Joel and I are coming closer to wrapping up our study of the Holy Spirit. I pray that it has been beneficial to you as much as it has to us. A study such as this doesn’t have to be shrouded in mystery. God has revealed all we need to know in regard to how the Spirit works in and through us. It ought to give us tremendous comfort to know He’s indwelling us as Christians (Acts 2: 38). He convicts us of sin that would lead to our destruction (John 16:8). He leads us in the way of righteousness (John 16:8). He shows us the way of truth (John 16:13). He is our helper (John 14: 16), our comforter (John 16: 7) and our intercessor (Romans 8:26-27). He searches our hearts and intercedes for us according to God’s will. Jesus has promised us the Spirit would be with us forever (John 14: 16). Because all these things are true, there are things expected of us. He calls us to be obedient (John 14:15). He expects us to keep His commandments (John 14:21). We are expected to keep His Word (John 14:23). We are to exhibit peace that surpasses understanding (John 14: 27). We are to love each other just as Christ Jesus has loved us (John 15: 12). He also calls us to use the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit to grow the body of Christ on earth. “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Cor. 12: 7). The Holy Spirit has enabled you to help grow, solidify, serve and build up the church with the gifts He has imparted unto you. Our obedience to the things God has called us to do shows our love for Him.
 
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!                                                                   Kevin
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​As we’ve been studying the subject of God’s Holy Spirit over the course of the last several weeks, I’ve receive many comments on the matter. To me, this is one of the greatest benefits of ministry: folks becoming interested about things of God! I love all your comments, ideals, suggestions, etc. I also encourage you to engage in a study of God’s Holy Spirit in your private time of study. There’s no greater benefit for the Christian than for our Heavenly Father to watch His children soaking up the truths of scripture. God, in a real sense, dwells in those who are His children. This is the promise of scripture. The fact that we cannot see, hear, feel or emotionally experience this indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a physical way does not negate the promise of God. We know that God dwells in us because the Bible tells us so! Remind yourself that a spirit does not have physical characteristics to be discerned by our five senses. A man cannot prove or disprove the presence of a spirit by scientific examination. A spirit does not take up space, nor is he limited in time. The doctrine that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God is a biblical doctrine. The doctrine that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God only lacks biblical truth. The only way we can know about the Holy Spirit or any spiritual being is through the revelation of God. Jesus says in Luke 24: 39, “…a spirit has not flesh and bones”. I believe that truth because Jesus said it! In John 4: 24, Jesus also said, “God is Spirit”. I accept that truth. Because the Scriptures say angels are “ministering spirits” (Heb. 1: 14), I know it to be true. Because Peter promised those who repented and were baptized would “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2: 38), I acknowledge that to be true. A proof that we can know God’s indwelling through His Spirit fall under three criteria. The first is to “love one another”. The second is the “indwelling of His Spirit”. And, the third is the confession that “Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 4: 12-15 “No one has beheld God at any time, if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit…Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in Him, and he in God.” The indwelling of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit is not something that can be known through emotional experiences; it can only be determined by the criteria set forth by God’s Holy Word.
 
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!                                                                                               Kevin

There are those who go through life in a state of discontentment simply because they’re not able to completely understand why certain things are as they are. Try as they might, they cannot nail a concept down as resolutely as they wish, therefore, their days are filled with discontent. “If only I could understand” they quip, but that assurance escapes them time and again. Listen to these words found in Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” While it’s one thing to quote those verses, it’s something else entirely different to live them! Remind yourself that understanding will never bring you the peace you’re chasing. That’s why we’re instructed to TRUST! It’s unfortunate that we have this voracious appetite for trying to figure things out. What we’re saying to others is: “I will find contentment in learning mastery over this or that”. Interestingly enough, though, as soon as we find “mastery” over one query, three have replaced the first one! Why is it we’re more prone to seek ‘mastery’ over something instead of trusting the Master? Peace isn’t some pipe dream which is short-lived in the life of a Christian. Peace is something imbedded deeply within the recesses of one’s soul because of the ability one has to trust their Creator. Stop leaning on your own understanding and embrace the One whose purpose is to make your paths straight. Acknowledge Him in ALL your ways; not just the ones you don’t think you can handle!
 
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!                                                                               Kevin