Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14 v 26 - 30: "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace."
Have you ever been in a church meeting where everyone present has something given them by the Holy Spirit for this group of people such as: one has a brand new psalm; another has a fresh insight into the Word; another brings a message in tongues which somebody interprets; someone else has a revelation, a vision or dream and all these become one joyous blessing from our Father through the Holy Spirit?
Is there any seminary on this planet that teaches budding ministers the true Holy Spirit church meetings? Where the Holy Spirit has the freedom to move upon or speak through anyone in the congregation to edify the church.
The traditions of various denominations can be emotionally moving and satisfying, but if there is no power of the Holy Spirit bringing life and freshness to the whole church, the hearts of people will not receive inspiration for spiritual growth. Rousing hymns can lift the spirit of people opening them up to the Holy Spirit, but at the point where He wants to stir up the gifts, it all subsides.
I was a Presbytarian for many years until I read a book called Nine o'clock in the Morning, by the Bennett's, which explained how to receive the Holy Spirit and why it was important to speak in tongues. I shut myself in my bedroom and told the Lord that I am not coming out until He baptized me in the Holy Spirit and I was speaking in tongues. It took 3 hours but by lunch time I was no longer a Frozen Chosen Presbyterian but a completely defrosted Charismatic, meaning having gifts of the Holy Spirit.
A year later the Lord led me into a Spirit-filled assembly where I started to learn practical information about the working of the Holy Spirit, about healing and deliverance, and the proper use of the gifts. I also got baptized in water which completed the salvation of my soul. O what a mighty God we serve, His name is Jesus. What freedom and blessing He brings to each child of God.
One thing I found out for sure, the Holy Spirit never ignores a seeking heart. It may take a while for us to respond correctly but He is most patient. Seek the face of God on your own if you want to be closer to Jesus. Throw yourself into knowing God more intimately. Let every experience become a milestone, don't just dismiss it as 'thats only me', but learn that's how God reveals Himself to you.
Everything I know and share in these almost 1600 blogs is from my own personal experience and knowledge revealed to me by the Holy Spirit since 1978. It has cost me some former friends, and even some family members, but finding truth at the feet of Jesus has been my lifelong quest. He never disappoints or makes ashamed. His love is greater than any earthly love.
I never went to a Seminary or had any formal training, but in all spiritual ventures the Holy Spirit initiated the events and led me into and through them. When we had meetings we submitted ourselves to Him, told Him we were assembled to do His bidding, and He poured upon us the experiences of the early church of each one coming to the meeting with something spiritual to share. The meeting closed when He was done. The longest meeting took 8 hours. It seemed like only minutes had gone by.
If you want to make a difference to those trapped in sin, lay your life before our God and ask Him what He wants of you. He will show you and lead you into it. Let the Holy Spirit turn you loose of tradition and restraints, and motivate you to do the greater works. Jesus said the harvest is great but the labourers are few. He is looking for those who see the bigger picture.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, its time to turn up the heat to do Your own global warming. We need labourers who are on fire for Jesus to bring in the harvest of souls wherever they may be. By their fruit You will know them, Lord, and we pray for great abundance of it. In Jesus' name. Amen.