The “First Times” of the Holy Spirit

The “First Times” of the Holy Spirit

It has been my experience that studying the work of the Holy Spirit is a highly frustrating effort for many Bible students.  It is my belief this struggle exists because of the “secret decoder ring” style of exposition used in so many approaches to the topic. The understanding of words and phrase is unreliable.  For many students, they feel that they are on the outside and need assistance of those “in the know” to help explain the complexities of the Spirit.

Are "Holy Spirit" words and phrases confusing you?

Are “Holy Spirit” words and phrases confusing you?

As the doctrine is currently taught, the Bible’s usage of terms regarding the Spirit cannot be depended on verse to verse.  Consider just a few examples:

  • The Gift of the Holy Spirit – Most take the first occurrence of this phrase to mean the Holy Spirit is given to us as a gift at our baptism (Acts 2:38). This gift we are told is non-miraculous. Yet, the second time it appears in the biblical text (Acts 10:45), we are told it must be miraculous since the gift is given before the baptism of Cornelius. The first time it is found it is blessing received only at/after baptism. The second time it is a unique blessing received before baptism.
  • Receiving the Spirit – In Acts 2, we “receive” the Spirit at baptism and that reception is both universal and non-miraculous. The very next time the phrase is found (Acts 8:15), there are a group of baptized believers (i. e. Christians) who had not yet “received” the Spirit.  So, we are informed that this a second, distinct manner of “receiving.”
  • Full of the Spirit – Also in Acts 2, the apostles are “full of the Spirit” and begin to speak in tongues. We are told this is the product of the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit.  In Acts 6:3, Stephen and the other six chosen men are “full of the Spirit.”  Yet, this phrase is now positively devoid of any connection to the spiritual gifts.  But in Acts 6:8, 10, Stephen’s being full of power, grace, wisdom, and Spirit is now evidence of the gifts again.  In Acts 7:55, he is once again “full of the Spirit” and empowered to see visions into heaven.

These examples are perfect illustrations of the “secret decoder ring” style of exposition regarding the Holy Spirit.  All the references above are in the same book – Acts. They appear in within a few verses or chapters of each other.  I know of no other topic on which reliable expositors within churches of Christ would tolerate such inconsistency on the meaning of words and phrases.  Yet, on the Holy Spirit, the ambiguity created by such variability of interpretations is not only required for the viability of the doctrine, but also one’s ability to accept these variances is seen as a sign of heightened spirituality.

Our collective approach to this topic is at odds with our long-standing practice regarding other central teachings of the gospel. I understand completely the frustration of so many in the church who have no real desire to study the topic.

It is my conviction that the study of the Holy Spirit is no different than any other Bible doctrine.  There is no ambiguity in God’s words.  There is little variability in the usage of words. And, importantly, the work of the Spirit is introduced early in the biblical text. Before Peter’s initial gospel sermon, around 100 verses have already spoken directly about the Spirit’s work with/in man. By the time one reaches the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, there already existed an established language and framework of the work of the Spirit. It is our lack of understanding and acceptance of that structure that leads us down an unreliable path of study in the New Testament.

With only a couple of exceptions, the descriptive words and phrases of the Spirit’s work in the New Testament have already occurred in verses spanning the Old Testament.  In those passages, the work of the Spirit is simple and straight-forward.  What follows is a list of some of those initial appearances of words describing the Spirit’s work:

  • The First Time the Spirit is “IN” man (Genesis 41:38-39): “And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.”
  • The First Time the Spirit “FILLS” man (Exodus 31:2-5): “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.”
  • The First Time the Spirit “RESTS ON” man (Numbers 11:25): “Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it.”
  • The First Time the Spirit “COMES ON” man (Numbers 24:2-4): “And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him, and he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered.”
  • The First Time the Spirit is “UPON” man (Judges 3:10): “The Spirit of the LORD was upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. And his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim.”
  • The First Time the Spirit “CLOTHES” man (Judges 6:34): “But the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him.”
  • The First Time the Spirit “RUSHES UPON” man (Judges 14:6): “Then the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done.”
  • The First Time the Spirit is “GIVEN” to man (Nehemiah 9:20): “You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst.”
  • The First Time the Spirit is “POURED OUT” to man (Isaiah 29:10): “For the LORD has poured out upon you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes (the prophets), and covered your heads (the seers). And the vision of all this has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed. When men give it to one who can read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.””
  • The First Time the Spirit “ANOINTS” man (Isaiah 61:1): “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
  • The First Time the Spirit “ENTERS” man (Ezekiel 2:1-2): “And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.”
  • The First Time the Spirit “FALLS ON” man (Ezekiel 11:3-4): “Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man.” And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and he said to me, “Say, Thus says the LORD: So you think, O house of Israel. For I know the things that come into your mind.”

No decoder ring is needed to understand the work of the Spirit in those 12 references.  He empowers people to interpret dreams, craft works of art, lead people into battle, see visions, and speak the inspired word of God.  His work is singular and consistent. He provides men/women with divine ability beyond human means. His work is prophetic and/or miraculous.

Instead of redefining these phrases (and related ones in New Testament), why not leave them alone?The Old Testament should be used to provide us a road-map for our journey to understand the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.  Yet, do you ever hear a preacher use any portion of the Old Testament to explain the work of the Spirit?  My guess is you have heard it rarely, if ever.

Most of the teaching I heard in the subject starts in Acts 2 and turns quickly to Romans 8.  Those two passages, almost exclusively, create the framework for our current understanding of the Spirit’s work.  The approach is flawed. Because the expositors never stop to consider the impact of the Old Testament’s teaching about the Spirit, their approach to Acts 2 and Romans 8 is itself incorrect.  This misuse of those two important texts leads them down a path that requires the variability and ambiguity that we hear on the topic.

Just imagine how much simpler it would be; how much more easily understood the teaching would be; how much more in line with God’s desire for people to have certainty in their knowledge, it would be if we simply applied what He taught us about His Spirit in the Old Testament to the identical phrases appearing in the New Testament.

Brothers and sisters, you can read the entire Old Testament and never even begin to be confused about the work of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit’s work in the New Testament is not a new work. The “indwelling” of the Spirit did begin in Acts 2.  He was “indwelling” Joseph in Genesis 41. When Peter speaks to the Jews present on Pentecost, his audience already knew what the Holy Spirit did.  His presence permeated their scriptures. They knew enough to understand what Peter was promising about the Spirit.  You can to.

Before you allow modern preachers to cloud the issue with varying of meanings and ambiguity, please allow the inspired teachers of the Old Testament to provide you with a sure foundation upon which you can build your understanding of the Spirit’s work in the church.

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The Fellowship of God and Man

Jesus is God’s Eternal Purpose

The fellowship of God and man is realized in the person of Jesus, and the church is the place where God’s fellowship with mankind is consummated because the church is the body of Christ.  “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (1 Corinthians 12:27).  God’s eternal purpose was to unite all mankind into one body in Christ and reconcile them to Himself in the church of Christ where God could dwell with them.

How are you in fellowship with God?

How are you in fellowship with God?

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one.. . . that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross. . . .Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but . . . members of the household of God . . . Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone . . . in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:14-22).

Fellowship with God was lost when Adam sinned in the garden.  Jesus restores what sin destroyed so that God may live anew with His creation.  To be a member of the body of Christ is to be part of a group of people who are displaying true Christ-like attributes in their lives.  It is to know God-With-Us in His Son, Jesus.  The Lord’s Supper symbolizes this; it is not only a memorial, but a declaration of fellowship with God and with one another.  “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?  For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).  God bless you and I love you.

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Expectations of Well Seasoned Words

Expectations of Well Seasoned Words

Jesus had high expectations of His followers.

“You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus told them, indicating the influence He expected them to have on the world. (cf. Matthew 5:13-14) This phrase, “salt of the earth,” has come to mean a person of great kindness, love and honesty – which is certainly in harmony with how the Lord used it.

Our Lord has great expectations for our words.

Our Lord has great expectations for our words.

Salt has certain well noted characteristics which help us understand why Jesus used it as a metaphor for how His followers were to behave. Firstly, salt enhances food. It adds flavor, texture, and even vital nutrients. Simply put, food with added salt is generally better than food without any salt. Secondly, salt acts as a preservative. It’s one of the oldest and most common methods for preserving food. The salt draws out moisture, while also killing harmful microbes that would spoil the food. Thus food with salt is less likely to go bad.

When it comes to Christians in the world, Jesus expected His followers to make the world a better place through their speech and their actions. He also expected them to be life-preservers, teaching men the Gospel by which God brings salvation (cf. Romans 1:16).

But Jesus also had a warning.

Salt of that era was largely mined. Salt ore, like all ores, was seldom pure, and as salt is water soluble, aged salt, when exposed to moisture would actually start losing the salt, eventually leaving behind nothing but a collection of fine rocks. Such unsalty “salt” was not suitable for food and so it was tossed out on the road where at least the trace elements of remaining salt might still act to kill the grass.

So Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” (Matthew 5:13; NKJV)

Followers of Christ who fail to be a positive influence on the world around them are of no use to the Lord. As was noted initially, Jesus has high expectations of His followers.

Paul, picking up the same theme, urged the Christians in Colossians, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6; NKJV) In a parallel passion to the Ephesians, he worded it thusly: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29; NKJV)

Our words can be powerful for both good and ill. Christ expects us to use our wordsso as to be a positive influence in the world. Our speech should use such words as impart grace, words which build up and edify others. They should be words that are well chosen. They should be, in short, words that are “seasoned with salt.”

Again, remember that salt makes things better. It improves that to which it is added. If our words do not act to improve the world around us, then they are not the words Christ wants us to be speaking.

There are many ways in which our words can act as a positive influence on the world. They can be words of joy and encouragement. They can be words of hope and faith. They can be words of love and kindness. They should most certainly be words of truth and purity. (cf. Ephesians 4:25-32, 5:3-4)

Salt also works to remove those things which are harmful. In the same way, Christians are told, concerning their deeds and their words, “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) Thus, Jesus urged men to repent, lest they perish (cf. Luke 13:3). Loving, “salted” words are not words which encourage sin, rather they are words which encourage the right choices in life. (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:6). They are words of truth, spoken in love. (cf. Ephesians 4:15)

Followers of Christ should always be choosing our words with care. A well-chosen word is a precious thing of great value (cf. Proverbs 25:11).An improper word reveals a wicked heart. ((cf. Matthew 12:34)For this reason, we should heed James’ advice to be slow to speak. (cf. James 1:19). We should think about what we are going to say, and what effect it will have on others. We should realize that idle words will bring judgment. *cf. Matthew 12:36) But the proper words are life eternal. (cf. John 6:68)

 

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Simple as One, Two, Three

One, Two, Three

Profound truths are often expressed by God in terms which are so simple that one has to have help to misunderstand them. The Lord Jesus spoke so clearly that even the “common” men heard His message and became followers of Him (Mark 12:37). The simplicity of the cross baffles the “scholars” but changes the lives of those who want to find God (1 Cor. 1:18-21). Thank God that the things most important to our eternal destiny are as simple as 1, 2, 3.

Many of God's messages are as simple as 1,2,3.

Many of God’s messages are as simple as 1,2,3.

One

You have but one life to live. Hear His words. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matt. 16:26). Far too many spend their lives seeking to attain what this world has to offer, yet when their lives end, few ever reach their goal. Jesus simply asks what is the profit if a man gained it all, but lost his soul. There is no second chance. There are no invitation songs sung in hell.

Two

There are only two places where you will spend eternity. On the day of judgement, one is either placed on His right hand or on His left hand. There are only two sentences which will be given. Every person will hear either one or the other of them. You will either hear Him say, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” or you will hear Him say, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:34, 41). God, who cannot lie, described these two places. “These will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). It’s that simple. There are only two places. There is no third option of where you will be eternally.

Three

There are only three choices you can make about how you spend your life. You can choose to ignore God and never become a Christian. You are not a slave of God who has no choice. You can ignore Him and live your life totally free of any acknowledgment of His existence.

Or you can choose to become a Christian and be forgiven of every mistake you have done. The power of His blood can cleanse you of every sin. You can live faithful to the profession of your faith until you die.

Or you can choose to become a Christian then let your love and devotion become lukewarm and indifferent. We have freedom to choose, but every choice has consequences.

Where are you right now? It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.

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The Cup, The Cross, And The Chaos

One Cup

In John 17:21, Jesus prayed to God that all of His disciples would be one, thus bringing the world to believe in Him. Just prior to that, in the same prayer, Jesus indicated at least seven times that the only way we would ever be able to accomplish, enjoy, and exhibit to the unbelieving world around us such divine oneness and unity, would be by standing together on His word (Vss. 6, 8, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20; see also Philippians 1:27-28, 2:1-2).

Religious dissension has resulted in a lack of unity.

Doctrinal dissension has resulted in a lack of unity.

But today, we who are called and claim to be the Lord’s “one church,” find ourselves sadly and seemingly hopelessly divided over several, different, doctrinal dissensions. One of the most determined and aggressively-defended divisions in the Lord’s church is seen evidenced in the fact, that even in many small towns across America today, we have more than one congregation of God’s people, the memberships of which are often divided over, of all things, the Christ-instituted celebration of the one thing that ought more than any other to bring us forever closer together: communion!

In a 2016 published interview, it was reported that “The most recent volume of the directory Churches of Christ in the United States, published by 21st Century Christian, lists 553 one-cup congregations with a combined membership of 18,929” (“No Such Thing As Individual Communion,” Christian Chronicle, Lynn McMillon, June 22, 2016). That same interview eventually went on to reveal how one-cup brethren in Christ do not consider themselves to be in fellowship with those of their brethren who use multiple cups or containers in their communion celebration. “My beloved brethren, these things ought not to be so!”

In what is intended to be a very loving, as well as scripturally straightforward and doctrinally-sound effort to try to help heal up some of this hurtful, horrible, and gospel-paralyzing division, this writer has been very blessed and privileged by God to be able to author and have published, a brand new and scripturally in-depth work, entitled Clearing Up The Confusion: The Cup, The Cross, And The Chaos (See: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943245258).

The book was written in the hope that it might help to start the healing process of that ugly, ungodly, ghastly and gaping wound in the beloved, beleaguered, and blood bought body and bride of our Lord Jesus Christ – before her ‘big day’ arrives. It is written for all of God’s children who would like to, in some small way, help to provide and become a part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer for a change. This, by understanding the division, helping to initiate the healing process, and to thereafter assist in inducing the oneness which will once and for all prove to a lost and dying world, the infinitely uniting love and power of our awesome Lord and Savior. As two chapters within that effort conclude:

“Can you even begin to imagine the invincible force for Christ that we could truly become in our lost world today, were we all but to completely humble ourselves before God, get on the same spiritual page, teach the same divinely-inspired doctrine, and become the one, same, united and unified church and answer to Jesus’ prayer which He prayed we’d be the very night before He was crucified (John 17:20-23; 1 Corinthians 4:17, 7:17, 11:16, 16:1-2)? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to help steer toward the day when a new ‘Churches of Christ in the United States’ directory could be published, ‘wherein there was neither one cup nor non-institutional, no no-class nor instrumental, nor male or female pride and power driven agendas, but that we were all truly one in Christ Jesus… instead of a house divided and therefore in danger of falling, according to none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 12:25)?”

Below is what some good, faithful, well-studied and highly-respected preaching brethren from several different states have already had to say after reviewing the pre-publication contents of Clearing Up The Confusion:

[This is a book] that will bless your life. On any religious subject there are scores of books, but often one rises far above all others on a vital Bible topic. I now have my copy of what I consider the definitive book standing above others on this topic. As you read this book you will see how the author combines two charges Paul gives to preachers. “Preach the word” and “The servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all … in humility correcting those who are in opposition.” Those who sincerely believe there can be only one literal cup in the Lord ’s Supper, and who read this book, will find a teacher with a compassionate heart seeking to help us all understand God’s will. This book is a masterpiece. It stands high above all other books on this topic. ~Dan Jenkins; Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

 

Brethren and friends; [this volume] sets out in clear and unmistakable terms, the truth about the Anti (Non-Institutional) “one cup” position. It is a scholarly treatise of an issue that has divided the Lord’s church for decades. It is written in love, with the souls of men in view. The goal of this book is to teach truth and restore unity. This volume treats those who may disagree with the utmost respect, and seeks restoration based upon the Bible. The Bible demands us to follow the pattern of sound words regarding things spiritual and in all of life (II Tim. 1:13; Heb. 8:5). Douglas E. Dingley has met that demand in this volume. This book earnestly contends for the faith (Jude 3). Between the covers you will find each argument in favor of binding the “one cup” issue answered fully and in love. The author has very carefully avoided personal attacks and ascribing to them positions they do not hold. This is a “No straw man” book and will richly bless all who read its pages. 

I have personally done much work and study on Non-institutionalism – and have found no greater material on this issue. I highly recommend this work. I have gladly added this great book to my library. I hope you do as well. ~Robby Eversole; Summerville, GA.

The inspired record warns us of divisions in the Lord’s body; and certainly when we look out over the landscape containing those who claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we see that this warning from the first century has indeed come upon us. Denominationalism is so prevalent now, that to the world, the Lord’s body appears to be a lone candle in an ocean of stars. But as difficult as this is, the most heart wrenching and damaging are those divisions within the Lord’s body itself. The church of our Lord Jesus Christ has long been the pillar and ground of the truth, but in recent years, well-meaning people who have a zeal for God and are dedicated to serving our Lord faithfully and obediently, have unnecessarily burdened themselves in a manner not in accordance with the knowledge of God’s word… 

Speaking the truth in love, brother Dingley has authored this book in hopes that, in the spirit of the Bereans, honest seekers of the truth would examine their own faith and determine for themselves what is God’s will… It is my hope and prayer that all who read this work will approach it with open scriptures, and with an open heart, in an effort to seek the truth. In the end, we are all individually responsible for our own spiritual standing with God. There is nothing more important to any of us than the truth. God’s word is truth and we are all promised that if we will but keep knocking and seeking, the doors of truth will be opened to us. Please read and study this work, approaching it with the same love and concern that brother Dingley had for you when he wrote it, and I’m confident that you will be both encouraged and edified.        ~David Hersey; Granby, Mo. 

This book guides the reader to examine the subject and solution to these matters which have divided the brethren for too long. It is my hope that this extensive, excellent, and exhaustive study will bring the unity for which our Lord prayed (John 17); the unity that the Holy Spirit planned (Eph. 4). Paul plead for unity (1 Cor. 1:10). To be divided is to ignore the prayer, the plan, and the plea.

This book provides the reader with sound doctrine that cannot be condemned (Tit. 2:8). The study of this subject is clear, concise, and complete. The author used the tools of biblical understanding (Psa. 119:130). He handled the word rightly (2 Tim. 2:15). He gathered the scriptures on the subject (Isa. 28:9-13). It is my prayer that the readers of this book will be noble and search the scriptures (Acts 17:11) and become doers of the word (Jms. 2:22). ~David Meek; Lebanon, TN.

For any and all of God’s children who would like to take part in helping to answer our Lord Jesus’ prayer in our generation, might I humbly suggest that you please give this book and its biblical contents some very serious and studious consideration, and then go out and share them, should you too, find them faithful and worthy. This, because only with God’s help, and our thus working together as He instructed, can we finally and truly once again become that one, united, unified, and evangelistically powerful and effective church of our Lord Jesus Christ which He both prayed and died for during His final twenty-four hours of earthly life, agony, and sacrifice. And as always, and for any and all good that might ever arise as a result of these efforts: to God be all the glory; always and in all ways!

 

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