TRUTH WITH PROOF
The answers to life, the end, and the struggles in between

God provides infallible proof to His truth

The Holy Spirit anointing is a tangible, separate and necessary experience

Many people have been led to believe that the Holy Spirit anointing is an intangible experience; that it automatically accompanies baptism; or that it is an optional extra, not a necessity. Yet scripture clearly shows us otherwise.

Tangible

The disciples of Christ first received the Holy Spirit 10 days after Jesus ascended to heaven. This marked the beginning of the New Covenant (Testament). The disciples were not sure when this would happen or what exactly was to occur; they simply remembered being told by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promise. As we see by the scripture below, it occurred with God’s miraculous proof:

Acts 2:1-4, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

(By the way, don’t be misled by children’s bible stories. Literal flames of fire did not appear above the disciples’ heads! When examined in the original Greek, the description simply means that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost - speaking in tongues as evidence - so quickly that it was like a roaring fire, raging from one end of the room to the other).

It is argued that “speaking in tongues” on the Day of Pentecost was either a one time event; for teaching purposes only; or short-lived, having ceased within centuries afterward. It is true that God gave the 120 disciples who were first anointed with the Holy Spirit “tongues” that could be understood by foreigners, but this was the only time tongues was ever documented to have been understood by natural man. God's intention was to prove that this new, miraculous experience was truly of Him. Speaking in tongues was not a gift isolated to the Day of Pentecost, nor was it intended to be used to preach to foreigners (refer to 1 Corinthians 14:2). It was simply the first manifesting sign of the infilling of the Holy Spirit then, and has been so ever since, as is evidenced by scriptures such as the following:

Acts 19:1-7, “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.”


Acts 10:44-48, “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”

It is incorrect to assume we have the Holy Spirit if we have not had God’s confirming powerful evidence.

Note: Acts 10 refers to Cornelius and his household who were the first Gentiles (non-Israelites) to receive the Holy Spirit anointing. It is interesting to note that this happened 30 years after the Day of Pentecost. Up until this time, the disciples had been directed to preach only to the Israelites (descendents of the twelve tribes of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel). Also interesting is the fact that the disciples were not called Christians until they were in Antioch, many years after the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Until this time they were called “people of the way” (of Jesus). The word, "Christian", means anointed one, referring to the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Separate & Necessary

The Holy Spirit anointing is separate from the act of being baptized, yet both are necessary requirements:

John 3:5-7, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

There are many scriptures to emphasize the separateness between baptism in water and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, two key examples are: Acts 10:44-48 (above), where Peter commands Cornelius and his household to be baptized after he witnesses (by hearing them speak in tongues) that they have received the Holy Spirit anointing; and Acts chapter 8, where the people of Samaria receive the Word of God with joy, are baptized both men and women, but don’t receive the Holy Spirit until Peter and John come to lay hands on them and pray with them some time later:

Acts 8:14-17, “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”

Also, consider Jesus’ words: John 7:37-39, “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

It’s important to note that, 1. By this stage the disciples at the feast had already been baptized, 2. The word “believe” here doesn’t just mean to acknowledge; it means to trust in and rely on (all of the words that Jesus spoke), 3. The word “should” here denotes an idea of future expectation, and 4. The Holy Ghost (Spirit) had not yet been given to them because Jesus needed to first ascend to the Father!

The Bible is the manual for the Holy Spirit

The Bible is the manual for the Holy Spirit. Without the vehicle (the Spirit) the manual (Bible) doesn’t fully make sense:

Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

1 Corinthians 2:9-14, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Speaking in tongues is the language of the Holy Spirit

When we are born again of the Spirit, it only makes sense that God gives us a new, spiritual language with which to communicate with Him; a language that cannot be defiled by our natural mind. Speaking in tongues is one of the many precious gifts of the Holy Spirit. In other words, it is part of the Holy Spirit “package”.

Speaking in tongues is a miraculous experience; an ability given only of God. We cannot expect to discern this gift with natural understanding. Whilst we have control over when we start and stop speaking in tongues, we must accept that it is a power beyond this worldly realm. The Bible clearly explains that we do not understand what we are saying when we speak in tongues. It is the Holy Ghost (Spirit) speaking pure things directly to the Father. The Spirit intercedes for us on our behalf.

1 Corinthians 14:2, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”

1 Corinthians 14:14, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.”

1 Corinthians 12:3, “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.”

Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

There are many people today who completely deny the existence of tongues. They choose to ignore the living examples who can categorically prove them wrong.

Others go so far as to say that tongues is of the devil. Some have arrived at this conclusion based on personal opinion, without consideration of the scriptural facts. Others have been dissuaded by poor examples such as charismatic type churches where everyone speaks in tongues at once with rolling in the aisles and supposed fits of uncontrollable laughter; sometimes even episodes of supposed demon exorcism. This kind of behavior is definitely not according to the will of God.

Whilst these people may be filled with the Spirit, they are not operating in obedience to the scriptures which have always called for things to be done “decent” and “in order”. 1 Corinthians 14:40 commands, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” God has never been about disorder, confusion or free-expression: "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace," (1 Corinthians 14:33). God has always promoted self-control. The very word, “disciple”, means disciplined one.

In his letters to the Corinthian church, Paul rebuked the people for extravagances and over-emphasizing of gifts that they had begun to indulge in during their meetings. He wrote in length, exalting God for the various precious gifts of the Spirit, but, at the same time, putting them into perspective in light of the public nature of their gatherings. Whilst we can and should speak in tongues as much we like as part of our private prayer life, which edifies (strengthens) the Spirit, we must use wisdom when we come together in worship with our brethren:

1 Corinthians 14:22-23, “Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?”

1 Corinthians 14:26-33, “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

1 Corinthians 14:18-19, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.”

God does not take away our free will when He anoints us with His Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our teacher, our help and comfort. It is not the “doer”. God still watches us closely to see how we use the power that He has given us; how we apply the various fruits and gifts of the Spirit in our lives. Poor application cannot be blamed on God. On the other hand, God also commands, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). So, it is equally unacceptable to blame any dissuasion from the things of the Lord on those who are poor representatives of His Word.

Another argument often put forth by the watered down Christian circles of today is that tongues is just one gift that some people receive, but it is not common to all. This is completely incorrect. Most often it is a statement made by those who are not willing to accept that they do not have the Holy Spirit and/or do not want to tell others this message. Their self-perceived salvation is based on emotion. These people “feel” they have the Spirit, therefore it must be so. Yet, God has always warned us about the traps of emotion.

Jude 1:18-19, “How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”

From the beginning of time God’s relationship with His chosen people has always been tangible, based on evidence, and built on a solid foundation. Paul warned the Corinthians about perversion of the truth of the New Covenant that they had first received:

2 Corinthians 11:2-4 & 13-15, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him…For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

1 Corinthians 2:4-5, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

Sadly, over the years there have been many Spirit-filled people who have succumbed to the pressure of people-pleasing and subsequently watered down their salvation message. The Salvation Army organization is a prime example of this. William Booth, the founder, once preached according to Acts 2:38 (repentance, water baptism by full immersion, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit) with the first manifesting sign of speaking in tongues. Now no resemblance of this is to found in any message they have to promote.

2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

The Bible contains many warnings to beware of false doctrines. These warnings do not just apply to the obvious “alternative” religions but also to all the self-proclaimed Christians. To the unknowing, these people may seem to be righteous examples; at one with God; followers of Christ. But God does not recognize them as His. You can be zealous for the Lord all you like, but without the Holy Spirit anointing, you are still in the flesh.

Matthew 24:4-5, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

Romans 8:5-9, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

Matthew 7:21-23, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Ezekiel 33:31-32, “And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.”

Luke 6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

Every day people renew their choice to follow the Lord with great determination, but their efforts are in vain. God clearly tells us that ordination as one of His children comes only by His choice, by His Spirit:

Romans 10:2-3, “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Mark 7:7&9, “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”

Matthew 15:8-9, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you…”

The story of Cornelius (Acts chapter 10) is essential reading for those who are tempted to stand on their own sense of righteousness. Cornelius was described as a devout man who did many good deeds in the name of God, yet it was necessary for him to receive the Holy Spirit anointing and be baptized, so God sent Peter to him to preach the words that were necessary for the salvation of his own self and his household. While Peter spoke to him, Cornelius and his household were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter (and those that came with him) knew this because they suddenly heard them begin to speak in tongues. Immediately following this, Peter commanded them to be baptized. The story of Cornelius is recounted in Acts chapter 11 by Peter:

Acts 11:13-18, "And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."

There are many Cornelius’ in the world today. The question is, are they humble enough to receive the words of truth?

Don’t just “go to church”…Walk in the Spirit!

Pleasing God is not a matter of choosing to go to a church. There is only one “church” which comes from the Greek word, “ecclesia”. It denotes the whole body of the redeemed; all those whom the Father has given to Christ; the Body of Christ.

God tells us that fellowship is very important for our own spiritual welfare and that of our brethren (Hebrews 10:24-25), but He is talking about fellowship with those who, in God’s eyes, are considered part of the Body of Christ. God clearly commands his children to abstain from worshipping with those who are not ordained "members" of His Body:

2 Corinthians 6:14-18, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

For those who have newly been born again and do not have any like-minded brethren with whom to fellowship, then the encouragement is to share the truth with others and pray that the Lord will raise up fellowship for you. Or, pray in faith that the Lord will make a way for you to move to an area where you know there are brethren of one mind and one accord.

God does not want us to be "church-goers" or to be "religious". He wants us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14 declares, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Also consider:

John 4:23-24, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Matthew 25:1-13, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

This last scripture warns those who are part of the Body of Christ not to become complacent while they wait for the second coming of Christ Jesus. God warns His people to make an effort to keep the oil in their lamps topped up i.e. keep the fire of the Holy Spirit burning, or they will miss out.

Pray in the Spirit and read the Word of God daily. Be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. Fast regularly and keep your mind and body, the temple of the Spirit, pure. Set your sights on the hope and assurance of Christ’s return and never compromise God’s will to please others. Hold fast to the truth and don't let people's reactions dissuade you from sharing your experience, for their faces may not reveal how their hearts are truly being affected. If you do these things then you will surely grow in spiritual strength and wisdom, and the promises of God will be yours:

Jude 1:20-21, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

1 Thessalonians 5:15-22, “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil."

2 Timothy 4:1-2, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick" (the living) "and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."

Jeremiah 1:4-10, "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms..."

Galatians 6:7-9, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

1 Corinthians 10:12, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

1 Corinthians 3:16-17, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;”

1 Corinthians 7:2, “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”

1 Corinthians 6:13-20, “Now the body is not for fornication...What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Proverbs 20:1, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

Ephesians 5:17-18, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

Proverbs 31:4-5, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.”

Revelation 5:10, “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Hebrews 11:6, “for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Galatians 5:22-23 & 25, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law...If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

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