Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

Introduction
It is a fundamental revelation in the Christian circle that the Holy Spirit is a person, just in the same sense that God the Father is a Person and God the Son is a Person

His Personality
Personality of the Holy Spirit Affirmed By His Attributes.

*He possesses the essential of mind or intelligence. 1 Corinthians 12:11
*He possesses life which is an essential of personality. Romans 8:2
On the human level, the possession of life is taken as proof of possession of personality, one without the other is impossible.

Personality of the Holy Spirit Affirmed By His Works.
*His work in creation -Genesis 1:2
*His work in empowering -Zechariah 4:6
*His Teaching Ministry -John 16:13
*His Guidance -Romans 8:14
*His Comforting -Acts 9:31
*His work of convicting the world of sin, righteousness and judgement -John 16:8
*His Prayer -Romans 8:26
*His Restraint of Sin -Isaiah 59:19
*His Authoritative Commands -Acts 8:29; 13:2; 16:7

He is God
*Seen by comparison (Isaiah 6:8-9 and Acts 28:25-26) also see Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrew 10:15-17
*The term God as found in the translations of the Old and New Testaments is frequently identified with the Holy Spirit. 2 Samuel 23:2-3, 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19 & Matthew 12:31-32

His deity is found in His works
*The work of the Holy Spirit in creation (Gen.1:2) by its very nature could be accomplished only by one who is God.
*His work in regeneration (John 3:6; Rom.8:11) likewise is clearly in the realm of a work of God.
*The ministry of the Holy Spirit in effecting the sanctification of the believer (2Thess.2:13)

Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
There are schools of thoughts (within Christendom) that erroneously believe that at salvation, we are already filled or baptized in the Holy Spirit. But there’s a difference
 *Philip’s Encounter in Samaria; Acts 8:5-8, 12 & 14-17
 *Saul’s Encounter with Jesus ACTS 9:15-17
Clearly here even though Saul had received Jesus as his Lord, he was not yet baptized in the Holy Spirit until Ananias came and laid hands on him to receive the Holy Spirit; showing us that receiving salvation and receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit are two separate experiences.

The Holy Spirit Within: His Indwelling Presence
*At salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us –this is referred to as His Indwelling Presence
*John 14:17: " Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
*1 John 4:4 "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD."

The Holy Spirit Upon: His Infilling Power
1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit: "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper. . . [John 14:16-17]
2. The Gateway into the Supernatural: The bible teaches of the nine-fold manifestation of the fruit of the born-again human spirit that is listed in Galatians 5:22, 23.
3. God has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit upon us through the baptism of the Holy Spirit so that believers might enter into all the fullness of God [Ephesians 3:19, 20].
4. Power To Put Us Over In Life: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," [Eph.3:20]

Seven Steps to Receiving the Holy Ghost
Step 1 –Help: Help the Believer see that God has already given the Holy Spirit and it is His/ Her responsibility to receive God's free gift.
Step 2 –Show: Show the person that anyone who is saved is ready to immediately receive the Holy Spirit. [Acts 2:37-38]
Step 3 –Tell: Tell them that when you lay hands on them, they are to receive the Holy Ghost.
Step 4 -Still Tell: Tell them what to expect as he receives the Holy Spirit.
Step 5 -Get over Fears: May be necessary to help some people get over their fears before they can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Step 6 -Open Your Mouth: Tell the candidate to open his mouth and be ready to use his own mouth and vocal chords
Step 7 -Avoid Distraction: Keep the candidate from distraction.

The Importance of Speaking in Tongues
*Speaking In Unknown Tongues
(a) Needed For Devotion & Prayers: (1 Cor.14:2, 4).
(b) Needed For Fulfilment of Scriptures: (Eph. 5:8, Rom 8:14, Gal. 5:16, 25, John 4:23
(c) Needed For Spiritual Edification & Spiritual Refreshing(1 Cor. 14:4).
(d) Needed To Best Give God Thanks:  1 Cor. 14:16-17
(e) Needed To Exercise, Activate and Stimulate our Faith: (Jude 1:20)
(f) Needed For Spiritual Warfare:  Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
*Speaking With Diverse Kinds of Tongues
(a) Needed For Ministration: (1 Cor. 14:22a AMP):
(b) Needed by God when He Chooses To Use It for His Glory: Acts 2: 11 (KJV)
(c) Needed For Supernaturally Magnifying God: Acts 10:46

Understanding the Gifts of the Spirit
GIFTS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND OPERATIONS (1 COR. 12:4-6)
*There are different spiritual gifts, but all of them stem from the one and only Holy Spirit.
*We may administer (serve with) these gifts differently, but we serve the same Lord.
*There are different types of operations (procedures), but it is the same God who does the work in all of us

THE NINE GIFTS CATEGORIZED
1. Revelation Gifts: Spiritual Gifts That Reveal Something:
The Word of Wisdom: Enables one to express the Holy Spirit's revelation/knowledge/answers to either an individual or to a group of people, church, etc.
The Word Of Knowledge: Supernatural insight or understanding of circumstances, situations, problems, or a body of facts by revelation
The Discerning Of Spirits: The ability to quickly perceive whether such things as people, events, or beliefs are from God or Satan

2. Power Gifts: Spiritual Gifts That Do Something
The Gift Of Faith: The special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God's promises, power, and presence so they can take heroic stands for the future of God's work in the church.
The Working Of Miracles: The ability given by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles
The Gifts Of Healings: The ability given by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles of healing

3. Utterance or Inspirational Gifts: Spiritual Gifts That Say Something
Prophecy: A supernatural ability to declare the divine will, to interpret the purposes of God, or to make known in any way the truth of God which is designed to influence people.
Divers Kinds Of Tongues: A supernatural utterance in an unknown Tongue (language).
Interpretation Of Tongues: A supernatural showing forth of that which has been said in an unknown Tongue (language).

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

Introduction: In the last study we looked at the second of the Power gifts. The gift of the working of miracles and concluded that It takes purity and earnest desire to access the gifts and also if we are ready to pay the price. Today by the grace of God we shall be examining the gifts of healing. The gifts of healing are manifested for the supernatural healing of sickness and disease without any natural source or means. Most of us basically understand the subject of healing. Healings were, of course, in prominence, in Jesus' ministry as He walked on the earth. Jesus had a healing ministry, and He also gave authority to His disciples to heal the sick (Matt. 10:8). Healing the sick is also included in the Great Commission (Mark 16:18). It will help us to understand the operation and the purpose of these gifts of healings by looking at some of their uses in the Scriptures. We know, first of all, that the purpose of these gifts is to deliver the sick and to destroy the works of the devil in the human body.

1 Cor. 12: 9b:  “To another faith by the same spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit”

The “Gifts”
The spiritual “gifts of healing” is the supernatural manifestation of the Spirit of God that miraculously brings healing and deliverance from disease and/or infirmity. It is the power of God that destroys the work of sin and/or the devil in the human body, such as the healings that Jesus and the disciples performed (Matthew 4:24; 15:30; Acts 5:15-16; 28:8-9). The gifts of healing were given to the church as noted in 1 Corinthians 12, where the spiritual gifts are listed.
The gifts of healing have nothing to do with medical science or human learning. The gifts of healing and other methods of divine healing (miracles, faith) are supernatural.
Divine healing comes by the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, the use of items or sometimes just by speaking the Word, just to name a few Bible examples of how healing is ministered.

Ministering by the Gifts of Healings
Let us look again at 1 Corinthians 12:28: "And God hath set some in the church. ..."
Paul was not talking here about spiritual gifts, or the gifts of the Spirit when he said, "And God hath set some in the Church. . . ." He was talking about men and women who were equipped with spiritual gifts and ministries. He wasn’t referring to a healing that is given to a person to bless him; but a ministry of healing given to bless others.

The Holy Spirit: The Person behind the gift.
It is the anointing of the Holy Spirit that activates the gift. Even in the life of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Himself ministered not as the Son of God but as a man anointed by the Holy Ghost.
Jesus was just as much the Son of God when He was twenty-five as He was the Son of God when He was thirty years old. Yet at twenty-five years old, He had not healed a single person; not one miracle of healing had been wrought under His ministry prior to His receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit at the age of thirty.
It was only after the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove in order to anoint Him to minister that the gifts of the Spirit began to be manifest in His ministry.
This should prove conclusively that Jesus didn't heal the sick by some power that was inherent in Him as the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity. Rather, He healed the sick just as anyone else called of God would minister to the sick today — by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, by the manifestation of these gifts of healings, and by the preaching of the Word of God.
Jesus stood up and read in His hometown synagogue,
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me . . ." (Luke 4:18).
Then Peter, preaching to Cornelius and his household, said, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him "(Acts 10:38).

Interesting Observation about the “Gifts of Healings”
First, let’s look at a few verses in First Corinthians chapter 12. In verses 9, 28, and 30 the gifts of healings are mentioned.
1 Corinthians 12:9, 28, 30
Verse 9: “To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit....”
Verse 28: “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues....”
Verse 30: “Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”

Notice in verse 28, both the words "gifts" and "healings" are plural. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, the word "healings" is plural in the Greek in verses 9, 28, and 30.
Notice also that this gift and that of tongues are the only two spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 that are in the plural. The gift of tongues (for obvious reasons)
Why are they "gifts of healings" and not the "gift of healing"?
The Bible doesn't specifically say, but Kenneth Haggin’s opinion; which he believes is well-founded as to why this is so is that there are gifts of healings because there are different kinds of diseases and one gift wouldn't heal every kind of disease. He came to this conclusion based on his experience and that of other ministers:
He noticed in his ministry, as well as in the ministry of others who have these gifts of healings in operation in their lives and ministries, that when it comes to healings, in some areas he has more success than in other areas. Other ministers have concurred that this is also true in their ministries as well. For instance, one fellow who was greatly used of God in praying for people who were deaf, said by his own admission that he very seldom got any other type of malady except deaf folks. However, in the ministry of Jesus, every manner of sickness and every manner of disease was healed (Matt. 9:35). That's because Jesus had the Spirit without measure (John 3:34) and all the gifts of healings were in manifestation in His life and ministry.

Gifts of Healings vs. Receiving by Faith
There is a difference between receiving healing through the manifestation of gifts of healings and just simply receiving healing by our own faith in God's Word.
Not all healing is not necessarily the gifts of healings in manifestation. For example, someone can be healed by believing the Word of God and acting on it in faith.
1 Corinthians 12 verse 30 says, "Have all the gifts of healing? . . ."
The simple answer is “No, all people do not have the gifts of healings.”
This scripture refutes the idea that if a person receives healing, he has also automatically received the impartation of the supernatural gifts of healings (which is the gift of the Spirit to minister healing to others).” It also refutes the idea that a person is necessarily always healed by gifts of healings; he could be healed on his own faith in God's Word.

Conclusion
We don't operate the gifts of the Spirit as we will; it is as the Spirit wills. However, if there is no gift of the Spirit in manifestation, people can always be healed and set free based on the Word of God. The Bible says it is the anointing, or the power of God, that breaks the yoke (Isa. 10:27). The anointing is on the Word of God. That's why it is so important for believers to be members of a local body — a local church — where the Word of God is preached and where God moves by His Spirit. It is also true that when the Spirit of God is moving, it is a whole lot easier to receive whatever it is you need from God than it is at other times, however, that still does not eliminate receiving healing on your own by simple faith in God's Word because the Bible says, ". . . by whose [Jesus'] stripes ye were healed" (1 Peter 2:24). Thank God for His Word and for the privilege of believing and acting upon His Word. Thank God, too, for supernatural manifestations and for gifts of healings.

This study was extracted from Kenneth E. Hagin’s book; The Spirit and His Gifts.

Contributor: Martins Olubiyi

Introduction:
We have established that the gifts of the Spirit can be categorised into three major divisions: The Utterance gifts, The Revelation gifts and the Power gifts. The Power gifts encompass the gift of faith, the working of miracles and the gift of healing. Today by the grace of God we shall be examining the gift of Working of Miracles. To access any of these gifts it is important we bear in mind the injunction of Apostle Paul when he said ‘but covet earnestly the best gifts…’ 11Cor 12:31a.
To covet is to desire as he stated in 1Cor 14:1. So we must earnestly desire these gifts before we can find full expression of it in our work with the Lord.

Text: 1 Cor 12: 7-11.
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
TO ANOTHER THE WORKING OF MIRACLES; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”

The Working of Miracles Defined
A miracle can be defined as a supernatural intervention by God in the ordinary course of nature. The word miracle is very encompassing. When we use the word "miracle" generally speaking, it means one thing; but used specifically, it means something else. For example, sometimes the word "miracle" is used generally as a figure of speech. We talk, for instance, about miracle drugs, miracle detergents, e.t.c. In nature we might see a beautiful sunrise and say, "That's a miracle." We might look at a beautiful rose garden ablaze with glorious color, the perfume of the flowers ascending into the heavens, and say that it is a "miracle" of nature.

None of these things are a miracle specifically speaking, but generally speaking they are. In the magnificent sunrise, the sun is doing exactly what it ought to do according to the laws of nature. The rose is doing exactly what it was meant to do according to the laws of nature.
Therefore, specifically, these are not miracles because a miracle is a supernatural intervention in the ordinary course of nature. The new birth is a supernatural act which takes place in the spiritual realm.

We do not call that a miracle according to our definition of the word "miracle": a supernatural intervention in the ordinary course of nature. What we call a miracle in the specific sense, is a supernatural act on a natural plane. Therefore, the new birth is not a supernatural act in the natural realm; it is a supernatural act in the spiritual realm. The natural birth is in the natural realm. One is spiritual and the other is natural, and neither are miracles in the specific sense. Every one of the gifts of the Spirit is miraculous; they are all supernatural. In the general use of the word "miracle," all gifts of the Spirit are miracles, not just the gift of the working of miracles. But specifically speaking, all of them are not. When the working of miracles is in manifestation, there is a divine intervention in the ordinary course of nature. For example, the dividing of a stream by the sweep of a mantle is an example of the working of miracles in operation (2 Kings 2:14). After Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot in the whirlwind, Elisha received his mantle and smote the Jordan River. Dividing the waters by a sweep of his mantle was the working of miracles because that was a supernatural intervention in the ordinary course of nature.

Now let's look at examples from the Bible of this gift in operation.
Through the working of miracles, loaves were multiplied (Matt 14:17-21; Mark 6:38-44; Luke 9:13-17; John 6:9-14).
Through the working of miracles, a solid iron axe head was made to float in water as if it were a piece of wood (2 Kings 6:5-7).
Through the working of miracles, the raging force of a storm was quieted (Mark 4:37-41; Luke 8:23-25).
Through the working of miracles, a multitude of fish filled the disciples' net when they let it down at Jesus' instruction (John 21:6-8, 11).
Through the working of miracles, the widow's small pot of oil became a fountain of oil and provided sustenance for her and her son (2 Kings 4:1-7).

The Importance of the Working of Miracles
God certainly worked a miracle when He spoke the earth and the world into existence. When the Lord permits a person through the power of the Holy Spirit to speak a word, and the miraculous occurs, then the same God who created the world is allowing some of His omnipotence to be manifested through that person. But, remember, these gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of the working of miracles, operate as the Spirit wills. By the working of miracles, a nation was plagued to ensure the deliverance of God's people and to bring Him glory (Exod. 7:12). By the working of miracles, the shadow cast by the sun went back ten steps on a sun dial as a sign that King Hezekiah would live and not die (Isa.38:1-8).
Through the working of miracles, suddenly and astonishingly a rod that was thrown to the ground miraculously became a serpent (Exod. 7:10). Through the working of miracles, fire flashed from the sky and consumed a sacrifice as well as the altar upon which it had been sacrificed (1 Kings 18:38). One time through the working of miracles, a prophet even made it thunder and hail (Exod. 9:23).

Elijah and the Widow
The working of miracles was also used in the Old Testament to provide for those in want. For example, it was a working of miracles when the widow's cruse of oil didn't fail, but kept flowing out like a fountain of oil until it filled up every vessel she had, and still the cruse kept flowing with oil (1 Kings 17:8-16).

Working of Miracles in the New Testament.
Now let's look at a few examples of the working of miracles in operation in the New Testament. Jesus and the Feeding of the Five Thousand, when Jesus took the little boy's lunch and fed five thousand with it (John 6:5-14). 
In Acts 8: vs 5 -6 “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the MIRACLES which he did.”
ACTS 6: vs 8
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and MIRACLES among the people.”
ACTS 15: vs 12 “Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what MIRACLES and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.”
ACTS 19: vs 11-12
“And God wrought special MIRACLES by the hands of Paul so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and evil spirits went out of them.”
The passage goes on to tell us about some of the miraculous healings which took place.

Conclusion
It takes purity and earnest desire to access the magnetic field of God’s power. If we are ready to pay the price with the ultimate aim to see Jesus glorified in our calling, God will make all grace abound and orchestrate events that will allow us to be vessels unto honour ready for the Master’s use.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

Introduction
In our previous lessons, we dealt with two of the three “Revelation” gifts. Gifts that reveal something: the gifts of the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge. In this lesson we will cover the third revelation gift: the gift of DISCERNING OF SPIRITS.
“To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.” (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ KJV)
Understanding Discerning Of Spirits Gift ‬‬‬‬‬‬
What It Is Not: Discerning of spirits is not a kind of spiritual mind reading, it’s not psychological insight, nor is it mental "penetration." It is not the power to discern the faults of others. It is not the spirit of “suspicion”. It is not a spiritual gift to uncover human failures (1 Peter 4:8). As a matter of fact, it’s not the discerning of PEOPLE but SPIRITS. Finally, it’s not the same as “testing all spirits” that 1John 4:1 talks about as we will see later in the study.
What It Is: To discern means to see or perceive, identify or distinguish. It is a supernatural ability enabled by God's Holy Spirit that allows a person to determine the source of a spiritual manifestation, whether it emanates from God, the Devil, or man. It is the ability to detect the presence of and the identity of spirits; giving supernatural insight into the realm of “spirits.” It’s not just a discerning of devils or evil spirits, but a discerning of both good and evil spirits. Discerning of spirits therefore, deals with three kinds of classes of spirits: divine, satanic, and human.
Why Is This Gift Important?
1. Because we live in a spiritual world: We are all spirit beings. We also know that things first exist in the spirit realm before they manifest in the physical. Without being spooky, we know that there's a spirit working behind "all" manifestations on earth. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) says:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
We will be walking blind into the wrestling bout without the gift of discerning of spirits. Many people held in different bondages today are actually possessed by evil spirits. (See Mark 5:1-10 (unclean spirit), 9:17-26 (deaf and dumb spirit)).
2. There are false prophets all over the world: 1John 4:1(NIV) says: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." Emphasis mine.
The emphasis on this verse of scripture is that there are "false prophets all over the world" (not that discerning of spirits means testing it). My belief is that with the gift in manifestation we are able to distinguish and differentiate between true and false spirits. But if we do not have the gift, then we should test it based on the yardstick in verses 2 and 3 (Expanded Bible):
“This is how you can •know [recognize] God’s Spirit: Every spirit [ a teacher/prophet claiming inspiration from the Spirit] who •confesses [acknowledges] that Jesus Christ came •to earth as a human [in the flesh] is from God.  3 And every spirit who •refuses to say this about Jesus [does not confess/acknowledge Jesus] is not from God [2 John 7]. It is the spirit of the •enemy of Christ [ antichrist; 2:18, 22], which you have heard is coming, and now he is already in the world.”
 Also see Jeremiah 14:14, "And the Lord said to me, 'The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart." And Ezekiel 13:7 & Ezekiel 21:29
3. There are evil spirits in disguise all over the world: There are evil spirits that could take over people and use them against you. Remember the old prophet in 1 Kings 13? He was taken over by a lying spirit as we see in verse 18. Even well-meaning believers could be negatively influenced by evil spirits without their knowing if they are not careful. Matthew 16:23 (KJV):
“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men"
Jesus discerned the spirit that was speaking through Peter and rebuked it
4. Supernatural manifestations can come from different sources: It is good to have a genuine manifestation of the Spirit of God, but we must realize that all supernatural manifestations are not necessarily a demonstration of the Spirit of God. If the discerning of spirits is in operation, we can know the spirit behind a given manifestation or operation. We will recall the story about the possessed girl in Acts 16.
“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” (‭Acts‬ ‭16‬:‭16-18‬ KJV)
Paul discerned that it was a foul spirit of divination manifesting through the girl and dealt with the spirit. ‬‬‬‬‬‬
The fact is, there are people who receive supernatural revelation from the devil (though they don't usually understand that he is the source). They call it names like "second vision", "the gift", "the sight", etc. This is really a form of divination or witchcraft that unbelievers practice today. Many are fascinated by it but we should as Christians should be discerning. 
How Does The Gift Manifest?
Sometimes the person actually physically sees the evil spirit at work in the person or situation. There have been instances where during ministrations, ministers see demons manifesting from within the bound person. The Bible tells us of one in Acts 8 where Peter exercised discerning of spirits when he encountered Simon the Sorcerer. Simon had believed in the gospel but when he saw the Holy Spirit given through the laying on of hands he wanted to buy that power from the apostles. Peter saw his heart and said; "For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." (Verse 23) In the natural we might have guessed that greed for power was the underlying motivation but Peter saw that the true root was bitterness and iniquity.
Conclusion
The greatest trick of the enemy is to make the world believe that he does not exist; so that he can ride on their ignorance, control and destroy them. He executes his plans by employing various demons who carry around all sorts of evil spirits. And although we cannot perceive the spirit world with our natural senses, the realm of the spirit (both positive and negative) is very real. Discerning of spirits is such a vital gift to the body of Christ. The enemy has gotten away with a lot of demonic manifestations in church services because the gift of discerning of spirits was not in operation. God has provided the gift of discerning of spirits to give the Church supernatural insight into this spiritual realm, as His Spirit wills. And when rightly used, is a great protection to the body of Christ; better equipping us to wage war against the wiles of the enemy. Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

Contributor: Martins Olubiyi

Introduction
Last week we were told that we ought not to run a flat service because ‘with great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all’. Act 4: 33 (NIV). Also we were told that to operate successfully in these gifts our faith must work by love. Gal 5:6. This truth is exemplified in the writings of Paul. He started his message on the gifts of the Spirit from chapter 12 and spoke about love (charity) in the whole of chapter 13 before he concluded it in chapter 14. It is important we bear this in mind as we continue in our studies. Today we shall be examining the gift of the word of wisdom.

Text: 1 Cor 12: 7-11.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit THE WORD OF WISDOM; ……… But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, DIVIDING TO EVERY MAN SEVERALLY AS HE WILL.

The scripture made us to realise that all these gifts work by the same Holy Spirit and He gives to every man severally as He wills. Also He will not use everyone the same way. We must realise that the choice of which gift to operate in is at the prerogative of the Holy Spirit.
This is not the gift of wisdom or the gift of knowledge as some people call it. Also it is not talking about natural wisdom and knowledge. It is the word of wisdom, and it is word of knowledge. They are given supernaturally. They are not natural gifts. God is omniscience. He Has all knowledge. He knows everything. He never reveals everything He knows. He may choose to just give only a word, a part, or a fragment of what He knows. For instance, a word of knowledge as we are told is just a fragmentary part of God’s knowledge. This also applies to word of wisdom. It is not the gift of wisdom. It is the word of wisdom. God Has all wisdom. He can decide that at a given time He will reveal a part of it to any of His children.

The Word of Wisdom Is Not Wisdom in the Affairs of Life.
It is observed that the word of wisdom many times is confused with simple wisdom in the affairs of life, but simple wisdom in the affairs of life is not a spiritual gift. Case of Joshua in Joshua 1: 8. One translation read ‘‘…Thou shalt make thyself prosperous and thou shalt be able to deal wisely in the affairs of life.’’ (emphasis mine). Also in Exodus 36: 1-2, the wisdom given to Bezaleel and Aholiab can be classified as general wisdom. In James 1:5, the Lord promised to give this general wisdom in all affairs of life to anyone that asks for it. This is not the supernatural wisdom that we are considering today.

The Word of Knowledge vs. The Word of Wisdom.
The Word of Knowledge is a supernatural revelation by the Spirit of God concerning certain facts, plan and divine purpose in the mind and will of God. The facts could be about people, places, or things in the past or present. The difference between the two gifts is that, the revelation the Word of knowledge bring is always present tense or concerning something that has happened in the past. The Word of Wisdom speaks of the future. However, the two gifts can operate together. In the New Testament and in the Old Testament, we see instances where these two gifts were in operation together as the prophets prophesied.  The Old Testament Prophet operated in the two gifts along with the gift of prophecy. For example Prophet Isaiah prophesied about the New Covenant and the coming Messiah.
Prophecy can be a vehicle through which other gifts can flow. It should be noted that the Prophet of Old testament had to have the word of wisdom in manifestation in his ministry to be able to stand in the office of the prophet because he made predictions concerning the future, and the simple gift of prophecy does not include with it the element of predicting or foreseeing into the future. So the prediction is actually a word of wisdom in operation.
Revelation gifts can also come through those who are called to the fivefold ministries. But it is common for it to operate frequently in the office of the prophet. Prophecy is used to bring edification, exhortation, and comfort and not revelation. The word of wisdom can come through the vocal gift of an utterance i.e. through prophecy or through tongues and interpretation. Word of Wisdom can also come through vision or by dream or audible voice or messages through Angel. Dream- Case of Joseph in the Old Testament. Audible Voice- Moses and the Law. We have example in the New Testament whereby Word of Knowledge and Word of Wisdom operate together. Vision- Case of John on the Isle of Patmos. Case of Ananias in Acts 9: 10-16. Messages through Angel- Case of Philip in Acts 8: 26-29. Before we read that passage, we can familiarise ourselves with the progression in Philip’s ministerial calling; He was appointed to serve tables (Act 6: 2,3). Later God moved him into the office of the evangelist (Acts 21: 8).
“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them’’ (Acts 8: 5).

Thereafter Philip received an instructional message from the Lord through an Angel as recorded in Acts 8: 26. The angel gave instructions regarding God’s plan for Philip’s immediate future. The angel said ‘’Go down to the desert’’. This was a word of wisdom about something that was to happen in the near future. Philip obeyed. Then a word of knowledge was given to Philip by the Voice of the Holy Spirit. ‘’…Go near, and join thyself to this chariot’’ (vs. 29). The instructions were more spectacular than the inward witness or inward voice of the Holy Spirit that every believer has.
Noah’s story in Gen 6: 13-18 was another Old Testament example of how the gift of word of wisdom can be manifested. Also Lot and his family (Gen 19: 29).
The New Testament example is about Prophet Agabus in (Acts 11: 28 and in 21: 10, 11). We also have in record the word of wisdom to Paul in (Acts 27: 10, 23, 24).

Conditional Word of Wisdom.
Some manifestations of the word of wisdom are conditional, depending upon the person’s obedience. For instance in the case of Prophet Isaiah and King Hezekiah in (2 Kg. 20: 1, 5, 6)

Conditional Word of Knowledge and Wisdom to help a dying man. (Illustrative purpose) (James 5: 14- 16; 1 Cor 11: 30, 31 & 2 Cor 5: 17).

Conclusion
Blessed be the name of the Lord who Has not left us in darkness, as we can hear from heaven through the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. How desperately we need supernatural manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit today such as the word of wisdom. As we learn to yield to God, His plans and purposes will be revealed to us through the word of wisdom as His Spirit wills. But we need to take very seriously God’s message to us that come through these gifts and stand as a watchman to preserve those words from decadence.

This study was extracted from Kenneth E. Hagin’s book; The Spirit and His Gifts.

Contributor: Alex Alajiki

Introduction
Last week we focused on another gift of the Holy Spirit; divers kinds of tonques. The emphasis was being able to separate our prayer language from the operation of divers kinds of tongues. We can pray in our prayer language at will but we can’t operate the gift of divers kinds of tongue whenever we want. It was also noted that this is the only gift that was not in operation until the day of penticost according to Acts 2.

This week, we shall examine the gift of the Spirit that works with the gift of divers kinds of Tongues; Interpretation of Tongues

1) Prophecy, Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues ; 1 Cor. 14:5

". . . greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret. . ."
The three utterance gifts — prophecy, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues —are very closely associated. The Bible plainly tells us that tongues with interpretation is equal to prophecy. By definition;
• Prophecy is supernatural utterance in a known tongue.
• Divers kinds of tongues is supernatural utterance in an unknown tongue
• Interpretation of tongues is the supernatural showing forth by the Spirit the meaning of an utterance in other tongues. It is not translation of tongues; it is the interpretation of tongues.

2) The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues; 1 Corinthians 12: 7-11
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; TO ANOTHER THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
The gift of interpretation of tongues is the only gifts of the Spirit that depends upon another gift — divers kinds of tongues — in order to operate. It does not operate unless divers kinds of tongues have been in operation.
The purpose of the gift of interpretation of tongues is to render the gift of tongues understandable to the hearers so that the whole church congregation, as well as the one who gave the utterance in an unknown tongue, may know what has been said and may be edified thereby. Paul said,". . . greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, THAT THE CHURCH MAY RECEIVE EDIFYING" (1 Cor. 14:5). Another way of delivering supernatural message is by the manifestation of the gift of prophecy. For example, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs are also given by the Holy Spirit through the gift of prophecy.

3) The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues In Our Private Prayer Life;            1Corinthians 14:13 "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret."
In private prayer, it is not necessary that everything we utter in other tongues be clear to our understanding, because Paul said, "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful" (1 Cor. 14:14).
Therefore, it isn't necessary that everything we  pray in tongues be clear to our understanding or be interpreted because we are not talking to ourselves, we are talking to God. What we pray in tongues is clear to God and that is sufficient: "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, BUT UNTO GOD: for no man understandeth him; how-beit in the spirit HE SPEAKETH MYSTERIES" (1Cor. 14:2).

On some occasions God may desire that we interpret our prayers. Paul suggests this in 1 Corinthians 14:13 "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret."
There may be times, if it is as the Spirit of God wills, that we know what we are praying about in tongues in our personal devotions, and God will give us the interpretation.

4) The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues In Public Ministry; 1CORINTHIANS 14:27 ” If anyone speaks in a tongue, two — or at the most three — should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.” NIV
“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.” KJV
Based on these scriptures, if three people have already spoken publicly in tongues, a fourth one should not join in and give out an utterance in tongues. If something else needs to be said, one of those who has already spoken should say it. That maintains good order and is consistent with this passage of Scripture where Paul was laying down principles of proper order for supernatural utterances in the local assembly. Notice that Paul said, " . . let one interpret" (1 Cor. 14:27). There is nothing in the Scriptures that would negate the thought that a person may speak with tongues and interpret the utterance himself. In fact, one of those who is giving the message in tongues may certainly interpret it himself. Or there may be more than one person who could interpret it. According to 1 Corinthians 14:13, those who speak in other tongues are instructed to pray for the gift of interpretation: "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret."

What Paul was saying here was that the reason a person is to seek for the gift of interpretation is not necessarily so that he can interpret publicly, but so that he can interpret his own prayers privately if God so wills. That would mean a great deal to his spiritual edification. Then if God did will to use him publicly, he would be equipped to operate in that realm as well. Actually, in First Corinthians 14:27 when Paul said, ". . . let ONE interpret," he was admonishing us not to have competitive interpretations; that is, two or three people trying to
Outdo one another by interpreting an utterance.

When someone is speaking with tongues, a person who is used often in the gift of interpretation of tongues should immediately begin to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's moving, if he is not already in tune with what the Holy Ghost is doing in the service. He should make himself available and be ready for the Lord to use him in the operation of that gift.

Conclusion;
The interpretation of tongues is not a translation. Interpretation is simply showing forth supernaturally by the Spirit of God the meaning of what was said in tongues, and it may not take as many words to declare what was said.
A final point about tongues and interpretation of tongues is that Paul said, ". . . Let all things be done unto edifying" (1 Cor. 14:26). When the gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues is manifested by the Spirit of God (and this is one way to judge if it is by the Holy Spirit or not), the utterance will be edifying, inspiring, and a blessing. Of course, if we ourselves are out of tune with the Spirit, we will not always be in a position to judge.
This study was extracted from Kenneth E. Hagin’s book; The Spirit and His Gifts.

Introduction
Our last study was focused on the word of Knowledge. This is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost of certain facts in the mind of God to man. It must be noted that its operation is at the instance of the Holy Spirit not according to our will. The operation of this gift does not make the vessel to become all knowing. This gift was in operation both in the old and new testament.

This week, we shall focus on another gift of the Holy Spirit; divers kinds of Tongues. It must be noted that this is the only gift that was not in operation until the day of penticost according to Acts 2.

1) The Gift of Tongues Is a Supernatural Sign; I Cor. 12:10, Mk.16:17

10 TO ANOTHER DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES; to another the interpretation of tongues

 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils
THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES

Divers kinds of tongues is supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in languages never learned by the speaker, nor understood by the speaker, nor necessarily always understood by the hearer. Speaking with tongues has nothing whatsoever to do with linguistic ability; it has nothing to do with the mind or the intellect of man. It is a vocal miracle of the Holy Spirit.

We might ask, "What is the good of speaking with tongues?" Jesus said in Mark 16:17, ". . . these signs shall follow them that believe . . . they shall speak with new tongues."                                          Speaking in tongues is important because Jesus said this is one of the signs which should follow believers.

2) Tongues Is the Evidence Of Being Filled With the Spirit;

There are five recorded instances where believers received the Holy Spirit and three with the evidence of speaking in tongues in the book of Acts. This shows us a pattern of the Holy Spirit’s dealing in the early Church.
a) Acts 2:1-4; The 120 on the Day of Pentecost: These were men and women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus. Gathered in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

b)  Acts 8:5-17; The Samaritans: Saved under Philip's ministry, they received the Holy Spirit when Peter and John laid hands on them. Simon saw physical evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which was probably speaking in tongues.

c) Acts 9:3-18; Saul (later called Paul): When Ananias laid hands on him, Paul received the Holy Spirit. We know Paul spoke in tongues because later he wrote to the Church at Corinth, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye r. 14:18).

d)  Acts 10:44-46; Cornelius and his household: This incident occurred years after the Day of Pentecost. As Peter was preaching the gospel to these first Gentile converts, they were all saved (Acts 11:14) and filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke with other tongues.

e) Acts 19:1-7 The Ephesian disciples: This incident occurred many years after the Day of Pentecost. These Ephesian disciples were saved and baptized in the Name of Jesus after Paul explained the gospel to them. Then when Paul laid hands on them, they were immediately filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke with other tongues.
3) The Purposes of Speaking in Divers kinds of Tongues;
Apart from being the initial evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirt, there are other purposes of tongues for today.
a) Speaking Mysteries Supernaturally to God; 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"

b) Magnifying God; ACTS 10:45,46
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished . . . because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them SPEAK WITH TONGUES, AND MAGNIFY GOD....

c) Edifying Ourselves; 1 Corinthians 14:4, JUDE 20

"He that speak-eth in an unknown tongue EDIFIETH HIMSELF. . . ."

20 “But ye, beloved, BUILDING UP YOURSELVES on your most holy faith, PRAYING IN
THE HOLY GHOST.”

d) Helps us to Praying in the Spirit; Eph. 6:18, Romans 8:26
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication IN THE SPIRIT. . ."

 "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."

e) Spiritual Refreshing; ISAIAH 28:11,12

For with stammering lips and ANOTHER TONGUE will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, THIS IS THE REST wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and THIS IS THE REFRESHING....

There is a very real spiritual rest and a spiritual refreshing in communicating with God our
Father, as our spirits pray distinct and separate from our understanding.

4) Private vs. Public Operation Of the Gift of Tongues; 1 CORINTHIANS 14:18,19
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:19 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.
In this passage, Paul was explaining the difference between tongues used as a devotional gift: ". . . I speak with tongues more than ye all" (v. 18), and tongues used in public ministry: "Yet IN THE CHURCH I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that... I might teach others .. ."

Conclusion Every believer can pray to interpret his tongues in his own private devotions (1 Cor. 14:13). However, God will not use every believer in public utterance in tongues, for that is a gift and is
not given to everyone: "But all these [spiritual gifts] worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, DIVIDING TO EVERY MAN SEVERALLY AS HE WILL" (1 Cor. 12:11). As with every gift of the Spirit, the gift of tongues operates only as the Spirit wills. No one should try to operate this gift in the public assembly without the unction of the Holy Spirit.

This study was extracted from Kenneth E. Hagin’s book; The Spirit and His Gifts.

Contributor: Alex Alajiki

INTRODUCTION
We commenced the study of the gift of the word of knowledge last week by looking very closely and deeply at the meaning of this gift. We were reminded of God’s attribute of being the all knowing God. Also, because of His sovereignty, He choses to reveal certain facts to man only in parts. Since no man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man, even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God (1 Cor.2:11). We can therefore conclude (as mentioned in the last study) that the word of knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost of certain facts in the mind of God.
In this study today, we will be highlighting various Old and New Testament examples of the operation of the gift of the word of knowledge. We will also look at some present day examples and hopefully, this will create a deep desire in us to crave for and covet these gifts. Heb.13:8

1. As The Spirit Wills
"But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills”
[1 Cor.12:11]
Remember that this is a gift. The type of gift, value and timing e.t.c are all the prerogative of the giver of the gift. In the same way, the gifts of the Holy Spirit operate as the Holy Spirit wills, not as we will.

Also, according to 1 Cor. 12:8, Paul infers that not every man is going to have all these gifts operating through him and no one can operate these gifts without the unction of the Spirit of God (the giver). Also note that the fact that a gift of the Spirit has operated in ones life on occasion does not mean that person can operate it at will. Doing this will open up such a person to a satanic (deceptive) spirit. Please niote once again, that it is as the Spirit Wills, not as We Will! If an entire local body of believers will covet the gifts of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit will divide to every man severally as He wills — not as I will, not as you will, but as the Spirit wills.
2. The Word of Knowledge In The Old Testament
There were supernatural manifestations of the word of knowledge in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament. In fact, all the gifts of the Spirit were in operation in the Old Testament except tongues and the interpretation of tongues. We do find all the other gifts of the Spirit — the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, special faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, and discerning of spirits —manifested in the Old Testament. These gifts of the Spirit were manifested in the New Testament first in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Then after the Day of Pentecost, the gifts of the Spirit, with tongues and interpretation of tongues as well, began to be manifested through Spirit-filled believers.

A. The Word of Knowledge to Samuel Regarding Saul’s Donkey – 1 Sam.9:3-6, 15-20.
We find here an example of how the gift of the word of knowledge was used to recover a lost property. Saul’s servant said to him while they were out looking for his father’s donkeys, to go ask Prophet Samuel.

“Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying” [vs 15]

Of course, Samuel only knew what God revealed to him, because if Samuel knew everything, that would make him omniscient or all-knowing. Samuel had a word of knowledge for Saul in 1 Sam.10:2. Sure some of us will have memories of how we miraculously recover a lost item through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

B. The Word of Knowledge to Samuel Regarding Saul – 1 Sam. 10:22.
The word of knowledge also operated in the Old Testament to discover a man in hiding. Although Samuel had already anointed Saul to be king over Israel, when it came time to reveal him as the king, Saul hid ". . . among the stuff. . ." (1 Sam. 10:22). When the people couldn't find him, they inquired of the Lord instead of sending everyone to look for him. (Many times that is the quickest way to find an answer.)
The people knew that the Lord knew where Saul was. And the Lord told them exactly where Saul was. When they looked where God told them to look, they found Saul. That was the word of knowledge in operation. Remember, the word of knowledge reveals certain facts in the mind of God. [Also share a present day testimony of a 16 years girl lost for about 22 years].

C. The Word of Knowledge to Elijah – 1 Sam. 10:22.
Here, we see the how the word of knowledge was manifested to encourage and enlighten a discouraged servant. After a great mountain-top encounter in 1 Kings 18:37-38, Elijah became fearful and depressed after Jezebel threatened to kill him. The thought of being the only prophet left in Israel (1 Kings 19:14) was too much for him to bear under the circumstances. But God gave Elijah a word of knowledge that encouraged and enlightened him. God said,
"No, you aren't the only one left. I have seven thousand people reserved to Myself'(1 Kings 19:18).
Elijah couldn't have known that any other way. I am sure it encouraged him to know that he wasn't the only one left; that God had seven thousand who hadn't bowed their knees to Baal.

Two other Old Testament examples are the exposure of Gehazi’s hypocritical behaviour in 2 Kings 5:21-24 and the exposure of the King of Syria’s plan of destruction in 2 Kings 6:8-12. 
3. The Word of Knowledge In The New Testament
Now let's look at some other examples of the word of knowledge in operation in the New Testament.
A. The Samaritan Woman - John 4:7-10, 13-19, 25-26
Jesus, through the gift of the word of knowledge was able to convince the Samaritan woman of the need for a saviour by not only telling her all that she ever did according to the words of the woman (verse 39), but also giving her vivid details of her current situation.
B. Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5:1-4
It would have been all right if Ananias and Sapphira had sold their property and given only half of the money to the church, but they lied about it. They kept back part of the money for themselves and said they were giving the entire profit from the sale of the land to the church. The entire transaction was revealed to Peter through a word of knowledge. Ananias' wife Sapphira came in and the same thing happened. And both of them fell dead the same day.

CONCLUSION
The gift of the word of knowledge can also be used as an aid in effectual prayer, either for God's servants in distress or for those in need of spiritual help. That is why the Holy Spirit’s help is very vital. Remember, the revelation that the word of knowledge brings is never future tense — it's present or past tense. The word of wisdom, on the other hand, reveals plans and purposes concerning the future.
By the manifestation of the gift of the word of knowledge, the Church can be purified, the distressed comforted, the saints gladdened, lost property recovered, the enemy's plans defeated, and the Lord Jesus Christ glorified. Hallelujah!

*Teaching is culled from "The Holy Spirit and His Gifts" by Kenneth E Hagin.

Contributor: Leye Olayiwola

Introduction:
Two weeks, we commenced teaching on spiritual gifts, which are divided into three broad categories with three sub types. The first consists of prophecy, divers kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues usually referred to as the gift of utterance. Next includes gift of faith, working of miracles and the gifts of healing known as the power gifts. The final category consists word of wisdom, word of knowledge and discerning of spirits known as revelational gifts. Last week, we considered the gift of prophecy. We defined prophecy as speaking for God. We differentiated between having the gift of prophecy and occupying the office of a prophet. The former is given for edification, exhortation and comfort without revelation while the latter incorporates some form of revelation or foretelling. Old Testament prophecy involves foretelling while the New Testament is strongly tilting to forth telling.  This week, we shall begin a two-part series on the gift of word of knowledge and pray that these teachings will create desires in us to long and prayerful “covet” these spiritual gifts.

The Gift of the Word of Knowledge
The first thing to note in this gift is that it is referred to as "the word of knowledge." and not "the gift of knowledge." The word of knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost of certain facts in the mind of God. God is all knowing. But He doesn't reveal everything He knows to man. He just gives him a word or a part of what He knows. A word is a fragmentary part of a sentence, so a word of knowledge would simply be a fragmentary part of the entire knowledge or counsel of God. God is all knowing. He has all knowledge. But He doesn't impart all of His knowledge to us; He imparts a word of knowledge to us – just what He wants us to know at a given time.

What Gift of Word of Knowledge is Not
1. The Word of Knowledge Is Not Natural Knowledge: This word of knowledge is a supernatural manifestation as are all of these gifts of the Spirit. None of them are natural gifts; they are all supernatural gifts. Since one of them is supernatural, they all are supernatural. If one of them were natural, then all of them would be natural.
2. The Word of Knowledge Is Not A Profound Knowledge of the Bible. Also, this gift of the word of knowledge is sometimes confused with a profound knowledge of the Bible. It doesn’t come by solely studying the bible so much even though it works in connection with God’s words. Indeed, we are to study God’s words as Paul admonished Timothy "STUDY to shew thyself approved ..." (2 Tim. 2:15). So that a profound knowledge of the Bible comes by studying, but the word of knowledge comes by a supernatural revelation.
3. The Word of Knowledge Is Not Necessarily Knowledge of God Through Close Communion With Him. Please note that one does gain a real knowledge of God by walking with Him, but that is different from a supernatural impartation of knowledge of certain facts in the mind of God. Example of Samuel vs Eli in I Sam. 3:1-10 clearly illustrates this point that one can know about the things of God but not hear His voice so that this kind of knowledge doesn't necessarily come by a longtime experience of walking with God.

Biblical Examples of the Word of Knowledge
1. The Word of Knowledge to John: Rev. 1:10-20. For John, it came through vision so we can also learn that this gift can come through vision. It is clear that John, exiled to the Isle of Patmos, couldn't possibly have known what was going on in these cities or churches, but Jesus revealed to him their spiritual conditions. That was a word of knowledge!
2. The Word of Knowledge to Ananias: Acts 9:10-12. Again, this gift was revealed to a layman (not an apostle), Ananias, through vision. The Bible calls him a disciple. He was just a member of the church at Damascus. If the Lord wills, laymen as well as ministers can have a manifestation of the word of knowledge or any of the gifts of the Spirit. Ananias couldn't have known in the natural that in a certain house on a certain street a man named Saul was praying at that minute. Ananias couldn't have known that Saul had had a vision in which he had seen a man called Ananias coming in and putting his hands on him that he might receive his sight. Ananias couldn't have known this any other way than by supernatural revelation. He knew it by the word of knowledge!
3. The Word of Knowledge to Peter: Acts 10:9-19: Peter received a supernatural revelation - a word of knowledge: ". . . Behold, three men seek thee" (Acts 10:19). Peter did not know there were three men who were seeking him (v. 19). He had fallen into a trance and had seen the vision of the sheet descending out of heaven. 
While Peter was thinking about what that vision meant, the Holy Spirit told him that three men were seeking him. The men were already standing at the gate. Peter hadn't seen these men. He had no way of knowing they were there except by the Spirit of God.
4. There are also many other present day examples about of the manifestation of this gift to Christians.

Conclusion
To conclude this part of the gift of word of knowledge, it will be important to emphasize that this gift as with other spiritual gifts is used to bless others. It is also an effective gift to witness and get people saved (E.g. Cornelius and his household). We certainly need the manifestation of this gift to be effective in witnessing as individuals and as a church.
To be balanced, it will be great to add that the word of knowledge may come by an inward revelation, an audible voice, by the Spirit of God speaking to you. Also, the gifts of the Spirit often operate together. We just separate them in order to define them. For example, the word of knowledge may come through tongues and interpretation of tongues, or through the gift of prophecy. Or an angel might come to deliver a word of knowledge. God has many means of doing things, including manifesting the word of knowledge in various ways. God is visiting hungry hearts everywhere. He is manifesting His power through the supernatural gifts of the Spirit, and one of these gifts is the word of knowledge.

Contributor: Akin Akande

Introduction
Last week, we categorized the gifts of the Spirit into three simple groups;                                                
*Three gifts of utterance that say something; (Prophecy, Divers kinds of tongues, Interpretation of tongues).
*Three gifts of power that do something: (The gift of faith, the working of miracles, the gifts of healings)
*Three gifts of revelation that reveal something: (The word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, the discerning     of spirits).

This week, we shall examine the gift of Prophesy and differentiate it from the office of a Prophet.

1) What is Prophesy; 1Cor.14:1: "Follow after charity [love], and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may PROPHESY."
The Hebrew meaning of the phrase, "to prophesy" is to flow forth. It also carries with it the thought: to bubble forth like a fountain, to let drop, to lift up, to tumble forth, and to spring forth. The Greek word that is translated "prophesy" means to speak for another. So "prophesy" can mean to speak for God or to be His spokesman.

Again, at the end of First Corinthians chapter 14, Paul repeated, "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy ..." (1 Cor. 14:39). Paul was writing by the inspiration of God. We could say it this way: God through Paul spoke to the Church at Corinth (and it applies to the Church everywhere) to desire spiritual gifts, but rather that we may prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1,39). Foretelling vs. Forth Telling

2) Prophesy Vs Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues
The Bible says, ". . . greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret ..."    (1 Cor. 14:5). This infers that to speak with tongues and to interpret the tongues is equivalent to prophecy. Therefore, prophecy is really the most important of these three gifts of inspiration or utterance in that it does not require another gift to complete it. Prophecy is supernatural utterance in a known tongue.
3) The Gift of Prophecy vs. The Office of the Prophet
The simple gift of prophecy should not be confused with the prophetic office or with prophetic utterance that may come forth in the prophet's ministry. Paul said, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to EDIFICATION, and EXHORTATION, and COMFORT" (1 Cor. 14:3). Thus, we can readily see that in the simple gift of prophecy there is no revelation. The simple gift of prophecy is given for edification, exhortation, and comfort. In the office of the prophet, however we very often find that revelation or foretelling does come forth, even through the vehicle of prophecy. It is also interesting to note the difference between prophecy in the Old Testament and prophecy in the New Testament. In the Old Testament prophecy was essentially foretelling, but in the New Testament we see that the gift of prophecy shifts strongly to forth telling.
Notice that in First Corinthians 14:1, Paul was telling the whole Church at Corinth to covet to prophesy and to desire spiritual gifts, ". . . but rather that ye may prophesy." Yet in First Corinthians 12:28, Paul said that all are not prophets. If prophesying made a person a prophet, then Paul would be contradicting himself. In other words, the fact that the gift of simple prophecy operates through a person doesn't make him a prophet.
For example, a rich man has money. Most of us have at least some money, even if it's only a few cents, but that doesn't make us rich. By the same token, a prophet would of course prophesy, but a person who prophesies wouldn't necessarily be a prophet.

Also, a prophet would have more of the gifts of the Spirit in operation than just the gift of prophecy. He would have revelation gifts operating along with prophecy for the simple reason that Paul says in First Corinthians 14:29 and 30, "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If anything be REVEALED to another that sitteth by [that is, another prophet], let the first hold his peace."
Here Paul is talking about revelation. "If anything be REVEALED . . ." (v. 30). Therefore, the
Prophet would have other revelation gifts operating in his ministry, as well as the gift of prophecy

To constitute standing in the office of the prophet, a person needs to have at least two of the revelation gifts operating on a continual basis in his life and ministry, plus the gift of prophecy. In other words, for a person to stand in the office of the prophet, he would need to be called to the fivefold ministry as a preacher or teacher of the Word (Eph. 4:11,12), and have two of the three revelation gifts — the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, or the discerning of spirits ¦— plus prophecy operating consistently in his ministry.
4) New Testament Example Of the Gift of Prophecy; Act 21:8,9
“And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man Philip had four daughters, virgins, WHICH DID PROPHESY.”  We see a scriptural illustration of some believers who had the gift of prophecy operating in their lives.
All four of Philip's daughters had this simple gift of prophecy operating in their lives. They must have prophesied in the services held in their house because otherwise Paul and his company would not have known that they prophesied. Philip's daughters spoke to the whole company to edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor.14:3). However, when the prophet Agabus came, he had a message from the Holy Spirit on a higher order, which brought revelation.

5) New Testament Example of The Prophet's Ministry; ACTS 21:10,11
“And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and
feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”  Agabus wasn't necessarily prophesying here in the sense that we normally think of the gift of simple prophecy. He just had a message from the Holy Ghost. He had a message that had some revelation with it — the word of wisdom. However, no definite direction was given to Paul in this message in the sense that Agabus didn't tell Paul to go or not to go to Jerusalem. That decision was left up to Paul. Agabus just told Paul what was going to happen in the near future should he go to Jerusalem.
There are two possible ways of interpreting the word of wisdom that Agabus had for Paul. One, it was a word of wisdom delivered through the vehicle of prophecy. Two, Agabus was just
reporting the word of wisdom he already knew by the Spirit of God.

Conclusion: God is always willing to allow His gifts of the Spirit to operate in and through us. We must all become wiling vessels for Him to use as we continue to pray more in the spirit.
              This study was extracted from Kenneth E. Hagin’s book; The Spirit and His Gifts.

Contributor: Alex Alajiki

INTRODUCTION:
In our last study, we looked at the importance of speaking in tongues and that connected us to one of the gifts of the Spirit- diverse kinds of tongues. In this study, we will have a look at the Gifts of the Spirit. From our text, we find that Paul didn't want the Church at Corinth to be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts, in the same vein; the Church today should not be ignorant concerning these gifts.
There are some people who know nothing about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or even that such gifts exist; they think these gifts have been done away with. While there are others who know something about the gifts of the Spirit, but their knowledge is very limited.
The focus of this study therefore is to become acquainted with these wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit.

GIFTS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND OPERATIONS (1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-6)

Verses 4-6
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all
In other words; there are different spiritual gifts, but all of them stem from the one and only Holy Spirit.
We may administer (serve with) these gifts differently, but we serve the same Lord.
There are different types of operations (procedures), but it is the same God who does the work in all of us

Verse 7
". . . The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (1 Cor. 12:7). Paul was making the distinction here that "gifts" of the Spirit aren't gifts in the sense that the believer owns and operates the gift whenever he wants to. They are gifts of the Holy Ghost, manifested through individual believers as the Spirit of God wills. The gifts of the Spirit aren't just given for the individual, but they are given in order to profit the whole local assembly or local body of believers.

THE NINE GIFTS CATEGORIZED (1 CORINTHIANS 12:8-10)
“For to one is given by the Spirit the WORD OF WISDOM; to another the WORD OF KNOWLEDGE by the same Spirit; to another FAITH by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of HEALING by the same Spirit; to another the WORKING OF MIRACLES; to another PROPHECY; to another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS; to another DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES; to another the INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES:”

The nine manifestations or gifts of the Holy Spirit are generally divided into three groups of three each. The division into these three groups is purely to be able to easily distinguish and discuss them. The division is as follows:

REVELATION GIFTS: SPIRITUAL GIFTS THAT REVEAL SOMETHING
• The Word Of Wisdom: Enables one to express the Holy Spirit's revelation/knowledge/answers to either an individual or to a group of people, church, etc., 
• The Word Of Knowledge: A definite conviction, impression, or knowing that comes to you in a similitude (a mental picture), a dream, through a vision, or by a Scripture that is quickened to you. It is supernatural insight or understanding of circumstances, situations, problems, or a body of facts by revelation; that is, without assistance by any human resource but solely by divine aid. 
• The Discerning Of Spirits: The ability to quickly perceive whether such things as people, events, or beliefs are from God or Satan

POWER GIFTS: SPIRITUAL GIFTS THAT DO SOMETHING
• The Gift Of Faith: The special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God's promises, power, and presence so they can take heroic stands for the future of God's work in the church. They take Him at His Word and put the full weight of their lives in His hands.  They expect God to move and are not surprised when He answers a prayer or performs a miracle. 
• The Working Of Miracles: The ability (energizing power) given by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles
• The Gifts Of Healings: The ability (energizing power) given by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles of healing

UTTERANCE OR INSPIRATIONAL GIFTS: SPIRITUAL GIFTS THAT SAY SOMETHING
• Prophecy: The Greek word translated “prophesying” or “prophecy” means to “speak forth” or declare the divine will, to interpret the purposes of God, or to make known in any way the truth of God which is designed to influence people.
• Divers Kinds Of Tongues: A supernatural utterance in an unknown Tongue (language). Not to be confused with the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of Speaking in Tongues 
• Interpretation Of Tongues: A supernatural showing forth of that which has been said in an unknown Tongue (language). The person giving the message in tongues or usually, another believer suddenly becomes aware of The Holy Spirits desire to use them by His sudden presence coming on them. They then allow The Holy Spirit to speak out through them the Interpretation of the “Message that was previously given in tongues” by giving voice in the Known (common everyday) language

Very often these gifts work together, as with tongues and interpretation. Also, sometimes what we call prophecy is actually a word of wisdom that is being given forth. It is not really the gift of prophecy; because the gift of prophecy has no revelation; that is, no foretelling or element of prediction with it. It however, brings edification, exhortation and comfort as we see in (1 Cor. 14:3).

CONCLUSION
In concluding this study, in 1 Cor. 12:31; the Bible admonishes us to seek earnestly the best gifts
So which of these gifts in the different categories will be the best?
Gifts of Revelation: Of the three gifts of revelation, the WORD OF WISDOM will be rated as the best gift because it brings supernatural revelation of the plan and purpose of God.
Gifts of Power: Of the three gifts of power, the gift of FAITH will be rated as the best gift because it is the supernatural ability to work a miracle and bring healing.
Gifts of Utterance: Of the three gifts of utterance, the GIFT OF PROPHECY will be rated as the best gift because it is complete in and of itself and it brings edification, encouragement, and comfort to the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 14:3).
And between the best gifts in these categories, the WORD OF WISDOM will be rated as the best; again because it brings revelation about the divine plan and purpose of God.

A part of this teaching has been extracted from “The Holy Spirit and His Gifts” by Kenneth Hagin

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION:

In the past few weeks we have been looking at steps to receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. During one of the previous lessons, we mentioned that there was a difference between the gift of the Spirit called diverse kinds of tongues (as we see in 1Corinthians 12:10 KJV): “To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another diverse kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues” and the speaking in unknown tongues that 1 Corinthians 14:2 refers to: “For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].” [AMP]
Paul very definitely encouraged the Corinthian Christians (and ultimately every believer) to follow the practice of speaking with tongues in their own private prayer lives as well as coveting earnestly the best gifts (see 1 Corinthians 12:31). In this study we will be looking at the importance of speaking in tongues in the life of a believer; whether [unknown] tongues or diverse kinds of tongues.
We will group these importance into two parts: “Speaking in unknown tongues” and “Speaking with diverse kinds of tongues”

1. SPEAKING IN UNKNOWN TONGUES
(a) Needed For Devotion & Prayers:
All believers are encouraged to speak in tongues to themselves and to God (1 Cor.14:2, 4). It enables us to have spirit-to-Spirit communication with God. It is a continual experience for the rest of a believer’s life to assist in our relationship and the worship of God. The Spirit also helps us in our weakness by interceding for us; as we see in Romans 8:26 - especially when we don’t know how to pray. Speaking with tongues therefore helps us pray according to the will of God, eliminating selfishness (by praying about things that we wouldn’t think to pray about or things we not even aware of), and praying out the mysteries of God’s divine plan.

(b) Needed For Fulfilment of Scriptures:
Speaking in tongues helps us fulfil the Scriptures that instruct us to:
• Be filled with the Spirit – Ephesians 5:8
• Led by the Spirit – Romans 8:14
• Walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16
• Live in/by the Spirit - Galatians 5:25
• Worship the Father in Spirit and in truth – John 4:23

(c) Needed For Spiritual Edification & Spiritual Refreshing:
The word "edify" means to build up.
Paul said, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifies himself. . ." (1 Cor. 14:4).
Greek language scholars tell us there is a word in our modern vernacular that is closer to the meaning of the original Greek than the word "edifies" and that is the word "charge". We use the word "charge" in connection with charging a battery. Praying in tongues charges our spirits like a battery charger powers a battery. Also, Isaiah 28:11-12 says: “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, this is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear”

(d) Needed To Best Give God Thanks:
1 Cor. 14:16-17 (AMP) says: “Otherwise, if you bless and render thanks with [your] spirit [[f]thoroughly aroused by the Holy Spirit], how can anyone in the position of an outsider or he who is not gifted with [interpreting of unknown] tongues, say the Amen to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? To be sure, you may give thanks well (nobly), but the bystander is not edified [it does him no good].”
The focus here is that when we give God thanks by praying in the Spirit, we cannot go wrong because we do it well.

(e) Needed To Exercise, Activate and Stimulate our Faith:
Exercising our faith develops and builds it up. When we pray, sing, talk, worship or praise in tongues it is by faith. By faith we speak out, by faith we trust the Holy Spirit for the next word. Speaking in tongues is a faith workout. “But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 1:20)

(f) Needed For Spiritual Warfare:
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6:18a (KJV)
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”

2. SPEAKING WITH DIVERSE KINDS OF TONGUES
(a) Needed For Ministration:
Tongues and interpretation of tongues can also minister to the unbeliever (1 Cor. 14:22a AMP):
“Thus [unknown] tongues are meant for a [supernatural] sign, not for believers but for unbelievers [on the point of believing]”

(b) Needed by God when He Chooses To Use It For His Glory:
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?” Acts 2: 4-7 (KJV)
“. . . We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” Acts 2: 11 (KJV)

(c) Needed For Supernaturally Magnifying God:
In Acts 10:46 when Peter went to Cornelius and his household to minister to then and the Holy Spirit fell on them and they began to speak with tongues magnifying God:
"For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. . . ."
Also, we see this in Acts 2: 11 as well with the Apostles on the day of Pentecost.

CONCLUSION
Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). God has given us this wonderful spiritual gift to bless us, edify us, and refresh us throughout our lives on this earth. There is more to being filled with the Holy Ghost than speaking in tongues, it is an integral part of the believer's devotional prayer life, for as the Apostle Paul said, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues . . ." (1 Cor. 14:18).
Finally, from the very words of the Apostle Paul himself (1 Cor.12:3): “. . . 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.”
So don’t be afraid or ashamed to manifest these gifts of the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit gives you utterance. You will be doing yourself a whole lot of good if you do; and most importantly you will be a vessel unto honour as you allow the Lord use the gifts He’s deposited in you for His glory!

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

Introduction:
Last week, we looked at the seven steps needed to receive the Holy Spirit. Understanding these steps will help both the receivers and Spirit filled believers to pray with those seeking to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Today, we shall briefly go over the seven steps again, practicalise the steps if there are people who are yet to be filled with the Holy Spirit and/or pray in the Spirit for some minutes with some notes at the end.
Step 1: Understand that God has already given the Holy Spirit and that it is now up to the believer to receive God's free Gift. Acts 19:1-6, Acts 8:14-17

Step 2: Understand that anyone who is saved is ready to immediately receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-38

Step 3: Understand that once hand is laid on the person seeking to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost by a fellow believer (irrespective of position or title), s/he is to receive the Holy Spirit by faith. Heb. 11:1

Step 4: The person seeking to be baptized in the Holy Spirit must be clearly told what to expect as s/he receives the Holy Spirit e.g. S/he must cooperate with the Holy Spirit by having to speak out by her/himself as the Holy Spirit moves on her/his vocal organs putting words on her/his lips. Acts 2:4, Acts 10:46

Step 5: Need to help some people get over fear of getting something false or counterfeit Luke 11:11-13

Step 6: The candidate must be clearly told to open her/his mouth and be ready to use his own mouth and vocal chords, for the Holy Spirit will give the utterance, but s/he must yield and give voice to that utterance. S/he must also tell God in her/his heart; “I am receiving the Holy Spirit right now by faith”. It is crucial to understand that the Holy Spirit gives the utterance while the receiver does the speaking. John 7:37-39.

Step 7: Avoid distractions! Only one person giving instructions on helping the seeker yield to the Holy Spirit while others pray in the Spirit (not in their own languages) so that s/he may be encouraged to follow suit so to speak.
Carnality: Carnal Christians (or Christians who are sense-ruled or dominated by the flesh) can be filled with the Holy Ghost. How do we know that? Because the Bible says the Corinthian Christians were carnal, and yet Paul prayed for them that they would come behind in no gift (1 Cor. 1:7). He was not endorsing carnality, to be sure. He was trying to get them to grow up in God and outgrow carnality. But as believers yield to Him, the Holy Ghost will help them grow out of carnality.
Baby Christianity: Baby Christians can be filled with the Holy Spirit. Carnal Christians and baby Christians — indeed, all believers — greatly need to be filled with the Holy Spirit because then they will receive power that will help them (Acts 1:8). Also, if they will walk in the light of God's Word and be led by the Holy Spirit, He will lead them into all truth and help them to outgrow some things in their lives which have perhaps hindered their Christian walk (John 16:13). Therefore, if a person is saved, he is ready to receive the Holy Ghost now. Always lead the believer who is seeking the Holy Ghost to see that truth.

Conclusion                                
Essential ingredients to reaching our goal (making it to heaven and fulfilling purpose on earth) are being led by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. We must daily pray in the Spirit to keep ourselves in the love of God and be built up in our most holy faith Jude 1:20-21.

Contributor: Akin Akande
 

INTRODUCTION

Today's lesson has a twofold purpose: Number one purpose is to help those who have not yet received the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Number two is to help Spirit-filled believers pray with those who are seeking to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Remember the lesson on the misconception of having to "tarry" or wait before one can receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost? Any layperson (Believer in Jesus Christ) can take the following seven steps and help any Christian get filled with the Holy Ghost. The steps we will be looking at today have been taught at different believers meetings,  used by both Kenneth E Hagin and many believers in the world and are still being used and delivering results till today.

Step 1 - Help
• Help the Believer see that God has already given the Holy Spirit and it is His/ Her responsibility to receive God's free gift.
• Above all else, the Believer needs to know that He needs not beg God for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. This promise of the infilling of the Holy Spirit has been fulfilled in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost and has been here since then. All that is required is for the Believer to receive the Holy Spirit. [Acts 19:1-6]. In this passage, Paul didn't tell the disciples to pray that God would give them the Holy Spirit, the Bible says in verse 6, ".....the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied".
Step 2 - Show
• Show the person who has come to receive the Holy Ghost that anyone who is saved is ready to immediately receive the Holy Spirit. [Acts 2:37-38]
• Once you are born again, there's nothing else required for you to do in order to qualify to receive the Holy Spirit. You don't have to make any restitution for past sins. Once your sins have been confessed and you have been forgiven, you are qualified.[1 John 1:9]
• Whatever the growth level, whether Carnal (sense-ruled or flesh dominated) or baby (early stage of Christian growth), any Christian (Believer) can be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible says the Corinthian Christians were carnal, and yet Paul prayed for them that they will come behind in no gift [1 Cor.1:7]. Paul was not endorsing carnality, He was simply trying to get them to grow up in God and outgrow carnality.
Step 3 - Tell
• Tell people that when you lay hands on them, they are to receive the Holy Ghost. Anyone (please note) can lay hands on another in faith, for God honors faith. It's got nothing to do with position or title. Anyone (i.e a fellow Believer) can lay their hands on a person in faith as a point of contact.
• The Holy Spirit is received by faith, and faith is always "now" or present tense [Heb.11:1]
Step 4 - Still Tell
• Tell the candidate what to expect as he receives the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, he won't know what is happening when the Holy Spirit begins to move on him.
• Tell him/her to expect the Holy Spirit to move upon his vocal organs and put supernatural words on his/her lips as he/she yields to the Holy Spirit in coorperation. The candidate will have to speak out by himself/ herself.
• Remember, the person is the one who does the actual speaking, not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives the utterance, but man does the actual speaking. ".....they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." [Acts 2:4]. Also read Acts 10:46; 19:6; 1 Cor.14:2,4,5,14-15,18,27-28.
Step 5 - Get Over Fears
• May be necessary to help some people get over their fears before they can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
• Many have been told that they might get something that is false or counterfeit when receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit thereby letting fear or unbelief set in.
• Encourage such with the words of Jesus in Luke 11:11-13. If your child asked you as a parent for bread, would you give him a stone?
Step 6 - Open Your Mouth
• Tell the candidate to open his mouth and be ready to use his own mouth and vocal chords, for the Holy Spirit will give utterance, but he (the candidate) must yield and give voice to that utterance.
• At the same time, the believer should tell God in his heart, " I am receiving the Holy Spirit right now by faith."
• When the Holy Spirit begins to move upon the believer, tell him to lift his voice and speak out whatever utterance is given to him by the Holy Spirit, regardless of what it sounds like.
• Tell the person to speak the words and language the Holy Spirit gives him, continuing to praise God and speak to God with those supernatural words until the language becomes more fluent.
• The person can have assurance and confidense that he has received the Holy Spirit when he can hear himself speak in tongues in a distinct language.
• John 7:37-39. Jesus said in this verse of scriptures that we are to come and drink of the Holy Spirit. In order words, Jesus is simply saying that receiving the Holy Spirit is like drinking water. Same principle is involved. No one drinks water with mouth shut. In the same way, a person must put action to his faith by simply giving voice to the unction of the Holy Spirit. This can't be done with the mouth closed. Remember, the Holy Spirit gives utterance; the person does the actual talking.
Step 7 - Avoid Distraction
• Keep the candidate from distraction. For instance, prevent the gathering of crowd around the candidate, giving instructions. This will confuse the person. Only have a few workers with specific instructions to help the person through encouraging them to yield to the Holy Spirit as some may be slow in yielding. [Give example of swimming]
• You can sometime simply speak in tongues yourself after praying with the candidate, and this will encourage the candidate to "follow you into the water", so to speak - into the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

CONCLUSION -
You will discover that by following these seven steps (possibly today after this teaching if there is anyone who is not baptised in the Holy Spirit), you will help believers receive the Holy Spirit immediately without tarrying. As you assist believers in receiving the Holy Spirit, you will feel personally blessed and rewarded for your part in their receiving this wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit.

*Teaching is culled from "The Holy Spirit and His Gifts" by Kenneth E Hagin.

Contributor: Leye Olayiwola

Introduction:
Over the last few weeks, we have established the dual working of the Spirit of God in the lives of God’s children: The Holy Spirit within (indwelling) in the new birth and the Holy Spirit upon (infilling) in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Since our focus this week is on the infilling, it will be crucial to reiterate the difference between the infilling and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The infilling refers to the Holy Spirit coming upon believers to endue them with power from on High (Luke 24:49 & Acts 1:8). Just as the Spirit within in the new birth is a definite experience, so there is also a genuine infilling of the Holy Spirit which believers can (and as a matter of truth must) receive in our present dispensation, which is also a definite experience. Also note that it is the same Holy Spirit, only that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is responsible for fruit bearing while the infilling of the Holy Spirit is primarily for service. In other words, being born again and having the Holy Spirit dwell within is the entrance into the ninefold fruit of the spirit while being filled with the Spirit is the doorway into the ninefold supernatural manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. In our lesson today, we shall consider biblical examples of people who experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Clarifying a misconception: Tarrying Is Not a Formula For Receiving the Holy Spirit
Right from the onset, let it be clear that tarrying before the Lord is not unscriptural. Certainly, tarrying before the Lord and waiting on the Lord in prayer, praise, and worship is important in the Christian race so believers must pray long and wait earnestly before God. However, ‘waiting and praying’, crying out and agonizing to receive the Holy Ghost, is unscriptural as it is not necessary. Let us look at the scriptures that suggested the above misconception and clarify it.
Luke 24:49 - And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but TARRY ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Acts 1:4,5 - And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but WAIT for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY GHOST not many days hence.
- If tarrying is a formula, then “Jerusalem” must be included in the formula
- The disciples were only waiting for the day of Pentecost and not “getting ready” to be filled with the Holy Spirit otherwise the bible would have said, "When they were fully ready, the Holy Ghost came." But it doesn't say that
- Other examples in the new testament did not portray any sort of “tarrying and waiting”
Hence, teaching believers to tarry for the baptism of the Holy Spirit only produces doubt and confusion in those candidates who desire to receive this gift.
The key preparation/”waiting”/”tarrying” must be that of the heart!
Bible Examples of Receiving the Holy Ghost
The Samaritan Believers Acts 8: 5-8 , 12-15, 17-20
- Joy can be experienced pre or post infilling experience vs. 5-8
- Great revival in Samaria with hundreds of people saved, and scores healed. And all of these folks received the Holy Ghost: "Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost" (Acts 8:17). Notice that all of these Samaritans received the Holy Ghost without waiting, praying, or agonizing — and they received without exception or disappointment.
Cornelius and His Household Acts 10: 34-46
Neither Cornelius nor his household was saved. They were Gentiles who had become Jewish proselytes. A person can't be saved without hearing the gospel. Those of Cornelius' household didn't know that Jesus had died for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead for our justification.
Therefore, Peter preached to them about Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 10:34-43). They believed the gospel message (Rom. 10:9,10), and they were born again while Peter was preaching (Acts 11:14). Then they received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues before Peter even finished his message. Notice that while Peter was still speaking, Cornelius and his household were not only saved, but were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke with tongues — without waiting, agonizing, or struggling.
How did the Jewish believers know the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Gentiles? "For they heard them SPEAK WITH TONGUES, and magnify God..." (Acts 10:46).
Saul of Tarsus Acts 9:11-12, 17
Account of Saul (turned Paul) receiving the Holy Spirit and validated by what he said in 1 Cor. 14:18 "I thank my God, I SPEAK WITH TONGUES more than ye
No suggestion of the need for Saul to tarry or wait to be filled with the Holy Ghost; Saul was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him. It is most probable that Saul didn't know a thing in the world about the Holy Ghost until Ananias came in and laid hands on him. But Ananias obeyed the Lord and Saul was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Ephesian Disciples Acts 19:1-6
These folks at Ephesus had not heard about being filled with the Spirit and speaking in tongues. But as soon as Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spoke with tongues. Every one of them was filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke with other tongues as the Spirit of God gave them the utterance — without waiting, agonizing, struggling, or tarrying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have seen a number of examples of those who experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit in the Scripture. They had this encounter without “tarrying”/”waiting”. Infact, while Peter was still ministering, the receivers (Gentiles) received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues. God does not have any “cut-and-dried” methods. In every single instance where a company of believers sought the Holy Spirit, everyone received right away. Not one went away disappointed because of failing to receive the Holy Spirit.
 

Contributor: Akin Akande

INTRODUCTION
We will (briefly) in a participatory form, be looking at the two fold work of God in the life of an individual believer. These two fold work is premise upon the dual working of the Spirit of God in the life of a beliver. The Holy Spirit within (indwelling) which takes place in the new birth is one of these two fold works of God. This has been extensively discussed in the last couple of teachings. The second being the Holy Spirit upon (infilling) will be extensively discussed in today's exposition.

1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—  the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."
[John 14:16-17]
Jesus, in this scripture promised the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit when He said, " I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter)...... He dwells with you and will be in you.". At this time, the Holy Ghost was not yet in the disciples, nor in any of His followers. However, this promise was under the new convenant. Also, this promise of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled in John 20:21,22 when the resurrected Saviour breathed on the disciples and said, ".......receive ye the Holy Ghost."

On a seperate and subsequent experience, Jesus promised His disciples and all believers, the enduement of power from on High.

"Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” [Luke 24:49]

"for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
[Acts 1:5,8]
Here in these passages, Jesus is referring to a different working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers -  this is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers in order to receive an enduement of power from on High.
2. The Holy Spirit Upon: The Gateway Into the Supernatural
The bible teaches two groups of nine in connection with the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. There is the ninefold manifestation of the fruit of the born-again human spirit that is listed in Galatians 5:22,23. These fruit of the spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. However, we also find a second ninefold group in connection with the Holy Spirit in             1 Corinthians 12 which are the nine manifestations of the Holy Spirit known as the gifts of the Spirit. The purpose of these gifts is so that believers can bless others. The gateway into these nine manifestation of the Holy Spirit is the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with tongues.
3. The Holy Spirit Upon: Being Filled With The Fullness of God
When a person is born again, he receives a measure of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit dwells in him. This indwelling is to help, comfort, guide and cause the believer to bear fruit in his/ her life. However, the believer can experience more of God as there is more of the Holy Spirit to receive! This is a deep pentecostal experience not to be despised but rather coveted. God has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit upon us through the baptism of the Holy Spirit so that believers might enter into all the fullness of God [Ephesians 3:19,20]. It takes a Spirit-filled believer to be ".....filled with all the fulness of God". We must bear in mind that Paul's epistles were written to churches. In other words, they were written to people who had not only received eternal life in the new-birth experience, but had also received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
It is required for everyone (in the New Testament Church) not only to be born again, but also to be filled with the Holy Ghost and to speak with other tongues. In today's church, however, we have many who are born again but have not entered into their full inheritance of being filled with the Holy Ghost because of the lack of knowledge! There is a greater measure of the Holy Spirit for believers to receive in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Just as being born again and having the Holy Spirit dwell within is the entrance into the ninefold fruit of the spirit, so being filled with the Spirit is the doorway into the ninefold supernatural manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit. There is no other way to get into the supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit than through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
4. The Holy Spirit Upon: Power To Put Us Over In Life
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," [Eph.3:20]
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” [Acts 1:8]
We can reliably and confidently conclude from the above scriptures that every Spirit-filled believer has in him, on account and ready for use, all the power that he will ever need to put him over in this life. Why? Because of the infilling presence of the Greater One - the Holy Spirit.
"Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world." [1 John 4:4 AMP]

CONCLUSION - Cooperating With The Holy Spirit, The Power Source
It is important to note as we conclude this teaching, that so many believers who have received the infilling of the Holy Spirit do not reach their full potential in learning to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, who is the Source of all power.

We must focus on and be more conscious of the reality of what the Holy Spirit has come to do in us and through us on a continual basis through the baptism of the Holy Spirit than with receiving the Holy Spirit as an outward experience or with some feeling (which is temporary) of ecstasy from the natural standpoint. We should not just talk about the outward manifestation and miss the reality of the holy Spirit on the inside of us. We should be conscious of the Holy Spirit's indwelling Presence every waking moment.

*Teaching is culled from "The Holy Spirit and His Gifts" by Kenneth E Hagin.

Contributor: Leye Olayiwola

INTRODUCTION
Last week, we examined the subject of the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer in the new birth. Being born again is not just an experience; rather, it is receiving the indwelling Presence of God by His Spirit. The consciousness of this reality gives us the boldness to confront any issue in life with absolute assurance of victory.
We shall continue with this study today.
1) God For Us, God with Us, and God in Us;
The New Testament gives us three relations that God sustains toward man. First, God is for us. Second, God is with us. And third, God is in us.
To have God be for us guarantees our success: ". . . If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). If God is on our side, we are sure to win in life. If God is for you, and you know that He is for you, you become utterly fearless in life. No matter how difficult the situation may be, no matter how dark the clouds that hang upon the horizon of your life may be, you are calmly assured that you must win in every circumstance because God is for you. There can be no defeat if the Lord is for us. And, thank God, He is for us. If God be for us, who can be against us?
You can also have the assurance that not only is God for you, but in every place in life and in every situation, God is with you. No matter what the circumstances may be, if you are a Christian, the Lord is with you. The knowledge of the Word of God along this line should certainly cause our hearts to leap for joy within us, and buoy our spirits up in faith and confidence.
Under the New Testament or New Covenant, the Bible says we have a better covenant established on better promises (Heb. 8:6). Under the covenant in the Old Testament, God was for Israel and with Israel, but He was not in Israel. However, in the New Testament, God is with us and for us, but we also have something better — God is in us. God is actually making His home in our bodies as His temple (1 Cor. 6:19).

2) Greater Is He That Is in You;  1 John 4:4                                                                  
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD."
Who is the "he" that is in the world? That is Satan, the god of this world.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:4 “In whom THE GOD OF THIS WORLD hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
But He who is in you - the Holy Ghost —- is greater! The Greater One is in you if you are born again. God Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit lives in the born-again believer. All that God could possibly be to you and do for you, the Holy Ghost through His indwelling Presence is to you and for you and in you. If we were really conscious of the Greater One in us, then we would have no fear of the devil. We would have no fear of "he that is in the world" because "He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world."
John said, ". . . greater is he that is IN YOU . . ." (1 John 4:4). Going back to John 14:16, we
hear Jesus say, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever." Then in the last part of verse 17, Jesus said, ". . . he . . . shall be IN YOU." That is exactly what John was saying in First John 4:4 too: ". . . greater is he that is IN YOU, than he that is in the world."
It's one thing to try to do something mentally yourself; it's another thing to trust Him — the Greater One — who is in you. He is everything in us that the Scriptures say He is. He'll do everything in us the Word says He will do. And He will be everything in us the Word says He will be.

CONCLUSION
Smith Wigglesworth, a man of God who was used mightily of the Lord to preach faith and perform miracles of healings, said in his book, Ever Increasing Faith, "I am a thousand times bigger on the inside than I am on the outside." Someone asked Wigglesworth, "What is your secret to the great place of spirituality you have attained? His answer was, "All I ever did was to remember that greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world."

Kenneth E. Hagin’s book; The Spirit and His Gifts was used as a guide for this study

Contributor: Alex Alajiki

~~INTRODUCTION
In today’s study we will examine the subject of the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer in the new birth from our text.
“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
Focus will be on that last phrase of John 14:17:
". . . For He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
Being born again is not just an experience; rather, it is receiving the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit, a Divine Personality, who comes to make His home in us.
BELIEVERS ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Of all the mighty truths in connection with our redemption, the apex is the reality of our redemption is this: that after God Himself recreated us and made us new creatures in Christ and made us His own, and then He, in the Person of the Holy Ghost, makes our bodies His home! Let us consider a few verses of scriptures that spell this out.
1 Corinthians 3:16 (AMP) says:
“Do you not discern and understand that you [the whole church at Corinth] are God’s temple (His sanctuary), and that God’s Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]?”
1 Corinthians 6:19 (AMP)
“Do you not know that your body is the temple — the very sanctuary — of the Holy Spirit who lives within you, whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own?”
2 Corinthians 6:16 (AMP)
“What agreement (can there be between) a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the Living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
So we see here that God no longer dwells in the earth-made Holy of Holies but our bodies have become His temple.
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?
This happened when at the cross Jesus said: “It is finished”. The bible says in (Matt. 27:51) that at that moment the curtain that partitioned off the Holy of Holies in the Temple was rent in two from top to bottom. Signifying that from then, God's Presence would no longer be kept shut up in the man-made Holy of Holies but instead, under the New Covenant, God would dwell in the believer (See Jer. 31:33,34;Heb. 8:6-3;10:1-17).
And so from that day God's Presence which had been kept in the Holy of Holies, moved out of that earth-made Holy of Holies and God has never dwelt in an earth-made Holy of Holies since.
THE CHALLENGE
Relatively few Christians are really conscious of God in them — dwelling in their hearts and bodies as His temple. If men and women were conscious of God in them as His temple, they wouldn't talk and act as they sometimes do. Some Christians constantly talk about their lack of power, and their lack of ability. But if they realized that God is in them, they would know that there is nothing impossible to them. The reason for this is because instead of believing what the Bible says, too many believers believe only what they feel.
THE SOLUTION
A realization of Jesus’ promise; in John 14:16 He said, ". . . that he [the Holy Spirit] may abide with you forever"
The Holy Spirit didn't come as a guest to stay for just a few days. He didn't come on a vacation to dwell inside of you for just a short time. He came to dwell in you to be at home in you forever. The Holy Spirit's home in this life is in your body — God's temple.
THE BENEFITS OF HIS SPIRIT
1 John 4:4 says, "ye are of god, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." who is the "He" that is in the world? That is Satan, the god of this world.
But He who is in you - the Holy Ghost is greater! The Greater One is in you if you are born again. God Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit lives in the born-again believer. All that God could possibly be to you and do for you, the Holy Ghost through His indwelling presence is to you and for you and in you.
CONCLUSION
If we were really conscious of the Greater One in us, then we would have no fear of the devil. We would have no fear of "he that is in the world" because "He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world." Why? Because God did not give us a spirit of timidity; not a spirit of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear, but the spirit He gave us is that of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP) – Rephrased.
Kenneth E. Hagin’s book; The Spirit and His Gifts was used as a guide for this study.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai
 

~~Introduction
This year, we are focusing on the HOLY SPIRIT.  This is a very interesting and important study for us. The first two studies clarified His identity and deity.We also understood His attributes and His works in the believer's life.
Last week, we started examining the difference between salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
There are schools of thoughts within Christendom that erroneously believe that at salvation, we are already filled or baptized in the Holy Spirit. We shall scripturally differentiate between these two wonderful experiences in this study.

1) Philip’s Encounter in Samaria; Acts 8:5-8,12
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and PREACHED CHRIST unto them.
6 And the people with ONE ACCORD GAVE HEED UNTO THOSE THINGS which Philip
spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed
with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city... .
12 But when they BELIEVED Philip preaching THE THINGS CONCERNING THE
KINGDOM OF GOD, and THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, they were baptized, both men
and women.

Jesus instructed us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Salvation comes through the
preaching of the gospel, the Word of God. MARK 16:15,16. Philip did just that in Samaria, and the people believed, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. He went further in verse 12 to baptize them in water, since it was established that they were born again by believing the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ.
            Then, in Vs 14-17, “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD [con-cerning salvation], they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.)17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST.”
            Mighty miracles were constantly being manifested in Philip's ministry and many people were being saved. Yet notice that in Acts chapter 8, not one person received the Holy Spirit under Philip's ministry. Evidently, that was not a part of Philip's ministry, but getting folks saved and healed. However, the Bible says that when the apostles at Jerusalem heard about the wonderful things God had done through Philip's ministry in Samaria, they sent Peter and John to lay hands on the new Samaritan converts so that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
There is no record that anyone upon whom Peter and John laid their hands failed to receive the Holy Ghost because Peter and John had more of a ministry along this line. The Bible says, "Then laid they [Peter and John] their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost" (Acts 8:17).
          The spiritual encounters in Samaria clearly nullify the assumption that salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit are one and the same thing.

2) Saul’s Encounter with Jesus;  ACTS 9:15-17
15 But the Lord said unto him [Ananias], Go thy way: for he I Saul] is a CHOSEN VESSEL UNTO ME, to bear MY NAME before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:        16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for MY NAME'S SAKE.
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him
[ Saul] said, BROTHER SAUL, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way
as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
The passage in Acts chapter 9 which records Saul's conversion and baptism in the Holy Spirit also shows us that receiving salvation and receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit are two separate experiences.
Saul had a supernatural encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ on his way to Damascus in Act 9:1-9.
Saul got converted on that spot.  Act 9:3-6;
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
There are three evidences of Saul’s conversion when he met with Jesus;

a) Acts 9:15,16; Jesus, speaking to Ananias in a vision, called Saul His chosen vessel.
“ But the Lord said unto him [Ananias], Go thy way: for he I Saul] is a CHOSEN
VESSEL UNTO ME, to bear MY NAME before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of
Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for MY NAME'S SAKE.

b) ACTS 9:17; Ananias greeted Saul by calling him "Brother Saul." Ananias recognised that Saul was already a Christian brother in the faith despite his past reputation.
“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him [ Saul] said, BROTHER SAUL, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mighest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.”

c) We also know that Saul was already saved when Ananias came to lay hands on him to
receive the Holy Spirit, because the Bible says in Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall
call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Saul called Jesus, "Lord" during his conversion on the Damascus Road.

It is clear then that even though Saul had received Jesus as his Lord, he was not yet baptized in the Holy Spirit until Ananias came and laid hands on him to receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:17.

Conclusion: Salvation and the baptism in the Holy Ghost are two separate experiences.  There are other examples in the Bible like the Gentiles of Cornelius' Household in Acts 10. The men of Cornelius' household were all Gentiles, and they were not saved until Peter came and preached the gospel to them and got baptised in the Holy Ghost immediately.
We also have scriptural accounts of those who were saved and then immediately following salvation, they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 19.
This study was extracted from Kenneth E. Hagin’s book; The Spirit and His Gifts

Contributor: Alex Alajiki.

~~Introduction:
What is Salvation?
Salvation is being saved from the just judgement of God that is inevitable upon the life of the sinner
When Adam was created, he was created from dust as only soul and body.  God in His desire to make man to be like Him then breathed His breath into Adam.  Man then was made up of Spirit, Soul and Body. Gen 1:26.  God being a Spirit breathed His person into man.  Therefore the spirit part of man was the likeness of God.
When man fell, the likeness of God in the Spirit of Man disappeared.    Man was left with his own fleshy spirit.  God being a just God was bound to condemn man during the righteous judgement.  However, it is not His plan that any should perish.  It is His desire that man should come back and be in the right standing with Him. God then had a plan to bring back His Spirit into man so that man would once again by like Him.
This provision was made available to us when Jesus Christ died on the cross.  When we became born again, the Spirit of God comes into us and made our spirit alive to be like Him.  Gods’ intention is for man to come back to the status that he ordained in the beginning. 
However, our adversary the devil was not happy about this reconciliation.  The devil’s plan which is to make sure that Gods’ plan does not succeed.  In his bid to foil the plan of God, began to make it impossible for the Holy Spirit to have a place in us.
The good old tricks of the enemy came into play.  He would concentrate on manipulating our soul which is represented by our emotions.  This part of us is controlled by our physical senses.  He then fortified himself within this part of us.
We can then say that we have an inner being and we also have an outer being.  Our inner being is the real us while our outer being is just a house that we live in.  Our inner being does not grow old but is renewed daily.  Our inner being is our spirit man.  It is during this renewal that our spirit man intermingles with the Holy Spirit and fortifies his spiritual senses.
As God is a Spirit, He can only influence our spirit man.  That is why Proverbs 20:27 tells us that “…the spirit of man is the candle of the Lord…”  Man can only be guided by the Spirit of God through the spirit of man.
How does God lead us? -Romans 8:14 – 16
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  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”
• Man being a spirit being need to become spirit-conscious. We can then look beyond the physical realm of sensing and adopt a spiritual realm of a sensing way of life.  Having the knowledge that Gods spirit leads us through our spirit will make us spiritually conscious and help us grow as a child of God.
• The experience we get when the Holy Spirit witness to our human spirit is different from when we are led by our spirit as our emotions becomes in charge.  We experience excitements when everything is going right and depression when things are not going our way.  However, when we are being led by the Holy Spirit we are consistent and stabilized during these variations.
• The part of us that refuses to give up is our spirit while the part that reacts to pressure is controlled by our emotions.
In conclusion
Remember that in Rom 8:16 “…..the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God…”
This means that during trying times the Holy Spirit strengthens our spirit and in acknowledgement, our spirit responds in agreement with the Holy Spirit that we are children of God.  He strengthens us to have the right thoughts, doctrines and make the right decisions.  As we get used to receiving this strength from the Holy Spirit, we will invariably mature into a person led by the Holy Spirit and not by our emotions.

Contributor: Clem Roberts
 

~~INTRODUCTION
In our last teaching on this topic, we looked and explore the personality of the Holy Spirit through affirmations of His attributes and His works in the believer's life. Today, we will continue on the personality of the Holy Spirit by considering His diety.

The doctrine of the deity of the Holy Spirit has an intimate logical relation to the doctrine of the personality of the Spirit. It is clear that the Holy Spirit is God, He is also a person. In like manner therefore, if His Person be accepted, we are driven inevitably to the conclusion that He is God by the work He performs.

1. IDENTIFICATION OF JEHOVAH AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
According to scriptures, the term Jehovah is a title of deity (a Supernatural/ Supreme Being thought of as holy, divine or sacred). It is of great significance therefore that this title is given to the Holy Spirit.

"I heard the voice of the sovereign master say, “Whom will I send? Who will go on our behalf?” I answered, “Here I am, send me!”  He said, “Go and tell these people:
‘Listen continually, but don’t understand!
Look continually, but don’t perceive!’"
[Isaiah 6:8-9]

"So they began to leave, unable to agree among themselves, after Paul made one last statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah when he said,‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, but will never understand,
and you will keep on looking, but will never perceive."
[Acts 28:25-26]

A comparison of the above scriptures will reveal that the Jehovah of Isaiah is the Holy Spirit of Acts. Jehovah is used of all three Persons of the Trinity severally as well as of the Trinity corporately. Another instance of identification of Jehovah and the Holy Spirit is found in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrew 10:15-17 (our texts).

2. IDENTIFICATION OF GOD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
The term God as found in the translations of the Old and New testaments is frequently identified with the Holy Spirit. There are several instances in the bible which point to details of the confirming evidence.

The LORD’s spirit spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.
 The God of Israel spoke, the protector of Israel spoke to me.
The one who rules fairly among men, the one who rules in the fear of God,
[2 Samuel 23:2-3]

In this scripture, the Spirit of Jehovah and the God of Israel are identified. Both titles refer to the same entity. In like manner, the presence of the Holy Spirit is said to be the presence of God. The Christian indwelt by the Holy Spirit is indwelt by God.
"Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?"

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?"
[1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19]

Matthew 12:31-32 further illustrates the identification of God and the Holy Spirit by the fact that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is declared unpardonable by Christ. Blasphemy (the action or offence of speaking sacrilegiously [misuse/ violation of what is sacred] about God or sacred things) in its nature is an act against deity. If the Holy Spirit were not God, it would not be possible to commit this sin.
Another clear instance where the sin against the Holy Spirit is said to be a sin against God can be found in the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-4. An inescapable conclusion of the deity of the Holy Spirit is reached from these several identifications and illustrations.

3. ASSOCIATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE FATHER AND THE   SON ON EQUAL TERMS.
The Holy Spirit is frequently associated with the Father and the Son in equal terms in scripture, thus predicating His deity. Examples can be found in the baptisimal formula (Matthew 28:19) where the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are related on an equal basis. Worthy of note here is the use of the name in the singular. The significance of which points to the fact that the final name of God is, "Father, Son and Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is essential to the Triune God.
Also, a comparison of Scriptures often reveals an association of the Persons of the Trinity in terms which infer equality of association. Inspiration of Scripture may be traced to God (Hebrews 1:1), the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21) and the Spirit of Christ (1 Peter 1:11). The Holy Spirit is therefore accorded the same honor, position, and ministry as the other members of the Trinity. Another instance of this association is found in the apostolic benediction recorded in 2 Corinthians 13:14;
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
The Persons of the Trinity are displayed in all their equality, and accorded equal honor in this frequently quoted verse.
4. THE WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
An extensive argument for the deity of the Holy Spirit is found in His works. Three of His works may be brought forward as being distinctively in the realm of divine operation.
a)  The work of the Holy Spirit in creation (Gen.1:2) by its very nature could be  accomplished only by one who is God. 
b) His work in regeneration (John 3:6; Rom.8:11) likewise is clearly in the realm of a work of God.
c) The ministry of the Holy Spirit in effecting the sanctification of the believer (2Thess.2:13) is another illustration. Men may influence, but only God can  sanctify.

CONCLUSION
From the aforementioned therefore, we can conclusively state without any further summation of arguments that the case for the deity of the Holy Spirit is non-contestable. The apostolic benediction in 2 Corinthians 13:14 amongst others, without any iota of doubt, establishes the deity and the equality of the Holy Spirit with God the Father and God the son.
*Most part of this teaching is culled from "The Person of The Holy Spirit" by John F. Walvoord.

Contributor: Leye Olayiwola

~~INTRODUCTION
The current trend of today's theological literature has been to emphasize the present work of the Holy Spirit without due consideration of His person. However, His work has no real foundation without digging deep into His Person. To this end therefore, we will begin our intense study on the Holy Spirit by considering His Personality. This will testify to the fact that the study of the Persons of the Trinity is foundational to all theological truth.

THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
It is a fundamental revelation in the Christian circle that the Holy Spirit is a person, just in the same sense that God the Father is a Person and God the Son is a Person. Without denial of the one Essence (nature) of the Godhead therefore, the personality of the Holy Spirit must be affirmed. We will consider the various affirmations of the personality of the Holy Spirit under different headings.

1. Personality of the Holy Spirit Affirmed By His Attributes.
The various qualities of the Person of the Holy Spirit demonstrates that personality is a necessity, the centre without which other qualities could not exist. The attributes of the Holy Spirit demand His personality. 1 Corinthians 12:11 states

"All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses [wills]."

It should be noted here that the Holy Spirit possesses the essential of mind or intelligence. The above scripture explicitly affirm that the Holy Spirit exercises a moral and sovereign will which is comparable to that of the other Persons of the Trinity. In connection with the sovereign bestowal of spiritual gifts on men, the Spirit is said to accomplish this "as He chooses" or "as He will". The essential of mind or intelligence is further confirmed by His works also. His works indicate intelligence, knowledge, and the normal functions of personality. Personality, which is an attribute of His Person, is demonstrated by the actions of the Person.

"Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny].For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
[1 Corinthians 2:10-11 AMP]

The attributes of omniscience (infinite knowledge) is evidence of the existence of mind and intelligence on a platform of deity.

Also, the Holy Spirit possesses life which is an essential of personality.

"For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death." [Romans 2:2 NET]
On the human level, the possession of life is taken as proof of possession of personality, one without the other being impossible. As the Holy Spirit possesses life, personality is necessary. A mere influence (compelling force) as some believe the Holy Spirit to be or emanation, does not possess the attributes of life. Life on a moral platform is always associated with personality.
2. Personality of the Holy Spirit Affirmed By His Works.
Without any doubt, the most tangible and conclusive evidence for the personality of the Holy Spirit is found in His works. The very character of His works makes it impossible to interpret the Scriptures properly without assuming His personality. The following illustrations will be sufficient.
• His work in creation - Genesis 1:2
"Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water."
• His work in empowering - Zechariah 4:6
"Therefore he told me, “These signify the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength and not by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD who rules over all.”"
• His Teaching Ministry -  John 16:13
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come."
• His Guidance - Romans 8:14
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God."
• His Comforting - Acts 9:31
"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."
•  His work of convicting the world of sin, righteousness and judgement - John 16:8
"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:"
• His Prayer - Romans 8:26
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings."
• His Restraint of Sin - Isaiah 59:19
"So [as the result of the Messiah’s intervention] they shall [reverently] fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives]."
• His Authoritative Commands - Acts 8:29; 13:2; 16:7
"Then the [Holy] Spirit said to Philip, Go forward and join yourself to this chariot."

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

"And when they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them."

CONCLUSION
From these citations, it should be crystal clear that personality is absolutely necessary to explain these ministeries. A mere inference to the Holy Spirit as an influence or emanation does not and can not create, empower, teach, guide, pray or command as affirmed by the works of the Holy Spirit. It will become necessary to attack the inspiration of the scriptures themselves in order to disturb the overwhelming evidence contained therein on this subject.

"Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’? For David said,
‘The LORD said to my Lord,
Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
    until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’"
[Matthew 22:43-44 NLT]

*Most part of this teaching is culled from "The Person of The Holy Spirit" by John F. Walvoord.

Contributor: Leye Olayiwola