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 to impart to the congregation? One has a brand new psalm; another has a fresh insight from the Word; another brings a message in tongues which somebody interprets; someone else has a revelation, a vision or dream. All these become one joyous blessing to edify others from our Father through the Holy Spirit.
Is there any seminary on this planet that teaches budding ministers about the freedom of the true Holy Spirit church meetings? Where the Holy Spirit moves upon or speaks through anyone in the congregation to motivate the church?
If there is prophecy, is it taken seriously and immediately acted upon? There are instructions that need to be implemented to ensure the unity of the church. I have been in church meetings where visions with prophetic words were cheered like a winning football goal, yet nothing was done to obey the words and visions. And they were good instructions that would cause spiritual growth.
In meetings led by the Holy Spirit if anybody has done wrong it is exposed and the person has the opportunity to repent. There is love aplenty to forgive, minister to and restore them to their place in the Body of Christ.
The church is the sanctuary for believers. The Lord would not permit any unbelievers or strangers to join our ministry until they were born again. He told us that unsaved sinners in the congregation would spoil the anointing. Any strangers that entered in were taken aside by two members to confirm their right standing with the Lord. Every meeting was different and truly blessed because it was controlled by the Holy Spirit and not man.
The traditions of various denominations can be emotionally moving and satisfying. However 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. The pastor needs to be sensitive to the moving of the Spirit of God and set aside his agenda for the meeting. This allows others to be used by the Lord in exciting and different ways.
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 over 2500 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.
1 John 2 v 27: "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."
There was therefore no Seminary or any formal training for me. In all spiritual ventures the Holy Spirit initiated the events or situations leading me into and through them. When we had meetings we submitted ourselves to Him, told Him we were assembled to do His bidding, and waited for His instructions.
He poured upon us experiences of the early church - each one coming to the meeting with something spiritual to share. The Holy Spirit would impart His gifts to every member before they arrived at the place of meeting. We could only close in prayer 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. He will 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.