Monday, May 2, 2005

Luke: more Holy Spirit

Luke 11:11  If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
Luke 11:12  Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
 

A natural father should meet the needs of a child when asked. A good father will try to give the child good things. How much more will our heavenly Father give us good things when we ask Him in faith?

Luke 11:13  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?  

What do we need most to be spiritual children of God? We need more of His Holy Spirit. Some refer to this as the way to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Hear the words of John the Baptist.  

John 1:33  And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.  

We are not His without having the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit is necessary for salvation. By grace are we saved by faith, it is the work of God.  

Rom 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.  

 Some teach that when we are become children of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, that we receive all of the Holy Spirit. There is one Spirit and many fillings. Are you completely filled with His Spirit, lacking nothing in truth and the power of God in your life? If not? Pray, as Jesus has spoken in this verse.  

How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?  

One final thought. This was spoken to Jews under the old covenant. Jesus had not yet finished his purpose for coming. He had not yet made the way for our redemption through his shed blood and His resurrection from the dead.  

John 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 7:39  (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.)
 

At Pentecost the promised Holy Spirit came and we are sealed by His Spirit.   

Eph 1:13  In whom ye also trusted (Jesus), after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
 

It is praying through the Holy Spirit that we are connected to our heavenly Father. A spiritual experience cannot replace your need to hear God's word and to communicate in prayer. If you are not sure you are saved, for sure you need to pray asking for the Holy Spirit in your life. If you want more evidence, including knowledge of His gifts for you? Pray, ask for more of His Spirit of truth.

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