The early Celtic Christians called the Holy Spirit 'the wild goose.' And the reason why is they knew that you cannot tame him.
- John Eldredge
The Ruach Elohim, Hebrew: רוח אלוהים meaning the Breath, Wind or Spirit of God is one of the many names and descriptions of the Holy Spirit. Growth in understanding and sensitivity to the The Third Person of the Trinity is not only essential to Biblical Christianity, but is the source from which it springs.
From the Incarnation to the words and works of Jesus, the Holy Spirit played a leading role. From the birth of the Church at Pentecost, to the inspiration of Scripture, the Spirit of God's fruit and gifts, power and presence have been the cornerstone of Christendom. Even so, for a variety of reasons, no member of the Godhead has been more often misunderstood and marginalized.
By definition, the Trinity is the most complex and complicated entity and subject possible. It is also the single most defining doctrine of Biblical Christianity. Along those lines, the famous John Wesley once noted, "Bring me a worm that can comprehend a man, and then I will show you a man that can comprehend the Triune God."
While true that only God can fully understand God, a comparison of the three states of water provides a useful, albeit oversimplification of the Godhead:
Wikipedia explains the following. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity (Latin: Trinitas, lit. 'triad', from Latin: trinus "threefold") holds that God is one God, but three coeternal consubstantial persons or hypostases —the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit—as "one God in three Divine persons". The three persons are distinct, yet are one "substance, essence or nature" (homoousios). In this context, a "nature" is what one is, whereas a "person" is who one is.
The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) adds: "In God there is only a Trinity since each of the three persons is that reality — that is to say substance, essence or divine nature. This reality neither begets nor is begotten nor proceeds; the Father begets, the Son is begotten and the holy Spirit proceeds. Thus there is a distinction of persons but a unity of nature. Although therefore the Father is one person, the Son another person and the holy Spirit another person, they are not different realities, but rather that which is the Father is the Son and the holy Spirit, altogether the same; thus according to the orthodox and catholic faith they are believed to be consubstantial."
According to the Athanasian Creed, the Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, and the Holy Spirit is uncreated, and all three are eternal without beginning. "The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" are not names for different parts of God, but one name for God because three persons exist in God as one entity. They cannot be separate from one another. Each person is understood as having the identical essence or nature, not merely similar natures.
A less technical, quick reference may prove helpful:
1. The Father: Begets. Leader of Godhead. Sets the times and seasons. Great White Throne Judge.
2. The Son: Begotten. As Christ experiences and completes the incarnation, humility, ministry, passion, crucifixion, atonement, resurrection, ascension, intercession, second advent, millennial reign. He is the creator of new heaven and earth. Judge and head of the Church.
3. The Holy Spirit: Proceeds. Leads into all truth. Empowers through the impartation of Divine nature and power via fruit and gifts.
Far from simply a force for good, or a lessor part of the Trinity, in many ways the Holy Spirit is the architect and sustainer of Christianity. From start to finish. He is the originator of Scripture and the implanter of Christ in Mary's womb. The descending anointing at Jesus' baptism and His guide in the wilderness. He is the inspiration of the words Christ, empowering His signs and wonders. He raises Christ from the dead and is Pentecost's explosive heavenly fire. He is the indweller of Christian believers . He is the first fruits of Heaven and the seal of promised glory.
The spiritually quantum nature of Divine Omnity, much less Tri-Omnity, is not easily ascertained. Yet in and of itself, this is neither the most important or misconstrued aspect of the Person and role of the Holy Spirit. Thankfully Scripture provides an accurate understanding of both.
The Bible is an incredible book, unique in all the world. So much so that just the adherents to its directives would turn even the purgatories of Earth into paradise. Still, creation's instruction manual is meant to be used in concert with the insight and power only the Spirit of the Creator can provide. In fact, incredible answers to prayer, and genuine verifiable miracles are such a universal theme throughout Scripture that their absence is indicative of something gone seriously wrong.
All God’s gifts of grace originate and flow from the Holy Spirit. As Jesus explains, “He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. So too God’s Spirit seasons mankind with goodness, truth and beauty. Often limiting rebellion even among the disobedient, He draws men to Christ first through conversion and then discipleship:
- “So let me say it again, this truth: It’s better for you that I leave. If I don’t leave, the Friend won’t come. But if I go, I’ll send him to you. When he comes, he’ll expose the error of the godless world’s view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He’ll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted.” John 16:7-11 MSG
- “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I’ve said, ‘He takes from me and delivers to you.’” John 16:12-15 MSG
- “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:45-49 NIV
- “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Act 2:1-5 NIV
- “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Acts 4:31 NIV
- “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17 NIV
- “The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:49-52 NIV
- “We also speak of these things, not in words taught or supplied by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual thoughts with spiritual words [for those being guided by the Holy Spirit]. But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters].” 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 AMP
- “What I want to talk about now is the various ways God’s Spirit gets worked into our lives. This is complex and often misunderstood, but I want you to be informed and knowledgeable. Remember how you were when you didn’t know God, led from one phony god to another, never knowing what you were doing, just doing it because everybody else did it? It’s different in this life. God wants us to use our intelligence, to seek to understand as well as we can… God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick, miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.” 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 MSG
- “Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.” He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!” Acts 2:38-40 MSG
- “May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” Ephesians 3:16-19 AMP
- “But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do. But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.” Galatians 5:16-18 AMP
- “Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:19-26 AMP
Miracles: The "Children's Bread"
Throughout the pages of the Bible, as well as human history, few miracles are as plenteous and meaningful as that of the healing of physical disease, mental illness and spiritual torment. So much so, this one of many gifts of the Spirit is deserving of it's own study by Prophetic Christians. For our purposes a few scriptural points should suffice:
- "From there Jesus took a trip to Tyre and Sidon. They had hardly arrived when a Canaanite woman came down from the hills and pleaded, "Mercy, Master, Son of David! My daughter is cruelly afflicted by an evil spirit." Jesus ignored her. The disciples came and complained, "Now she's bothering us. Would you please take care of her? She's driving us crazy." Jesus refused, telling them, "I've got my hands full dealing with the lost sheep of Israel." Then the woman came back to Jesus, went to her knees, and begged. "Master, help me." He said, "It's not right to take bread out of children's mouths and throw it to dogs." She was quick: "You're right, Master, but beggar dogs do get scraps from the master's table." Jesus gave in. "Oh, woman, your faith is something else. What you want is what you get!" Right then her daughter became well. Matthew 15:21-28 MSG
- "The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works (miracles). Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves." John 14:10-11 NIV
- "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works that these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:12-14 NIV
Western Christianity could learn much from the Canaanite woman. Notice how the repeated and desperate prayer of this mother is viewed by Christ. Not as a lack of faith but as great faith and is rewarded. In this version, the love and compassion for her tormented daughter causes a mother to overcome several obstacles. These include traveling to meet Jesus, opposition to Him by the religious establishment of her day, Jesus' ignoring her, His disciples complaints and Jesus' refusal of her request. All these she was driven to overcome and eventually her faith won the day!
An even greater lesson can be learned from a similar scenario played out when Jesus' mother Mary's requests that He perform His first miracle before He had planned to at the wedding feast in Cana:
- "On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” John 2:1-4 NIV
- "His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him." John 2:4-11 NIV
Healing the Sick
Another important theme of the New Testament is healing the sick. Christ constantly taught by show and tell. Using signs and wonders Jesus drew immense crowds and then taught them the word of God with authority. Furthermore, He commissioned His apostles, and more importantly those who would believe their message, to carry on the family business in the same way making healing and miracles as integral part of making converts and disciples:
- "Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead. And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs." Mark 16:14-20
More strong evidence is supplied by none other than James, the brother of Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to James and so deep was his conversion that according to the Book of Acts he became the head of the church of Jerusalem. During an critical early church dispute, Peter and Paul each had there say but it was James who rendered the final verdict. This seems strange at first glance seeing he had failed to be worthy of even being a disciple during Jesus' ministry. However, once the depth of James' conversion was clear, apparently the apostles understood that having lived a lifetime under the direct influence of Christ gave James perspective and training into the nature of Jesus even they didn't have.
- Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:13-16 NIV
Simply put, the inability to robustly and routinely miraculously heal the sick, within our own ranks, much less as an extremely powerful evangelical tool, means two things:
1. Dishonest Doctrine: Cessationist (half the Protestant church) are clearly accurate in regards to Churchianity's lack of genuine spiritual gifts. Yet they are equally adamant in their incorrect doctrines regarding miraculous signs and wonders having timed out with the apostles and/or the canonization of Scripture. A crucial error, to be developed more fully when discussing James 5. Tragically, an exemplary example of "throwing the baby out with the bathwater."
Charismatics (half the Protestant church) are by and large more accurate in their understanding of the Bible's constant reinforcement regarding the centrality of spiritual gifts. Yet current doctrine and practice grossly over-exaggerates our capabilities, glossing over a glaring lack of spiritual giftedness. A tendency also addressed in greater detail by coming comments on James 5. Regrettably, a classic case of "cooking the books."
2. Powerlessness: For obvious and opposite reasons, the dishonest doctrine on both sides of the aisle not only justifies each side's errors, but results in pandemic powerlessness. A anemic condition all the more acute given such entrenched positioning all but guarantees the vast majority of both cessationists and charismatics failure to even recognizing and admit, much less with brokenness and confession repent, of our nearly universal and continual grieving of the Holy Spirit. In this and a myriad of other vital matters.
To illustrate the point, consider again the Cessation vs. Charismatic rift. If the previously discussed debacle is accurate, half the Protestant church is at odds, if not war, with the other. In his book and video series Strange Fire, John Mac Arthur of Grace To You fame basically excommunicated the Charismatic church. He does so exactly along the party lines described earlier, while ironically guilty himself as a hardline cessationist of insulting the Spirit of Grace he seeks to defend.
What is needed is quantum balance and equilibrium. In this case, as a decades old prayer partner once noted in regards to resolving the tension between accurately discerning Scripture and the centrality of the Holy Spirit, "Evangelism without prayer is Fruitless, Prayer without Evangelism is Faithless. Scripture without the Spirit is Lifeless, the Spirit without Scripture is Baseless." With this mind, let us more prayerfully study the Bible, which itself much be spiritually discerned:
- "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NIV
- "Spirit can be known only by spirit—God’s Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah’s question, 'Is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?” has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit."' 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 MSG
- "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 NKJV
- " And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were 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." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 KJV2000
- “Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” 1 Corinthians 4:18-21 NKJV
Imagine for a moment having the power to routinely and miraculously heal the sick. Having witnessed illness and disease, pain and even the specter of death conquered by the Spirit of life, would we or those so touched ever be the same? Tasting and participating with “the power of the age to come” would we continue to use our blessed hands as means to personal pleasure and gain or as vehicles of the power and presence of God? Would we risk such virtue and anointing by dabbling in besetting sins or doubtful habits ever again? Would such holy hands be lifted in praise and worship or continue to hang down in weakness and doubt?
And what of our eyes? Would we set our affections on things of earth or eternity? Would we continue to avert our gaze or engage the encompassing need around us? Would we spend hundreds if not thousands of hours before the TV or pouring over the word of God? What of our minds? Would we value and seek the wisdom from below or above? Would we finally comprehend Scripture’s context and content or remain mired in faulty narratives and ambiguity? What ongoing and escalating answers to prayer would clear consciences produce?
What might fully holy hearts accomplish? Imagine being filled with fullness rather than longing. Feasting on hope rather than sorrow, faith rather than fear, love rather than anger. How much sweeter the fruit of the Spirit than that of the flesh, glory than lust! How holy rather than idle our conversation. Blessing rather than cursing, instructing rather than deceiving, encouraging rather than devouring. With the arrival and arising of such faith, command might well replace complaint.
The short list above hardly does justice to the real time ramifications of heaven touching earth, and vice versa. Yet acquiring even just some of these blessings, for ourselves and others, would literally make an eternity of difference. What would such Divine gifts be worth? What degree of diligence would be justified in their pursuit? Much? More? Everything? Set to the tune of John Lennon’s “Imagine” the following Imagine³ begins to do such hopeful thinking justice:
Imagine touching Heaven
Every time you tried
Filled with all God’s fullness
Seeing with new eyes.
Imagine prayer was answered
During all the day...
Imagine understanding
Every single thing
Men, angels and demons
Faith conquering.
Imagine hope and love
Flooding all the world....
You may say I'm a dreamer
Surely I'm not the only one
Lord loose Your Holy Spirit
Your will be fully done.
Imagine signs and wonders
In the light of day
Healing and deliverance
Transforming mortal clay.
Imagine heaven's glory
In every soul on earth...
You may say I'm a dreamer
Surely I'm not the only one
Lord loose Your Holy Spirit
Your will be fully done.
Let us study to show ourselves approved, learning to know God's will and diligently seek His face until it's recognized in our lives. Let us learn the art of intercession, praying without ceasing for a return of the power of God so vital in carrying out the Great Commission entrusted to the Church.
Word of Warning
It is generally believed and hoped for that godly transformation, such as walking in the either the gifts or fruit of the Spirit, might be experienced in various kind and degree. That is to say, we may selectively practice or possess this or that of the nine characteristics or facets of which Paul references in Galatians. And/or that these may be individually experience or offered to others in various quantity and quality. Such rationale is all but universally held, in spite of the fact that most scholars maintain the original Greek word translated “fruit” was singular in nature. As juxtaposed against the many “works of the flesh” in the preceding passage.
The likely possibility that none of either the fruit or gifts of the Spirit may genuinely be internalized and/or imparted to others without first seeking and experiencing the fullness of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, as was poured out on Pentecost, should be of the utmost concern. While modern Christianity is full of Pentecostals (of which I am one) claiming to have experienced as much by virtue of speaking in tongues, this is clearly not the case. At least within First World Churchianity.
Scripture suggests there are at least five levels of speaking in tongues, with a devotional prayer language (the common experience of most modern Pentecostals) being the least. That such “glossolalia” hardly equates with the miraculous and world changing birth of Christianity arising from the Day of Pentecost is clear in numerous ways. After years personal training and commissioning by Christ, the Apostles, whom had previously worked all manner of miracles and been breathed on by Jesus Who commanded, “receive the Holy Spirit” continued in one accord do seek God day and night for 50 days as if their very lives depended on it. Which in fact they did. After which ball lightning set their hair aflame as “all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Languages allowing at least 15 different people groups to hear them magnifying God in their own languages.
Even more telling than the absence of such glorious manifestations, the power evangelism and discipleship and radical discipleship such a baptism in the Holy Spirit engendered, is our all too obvious lack of the quantity and quality of the either the fruit or gifts of the Spirit. All of which are essentially ubiquitous in the Gospels and Book of Act. As well as continually discussed and eluded to throughout the New Testament Epistles.
Approaching God and His throne of grace, desiring and exercising spiritual gifts are designed to be encouraging and even necessary forces for good. Nevertheless, Scripture directly and indirectly repeatedly warns that God is not mocked. Many well meaning believers have at times willfully or even inadvertently moved from presumption to profanity (treating the holy as common). A serious and sometimes deadly mistake. For this and a myriad of reasons, it’s best to approach God with brokenness and contrition, repentance and reverent fear. Honesty, what God desires most from mankind, is always the best policy. Frequently confessing that Omnity is the great I AM, and I am nothing great is a good place to start. As is creating and memorizing a strategic daily prayer that respectfully yet purposefully weaves back and forth in ever increasing levels of repentance to intercession to worship to complaint and back again. For examples see Rob’s Daily Prayer, Acceptable Worship and overcoming Worldliness.
Many Called, Few Chosen
Jesus lamented, "For many are called, but few are chosen." Why? Because few chose to answer His call. This holds true on a variety of levels. Up to and including true sensitive and obedient to the Person of the Holy Spirit. Developing necessary compliance requires more than simple belief. We must foster lifestyles of unflinching resolve, embracing radical discipleship to the point of complete transformation into the entirely new creations of New Testament promise.
Such rare and necessary men and women might be called Prophetic Christians. These do well to ponder the lives and accomplishments of the noteworthy example of Finney and Müller, Roberts and Wigglesworth. While currently lacking the power of such champions of the faith, we can certainly follow in the footsteps of their wisdom. QC particularly recommends emulating their lifestyles marked by radical sanctification and spiritual sensitivity.
Perhaps the simplest and most Scripturally astute advice for developing and maintaining sensitivity to the Spirit of God was developed by Evan Roberts, the leading figure of the 1904-1905 Welsh Revival.
- “The revival lasted less than a year, but in that time 100,000 people were converted. Begun as an effort to kindle non-denominational, non-sectarian spirituality, the Welsh revival of 1904-05 coincided with the rise of the labour movement, socialism, and a general disaffection with religion among the working class and youths. Placed in context, the short-lived revival appears as both a climax for Nonconformism and a flashpoint of change in Welsh religious life. The movement spread to Scotland and England, with estimates that a million people were converted in Britain. Missionaries subsequently carried the movement abroad; it was especially influential on the Pentecostal movement emerging in California."
Grasping the importance of attracting, rather than grieving the Holy Spirit, Roberts promoted an elegant 4-fold strategy.
- Confess any known sin to God and put any wrong done to others right.
- Put away any doubtful habit.
- Obey the Spirit promptly.
- Confess your faith in Christ publicly.
Whoever and wherever we are, it behoves each of us to do our best. Preferably in groups of two or more. The correlation between connectivity and causation are quantum truths. In both the physical and spiritual world. In regards to the unity of diversity, the New Testament likens Christ’s Kingdom to a single body comprised of a myriad of parts functioning as a cohesive whole. Thus we all have vital roles to play. Ones in which we are far stronger together. As Scripture attests:
- “I’ll make the country a place of peace—you’ll be able to go to sleep at night without fear; I’ll get rid of the wild beasts; I’ll eliminate war. You’ll chase out your enemies and defeat them: Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand and do away with them. I’ll give you my full attention: I’ll make sure you prosper, make sure you grow in numbers, and keep my covenant with you in good working order.” Leviticus 26:8-10 The Message - Emphasis QC's
Rise up O men of God
Have done with lesser things
Give heart and soul and mind and strength
To serve the King of Kings
To serve the King of Kings
Rise up O men of God
His Kingdom tarries long
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong
And end the night of wrong
Rise up O men of God
The Church for you doth wait
Send forth to serve the needs of men
In Christ our strength is great
In Christ our strength is great
Lift high the Cross of Christ
Tread where His feet have trod
As brothers of the Son of Man
Rise up O men of God
Rise up O men of God
Our response, or lack thereof, to the cause of Christ and humanity, holds equally great and grave potential. In both time and eternity. Through chains of causation, the rise or fall of friends and family, society and entire generations rests in our hands. As exemplified in the old proverb, For Want of a Nail:
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
While partial visible today, only eternity will reveal the full extent of all that has been forever lost for want of honest and vigorous prayer and Bible study, discipleship and evangelism. Wherever and whenever possible, we highly suggest Prophet Christians move beyond mere Christian fellowship and church attendance, into and through the crucible of deeply repentive and strategic corporate prayer. See GB's Prayer of Anguish.
A deep dive into the lives and ministries, writings and legacies of Charles Finney and Smith Wigglesworth reveal a quantum path in seeking and serving God. Particularly in regards to the rigors of radical discipleship and the restoration of power evangelism. Essential components when advocating for personal and corporate revival in the modern world.
Both men were 200% committed to Christ. Each, in their own respective ways, lived and ministered with perhaps the greatest authentic and documented anointing seen in centuries. Neither allowed a hint worldliness or unbelief, doubtful habits or subtle sin, to diminish their Scriptural power and authority. Nor did either, for even a moment, dare grieve the Holy Spirit from Whom their spiritual strength flowed. Even so, while yielding unprecedented results, their effectiveness and expertise focused on nearly opposite facets of Christian faith.
Finney's life and work majored on repentance and service. Godly fear and love for Christ, without compromise, required vigorous and demanding holiness and sanctification. No dualistic or double-minded lifestyles. The reward for which was the glorification of God and expansion of His Kingdom. Finney's cry was for radical Christian experience resulting from extreme sanctification to God. For the sake of God's own infinite goodness. A goodness that closed not only bars and brothels, but dance halls and theaters, far and wide. Often for years after he had come and gone. All this while simultaneously expanding social services and outreach for those in need at levels previously unseen.
Wigglesworth life and work majored on belief and miracles. Absolute faith in the love of Christ, without doubt, also required vigorous and demanding holiness and sanctification. Again, no dualistic or double-minded lifestyles. The reward for which was experiencing and sharing the absolute power and glory of the unequalled goodness of Christ and His Kingdom. Wigglesworth's cry was never to leave a Christian meeting without a life altering encounter, if not collision, with the Spirit's fruit and gifts. Gifts of phenomenal healings and deliverances that enabled and empowered the fullest expression of Christ's inconceivable love and grace. The experience of which created individual and corporate cravings to fully please, and never grieve, the Holy Spirit of promise.
Prophetic Christians do well to meditate on Finney and Wigglesworth in hopes of replicating their unique and unsurpassed anointing. Doing so, mindful of Christ's warning to His first disciples, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." Perhaps God may yet raise up true heirs to their legacy in this late and troubled hour.
“What is needed is quantum balance and equilibrium. In this case, as a decades old prayer partner once noted in regards to resolving the tension between accurately discerning Scripture and the centrality of the Holy Spirit, “Evangelism without prayer is Fruitless, Prayer without Evangelism is Faithless. Scripture without the Spirit is Lifeless, the Spirit without Scripture is Baseless.” With this mind, let us more prayerfully study the Bible, recognizing Scripture itself must be "spiritually discerned."
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