The Holy Spirit

By Andrew Wommack
There are few things more controversial in the body of Christ than the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the accompanying gifts. Much of modern-day Christianity sees the born-again experience as all there is to salvation. Many Christians oppose the belief that there is a separate experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit, and they especially oppose the validity of the gifts of the Holy Spirit for todays believers. Related Materials
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Book That type of belief puts them in conflict with the book of Acts and the very teaching of Jesus. Those who experience the power of the Holy Spirit today are labeled as fanatics or heretics. But what does the Bible have to say? What did Jesus say about this?

On the night before Jesus crucifixion, He made one of the most astounding statements of His whole ministry. John 16:7 records these words: Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. Grasp what Jesus is saying! Jesus said it is more beneficial for us to have the ministry of the Holy Spirit than it was to have Jesus present with us in His physical body! Most Christians are totally shocked by this. They would give anything to have Jesus present in His physical body. How could anything be better than to physically see, hear, and touch Him? Jesus knew His disciples would be shocked by His statement, so He prefaced it with the words, I tell you the truth. As hard as it may be to understand, the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is better than the earthly ministry of Jesus. This is not to take anything away from His ministry on this earth. Without Jesus coming to the earth and accomplishing what He did, there could be no ministry of the Holy Spirit. The whole plan of God hinges on the redemptive work of Christ. But, once His work was done, it was actually to our advantage to have Jesus return to His Father and send the Holy Spirit to take His place. Therefore, we shouldnt lessen the preeminence of Jesus, but we should increase the importance of the Holy Spirits ministry. Most Christians dont realize how involved the Holy Spirit is in everything that the Lord does. They do not ascribe nearly enough importance to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing in the earth today. In Genesis 1:1-2, the Bible says, In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. In the beginning, God created all the elements needed for His creation. Then, everything else was formed from what had already been created. All the essential ingredients were in place. But nothing happened without the Spirit of God. Notice specifically that the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) moved upon the face of the waters. The English word moved was translated from the Hebrew word rachaph. It literally means to brood. This is describing the manner of a hen sitting on her eggs to hatch them.

The Holy Spirit was brooding over the creation of God just waiting to bring forth whatever God the Father said. When the Lord said Let there be light (Gen. 1:3), then the power of the Holy Spirit brought that ligh t into being. Likewise, with everything the Lord created and made, it was the power of the Holy Spirit that brought it all into existence. God the Father conceived it. Jesus spoke it. And the Holy Spirit was the power that performed it. Everything God did in His creation was accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. When God the Father was ready to bring Jesus into the earth, He took the spoken Word (Jesus), the Holy Spirit brooded over Mary (a virgin), and she conceived Jesus physical body. This perfectly illustrates the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They are one. In fact, they are so much one that they cant operate independent of each other. They are a team. Jesus didnt do any miracles or start His public ministry until after He had been anointed with the Holy Spirit. If Jesus couldnt, or wouldnt, operate independently of the Holy Spirit, neither should we. No one can have an effective life or ministry without the power of Gods Holy Spirit working in him or he r. This fact cant be argued by anyone who truly believes the Bible is Gods Word. The Scriptures are replete with proof that it is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zech. 4:6). So, why is there so much debate over this issue? The sad truth is that denial of the ministry and power of the Holy Spirit is a convenient theology. Believing that miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit dont operate today excuses powerless living. If its true that the Holy Spirit is still willing to move as in biblical times (and it is true), then there is no excuse for living lives so far removed from the victory portrayed in Gods Word. The number one reason people resist the ministry of the Holy Spirit is because it exposes the lack of power in their lives. And once exposed, it demands a change. In an attempt to avoid responsibility for change, they change the Scriptures instead of themselves. Of course, its not that blatant, but there is a predisposition against the ministry of the Holy Spirit, so the Scripture is twisted to support their views. Its now politically correct to say that alcoholics are not responsible for their actions, depression is a chemical imbalance, and homosexuality is genetic. Weve even had lawsuits where overweight p eople sue fast-food chains for their obesity. No one wants to admit that their lives are the result of their choices and actions. Its appealing to think that someone else is at fault for their messed up lives. Sadly, the lack of personal responsibility in our society has crept into the attitudes of the church. But, the ultimate attempt to avoid responsibility is when we place the blame on God. This goes all the way back to Adam when he said, Its that woman that YOU gave me (Gen. 3). He passed the buck to the woman and then ultimately blamed God. But Gods judgment shows that He held Adam responsible for his own actions. Another group of Christians willingly accept a limited ministry of the Holy Spirit as their comforter and consoler, but they still deny His miraculous power. Thats convenient, the benefits without the responsibility. These are usually the ones who also believe there isnt a second experience with the Holy Spirit beyond being born again. They may be sincere in their beliefs, but they are sincerely wrong. There are many clear examples in Scripture where a miraculous encounter with the Holy Spirit enabled believers to live supernatural lives. Jesus taught about two separate experiences in the believers life. In John 20:28, Thomas confessed Jesus as his Lord and God. That made him saved according to Romans 10:9-10. Yet, the Lord told Thomas and all the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they received the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). The reason Jesus told them to wait on the baptism of the Holy Spirit was because they didnt have it yet. Look what happened to the disciples once they received that power. They were changed men.

Jesus said it this way in Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon yo u: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. After the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus disciples, they were powerful. They faced persecution and death fearlessly. What made the difference? By Jesus own words, it was the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8, Philip preached to the Samaritans, and the whole city believed on Jesus and was baptized in water. They were saved. But Acts 8:15-16 says, Who, when they [the apostles] were come down, prayed for them [the Samaritans], that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus) (brackets mine). This is a very clear example of people being born again but still needing to receive the Holy Spirit. This can also be witnessed in Acts 19. Paul found disciples who were not baptized in the Holy Spirit. He prayed for them, and they spoke with tongues. Spirit filled, but no tongues! There are other believers who acknowledge a second experience with the Holy Spirit which releases power, but they refuse the part of speaking in tongues, or at least say its not for everyone. But the baptism of the Holy Spirit is like a pair of tennis shoes: It always comes with tongues. I guess its possible to have the baptism of the Holy Spirit and not speak in tongues, but why wouldnt you want to? If youre afraid, dont be! Theres no reason to fear; youre in full control. Im not speaking in tongues as I write this, because its up to me to decide when I speak in tongues. Its the same for you. Youll control when you speak in tongues. Maybe theres something else that is holding you back. I know from experience that a person whose understanding of this gift isnt right can stifle it. I did. In my case, a denomination had instilled such fear in me that I was afraid I would get something from the devil. It wasnt until later that I learned the Lord wouldnt let that happen (Luke 11:13). Whether youre not sure or just having a problem receiving, my teaching entitled The Holy Spirit will answer your questions and set you free to receive this powerful gift. My life was completely changed when I received the Holy Spirit. If it were not for that, you would never have heard of Andrew Wommack. Here is a little of my personal story; it may help you. In 1957 I was born again at the age of eight. I loved God and served Him to a degree, but was basically powerless. I prayed six months for my Dad to be healed, but he died when I was only twelve years old. As a young man, I was introverted, timid, and so shy I couldnt look people in the face when talking to them. There wasnt any difference between me and an unbeliever in terms of visible results. If I would have been arrested for being a Christian, there wouldnt have been enough evidence to convict me. Then, on March 23, 1968, I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. My life was transformed instantly. Before the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I was in fear; afterward, I was as bold as a lion (Prov. 28:1). My love for the Lord went through the roof. It wasnt me living anymore, but Christ was living through me.

My life wasnt perfect then and still isnt now. But receiving the baptis m of the Holy Spirit opened up a whole new, dynamic relationship with the Lord. You would never have heard of me if I hadnt received the second work of the Holy Spirit, which the Bible calls the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Its my desire to see you experience that same power of the Holy Spirit and the gifts that come with it. My teaching, The Holy Spirit, is now available in book form, as well as in a CD or tape album. This is the same material I give to those who receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit at our Gospel Truth Seminars. It takes them from A to Z in the doctrine of this experience and shares very practical steps on how to receive the gift of speaking in tongues. Hundreds of people who were having trouble speaking in tongues were able to receive after reading the book or listening to this teaching. Every one of you knows people who havent received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and this teaching could forever change their lives.

The Positive Ministry Of The Holy Spirit

By Andrew Wommack
Most people have been led to believe that self-doubt, selfcondemnation, feelings of unworthiness, and conviction for individual sins are the work of the Holy Spirit. But its just not true! Those of you who are familiar with this ministry know that I spend a great deal of time teaching on the unconditional love and grace of God. That is what changed my life. But I can tell by the questions and comments I get that many people still dont get it. Related Materials Free MP3 download Online TV broadcast CD album

Because of that, years ago I asked the Lord to give me a way of expressing His grace that people cant miss. That is when He gave me one of the most important revelations I have ever had about the positive ministry of the Holy Spirit. Not everyone likes this, but they understand what Im saying. The devils favorite tool, religion, has done a great job of convincing the body of Christ that the Holy Spirit is the source of negative feelings. He has believers convinced its the Holy Spirit showing them they are unworthy and have to clean up their acts if they ever want to receive from the Lord. The truth is, its your heart or, more specifically, your conscience that is condemning you, not God. That is not the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is never the source of any of your guilt or condemnation. He is not the One that makes you feel bad when you sin. Your conscience is the part of you that condemns you. And if you are feeling unworthy its almost impossible to receive from God. First John 3:19-21 says, And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. This verse makes it very clear: Your heart can condemn you even though God is not. What a radical truth, which comes as a complete shock to most Christians. Weve just assumed that it is always the Holy Spirit who is condemning us. Then John said in verse 21,

Beloved if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. If you can reach the point where your conscience is not condemning you, judging you, and causing you to feel unworthy to receive, then you will have confidence toward God, which has great recompense of reward (Heb. 10:35). Most Christians never reach that place. Most know that God can answer their prayer; they just dont have the confidence that He will, because they feel unworthy. They arent willing to stand in faith, because feelings of guilt and unworthiness, which they believe are coming from the Holy Spirit, shipwreck their faith. Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck (1 Tim. 1:19). Our conscience is not something we can or should ignore; it can be trained for our benefit, but it is not the Holy Spirit. The best way to deal with the conscience is to, as much as possible, not give it any occasion against us. It cant condemn you if you arent giving it a reason. However, no one lives a perfect life and ultimately youve got to purge your conscience from dead works. Hebrews 9:14 says, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? In Hebrews 10:22, the Bible says, Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience. And in Hebrews 4:16, we read, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain merc y, and find grace to help in time of need. The ministry of Holy Spirit is just the opposite of what many Christians think. In John 14:16 read how Jesus describes the Holy Spirit: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. Notice that Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Comforter, not the afflicter . It also says that He will send another Comforter. Another means one of the same caliber, the same kind. Jesus was and still is a comforter; He didnt condemn people during His earthly ministry. John 3:17-19 reads, For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deed were evil. John 14:26 says,

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name... In John 15:26, Jesus said, But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father... And in John 16:7, Jesus continues to say about the Holy Spirit, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. There can be no doubt that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not one of condemnation; i ts one of comfort. Jesus said that it was expedient for you that He go away and the Comforter comes. The word expedient means to your advantage. Jesus is saying that its better to have the Holy Spirit ministering to you than it is to have Him present in His physical body. What a statement! I know someone is thinking, What about John 16:8: And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Well, first of all, there is a huge difference between conviction and condemnation, but lets set that aside for now. Look at the next verse. Jesus knew people would impute things to the Holy Spirit that He wasnt doing. So, Jesus explained very clearly just which sin the Holy Spirit would convict us of. It is the singular sin of not believing on Jesus. John 16:9 says, Of sin, because they believe not on me. The Holy Spirit doesnt convict us of lying, stealing, adultery, murder, etc; He convicts us that we arent trusting in Jesus. Thats the root of every sin. Technically, people dont go to hell for their individual sins; Jesus has already forgiven all of them (1 John 2:2). People go the hell for the single sin of not making Jesus their personal Savior, the complete and only payment for their sin. Even after receiving salvation, its not our actions (sins) that are the problem but the heart attitude of not trusting Jesus. That is the root of all sin. The reason people do dope and alcohol is because they are turning to something other than Jesus to dull the hurt inside. When we lie, its because we dont trust Jesus and feel we have to manipulate others. Thats what all sin comes down to: not trusting Jesus. Thats what the Holy Spirit convicts us about. Most Christians have not truly understood this positive ministry of the Holy Spirit. We have made Him the source of our feelings of guilt, condemnation, and unworthiness. Because of that, we havent really let Him do His job, and we are missing the benefits and power of a relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit should be your best friend. He was sent here to encourage you and constantly assure you of Gods love. He is the most important and most powerful person in your life. If you havent been thinking correctly about the Holy Spirit, its time to change your thinking.

You will never be able to relate to God correctly until you understand this positive ministry of the Holy Spirit. My new and expanded series, The Positive Ministry of the Holy Spirit, will help you make this change in your thinking. The Holy Spirit is the great Comforter, but His positive ministry goes far beyond that. If you want power in your life, youll have to know and understand what I teach in this series .