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A STUDY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

APOLLOS
John Wesleys Sermon #22, Delivered December 1740 The Nature of Enthusiasm [Charismatic] with John Wesleys Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament, 1754

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Scriptures from The Living Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Used by permission, all rights reserved. John Wesley's Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament, Vols. 1 & 2, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, Used by permission. John Wesley's Fifty-three Sermons, edited by E.H. Sugden, 1921, Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN. Used by permission of Epworth Press, Manchester, England. Layman's Bible Encyclopedia, William C. Martin: The Southwestern Co., Nashville, TN, Used by permission. 1991, Reprint 2000, and2008 Common Thread Ministries 1820 S. 32nd Street, Terre Haute, IN 47803 Phone: 812-240-2863 Fax: 812-232-8950
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www.ctministries.net,

mwill40@aol.com

A Study of the Holy Spirit

APOLLOS

HOPE: (1). Desire. The desire or expectation of future happenings, such as, the repentance and forgiveness of sin as taught by John the Baptist. (2). Trust, Reliance. The teachings of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of Holy Spirit; "I am leaving you with a giftpeace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid," John 14:27.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I wish to that the church family of First United Methodist Church, Terre Haute, IN for their assistance in my Christian walk. I would like to thank Mrs. Ladonna Strahla, Mrs. Frances Burget, and Mr. Bill Lattin for their assistance in the preparation of the material, and Mrs. Michelle O'Hare for the cover design.

I would like to thank Rev. Dan Wakefield for his assistance in cover design, and many discussions of Wesleyan Theology for our 2008 book.

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I would like to thank Kristine OHare for assistance in drawing the diagrams. PREFACE This is the second in a series of books for those beginning their Christian walk. We will be discussing the Holy Spirit, and how to use the Spirit on our Christian walk. Apollos has been selected to lead into the study of the Holy Spirit. He was very well educated, an Egyptian Jewish scholar who preached with great eloquence. He only knew the imperfect view held by the disciples of John the Baptist. Two lay tent makers, Aquila and Priscilla instructed him, in "what had happened to Jesus since the time of John, and all that it meant," Acts 18:26. It has to be the power of the Holy Spirit for two ordinary lay people to instruct someone well educated and for him to believe. If someone has great natural abilities, just think how much greater those abilities will be using the power of the Holy Spirit. It is felt by many that Apollos wrote the epistle of Hebrews. God expects us to be a good steward of our time. If we can do something in five minutes he does not expect us to take twenty-five minutes. Pick out a pocket Bible version that is
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easy for you to read and understand. Think of it as a workbook. You can underline, circle, hi-light, and write in the margins. By carrying it with you, you can read it when time allows. Quoting the Reverend Charles Stanley, "the object is to get the Bible dirty and the heart clean. A clean Bible and a dirty heart does not do us any good. We must get the heart clean and the Bible dirty." Each time, before you start reading say a short prayer asking for the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. So that your eyes and heart may be opened to what God wants you to understand. Use a bookmarker that is plain on the back. Write the Bible verses, by subject, you wish to read and understand on the plain side. For each subject use a different color for hi-lighting the Bible verses. In studying John Wesley's writings you soon understand that he was evangelical, but not charismatic. That he was interested in the common person, and preached the use of the gifts just available to them, "The first fruits of the Spirit." He did expect the members to strive for the greater gifts. At Aldersgate Church, May 24, 1738 he had received his new perception of the Bible that, while Jesus Christ justifies us in faith the Holy Spirit also justifies us in faith.

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When we read Bible verses we are to view them as are they relating to our spiritual being, physical being or both, and are discussing the past, present, future, or parts thereof. He preached his "new perception" of Christian Righteousness: That Christ died to fulfill the Old Testament Law; but not destroy it; Release us from the claim of Satan; with his death provide us Forgiveness of Sin; and with his Resurrection we have the Holy Spirit available to us. This allows the Holy Spirit to work through us to accomplish his work. We are not doing the Holy Spirit work; it is the Holy Spirit working through us, his instrument, Acts 9:21. John did insist on the leaders, within his church, to have received some of the "extraordinary gifts of the Spirit." He interviewed the potential leaders to determine what gifts they had received, and placed them where those gifts would be used to the fullest. Charles Wesley was very much the charismatic. He was an itinerant preacher who assisted John, but spoke from the heart, as lead by the Holy Spirit. In his preaching he did not use a prepared manuscript. This is why only twelve of his written sermons were in existence at the time of his death. He also preached this same "new perception of the Bible," he received May 21, 1738, while reading the 2nd Chapter of Galatians, especially verses 20-21.

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John and Charles were a team, and they each did the work of their calling. John was the organizer, and the controller of their ministry. Charles traveled where he was instructed, by both John and the Holy Spirit, and delivered their message. All the income, from theirs and other member's writings, was held in a common fund for the furtherance of Methodism. The early Methodist used all the extraordinary gifts, except the "speaking in tongues." Maybe they would be best described as neocharismatic. Today in many our churches we do not find even the attempt of attaining any of the extra-ordinary gifts. This is the division of Scholastic Theology referred to as Secular Theology. Secular Theology is following up to and including being justified in faith by Jesus Christ, but they deny being justified in faith by the Holy Spirit. This does not provide answers to our questions. It only provides more questions! From the Book of John we find the Holy Spirit comes from the Father, 15:26, at the request of the Son, 14:16, and comes in his name, 14:26. Jesus also says he will send the Comforter. The Holy Spirit resides in every believers heart, 14:16,17, teaches all things, 14:26, leads us to truth, 16:13, speaks directed by Jesus, 16:13-15, bears witness to him, 15:26, glorifies him, 16:14, reminds Christs disciples what Jesus
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taught, 14:26, and tells the disciples about the future, 16:13. He also convinces the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, 16:8-11. By using the above the Holy Spirit is able to work through us the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. And we find in 1 Corinthians 12:31 states: "try your best to have the more important of these gifts." Wesley's Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament says of this verse: "These gifts are worth your pursuit, even though only a few of you will attain them. There is a far more excellent gift than all of these [Love] ; and one which all may, yes, must, attain or perish." This greater gift is that which leads to "helping people to love one another, and serving their fellow human beings." This is the main precept of Christianity and Methodism. We will begin this study with Bible verses from The Living Bible that relate to the Holy Spirit, and what they mean to us; how we are to use the Spirit in our religious and daily life. The verse numbers have been deleted, so that the verses read like a story, and become easier for the young person to understand. Following the verses is the explanation for those verses taken from Wesley's Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament written by John Wesley in 1754. That part of the verse that he wants to discuss is underlined. I have only paraphrased the words for easier reading. The content and
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meaning has not been changed. Before we can begin a Bible study we need to know what, when, where, and how the Bible was put together. I have attempted to explain this under the title of INTRODUCTION. May the Holy Spirit open your eyes and lead you to the glorious understanding of the Bible made real. That it was written just for you!

INTRODUCTION To read or begin a study of the Bible it is necessary to understand how it is arranged. Like any other book it starts with the title page, publishers and copyrights page, contents page, and the preface page. It is divided into two sections The Old Testament, and the New Testament. Each section is divided into various books, the books into numbered chapters, and the chapters into numbered verses.

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The Old Testament covers the time period from the forming of the earth to the prophet, John the Baptist, and is basically a history of the Hebrew or Jewish people. Genesis 1:27. So God made man like His Maker. Like God did God make man; Man and maid did he make them. God made the Spiritual man; male and female. Whenever we read in the Bible the word man it means both male and female. At the time it was not fashionable to use the word "humankind." It is not until the second chapter that the physical man and physical female were made. Spiritually both men and women are equal, and women have the same right to be pastors as men. Jesus mentions this verse in Matthew 19:4. The New Testament is the message of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the apostles of Christ. To make the books easier to study and discuss Biblical scholars have divided each book into chapters, and each chapter is divided into numbered verses. They were not originally written in this manner. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give an individual's view of the message of Christ, while he was here on earth. They are called the four gospels; actually it would be more accurate to think of them as four accounts of the one true gospel. "The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God," Mark 1:1. John is the fourth gospel and is an abridgment of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In Chapter 20:31, John tells why
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he wrote this gospel account: "...these are recorded so at you will believe that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that believing in him you will have life." John is also credited with writing three epistles, and Book of Revelation. An epistle is an elegant letter to a person or group of persons, and there is twenty-one in the New Testament. They appear to be the work of five or six men. Thirteen bear Paul's name, three are attributed to John, two to Peter, and one each to James and Jude; the author of the epistle to the Hebrews is unknown, but many believe to be by Apollos. The books of Acts and Romans begin the explanation of the message of Christ by the apostles. The books of Mark, Acts, and Romans are the easiest for the new Christian to understand and not become confused. This is where they should begin to best comprehend the Lord's message. The remaining epistles or books are to specific churches that had been formed, except for 1 John and 2 John, which is again the essence of the other books. The Book of Revelation is God's explanation of things to come. It is written so we cannot understand all that is being said. As the future unfolds we begin to understand more and more.

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While we are on this "Christian Walk" of Sanctification there are two distinct approaches to CHRISTIAN RIGHTEOUSNESS, Scholastic Theology is of two types: Secular Theology and Evangelical Theology. Secular Theology is following the Righteousness of the Old Testament (Covenant), which is Gods STERN MANNER OR NATURE towards us. In lay terms if we do not do what he says he will hit up beside the head with a 2x4 board. Evangelical Theology is New Testament (Covenant) Righteousness, which is Gods GOODNESS toward us. They both may be correct as we do not want to "Limit God." John and Charles Wesley refer to their method of understanding the New Testament as the use of REASON. In their writings this reasoning takes two distinct forms. In one form REASON is used as noun, and today we understand this as LOGIC. They were successful because they removed Christian Theology from some nebulous concept, and placed it in a form following a logical pattern. The second form of REASON they used was as a verb, which is to justify or support with reasons. We now understand this as cause and effect, or the reason it happen and the result of that happening. An example of this is the Reasons that Christ died on the cross: Fulfill the Old Testament Law, but not destroy it; Release us from the claim of Satan; Provide forgiveness of
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sin; and with his Resurrection we have the Holy Spirit available. The Result of this is the works done within us by allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. This is evangelical theology. Those practicing Scholastic Secular Theology just use REASON as a noun or as an explanation or conclusion that explains a fact. By using this method they feel they are able to use Bible verses to explain or reach any conclusion they wish to justify, particularly, Old Testament Righteousness. In doing this they are using only using half truths.

CONTENTS Page 1
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Cover Page:

Acknowledgment: Preface: Introduction: Contents: Apollos: Acts 18:24-28, 19:1-6; 1 Cor 3:4-9 Explanation of Holy Spirit: Isaiah 11:2; Gal 5:22-23; 1 Cor 12:28 Five steps to giving up "Free-will:" Luke 12:10, Godhead Diagram Holy SpiritHis Presence: Luke 1:35, 41, 67, 3:22; John 14:16-17; Acts 2:1-4; 1 Cor 12:13-14 How the Holy Spirit works today: John 7:37-38, Acts 2:28-29, 5:30-32; Rom 8:9; I Cor 3:1-2, 6:19-20; Eph 1:13-14 Holy SpiritHis Work: John 16:7-13; 1 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 4:3-4; Eph 3:1-21; Rev 1:4, 20:10; Acts 2:22-24, 29-33, 37-39, 24:24-25, 7:51-58 In what areas do we find the Holy Spirit? Brings the new age: 2 Cor 3:10 Holy Spirit is a person: Matt 28:16-20; 2 Cor 13:14; John 14:15, 28:16-20 Holy Spirit baptizes the Church
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2 3-7 8-11 12-14 15-19 20-21 22-24 25

26-31

31-44

44 44-46

46-48

Matt 3:11-17; 1 Cor 12:12-13 Holy Spirit makes us new: John 3:5-13; Titus 3:1-7 Holy Spirit is God's seal on his people: 2 Cor 5:1-5; Eph 1:9-14, 4:30 Holy Spirit lives within us: Rom 8:9-17; 1 Cor 6:12-20 Holy Spirit gives us power: Gal 3:1-5; Col 1:8-10; Acts 1:6-11, 1 Thess 4:1-8; John 12:24, 27, Phil 1:22-24; Matt 6:31-32, 26:39; Heb Chapter 4. Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin: John 16:7-12 Holy Spirit consoles the Church: John 14:15-17, 25-31, 15:18-27, 16:4-11 Holy Spirit helps us understand God's wisdom 1 Cor 2:6-16 Holy Spirit gives gifts of helpful service: Rom 12:6-10 Holy Spirit gives gifts to equip the Church: Eph 4:3-7 Holy Spirits gives gifts of special power: 1 Cor 12:4-11
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49-50 50-52 52-55 55

55 56 56 56

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Holy Spirit grows special fruit: Galatians 5:13-26 Holy Spirit fills us with power to worship and serve: Ephesians 5:14-20 Charles Wesleys special verses: Eph 5:14-20 The Nature of Being Charismatic: (The Nature of Enthusiasm) Sermon #32, John Wesley, Delivered December 1740. Our Relationship with God:

56 57-58 57-58 59-79

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APOLLOS Acts 18:24-28, 19:1-6, 1 Cor 3:4-9. As it happened, a Jew named Apollos, a wonderful Bible teacher and preacher, had just arrived in Ephesus from
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Alexandria in Egypt. While he was in Egypt someone had told him about John the Baptist and what John had said about Jesus, but that is all he knew. He had never heard the rest of the story! So he was preaching boldly and enthusiastically in the synagogue, "The Messiah is coming! Get ready to receive him!" Priscilla and Aquila were there and heard him-and it was a powerful sermon. Afterwards they met with him and explained what had happened to Jesus since the time of John, and all that it meant! Apollos had been thinking about going to Greece and the believers encouraged him in this. They wrote to their fellow--believers there, telling them to welcome him. And upon his arrival in Greece, he was greatly used of God to strengthen the church, for he powerfully refuted all the Jewish arguments in public debate, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through Turkey and arrived in Ephesus, where he found several disciples. "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" he asked them. "No," they replied, "we don't know what you mean. What is the Holy Spirit?" "Then what beliefs did you acknowledge at you baptism?" he asked. And they replied, "What John the Baptist taught."

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Then Paul pointed out to them that John's baptism was to demonstrate a desire to turn from sin to God and that those receiving his baptism must then go on to believe in Jesus, the one John said would come later. As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then, when Paul laid his hands upon their heads, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in other languages and prophesied. The men involved were about twelve in number. "There you are quarreling about whether I am greater than Apollos, and dividing the church. Doesn't this show how little you have grown in the Lord?" "Who am I, and who is Apollos, that we should be the cause of a quarrel? Why, we're just God servants, each of us with certain special abilities, and with our help you believed. My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos work was to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts. The person who does the planting or watering isn't very important, but God is important because he is the one who makes things grow. Apollos and I are working as a team, with the same aim, though each of us will be rewarded for his own hard work. We are only God's co-workers. You are God's garden, not ours; you are God's building, not ours."
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A wonderful Bible teacher and preacherof the Old Testament. Every talent may be of use in the kingdom of God, if joined with knowledge of the scriptures, and fervor (enthusiasm) of spirit. Someone had told himthough not perfectly. About Jesusin the doctrine of Christ. About John the Baptistonly what John taught those whom he baptized, namely, to repent, and believe in a Messiah shortly to appear. He was preaching boldly and enthusiastically in the synagoguepublicly. Probably, he returned to live at Alexandria soon after he had been baptized by John; and so had no opportunity of being fully acquainted with the doctrines of the gospel, as delivered by Christ and his apostles. Afterwards they met with him and explained what had happened to Jesus since the time of John, and all that it meantPeople who know Christ are able to instruct even those that are mighty in the scriptures. He was greatly used by God to strengthen the churchit is only through grace that any gift of anyone is profitable to another. Apollos did not plant, but watered. This was the special gift, which he had received. He was better able to convince the Jews than to convert the Gentiles. Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believedthe extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, as well as his sanctifying graces? We do not know what you meanwhether there be
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any such gifts. Then what beliefs did you acknowledge at your baptisminto what dispensation? (A system of principles, promises, and rules ordained and administered as, the Christian dispensation.) To the sealing of what doctrine? What John the Baptist taughthe was baptized by John, and we believed what he taught. That is, the whole baptism and preaching of John pointed to Christ. After this John is not mentioned any more in the New Testament, and he gives way to Christ altogether. They were baptizedby some other. Paul only laid his hands upon themthey were baptized twice, but not with the same baptism. John did not administer the baptism, which Christ afterward commanded, that is, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Doesn't this show how little you have grown in the Lord? Paul named himself and Apollos, to show that he would condemn any division among them, even if it was in his favor, or in favor of the dearest friend he had in the world. For the Spirit of God does not allow division within the church. We're just God's servantsGod is the Master of those servants, by grace given to every person. God is important because he is the one who makes things growHe is all in all, without him neither planting nor watering would be necessary.

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Apollos and I are working as a teamwhich is another argument against division. Though their labors are different, they are all employed in one general work, the saving of souls. Paul takes occasion to speak of the reward of those who labor faithfully and the awful account to be given to everyone. Each of us will be rewarded for their own hard worknot according to their success; but those who work hard, though with small success, shall have a great reward. This same reasoning has the same force and meaning today. Ministers are still merely instruments in God's hand, and depend entirely, as ever, on His blessing, to give the increase of their labors. Without this, they are nothing: without it, their part is so small, that they hardly deserve to be mentioned. May their hearts and hands be more united; and, retaining a due sense of the honor God gives them in employing them. They faithfully labor, not for themselves, but for the greatest Proprietor of all, till the day come when he will reward them in full proportion to their fidelity or faithfulness, and diligence. We are only God's co-workersGod's laborers, and fellow- laborers with each other. You are God's gardenthis is the sum of what went before; and it is a comprehensive plan, taking in a field, a garden, and a vineyard. You are God's buildingthis is the sum of the following verses.
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Following this section is a diagram of the God Head, and specifically the operation of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, with the exception of David, the Holy Spirit was given to a specific individual for a specific purpose. When that purpose was completed the Holy Spirit returned to be with God. The Spirit did not indwell the individuals from the time of their acceptance of God, as the Supreme Being in their life. In Isaiah 11:2 we find the Holy Spirit provided Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel and Might, Knowledge, Fear of the Lord, Righteousness, and Faithfulness. In Revelations 1:4, we find the seven spirits of the Holy Spirit standing before God. It is best to think of these spirits as the manifold (many) operation of the Holy Spirit. These are the same as mentioned in Isaiah. The working of these different spirits is the sum total of the work of the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23 we find very similar mentioning of these spirits: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-control. We call these the "Fruits of the Spirit." These are received by the "New Christians" upon their acceptance of the graces of God. To receive the graces of God we must ask for forgiveness, confess our sins, and repent of our sins. This is referred to as the First Step of First Grace.

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We do not consider this to be the "indwelling" of the Holy Spirit. This happens when we give up our free will, and ask for God's Will in our life. Read to understand John 14:15-17 page 35-36. This is referred to as the Second Step of First Grace. Some do receive the First and Second Step at the same time, but for most of us it is a long Christian Walk. We will next come in our study to the "Gifts of the Spirit." In 1 Corinthians 12:28 they are listed as: Apostles, Prophets those who preach God's Word, Teachers, Those who do miracles, Those who have the gift of healing, Those who can help others, Those who can get others to work together, and Those who speak in languages they have never learned. From 1 Cor. 12:12 we learn to call these the "body of Christ. In the epistle of John, we find the functions attributed to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter: Teaching, 14:26; Bringing to remembrance, 14:26; Source of all truth, 15:26; Guide you into truth, 16:13; Tell you about the future, 16:13; and, Show you my glory, 16:14. Since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his mission has been passed to the Holy Spirit, John 14:16, 26, 15:26, 16:7. Much like Paul and Apollos, the Holy Spirit "waters" what Jesus Christ "planted." The Spirit serves not only as comforter, but also as convictor. He convicts the world of unbelief, exposing all claims of righteousness outside Christ: he bears witness to and glorifies Christ by proclaiming the
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truly Righteous One has returned to his Father in heaven; and through proclamation of the resurrection. He announces the judgment that has been passed on Satan, John 16:8-11. We must view Jesus from inside of us looking out, as this is where our gifts and the operation of the Holy Spirit are. At birth, God gave each of us our own free will. Through the operation of the "Fruits of the Spirit" we still maintain the free will. Once we receive the Spirit, he is in us forever, unless we blaspheme against him. He fills us so we can share our faith, (First Step of First Grace). To receive the "Gifts of the Spirit" we must give up the free-will we each have, and ask for our "Gift or Gifts" according to "God's Will;" not our will. In most cases the giving up of free-will requires us to be put on our knees, in a situation that we can no longer handle, and having to surrender our whole being over to God, (Second Step of First Grace). But, then the Bible was written for sinners, those with problems, and with the Spirit's help, to provide our answers. We receive these gifts because there is some essential Christian work for us to do, or, the need for the good Christian life to live. Receiving these gifts does not mean we are a better Christians than those who do not receive them are. God has

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some special work for us that require improvement of our natural abilities. There are five basic steps we go through in giving up freewill: 1. Desireto give up our material nature. 2. Cleansingthe genuine repentance for our sins. 3. Yieldinggiving up control of our life: Body, Soul, and Spirit. This gives up the right to make final decisions in our life. 4. Askingthat what we do will be according to God's Will. 5. Believingthe truth and not some great feeling of feeling good. God gives us a supernatural life because, due to the devil, we need supernatural power. Think of the Holy Spirit as a super computer operator. Our mind is a super computerlet him operate it. Luke 12:10. Yet those who speak against me may be forgivenwhile those who speak against the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven. Yet those who speak against meas if he had said, upon true repentance, for denying me to some degree you may be forgiven. Those who speak against the Holy Spiritwho

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rises so high as to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven, nor is there a place for repentance.

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Numbers 11:16-17 Judges 6:34 1 Samuel 16:13 Isaiah 61:1-2 Ezekiel 2:1-4 1 Samuel 16:14

70 leaders of Israel Gideon David (forever) Isaiah Ezekiel Saul

NEW TESTAMENTIn us foreverfills us to share our faith. Luke 1:35 Mary Luke 1:41 Elizabeth Luke 1:67 Zacheriah Luke 3:22 Jesus (was never missing any of God Head--but was also man) John 14:16-17 Jesus (Ready to begin ministry had Holy Spirit) Acts 2:1-4 Pentecost means 50 days after Passover this particular day 1 Corinthians 12:13-14 ChurchThe Body of Christ HOW THE SPIRIT WORKS TODAY

John 7:37-38. On the last day, the climax of the holidays, Jesus crowds, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. For declare that rivers of living water shall flow from the inmost being believes in me." On the last day, the climax of the holidayson this day there w number of people, as they were there to get water from the fountain priests poured out the water on the great altar, singing one to ano
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others. For the scriptures declarenot expressly, in any one parti here is a general reference to all those scriptures that speak of the Spirit by the Messiah, under the similitude of pouring out water.

Acts 2:38-39. And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn from God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgivene then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. For Christ p each one of you who has been called by the Lord our God, and to and even to those in distant lands!" Turn from sinand thereby return to God. Be baptized believing Jesus Christ ...shall receive this gift, the Holy Spiritsee the T clearly proved. See Acts 26:20. This gift, the Holy Spirit does no place, the power of speaking with tongues, for the promise of this w "all that were far off," in distant ages and nations; but rather the co faith, even righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Called by the Lord(Whether they are Jews or gentiles), by hi Spirit, and who are not disobedient to the heavenly calling. But it is Peter did not yet understand the very words he spoke.

Acts 5:30-32. The God of our ancestors brought Jesus back to you had killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then, with migh exalted him to be a Prince and Savior, so the people of Israel w opportunity for repentance, and for their sins to be forgiven. And w witnesses of these things, so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by G obey him.

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alone forgives sins. So is the Holy Spirita much greater witness.

Romans 8:9. But you are not like that. You are controlled by you you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that if have the Spirit of Christ living in him, he is not a Christian at all.) Controlled by your new natureunder his discipline. The S dwelling and governing in us. He is not a Christian at allhe is n Christ, not a Christian, and not in a state of salvation. A p declaration, for which there are no exceptions. He that has ears hear!

1 Corinthians 3:1-3. Dear Brothers, I have been talking to you were still just babies in the Christian life, who are not following your own desires; I cannot talk to you as I would to healthy Chris filled with the Spirit. I have had to feed you with milk and not w because you couldn't digest anything stronger. And even now you still have to be fed on milk. For you are Christians, controlled by your own desires, not God's. When you one another and divide up into quarreling groups, doesn't that pro babies, wanting you own way? In fact, you are acting like peo belong to the Lord at all. Dear BrothersHe spoke before, 1 Cor. 2:1, of his entranc progress, among them. Talking to you as though you were just bab or experienced Christians. You are still in a great measure, carna grace, though eminent in gifts, 1 Cor. 1:5. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Haven't you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy S you, and that he lives within you? You own body does not belong to
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God, 2 Cor. 5:16, he here styles the home of the Holy Spirit; plain the Holy Spirit is the living God.

Use every part of your body to give glory back to GodYield y all their members, as well as your souls and all their faculties, as righteousness to God. Devote and employ all you have, and all yo unreservedly, and forever, to his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14. And because of what Christ did, all you o heard the Good News about how to be saved, and trusted Christ, w belonging to Christ by the Holy Spirit, who long ago had been pro us Christians. His presence within us is God's guarantee that he really will giv promised; and the Spirit's seal upon us means that God has alread and that he guarantees to bring us to himself. This is just one mor to praise our glorious God. All you othersGentiles. Who heard the Good Newswhich means of your salvation. Were marked as belonging to Christ by th probably sometime after their first believing. Who long ago had be all of us ChristiansHoly both in his nature and in his operations, a all the children of God. The sealing seems to imply: 1. A full im image of God on their souls. 2. A full assurance of receiving all the promises, whether relating to time or et His presence, thus sealing us, is God's guaranteeBoth a pledge of our inheritance. God has already purchased us and that he guar us to himselfUntil the church, which he has purchased with his ow be fully delivered from all sin and sorrow, and advanced to everlast
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for if I don't, the Comforter wont come. If I do, he will--for I w you. And when he has come he will convince the world of its s availability of God's goodness, and of deliverance from judgment. The world's sin is unbelief in me; there is righteousness availab to the Father and you shall see me no more; there is deliverance because the prince of this world has already been judged. Oh, th more I want to tell you, but you cant understand it now. When the Holy Spirit, who is truth, comes, he shall guide you in he will not be presenting his own ideas, but will be passing on t had heard. He will tell you about the future. It is best for youin respect of the Comforter, verse 7, and of me of the Father, verse 23. Hesees his twofold office: toward the wor toward believers, verse 12. Will convincethe entire world obstinately resist, by your preaching and miracles. Of sin, of righte judgmenthe, who is convinced of sin, either accepts the righteou or is judged with Satan. An abundant accomplishment of this we fin the Apostles. Of sinparticularly of unbelief, which is the greatest binds them all down upon us? There is righteousness available because I go to the Fatherthe testify, though you do not then see me. But I could not go to him righteous. The prince of this world has already been judgedand i therefore, dethroned, deprived of the power he had seized so long a right, to have control over people. Yet those who reject the deliv them would remain slaves of Satan still. So much more I want to tell youconcerning my passion, deat and the consequences of it. These things we have, not in uncertain tr the Acts, the Epistles, and the Revelations. You can't understand
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1 Corinthians 2:14. But the man who isn't a Christian can't u can't accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit teache But the man who isn't a Christianthat is, every person who do Holy Spirit; who does not have the way of obtaining knowledge, b senses and natural understanding. Can't understand and can't ac understand or conceive. These thoughts from Godthe things r Spirit of God, whether relating to his nature or his kingdom. They understanding, that they utterly despise those thoughts. Because th the will, they do not have the power. Which the Holy Spirit teaches usthe things revealed by the whether relating to his nature or his kingdom. They can only be d aid of that Spirit, and by those spiritual senses, which those of unbeli

2 Corinthians 4:3-4. If the Good News we preach is hidden t hidden from the one who is on the road to eternal death. Satan, wh this evil world, has made him blind, unable to see the glorious ligh that is shining upon him, or to understand the amazing message w the glory of Christ, who is God. If the Good News we preach is hiddenas well as the Law of M of this evil worldwhat a sublime and horrible description of Satan the god of all that do not believe, and he works in them with inconc Made him blindis properly the reflection or eye of their understa the glorious light of the Gospelis properly the reflection or propa from those who are already enlightened, show to others. The glory of Christ, who is Godwe may understand how great Christ. He that sees the Son sees the Father in the face of Christ. T exhibits the Father to us.
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I say this to explain to you how I know about these things. In o did not share this plan with his people, but now he has revealed Spirit to his apostles and prophets. And this is the secret: that the Gentiles will have their full s Jews in all the riches inherited by God's sons; both are invited t church, and all of God's promises of mighty blessings through C them both when they accept the Good News about Christ and done for them. God has given me the wonderful privilege of te about this plan of his; and he has given me his power and speci it well. Just think! Though I did nothing to deserve it, and though useless Christian there is, yet I was the one chosen for this specia the Gentiles the Glad News of the endless treasures available to t and to explain to everyone that God is the Savior of the Gentiles who made all things had secretly planned for the very beginning. And his reason? To show to all the rulers in heaven how perfe when all his family-Jews and Gentiles alike-are seen to be join His church, in just the way he had always planned it through Je Lord. Now we can come fearlessly right into God's presence, assur welcome when we come with Christ and trust in him. So please don't lose heart at what they are doing to me here. It suffering, and you should feel honored and encouraged. When wisdom and scope of his plan I fall down on my knees and pray to all the great family of God--some of them already in heaven and so on earth--that out of his glorious, unlimited resources He will give inner strengthening of His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ w
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God himself. Now glory be to God who by His mighty power at work within u far more than we would dare to ask or even dream of--infinite highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. May He be given glo ever through endless ages because of His master plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Now glory be to Godthis doxology is admirably adapted to faith that we may not stagger at the great things the apostle has been if they were too much for God to give, or for us to expect from hi power at work within us is ablehere is the most beautiful gra When he has given us more than we would ever dare to ask, still w more, and he will do it. But we may think of more than we have ask to do this also. Yes, and above all this. Even dream ofabove al No, exceedingly abundantly above all that we can either ask or think.

Revelation 1:4. From: John To: The seven churches in Turkey. Dear Friends: May you have grace and peace from God who is, and was, and is from the seven-fold Spirit before his throne: Johnthe dedication of this book is contained in the fourth, verses; but the whole Revelation is a kind of letter. The seve Turkeythat part of Lesser Asia, which was then a Roman provin been several churches planted there. It seems these were the most pr was among these that St. John labored during most of his preachi these cities were many Jews. Many of them believed and were join believers in one church.

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seven spirits of God." Sevenwas a sacred number in the Jewish church: but it did not precise number. It sometimes is to be taken figuratively, to denote c perfection. By these seven spirits, not seven created angels, but the understood. The angels are never termed spirits in this book. Whe stand up, while the four living creatures and the four and twenty e him that sits on the throne, and the Lamb, the seven spirits neithe worship. To these "seven spirits of God," the seven churches, to which th so many things, are subordinate, as are also their angels, yes, and "th which stand before God." He is called the seven spirits, not wit essence, which is one, but with regard to his manifold operations.

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Revelation 20:10. Then the devil who had betrayed them will again be thrown into the Lake of Fire burning with sulphur where the Creature and False Prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. And theyall these. Shall be tormented day and night that is, without any intermission, or any hope. Acts 2:22-24. O men of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing tremendous miracles through him, as you well know. But God, following his prearranged plan, let you use the Roman government to nail him to the cross and murder him. Then God released him from the horrors of death and brought him back to life again, for death could not keep this man within its grip. But God, following his prearranged plan--The apostle anticipates an objection. Why did God allow such a person to be treated this way? Didn't he know what the wicked men intended to do? Didn't he have the power to prevent it? Yes, he knew all the things the wicked men intended to do. And he had power to blast all their designs in a moment. But he did not use that power, because he "so loved the world". It was the determinate counsel of his love, to redeem all people from eternal death, by the death of his only begotten Son.

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Then God released him from the horrors of death--the word properly means the pains of a woman in childbirth. And brought him back to life again--because the scriptures must be fulfilled. Acts 2:29-33. "Dear Brothers, think! David wasnt referring to himself when he spoke these words I have quoted, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. But he was a prophet, and knew God had promised with an unbreakable oath that one of David's descendants would (be the Messiah and) sit on David's throne. David was looking far into the future and predicting the Messiahs resurrection, and saying that the Messiah's soul would not be left in hell and his body would not decay. He was speaking of Jesus, and we all are witnesses that Jesus rose from the dead. And now he sits on the throne of highest honor in heaven, next to God. And just as promised, the Father gave him the authority to send the Holy Spirit--with the results you are seeing and hearing today. The Messiah's soul would not be left in hell, and would not decaySt. Peter argues: It is plain David was not speaking of himself; therefore, he spoke of Christ's rising. But how did that promise of a kingdom imply his resurrection? Because he did not receive it before he died, and because his kingdom was to endure forever, 2 Sam 7:13. He sits on the throne of
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highest honor in heaven, next to God--By the right hand, that is, the mighty power of God; our Lord was exalted at this ascension to God's right hand in heaven. In the following two verses is an allusion to two ancient customs. One of the highest honor that used to be paid person, by placing them on the right hand, as Solomon did Bathsheba when sitting on his throne, 1 Kings 2:19. And the other to the custom of conquerors, who used to tread on the necks of there vanquished enemies, as a token of their entire victory and triumph over them. Acts 2:37-39. These words of Peter's moved them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. For Christ promised him to each one of you who have been called by the Lord our God, and to your children and even to those in distant lands!" Acts 24:24-25. A few days later Felix came with Drusilla, his legal wife, a Jewess. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned
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with them about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified. "Go away for now," he replied, and when I have a more convenient time, I'll call you again." Felix came with DrusillaFelix, who had been absent for a short time, returned with his wife, the daughter of Herod Agrippa, one of the beautiful women of that age. Felix had persuaded her to forsake her husband, Azizus, king of Emessa, and to be married to him, even though he was a heathen. She and her son later died in an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Paul had been kept some days in this gentle confinement at Cesarea. He reasoned with them about righteousness and selfcontrol and the judgment to comethat is, the doctrine of Christ. This was the only effectual way of preaching Christ to an unjust, lewd judge. Felix was terrifiedhow happily might his conviction have ended, had he been careful to pursue the views, which were then opening upon his mind! But, like thousands, he deferred the consideration of these things to a more convenient time, a time, which never comes. For though he heard from Paul again, he was not afraid again. In the meantime, we do not find Drusilla, though a Jewess was thus alarmed. She had been used to hearing of a future judgment; perhaps, too, she trusted to being a daughter of
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Abraham, or to the deliverance by the law, and so was proof against the convictions, which seized on her husband, though a heathen. Let this teach us to guard against all such false dependencies that tend to elude those convictions that might otherwise be produced in us by the faithful preaching of the word of God. Do not listen to those messengers of Satan, who appear as angels of light, who would teach us to reconcile the hope of salvation with a corrupt heart, or an unholy life. I'll call you againO how will every damned soul one day lament their having neglected such a time as this! Acts 7:51-58. You stiff-necked heathen! Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? But your fathers did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One-the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. Yes, and you deliberately destroyed God's Laws, though you received them from the hands of angels. The Jewish leaders were stung to fury by Stephens accusation, and ground their teeth in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand. And he told them, "Look, I see the heaven opened and Jesus the Messiah standing beside God, at his right hand."
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Then they mobbed him, putting their hands over their ears, and drowning out his voice with their shouts, and dragged him out of the city to stone him. The official witnesses--the executioners--took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Paul. Took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man name PaulPaul and Saul are one in the same. Saul becomes Paul after his experience on the Damascus road. O Saul, would you have believed, if someone had told you? That you would be stoned in a similar manner. That you would triumph by committing your soul to Jesus, whom you are now blaspheming! Stephen's dying prayer reached you, as well as many others. And the martyr Stephen, and Saul the persecutor, (afterwards his brother both in faith and martyrdom,) are now joined in everlasting friendship, and dwell together in the happy company of those who "have made their robes white in the blood of the Lamb." IN WHAT AREAS DO WE FIND THE HOLY SPIRIT? The Spirit brings the new age. 2 Corinthians 3:18. But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the

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Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him. The Spirit is a person. Matthew 28:16-20. Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had said they would find him. There they met him and worshipped him, but some of them weren't sure it really was Jesus! He told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and earth. Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this--that I am with you always, even to the end of the world. 2 Corinthians 13:14. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May God's love and the Holy Spirits friendship be yours. John 14:15-17. If you love me, obey me; and I will ask the Father and he will give you another comforter, and he will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, for it

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isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, for he lives with you now and some day in you. If you love me, obey meimmediately after faith he encourages us to love and good works. And I will ask the Fatherthe twenty-first verse shows the connection between this and the preceding verses. And he will give you another Comforterthe Greek word signifies also an advocate, instructor, or intercessor. Anotherfor Christ himself was one. He will never leave youwith you and your followers in faith to the end of the world. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who leads into all truthwho has, reveals, testifies, and defends the truth as it is in Jesus. The world at large cannot receive himall who do not love or fear God. For it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize himthey have no spiritual senses, no internal eye, to discern him; or consequently, recognize him. He lives with you now assisting you in his work. Some day shall be in youas a constant guest. The "indwelling of the Holy Spirit." Your bodies and souls shall be temples of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. The Spirit Baptizes the Church. Matthew 3:11-17. With water I baptize those who repent of their sins; but someone else is coming, far greater than I am,
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so great that I am not worthy to carry his shoes! He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He will separate the chaff from the grain, burning the chaff with never-ending fire, and storing away the grain. Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized there by John. John didn't want to do it. "This isn't proper," he said, "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you." But Jesus said, "Please do it, for I must do all that is right." So then John baptized him. After his baptism, as soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form a dove. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him. He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with firehe shall fill you with the Holy Spirit, inflaming your hearts with that fire of love, which many waters cannot quench. And this was done, even with a visible appearance of fire, on the day of Pentecost. He will separate the chaff from the grainthat is, with the word of the gospel, as his church is now covered with a mixture of wheat and chaff. Storing away the grainwill lay up those who are truly good in heaven. I must do all that is rightit becomes every messenger of God to observe all his righteous ordinances. But the particular
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meaning of our Lord seems to be, that it becomes us to (me to receive baptism, and you to administer it) in order to fulfill all righteousness. I should perform every part of the righteous law of God, and the commission God has given me. John baptized Jesuslet our Lord's submitting to baptism teach us a holy exactness in the observance of those institutions which owe their obligation to a divine command. Surely it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus had no sin to wash away, and yet he was baptized. God followed his own ordinance, and established the precedent of the pouring forth of the Holy Spirit, by being first. And where can we expect this sacred effusion, but in a humble attendance to divine appointments? He saw the Spirit of GodSt. Luke adds, "in a bodily form"probably in a glorious appearance of fire, perhaps in the shape of a dove, descending, with a hovering motion, till it rested upon him. This was a visible token of those secret operations of the blessed Spirit, by which Jesus was anointed (consecrated) in a peculiar manner, and abundantly fitted for his public work. A voice from heavenhere is a glorious manifestation of the ever-blessed Trinity: the Father speaking from heaven, the Son spoken to, and the Holy Spirit descending upon him. This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him
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what an encomium (high praise or tribute) this is! What warmth in this to all other kinds of praise! To be the pleasure, the delight of God, this is praise indeed! This is true glory; this is the highest, the brightest light that virtue can appear in. Also see Mark 1:9, and Luke 3:21. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the "body" of Christ. Each of us is a part of the one body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves and some are free. But the Holy Spirit has fitted us all together into one body. We have been baptized into Christ's body by the one Spirit, and have all been given that same Holy Spirit.

The Spirit makes us new. John 3:5-13. Jesus replied, "What I am telling you so earnestly is this: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven; so don't be surprised at my statement that you must be born again! Just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or where it will go next, so it is with the
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Spirit. We do not know on whom he will next bestow this life from heaven." "What do you mean?" Nicodemus asked. Jesus replied, "You a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you dont understand these things? I am telling you what I know and have seen--and yet you won't believe me. But if you dont even believe me when I tell you about such things as these that happen here among men, how can you possibly believe if I tell you what is going on in heaven? For only I, the Messiah, have come to earth and will return to heaven again. Titus 3:1-7. Remind your people to obey the government and its officers, and always to be obedient and ready for any honest work. They must not speak evil of anyone, nor quarrel, but be gentle and truly courteous to all. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient; we were misled by others and became slaves to many evil pleasures and wicked desires. Our lives were full of resentment and envy. We hated others and they hated us. But when the time came for the kindness and love of God our Savior to appear, then he saved us--not because we were good enough to be saved, but because of his kindness and pity--by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness--and all because of what Jesus Christ our
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Savior did so that he could declare us good in God's eyes-all because of his great kindness; and now we can share in the wealth of the eternal life he gives us, and we are eagerly looking forward to receiving it. The Spirit is God's seal on his people. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. For we know that when this tent we live in now is taken downwhen we die and leave these bodies--we will have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes that will be ours forevermore, made for us by God himself, and not by human hands. How weary we grow of our present bodies. That is why we look forward eagerly to the day when we shall have heavenly bodies which we shall put on like new clothes. For we shall not be merely spirits without bodies. These earthly bodies make us groan and sigh, but we wouldnt like to think of dying and having no bodies at all. We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will, as it were, be swallowed up by everlasting life. This is what God has prepared for us and, as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:9-14, 4:30. God has told us his secret reason for sending Christ, a plan he decided on in mercy long ago; and this was his purpose: that when the time is ripe he will
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gather us all together from wherever we are--in heaven or on earth--to be with him in Christ, forever. Moreover, because of what Christ has done we have become gifts to God that he delights in, for as part of God's sovereign plan we were chosen from the beginning to be his, and all things happen just as he decided long ago. God's purpose in this was that we should praise God and give glory to him for doing these mighty things for us, who were the first to trust in Christ. And because of what Christ did, all you others too, who heard the Good News about how to be saved, and trusted Christ, were marked as belonging to Christ by the Holy Spirit, who long ago had been promised to all of us Christians. His presence within us is God's guarantee that he really will give us all that he promised; and the Spirit's seal upon us means that God has already purchased us and that he guarantees to bring us to himself. This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God. Don't cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete. The Spirit lives within us.
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Romans 8:9-17. [This is the basis of the "Scriptural Christianity" taught by John and Charles Wesley, founders of Methodism.] But you are not like that. You are controlled by your new nature if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that if anyone doesn't have the Spirit of Christ living in him, he is not a Christian at all.) Yet, even though Christ lives within you, your body will die because of sin; but your spirit will live, for Christ has pardoned it. And if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in you, he will make your dying bodies live again after you die, by means of this same Holy Spirit living within you. So, dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do. For if you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil deeds, you shall live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but we should behave like God's very own children, adopted into the bosom of his family, and calling to him, "Father, Father." For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts, and tells us that we really are God's children. And since we are his children, we will share his treasures--for all God

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gives to his Son Jesus is now ours too. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Spirit of GodUnder his governance (direction or discipline). Spirit of Christ living within himDwelling and governing in him. He is not a Christian at allhe is not a member of Christ, not a Christian, and not in a state of salvation. A plain, express declaration, which advises there are no exceptions. He that has ears to hear let him hear! Though Christ lives within youwhere the Spirit of Christ is, there is Christ. Your body will diedevoted to death. Because of siny you have already committed. But your spirit will live already truly alive. For Christ has pardoned itfor righteousness now attained. From verse 13, St. Paul, has finished what he had begun, Romans 5:1, describing purely the state of believers. You have no obligations whatever to your old sinful natureso we should not follow it. To do what it begs you to donot only evil actions, but also evil desires, tempers thoughts. If you keep on following it you are lost and will perishyou must get rid of these, before they kill or destroy you. Though the power of the Holy Spirit you will crush itthe life of faith will be lived more abundantly on earth, and with a full life of glory in heaven. All who are led by the Spirit of Godin all the ways of righteousness. Are sons of God
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here St. Paul enters upon the description of those blessings. In verse 30, when he uses the word glorified, he does not describe just mere glory, but that which is still mingled with the cross. The sum is, through suffering comes glory. And so wewho are real Christians. Should not be like cringing, fearful slavesthe Holy Spirit was not properly a spirit of bondage, even in the time of the Old Testament. Yet, there was something of bondage remaining even in those who have received the Spirit. It seems to directly mean, those operations of the Holy Spirit by which the soul, on it first conviction, feels itself in bondage to Satan, and oblivious to the wrath of God. This, therefore, and the Spirit of Adoption, (adopted into the bosom of his family), are one and the same Spirit, only manifesting itself in various operations, according to the various circumstances of the person. Weall and every believer. Calling to himthe word denotes a vehement speaking, with desire, confidence, constancy. Father, Fatherthe latter word explains the former. By using both the Syriac (Abba), and the Greek word (Father), St. Paul seems to point out the joint cry both of the Jewish and Gentile believers. His Holy Spirit speaks to us with the spirit of every true believer, by a testimony distinct from that of his own spirit, or the testimony of a good conscience. Happy are they who enjoy this clear and constant sounding.
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We will share his treasures--That we may know it is a great inheritance, which God will give us for he has given a great one to his Son. We must also share his suffering-- Willingly and cheerfully, for righteousness' sake. This is a new proposition, referring to what follows. Now is the time for you to read the Bible, and do your own study of the Holy Spirit. For guidelines in this I am listing several more areas and the verses to go along with them. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This continues "The Spirit lives within us." Write down your thoughts on the following verses: The Spirit gives us power. Galatians 3:1-5, Colossians 1:8- 10; Acts 1:6-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; John 12:24, 27; Philippians 1:22-24; Matthew 6:31-32, 26:39; and Hebrews Chapter 4. The Spirit convicts the world of sin. John 16:7-12.

The Spirit consoles the church. John 14:15-17, 25-31, 15:18-27, 16:4-11.

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The Spirit helps us understands God's wisdom. 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. The Spirit gives gifts of helpful service. Romans 12:6-10. The Spirit gives gifts to equip the church. Ephesians 4:3-7. The Spirit gives gifts of special power. 1 Corinthians 12:4- 11. The Spirit grows his special fruit. Galatians 5:13-26. The Spirit fills us with power to worship and serve. Ephesians 5:14-20. The following are special verses as they are the basis of the preaching of Charles Wesley. They do a lot to explain the man and his charismatic nature. We will be closing this book with these Bible verses followed by John Wesley's explanation of their meaning. Christianity is an individual process. We each work getting to the same goal, but only with different means, or talents, or better said "Gifts". That is God's plan.
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Ask the Holy Spirit for direction and guidance in all aspects of your life, including reading of the Bible, and the Bible will come alive for you. Ephesians 5:14-20. That is why God says in the Scriptures, "Awake, O sleeper, and rise up from the dead; and Christ shall give you light." So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. Don't drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit, and controlled by him. Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why God saysin the general tenor or the course of his word, to all whom is still in darkness. Awake, O sleeperin ignorance of God and yourself in stupid insensibility. Rise up from the deadf from the death of sin. And Christ shall give you light Knowledge, holiness, happiness. So be careful how you actexactly, with the utmost accuracy, getting to the
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highest pitch of every point of holiness. Don't be foolswho don't where they are going, or don't try to do their very best in getting there. Make the most of every opportunitysaving all you can for the best purposes. Buying every possible moment out of the hands of sin and Satan, out of the hands of sloth, ease, pleasure, and worldly business. The most you can be, because the present time is evil days, days of the grossest ignorance, immorality, and profaneness. Do whatever the Lord wants you to doin every time, place, and circumstance. Too muchthat is, this leads to corruption of every kind. Be filled instead with the Holy Spiritin all his graces, who gives a more noble pleasure than wine can do. Talk with each otherby the Spirit. In the PsalmsOf David. And hymnsOf praise. And sacred songsSpiritual songs on any divine subject. In the Jewish Church there were inspired songs, but there none peculiarly adapted to the Christian dispensation. It is evident that the promise of the Holy Spirit to believers, in the last days, was by his larger effusion to supply the lack of it. Making music in your heartsas well as your voice. To the LordJesus, who searches the heart. Always give thanksat all times and places for all things; prosperous or adverse, as all things work together for good. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christby whom we receive all.
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THE NATURE OF BEING CHARISMATIC Sermon #32, John Wesley, December 1740 "Suddenly Festus shouted, Paul, you are insane. Your studying has broken your mind!" Acts 26:24. 1. And so say the entire world, or the people who not know God, and even some people who profess to be Christian. If you are a committed follower of Christ as Paul was, you are insane. It is true, there is a sort of religion that is sometimes called Christianity, which may be practiced without any implication of one's self, and which is considered to be consistent with common sense. A religion of form, a form of outward duties, performed in a decent regular manner. You may add orthodoxy to this. A system of right opinions with some quantity of heathen morality, and they will not say "that religion has made you mad." But, if you strive for religion of the heart, if you talk of "goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit," Rom 14:17, then it will not be long before your sentence is passed. "You are insane." 2. This is not a compliment that the people of the world pay you. They mean what they say. They not only declare,

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but also politely believe, that every person is insane who say, that the love of God is shed abroad in their heart by the Holy Spirit given to them." That God has enabled them to rejoice in Christ "with joy unspeakable and full of glory." This happens when we are indeed alive to God and dead to all things here on earth and below. If we continually see him that is invisible, and accordingly walk by faith, and not by sight, then their reasoning is a clear case. Beyond all dispute "that too much religion has made them mad or insane." 3. It is easy to observe, that the determinate things, which the world accounts madness is: the utter contempt of all worldly things, the steady pursuit of things eternal, the divine assurance of salvation, the rejoicing in the favor of God, the happy, holy love of God, the testimony of his Spirit with our spirit, and that we are the children of God. This is, in truth, the whole spirit, life, and power of the religion of Jesus Christ! 4. They will acknowledge that in some respects, Spirit filled Christians act and talk like people in their senses. In many things they are reasonable people: it is only in instances of religion that they are "touched" in the head. They feel they are justified in this by calling the madness a particular kind; and accordingly they distinguish it by giving it a particular name,
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"Enthusiasm." [Webster's Dictionary defines Enthusiasm as Charisma, Charismatic, fanaticism, excessive enthusiasm or unreasoning zeal on any subject, such as religion. Today we call this being charismatic. Future references to Enthusiasm will be stated as Charisma or being Charismatic.] 5. Charisma or charismatic is a term, which is frequently used by some, and seldom by others; and even those who seldom use it do not understand its meaning. It may be acceptable to faithful people, and to all who desire to understand what they speak or hear if I endeavor to explain the meaning of this termto show what being charismatic is. It may be an encouragement to those who are unjustly charged with it, and may possibly be of help to those who are justly charged with it. And, to others who might practice that belief if they were not cautioned against it. 6. As to the word itself, it is generally considered to be of Greek extraction. But, where the Greek word is derived, no one seems to know. Some have endeavored to derive it from the Greek word meaningin God, gifts because all charisma has reference to God. This is quite forced, as there is little resemblance between the word derived, and the words they attempt to derive it from.

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Others would derive it from the Greek word meaningin sacrifice, because many of the charismatics of old were affected in the most violent manner during the time of sacrifice. Perhaps it is a fictitious word; invented from the noise some of those made who were so affected. 7. It is probable, that one reason why this uncouth word has been retained in so many languages is people are not any better agreed on the meaning of the word than the derivation of it. They adopted the Greek word, because they did not understand it. They did not translate it into their own tongues, because they did not know how to translate it. It has always been a word of loose, uncertain sense, to which no exact meaning was affixed. 8. It is not surprising, that it is so differently taken to this day, different people understanding it in a different sense. Charisma is a divine impulse or impression, superior to all the natural aptitudes, and suspending, for a period of time, either in whole or in part, both our reasoning and our outward senses. In this meaning of the word, both the Prophets of old, and the Apostles, were proper charismatics; being, at different times, so filled with the Spirit, and so influenced by him who dwelt in their hearts, that the exercise of their own reason, their senses, and all their natural gifts were suspended. They
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were wholly actuated or moved by the power of God, and "spoke only "as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." 9. Others take the word in an indifferent sense, that it is neither morally good nor evil. Thus they speak of the charisma of the poets, of Homer and Virgil in particular. It has been stated that "any person who is excellent in their profession, whatever it may be, has in their nature a strong pretense of charisma." By "charisma" these people appear to understand it as an uncommon openness of thought; a peculiar zeal of spirit, a vigor and strength not be found in common people, and the elevating of the soul to greater and higher things than cool reason could have attained. 10. But, neither of these is the sense that the word "charisma" is most usually understood. In general most people, if they do not further agree, at least agree so far concerning its meaning. They feel that it is something evil; and this is plainly the sentiment of all those who call the religion of the heart "charisma." Accordingly, I shall take it in the following pages, as an evil, a misfortune, if not a fault in their personality. 11. The nature of charisma is undoubtedly a disorder of the mind, and a disorder, which greatly hinders the exercise of
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reason. Sometimes it wholly sets reason a side, and not only dims but shuts the eyes of understanding. It may well be accounted an order of madness, of madness rather than foolishness. A fool is properly one who draws wrong conclusions from right premises. A madman draws right conclusions, but from wrong premises. So does a charismatic. Suppose their premises are true, and their conclusions would necessarily follow. But here lies their mistake; their premises are false. They imagine themselves to be what they are not; and therefore, setting out wrong, the farther they go, the more they wander out of the way. 12. Every charismatic, then is properly a lunatic. Yet, this is not an ordinary, but a religious madness. By "religious," I do not mean that it is any part of religion, quite the reverse. Religion is the spirit of a sound mind; and consequently, stands in direct opposition to madness of every kind. But I mean they have religion as their object, and they are knowledgeable about religion. The charismatic generally talks of religion, of God, or of the things of God; but talking in such a manner that reasonable Christians can discern the disorder of their mind. Charisma in general may be described as this: a religious madness arising from some falsely imagined influence or inspiration of God; at least, from imputing something to God
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which ought not to be imputed to him, or expecting something from God which ought not to be expected from him. 13. There are innumerable sorts of charismatics. Those which are the most common, and for that reason the most dangerous, I shall endeavor to explain under a few general headings, so they may be more easily understood and avoided. The first form of charismatics I shall discuss, are those who imagine they have the grace when they do not have it. They might imagine, when it is not so, that they have redemption through Christ, "even the forgiveness of sins." They are usually those who "have no principles of religion in themselves;" no deep repentance, or a thorough conviction. "Therefore, they receive the word with you." And, because they have no deepness of nature," no deep work in their hearts, the seed "immediately springs up." There is immediately a superficial change, resulting in a small amount of joy in their heart, caused by the pride of themselves, and their inordinate self-love. They are easily persuaded that they have already "tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come." 14. This is properly an instance of the first sort of charisma: it is a kind of madness, arising from the imagination that they have that grace, when in truth, they do not. This causes them to deceive their own souls.
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Madness it may be justly termed: for the reasons of these poor people are right, if their premises were good, but as they are a mere creature of their own imagination, and so all that is built on them falls to the ground. The foundation of their unrealistic view is this: they imagine themselves to have faith in Christ. If they had it, they would be "kings and priests to God", and possess "a kingdom which cannot be moved." But, they do not have it, and consequently, all their following behavior is as far from truth and soberness as that of the ordinary lunatic, who fancies himself as an earthly king, and speaks and acts in that character. 15. There are many other charismatics of this sort. Such, for instance is the fiery zealot for religion; or, more properly, for the opinions and modes of worship which they dignify with that name. These people strongly imagine themselves to be believers in Jesus; yes, that they are the champions for the faith which was once delivered by the saints. Accordingly, all their conduct is formed upon that vain imagination. And, allowing their supposition to be just, they would have some tolerable pleas for their behavior. It is quite apparent the effects of a deranged mind, as well as of an irrational heart. 16. But, the most common of all the charismatics of this kind are those who imagine themselves Christians and they are
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not. These abound, not only in all parts of our land, but in most parts of the inhabitable earth. That they are not Christians is clear and undeniable, if we believe the scriptures of God. For Christians are holy, and these people are unholy. Christians love God, and these people love the world. Christians are humble, and these are proud. Christians are gentle and they are intense. Christians have the mind, which is in Christ, and they are the utmost distance from it. Consequently, they are no more Christians, that they are archangels. Yet, they imagine themselves to be so, and can give several reasons for it. They have been called so ever since they can remember. They were christened many years ago. They embrace the Christians opinions commonly termed the Christian or catholic faith. They use the Christian modes of worship as their fathers did before them. They live what is called a good Christian life as the rest of their neighbors do. And, who shall presume to think or say that these people are not Christians? They do not have one grain of true faith in Christ, or any real inward holiness. They have not tasted the love of God, or been "made partakers of the Holy Spirit." 17. Ah, poor self-deceivers! Christians you are not. But, you are charismatic to a high degree. Physicians, heal yourselves! But first know your disease: your whole life is
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charismatic, as being all-suitable to the imagination that you have received that grace of God when you have not. In consequence of this grand mistake, you blunder on, day by day, speaking and acting under a character which does in no way belong to you. Here arises that obvious, glaring inconsistency that runs through your whole behavior; which is an awkward mixture of real heathenism and imaginary Christianity. Yet still, as you have so vast a majority on your side, you will always carry it by the mere power of numbers. "That you are the only people in their senses, and all are lunatics who are not as your are." But, this does not alter the nature of things. In the sight of God, and his holy angels, yes, and all the children of God upon the earth, you are mere lunatics, and mere charismatic all! Are you not? Are you not "walking a vain shadow," a shadow of religion, a shadow of happiness? Are you not "uncomfortable in vein" with misfortunes as imaginary as your happiness or religion? Do you not fancy yourselves great or goodvery well knowing otherwise? How long? Perhaps until death brings you back to your senses, and bemoan your foolishness forever and ever! 18. A second sort of charisma is those who imagine they have gifts from God and they do not have them. Thus, some
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have imagined themselves to be endowed with the power of working miracles, of healing the sick by a word or touch, of restoring sight to the blind. Yes, even, the raising of the deada notorious instance that is still fresh in our own history. Others have undertaken to prophesy, to foretell things to come, and with the utmost certainty and exactness. But, a little time usually convinces these charismatics when the plain facts run counter to their predictions. Experience performs what reason could not, and brings them down to their senses. 19. To the same class belongs those who, in preaching or prayer, imagine themselves to be influenced by the Spirit of God, when in fact, they are not. I am sensible, indeed, that without him we can do nothing, and more especially in our public ministry. All of our preaching will be utterly in vein, unless his power and all our prayer attend it, unless his Spirit helps us in our personal failings or feebleness. I know if we do not both preach and pray by the Spirit, all but lost labor. God sees the help that is needed upon the earth and he will do it himself, as he is the one that works all in all. But, this does not affect the case before us. Though there is a real influence of the Spirit of God, there is also an imaginary one. Many times there are those who mistake the one for the
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other. Many suppose themselves to be under that influence, when they are not, when it is far from them. And, many others suppose they are more under that influence than they really are. Of this number, I fear, are all who imagine that God dictates the very words they write and say, consequently, it is impossible they should speak or write anything amiss, either in the matter or manner of it. It is very well known how many charismatic of this sort also have appeared during the past century. Some of who speak in a far more authoritative manner than either St. Paul or any of the other Apostles. 20. The same sort of charismatic, though in a lower degree, is frequently found in people of private character. They may likewise imagine themselves to be influenced or directed by the Spirit when they are not. I allow, "if any person does not have the Spirit of Christ, they are none of his;" and that if ever we think, speak, or act right, it is through the assistance of that blessed Spirit. But, how many impute things to him, or expect things from him, without any rational or scriptural grounds! Such as those who imagine that they either do or shall receive particular directions from God, not only in points of importance, but in things of no importance, and in the trifling circumstances of life. In these cases God has given us our own reason for a

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guide. Though he never excludes the secret assistance of the Holy Spirit. 21. To this kind of charisma they are peculiarly exposed, they expect to be directed by God, either in spiritual things or in the common things of life, and in what is justly called an extraordinary manner. I mean, by visions or dreams, by strong impression or sudden impulses of the mind. I do not deny, that God has, of old time, and manifested his will in this manner; or, that he can do so now. No, I believe he does, in some very rare instances. But, how frequently do people misunderstand! How does pride and warm imagination to ascribe such impulses or impressions, dreams or visions, to God, as are utterly unworthy of him mislead them! Now this is all pure charisma. All so far from religion as is truth and soberness. 22. Perhaps some may ask, shouldn't we inquire what the will of God? Is it in all things? And shouldn't his will be the rule of our practice? Unquestionably it should, but how are serious Christians to make this inquiry? To know what is the will of God? Not by waiting for supernatural dreams; not by expecting God to reveal it in visions; not by looking for any particular impressions or sudden impulses on their mind. It is only by consulting the Bible to the law and to the testimony!" This is "the holy

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and acceptable will of God," and the general method of knowing what is. 23. But, how shall I know what is the will of God, in such and such a particular case? The thing proposed be, in itself, of an indifferent nature, and so left undetermined in the Scriptures. I answer, the Scriptures itself give you a general rule, applicable to all particular cases. The Will of God is our Sanctification. It is his will that we should be inwardly and outwardly holy. That we should be good, and do well, in every kind and in the highest degree we are capable of. Thus far we tread upon firm ground. This is as clear as the shining of the sun. In order to know what is the will of God? In a particular case, we have only to apply this general rule. 24. Suppose, for instance, it was proposed to a reasonable person to marry, or to enter into a new business. In order to know whether this is the will of God, and be assured, "It is the will of God concerning me that I should be as holy and do as much good as I can." You only have to inquire, "In which of these states will I be the most holy, and do the most good?" And, this is to be determined, partly by reason, and partly by experience. EXPERIENCE tells us what advantages we have in our present state, either for being or doing well. The REASON [logic] is to show, what is certain or probably what we will
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have in the state proposed. By comparing these, we are to judge who of the two may produce the most in our being and doing well. When we know this, we are certain as to what is the will of God in our life. 25. Meantime, the assistance of his Spirit is supposed, during the whole process of inquiry. Indeed it is not easy to say; in how many ways that assistance is conveyed. He may bring many circumstances to our remembrance. He may place others in a stronger and clearer light. He may insensibly open our mind to receive conviction, and fix that conviction upon our heart. To an agreement of many circumstances of this kind, in favor of what is acceptable in his sight. He may super add such an unutterable peace of mind, and so uncommon a measure of his love, as will leave us no possibility of doubting, that this, even this, is his will concerning us. 26. This is the plain, scriptural, rational way to know what the will of God is. In a particular case. But considering how seldom this method is used, and what a flood of charisma must break in on those who endeavor to know the will of God by unscriptural, irrational ways. It is wished that the expression itself were far more sparing used. The using it, as some do, on the most trivial occasions, is a plain breach of the third commandment. It is a gross way of
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taking the name of God in vain, and shows great irreverence towards God. Would it not be far better, then to use some other expressions, which are not liable to such objections? For example; instead of saying, on any particular occasion, "I want to know what is the will of God? would it not be better to say, "I want to know what will be the best for my improvement; and what will make me more useful? This way of speaking is clear and undeniable. It is putting the matter on a plain, scriptural basis, and without any danger of being charismatic. 27. A third very common sort of charisma (if it does not coincide with the former) is that of those who think they can attain the end without using the means, by the immediate power of God. If, indeed, these means were providentially withheld, they would not under this charge. God can, and sometimes does in cases of this nature, exert his own immediate power. But, they who expect this when they have the abilities, and will not use them are properly charismatic. Such are those who expect to understand the Holy Scriptures, without reading them, and studying them. Yes, without using all such helps within their power, and may probably conduce to that end. Such are they who do designedly speak in the public assembly without any premeditation.
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I say "designedly: because there may be such circumstances as, at sometimes, make it unavoidable. But, who ever despise that great means of speaking profitably is a charismatic. 28. It may be expected that I should mention what some have accounted a fourth sort of charisma, namely, the imagining those things to be owing to the providence of God when they are not. I do not know what things there are which are not owing to the providence of God. In ordering, or at least governing the universe of which the providence of God is not either directly or remotely concerned. I accept nothing but sin. Even in the sin of others I see the providence of God. I did not say his general providence; for this I take to be a sounding word, meaning just nothing. If there is a particular providence, it must extend to all persons and all things. Our Lord understood it, or he could never have said, "Even the hairs of your head are numbered;" and, "not a sparrow falls to the ground without" the will of "your Father which is in heaven." But, God presides over the whole universe as over every single person and over every single person as over the whole universe. What is it (except only your own sins) which is not attributed to the providence of God? So I cannot comprehend that there is any room here for the charge of being charismatic.
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29. If it is said, the charge lies here: "When you impute this to Providence, you imagine yourself the special, favorite of heaven." I answer; you have forgotten some of the last words I have spoken. "His providence is over all people in the universe, as much as over any single person." Don't you see, when those who believe this, imputes anything which befalls them to Providence, it doesn't make them any more the favorite of heaven, than they suppose every person under heaven to be? Therefore, you have no pretense, upon this ground, to charge them with being charismatics. 30. We need to guard against this sort of charisma with the utmost effort. Consider the dreadful effects it has so often produced, and which naturally result from it. Its immediate offspring is pride. Pride continually increases in us. It alienates us more and more from the favor and from the life of God. It dries up the springs of faith and love, and of righteousness and true holiness. We see all these things flowing from grace, but "God resists the proud and gives grace" only "to the humble." 31. Together with pride there will naturally arise an inadvisable and uncontainable spirit. So that into whatever error or fault the charismatic falls, there is little hope of their recovery. For REASON [logic] will be of little importance
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to (as has been frequently and justly overstated) those who imagine that they are led by a higher guide,--by the immediate wisdom of God. As they grow in pride, so they must grow in inconsiderateness and in stubbornness. They are less and less capable of being convinced, and less susceptible to persuasion. They are more and more attached to their own judgment and their own will, till they are utterly determined and immovable. 32. They are now strengthen both against the grace of God and against all advice and help from other people. They are wholly left to the guidance of their own heart, and that king of children, "PRIDE." Do not marvel, then that they are daily more rooted and grounded in contempt for humankind, in furious anger, in every unkind disposition, and in every earthly and devilish manner. Neither can we wonder at the terrible outward effects which have flowed from such dispositions in all ages; even all manner of wickedness, all the works of darkness, that are committed by those who call themselves Christians, while they were filled with greediness for such things as were hardly named even among the heathens. Such is the nature; such is the dreadful effects, of that many-headed monster, "Charisma!" From the preceding
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considerations we may now draw some judgments with regard to our own practice.

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33. First, if being charismatic is a term, though so frequently used, yet so rarely understood take care you do not talk of what you do not know. Do not use the word until you understand it. As in all other points, so likewise this, learn to think before you speak. First know the meaning of this hard word; and then use it, if need requires it. 34. There are very few, even among people of education and learning, even less among the common sort of people who understand this dark, ambiguous word, or have any idea of what it means. Then, secondly, beware of judging or calling any person a charismatic by hearsay evidence. This is by no means sufficient ground for giving such a condemnation to anyone. Least of all is it sufficient grounds for so black a term of criticism as this? The more evil it contains, the more cautious you should be how you apply it to anyone; to bring so heavy an accusation, without full proof is not consistent with justice nor mercy. 35. But if being charismatic is so great and evil, beware you are not entangled in it yourself. Watch and pray that you will not fall into the temptation. It easily besets those who fear or love God. O, beware you do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Do not imagine that you have attained that grace of God, which you have not attained. You may have much joy; you may have a measure of love; and yet, still not have living faith. Cry unto God, that he would not permit you, blind as you are, to go out of Christ's way. That you may never fancy yourself a believer in Christ, till Christ is revealed in you and
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till his Spirit witnesses with your spirit that you are a child of God. 36. Beware you are not a fiery, persecuting charismatic. Do not imagine that God has called you (just contrary to the Spirit of him you style your Master) to destroy people's lives, and not save them. Never dream of forcing people into the ways of God. Think for you and let them think for themselves. Use no constraints in the matter of religion. Even those who are farthest out of the way will never be compelled to come in by any other means than reason, truth, and love. 37. Beware you do not run with the common herd of charismatic, fancying yourself a Christian when you are not. Please do not assume that ancient name, unless you have a clear scriptural title to it. Unless you have the mind, which was in Christ, and walk as he also walked. 38. Beware you do not fall into the second sort of being Charismafancying you have those gifts from God which you do not have. Do not trust in visions or dreams, in sudden impressions, or strong impulses of any kind. Remember that you do not know the will of God by using these on any specific occasion. Only by applying the plain Scripture rule, with the help of experience and reason, and the ordinary assistance of the Spirit will God's will be known. Do not lightly take the name of God in vain. Do not talk of the will of God on every trifling occasion; but let your words, as well as your actions be tempered with reverence and Godly fear. 39. Beware, lastly, of imagining you can obtain the end without using the means to it. God can give the end without any means at all; but we have no reason to think he will.
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Therefore, constantly and carefully use all those means, which he has appointed to be the ordinary channels of his grace. Use every means, which either reason or the Scriptures recommend, and contribute (through the free love of God in Christ), either to obtaining or increasing all the gifts of God. Then expect a daily growth in that pure and holy religion, which the world always did, and always will, calls "charisma." To all who are saved from being real charismatic, from that merely socalled Christianity, by "the wisdom of God, and the power of God;" the glorious image of the Most High; his "righteousness and peace;" "as a fountain of living water, springing up into everlasting life!"

"OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD"

The following are the different subjects, titles, and the listing of Wesley's sermons that apply to each. 1. A Study of the Christian's calling using the Book of Jonah from The Living Bible, and John Wesley's Sermon #2 delivered July 25, 1741, The Almost Christian. (61pages) 2. A Study of the Holy Spirit centering around Apostle Paul doing the "planting," and Apollos who did the "watering;" from The Living Bible, and John Wesley's Sermon #32 delivered December 1740, The Nature of Being Charismatic (Enthusiasm). (79 pages)
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3. A Study of the Devil, Lucifer, and Demons, titled Satan; with The Living Bible, and John Wesley's Sermon #37 delivered June 17, 1741, Satan's Devices. (58 pages) 4. A Study of Faith, They Hear: But When Will They Feel? About the spiritual life of John and Charles Wesley, and including John Wesley's Sermon #9 delivered April 25, 1739, The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption, and The Living Bible. (67 pages) 5. A Study of "Being Born Again," The New Birth; using The Living Bible, and John Wesley's Sermon #39 delivered May 29, 1743, The New Birth. (50 pages) 6. A Study of Spiritual Gifts, StopAskListen; using the Layman's Bible Encyclopedia, The Living Bible, and John Wesley's Sermon #4 delivered August 24, 1744, Scriptural Christianity. (57 pages) 7. A Study of Awake, Thou That Sleepest; the meaning of the equation [(Grace) (Salvation) = Justification + Sanctification)] = Mind in Christ = Agape Love, using The Living Bible, and Charles Wesley's Sermon #3 delivered April 24, 1742, Awake Thou That Sleepest. (70 pages) 8. A Study of the Trinity, and the very real importance of this concept using The Living Bible, and John Wesley's Sermon, On the Trinity, written May 8, 1775. (65 pages) 9. A Study of Charles Wesley's Personal Pentecost; which is a study of the Second Chapter of Galatians, written by Dr. Martin Luther, 1519, and uses the verses from The
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Living Bible. This also includes a brief description of the life of Dr. Luther. (86 pages) 10. A Study of John Wesley's Personal Pentecost; which is a study of The Preface to the Book of Romans, and Chapter Eight of the Book of Romans written by Dr. Martin Luther, 1514, with verses from The Living Bible. (64 pages) 11. History Is Repeating Itself In The United Methodist Church Of Today, using excerpts from The Journal of Charles Wesley, John Wesleys Sermon #1, Salvation By Faith, and the DiagramThe Essence of Methodist Christianity, and The Living Bible. (131 pages) 12. A study of The Christian Righteousness of John and Charles Wesley, Sermons 1-7, 37, 39, and the New Covenant Worship Service paraphrased to The Living Bible. (218 pages) 13. A study of The Second Step of First Grace or the Personal Pentecost of Martin Luther, John and Charles Wesley, paraphrased to The Living Bible. (235 pages) 14. A study of the Book of Mark using The Living Bible,and John Wesley's Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. (158 pages) 15. A study of Book of Revelation using The Living Bible, and John Wesley's Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. (327 pages) 15. A study of The Straight and Narrow Path, using The 16. Living Bible, John Wesleys Fifty-three Sermons, and
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John Wesleys Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. (249 pages)

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Paraphrased and written by Michael Willison, 1991 A Reformer in the WesleyMethodist Tradition

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