Thirteen Characteristics of the Holy Spirit

The Scripture provides a number of phrases that describe the characteristics of the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 John 4:6). As such, He guides us into all truth and seeks to keep us from error. He is the Spirit of holiness (Rom. 1:4). As such, He separates…

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Does Spirit Baptism Occur After Conversion?

Some charismatic teaching indicates that a person must undergo a separate experience of receiving (or being baptized with) the Holy Spirit sometime after conversion. To arrive at this perspective, they lean heavily and sincerely upon instances in Acts when this either did happen (Acts 2:4ff, Acts 8:14-17, Acts 19:1-7) or merely appeared to happen (Acts…

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The Holy Spirit and the Apostles Together

When you buy a house, it is very important to inspect the foundation. Before my wife and I purchased a home for the first time, we enlisted the help of a building inspector to examine the foundation of the house were considering. We also asked for some feedback from friends who had building and construction…

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Grieving the Holy Spirit (Part 2)

George Stiekes Last week we ran Part 1 of this article. We continue today with an additional look at the description of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. May it also instruct us concerning the ways we grieve Him, and build our resolve to please him in every way. – Ed. Know ye not that…

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Grieving The Holy Spirit (Part 1)

George Stiekes Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you (I Corinthians 3:16). The believer is indwelt by the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is called the “Spirit of God.” In Galatians 4:6 He is called the Spirit of His (God’s) Son.” You would…

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Seeking the Fruit: The Use and Misuse of Paul’s List in Galatians 5

Kevin Schaal Have you ever watched a tree strain and groan to produce fruit? Of course not! A healthy tree connected to proper nourishment naturally produces fruit. The apostle Paul uses this analogy when discussing the fruit of the Spirit-filled life in Galatians 5. The primary error in the interpretation of the “fruit of the…

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A Biblical Philosophy of Church Planting

by Otis R. Holmes Every subject has a philosophy. It may not be spelled out, but it is there just the same — whether good or bad, right or wrong. Church planting has its own philosophy — godly or worldly. Of course, the true philosophy of church planting is to be Biblical. But what is…

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The Subjective Ministry of the Holy Spirit

by Jim Oesterwind For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (Romans 8:15–16) And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the…

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