the trinity; is the comforter whom Jesus promised to send to us; He is the power behind all the miracles performed by Jesus Christ; is the power of God that reveals the scripture truth; to believers; He is the source and strength of our faith; is the weapon which a believer needs to stay alive; He is the power needed and received on the day of baptism; He is the still small voice that speaks to our heart and mind through God’s word. Finally, He is the special anointing upon a genuine believer or born again (i.e. born of God) Christian.

What is anointing?

Anointing is Holy Spirit power upon believers to confirm them as kings, priests, and prophets. Ex.28:41.

An oil (Physically); Anointing(Spiritually) I Sam. 10:1.

God can anoint a believer through any of His chosen servants. ( I Sam. 16:3, 12 & 13).

Baptism in the Holy Spirit:-

Baptism:- is a Christian  ceremony of immersion him/her into water to give him/her a new name, renew his/her spirit and welcome him/her fully into the Christian community. (Acts 16:15; 10:47,48

            TYPES OF BAPTISM

1        The Baptism of water (immersion) Matt 3:5-7

2        The Baptism of suffering. Matt 20:22,23.

3        The Baptism of repentance. Mark 1:4, Lk 3:3, Acts 13:24; 19:4

4        The Baptism of death. Rom 6:4; Col 2:12

5        The Baptism of faith. Eph 4:4-6; Gal 3:26-28

6        The Baptism of salvation. 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 3:3-5; 1 Pet 1:3-5

7        The Baptism of doctrine. Heb 6:2; Acts 8:14-17

8        The Baptism of fire. Luke 3:16; Matt 3:11

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Who are those that should be Baptised?

1        Those that believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mark 16;16

2        Those that received the Word of God. Acts 2:21

3        Those that truly repented of their sins. Acts 2:38

4        Those that confess and forsake their sins. Matt 3:6

5        Those who are genuinely born again. John 3:3,7; 1Peter 1:23

So being baptised in the Holy Spirit simply means being filled with ultimate power of the Almighty God from above. Lk 24:49; Acts 1:8

The power of the Holy Ghost is given to every believer with the level of belief and relationship with God. It is also given to every born again Christian according to his or her level of spiritual qualification.

However, the power of the Holy Spirit is given to a believer in Christ is not the same as baptism in the Holy Spirit. That someone is born again does not mean that he is filled with the Holy Spirit. Once you are baptised in the Holy Spirit, it means that He (Holy Spirit) is now dwelling in you John 7:38.

The work of the Holy Spirit both in the new birth and the baptism of the Holy Spirit:

The Work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth:- “New Birth” simply means being “born again”. Once a person is “Born Again”, it means total renunciation of your old or former  bad life-styles and embracing Jesus Christ, accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour.

Therefore, the scriptures below will tell us what the Holy Spirit will do in the life  of anyone who is “Born Again”.

a.       In the “New Birth”, You must be born of water and the spirit. John 3:5 ; Acts 2:38.

b.      It is better to be born again in the spirit than in the flesh. John 3:16.

c.       Do not be surprised whenever you are told that you must be “Born Again” Jn. 3:17.

d.      You can hardly know the actions of anyone who is born of the spirit. John 3:8.

e.       The Holy Spirit will confirm you as a true child of God. Rom. 8:16.

f.        In your new birth you will receive an earnest (serious and sincere) spirit from God. II Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Ephe. 1:13-14

g.       In your ‘New Birth’, speak grace to your hearers in other not to provoke the Holy Spirit that is dwelling in you. Ephe. 4:29-30.

QUOTE:- The Quality of the ‘Word’ will determine the quality of your life.

WHO IS HOLY SPIRIT:-

Holy Spirit is the third person in the trinity. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

The three work together as one. They share the same qualities:-

1.      They have the same power in operation. Therefore, Holy Spirit is “Omnipotent”.

2.      They operate everywhere, Therefore, He is also called “Omnipresent”. Rom.12:1-2; I Cor. 2:16; Phil.2:5.

3.      Holy Spirit can do anything except He cannot lie. Therefore, He is “Omniscient”.

4.      He is pure and holy. That is why He is called “Holy Spirit”.

5.      As God is consuming fire, Likewise anyone that sin against Holy Spirit has no forgiveness.

6.      God is a jealous God. Likewise Holy Spirit loves His own children.

7.      In term of perfection, Holy Spirit is perfect. Also, Holy Spirit answers prayer.

NOTE:-  The Power of the “Word of God” in you determine the level of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you.

The work of the Holy Spirit in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Once a person is born again, he has taken the first step into receiving the Holy Spirit fully into his life. Jesus Christ talked of this Holy Spirit as the promise of God which will supply or endue believers with power once it is sent. Luke 24:49.

Once the Holy Spirit descends on the believers, they will receive new power and bodly declare to the whole earth the tremendous power which they experienced. Acts 1:8. In the baptism of the Holy Spirit, one is filled with the Holy Spirit and immediately began to speak with other tongues. Acts 2:4.

FACTS ABOUT SPEAKING IN TONGUES

(1)   It is not taught. (2) It is not learnt. (3) It is not crammed. (4) It is not rehearsed. (5) It is not memorised. (6) It has no distinct letters. (7) The same speaker cannot repeat his exact words, tone and style. (8) A speaker cannot narrate the way he spoke in tongues to other people after words. (9) Do not begin to speak in tongues because all those around you are speaking in tongues. (10) Finally, speaking in tongues is inspired and spiritual but not canal.

WHO QUALIFIES TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

(1)   Those who confess and repent from all their sins. I John 1:9.

(2)   Those who are washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. I John 1:7.

(3)   Those saved, who sincerely seek and ask for the Holy Spirit to be sent to them. Luke 11:13.

(4)   Those who are conscious of the holy calling and sincerely maintain it. II Tim.1:9.

(5)   Those that God visits with His abundant grace as to fulfil His purpose in their lives. II Tim. 1:9b; Rom. 3:34.

(6)   Those who are holy in their conversation and strike hard to imitate the holiness of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:15-16.

(7)   Those who are truly, sincerely and honestly born again in their spiritual lives. I Peter 1:23.

(8)   Those who exercise faith in the propitiatory or redemptive blood of Jesus Christ. Rom. 3:25.

So, the receipt of the Holy Spirit does not depend on our works, will, strength or power. It depends on the abundant mercies of God. Rom. 9:16. Therefore, if you must tarry to receive the Holy Spirit, tarry in holiness, righteousness and purity of heart.

THOSE WHO RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHOUT TARRYING

(a)    Cornelius and those of his house received the Holy Spirit after being saved without having to wait or tarry. Acts 11:14-15.

(b)   The Gentiles also received the Holy Ghost without having to tarry. Acts 10:45.

(c)    Apostle Paul (Saul) received the Holy Spirit immediately after his conversation. Acts 9:17.

(d)   David also received the Holy Spirit without tarrying. I Sam. 16:13.

(e)    Anyone called by God receives the Holy Spirit immediately. Acts 2:39. The Holy Spirit is meant for all of us provided we are ready to respond to the call to service.

(f)     Finally, if you wish, the Holy Spirit can fill your body just where you are. God gives His spirit freely to those who diligently seek Him. Acts 2:39 and John 1:12.

RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

Salvation is a gift. Healing is a gift. The Holy Spirit is also a gift. God has already given him to us. What believers need to do now is to receive him. The Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost. Since then, he has been here with us. God never took him back. What we now need to do is to receive him. Acts 2:1-4.

The Spirit is meant to be received and not to be given. That was why Apostle Paul asked the twelve disciples he met at Ephesus whether they have received the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:2. Apostle Paul laid emphasis on ‘receiving’ not ‘giving’.

SUMMARY

(a)    Jesus received the promise of the Holy Spirit/Ghost. Acts 2:33.

(b)   The Ephesians disciples also received the Holy Ghost. Acts 19:1-2.

(c)    The Samaritan Christians also received the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:14-15.

(d)   Saul of Tarsus before he became Paul also received the Holy Spirit. Acts 9.

(e)    If you walk in the fear of the Lord, He will send His spirit to comfort you and you will multiply. Acts 9:31.

Finally, the problem lies with the receiving end and not with the giving or sending end. We should not pray that God should send salvation, healing, blessing, deliverance, favour etc. Those things have already been send. We should pray that believers should receive them. Pro. 27:11; 4:7. So, receive your healing, salvation, blessing, favour etc.

The Holy Spirit gives the Utterance.

(a)    God has already sent the Holy Spirit. Now, it is your turn to receive Him.

(b)   In receiving the Holy Spirit, the problem lies with us and not with God.

(c)    The opportunity for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit was freely and graciously provided for us by Jesus Christ at redemption.

(d)   Receive the Holy Spirit by faith and demonstrate that He is really dwelling in you. Jude vs. 20.

(e)    Compare your feelings with your faith. At times, when you feel that you have the least faith, that is when you have most faith because your faith is not based on feelings.

(f)      If you are waiting on God, wait with the Holy Spirit. It is better to wait in God’s presence before being filled with the Holy Spirit.

(g)    Before you speak in tongues, you must first be filled with the Holy Ghost and not the other way round. Acts 2:4.

(h)    It is good to speak in tongues because it edifies your body. I Cor. 14:4

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH

Texts:-  John 1:12; 16:13; Acts 10:9-15.

1.      Irrespective of your denomination, you can receive the Holy Spirit if you so desire (John 1:12)

2.      The Holy Spirit is meant for us all, so stop disregarding what God regarded and respected. Acts 10:15.

3.      Believe in the ministers of God. Do not be bothered by age or gender. They will prevent you from receiving the Holy Spirit.

4.      If you receive the Holy Spirit, your mind will be renewed and most things you regard as important will be seen to be of less importance. Rom. 12:2.

5.      Your denomination does not matter. God only wants you to be in agreement with His Word

6.      In any church you find yourself, have a good discerning spirit as to know the kind of spirit ministering to you. Heb. 5:14; I Cor. 2:14

7.      Finally, no matter who is ministering the Word of God unto you; whether a youth, elder, boy or girl, man, woman or even children, you can easily receive the Holy Spirit, provided you have a spirit that discerns righteously. Mal. 3:18.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD’S PROMISE TO YOU

Texts:- Acts 1:5,8; 2:32,33,38-39.

1.      John baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit.

2.      You shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you.

3.      God raised Jesus Christ and we are witnesses to His resurrection.

4.      Jesus Christ has received the promised of the HolyGhost.

5.      Repent, and be baptised in the name of Jesus and then you shall receive the gift of the HolyGhost.

6.      The promise is for us all, both young and old.

RIVERS OF LIVING WATER IN THE “BAPTISM OF THE HOLYSPIRIT”

Texts:- John 4:13-14; 7:37-39.

1.      Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst.

2.      If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.

3.      He that believeth on me, out of his belly, shall flow rivers of living water.

4.      The HolySpirit can only be given after Jesus Christ has been glorified.

5.      The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision concerning Paul of Tarsus.

6.      Ananias prayed for Paul, laid hands on him to receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:10-12;17.