Devotional

It seems a bit ironic that 40 years ago we were talking so much about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, but now, 40 years later, we are not hearing nearly as much about the event as we were then. I thought it would be good to refresh our memories regarding these things and to […]

For the past three weeks, we’ve been looking at the baptism of the Spirit, what it is, why we need it, and how it affects our lives. It’s a wonderful topic to study, but it’s a far more important principle to apply. The Spirit is a Person, and He wants to be active in our […]

Once we have been baptized in the Spirit—when we have received power, place, and equipping—what happens? Jesus told His disciples, “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). So, first of all, the baptism in the Spirit will make us […]

What is the purpose of the baptism of the Spirit? First, it is to give us power. Jesus told His disciples, “Wait in Jerusalem until you are endued with power from heaven.” Then He told them, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and you shall receive power” (see Acts 1:4–8). The Greek word that […]

When Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:6 Paul had come to the region of Ephesus, and when he arrived there, he found twelve disciples. But evidently, Paul sensed that although these men were believers, there was something missing in their […]

There is no better way to conclude our study on the gifts of the Spirit than with a word on the supremacy of love. As important as the gifts are, Paul says that if they are not exercised in love, they are meaningless. Jesus At the Forefront There is always the danger of putting the […]

Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. Luke 2:28–32 This prophecy of Simeon is so beautiful, […]

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given … different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7–8, 10 The gift of tongues is perhaps the most controversial and misunderstood of all the gifts of the Spirit. Some Pentecostals and Charismatics say that unless […]

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the … discerning of spirits. 1 Corinthians 12:7–8, 10 The ability to recognize false teaching and false teachers is an ability given by God referred to in 1 Corinthians 12:10 as the “discerning of […]

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given … prophecy. 1 Corinthians 12:7–10 As stated last week, prophecy is a wonderful gift. But among the charismatics, prophesying, or being prophesied over, is a great obsession, and this has led to some being […]