The ministry of the Holy Spirit

 

In the Grace Covenant (now) that we live under, the power of the Gospel that flows into the human soul is performed by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. When Christ is preached from the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms the Holy Spirit testifies and touches the heart of man. Man can see himself in light of the person of Jesus whose Holy Spirit ministers to man’s inward makeup. the inward part of man longing to reach out for his personal need of a Savior and Redeemer.

·        The goodness of God leads sinful man to repentance.

·        The first work of the Holy Spirit convicts the sinner.

·        The Holy Spirit gives man a willingness to believe.

·        The Holy Spirit regenerates the heart in the new birth.

·        After the new birth the Holy Spirit gives man a desire to quit sin.

·        After Salvation the Holy Spirit helps the believer to realize what the adamic nature is

·        Crucifixion of the old man is revealed and becomes path to sanctification.

·        The Sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire destroys the Adamic Nature

·        After the believer is sanctified and filled renewal takes place

·        Being preserved in the Spirit is the final result of an entirely sanctified man.

 

Sin doesn't live here anymore

The hearts of angels cry, “Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty”. The hearts of believers in Christ can cry, “Sin doesn’t live here anymore”. Why? God remembers a believer’s past sins no more. All the sins from the past life are thrown away as far as the east is from the west. Salvation and Redemption of the human soul is the picture here. Forgiveness granted from the shed blood of a Savior is found, touched, and experienced by the believing heart. A new creation in Christ is made by God! With an attitude and character that can proclaim with gladness, “Sin doesn’t live here anymore”.

The precious blood of Christ was shed so fallen man could be delivered from all his past sins. The precious blood of Christ is what makes the heart of a believer in Christ clean and holy in the present life. Sin stains from the past are washed away. Clean enough that a believer in Christ can gladly say, “Sin doesn’t live here anymore”. Holy enough that a believer in Christ knows that Salvation of the human soul is God breathed, God made, and God created in the believing heart. God made the new creation in Christ so the believer could “quit” his meanness and wrongdoing. This believing heart and character (that experiences the power of God) can boldly say, “Sin doesn’t live here anymore”.

This type of confession is made from the Holy Spirit’s witness placed in the heart of a believer in Christ. This type of profession is made because the unholy heart of a sinful man is made holy by the power of God’s Grace. The believer in Christ is no longer a sinful man but holy in the eyes of God. The holy confession and holy profession of a believer in Christ are experienced and lived outwardly in this present life. The believer in Christ is led by the Holy Spirit of God, not the unholy sinful nature. Sensuality and dirty living are no longer in control since Christ came in! The lusts of the flesh are not longer in control since Christ came in. The lusts of the eyes are no longer in control since Christ came in. The pride of life no longer rules the believing heart since Christ came in. God takes over His children who are born of the Spirit of God. It’s called Redemption! It’s called Salvation of the human soul! Simple as that!

Jesus Christ came into the believing heart to take away the sins of fallen man and He does just that. Jesus takes away the past sins of the unbeliever so much that holiness of heart and character are produced in the present life of a believer. So much that a believer can thankfully shout, “Sin doesn’t live here anymore”. The precious blood of Christ was shed at Calvary to cleanse and wash away fallen man’s personal sin stains. Every sin from the past life where sin and disobedience ruled that unbelieving heart. The precious blood of Christ restores the believing heart to a holy state of being in this present life. Glory! So great is Salvation and Redemption of the human soul through the person of Christ. Salvation, not to be taken lightly! Redemption, not to be used as an excuse to sin! Salvation and Redemption not to be considered as covering for future sins! Christianity is a present tense walk with God in the Spirit and in holiness of conduct because sin doesn’t live there anymore.

Remember the words of some unknown holiness preacher in Williamsburg, Ohio. Who gladly and joyfully proclaims this message around the globe for Jesus, “By the shed blood of Jesus Christ my personal Lord and Savior, sin doesn’t live here anymore”.

The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire (pt.2)...by Rick Roehm

4. Biblical proof the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire continued after Pentecost

            Records from the book of Acts prove manifestations of the Holy Ghost continued for years after Pentecost. Different Biblical terms yet the same action of the Spirit of God provide much clarification on the subject of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. Notice the language concerning the Baptism with the Holy Ghost which occurred at different points of time.

·          Shed Forth…Acts 2:33…Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

·          Fallen upon…Acts 8:15-17…Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost

·          Poured out…Acts 10:44-46…While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

·          Came on…Acts 19:2-6…He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

5. Twofold evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire: Inner and Outer

            There are two evidences shown in the New Testament concerning the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. These are the … inner and outer evidences. Both evidences prove the work of the Holy Ghost in the entire anatomy of the child of God. Both evidences which are Biblically documented offer proof that believers can experience this same sanctifying work of Holy Ghost in their hearts and lives today. Both evidences are Biblical truth that did not stop at the early Church like many believe and teach today. There are no Biblical records that state the gifts of the Holy Ghost stopped at the Early Church however; there are many records that state these gifts continued after Pentecost. 

                Lack of recognition of the Holy Spirits presence; and erroneous teachings have caused many to be hindered from; or to miss the truth and full blessing of the sanctifying power that comes through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

            The inner evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a heart full of love and obedience toward God. Love for God and love for humanity comes when selfishness is purged from the heart and life of a believer. A Salvation without wavering in holiness and right standing with God comes when the Old man is taken out of the picture. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost reduces the hearts of men to humility for Christ… after self-centeredness is removed. When the heart of a believer is purified from all the dross of the body of sin (not dealt with in the new birth), the Indwelling Spirit takes over. Inner evidence from the purifying work of the Spirit is to be holy and without blame before Him in love. A man filled with the Holy Ghost will have no struggle with the problems of life; he will trust Christ for everything. The conflict within a believer’s members is taken away like his sins were forgiven when he first accepted Christ. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is another experience of Salvation that takes place in the life of a believer, after the new birth.  The inner evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a life of peace and contentment that rules the heart of a believer. Victory over sin and the flesh is real life experience that offers such contentment. This purifying work of the Holy Ghost and fire in perfect love for humanity is the fullness of Salvation taught in all New Testament writings.

            The outer evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is speaking in an unknown tongue. There are two reasons why speaking in unknown tongue is for today and did not stop at the Early Church.

      First, in the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, God takes full possession of the believer spirit, soul and body (the entire anatomy of man). The tongue can be controlled by the Spirit of God because the heart of the believer is controlled by the Spirit of God. Men that are filled with the Holy Ghost are dead to the Old man and governed by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost has full sway of man’s total being, tongue included. Holy men of God speak in tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance.

·          Acts 2:4…And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

      Second, numerous records in the New Testament prove that when the experience of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost was received, recipients spoke in unknown tongue. The Bible teaches that unknown tongues continued nineteen years after Pentecost. The Bible teaches the Apostle Paul spoke in unknown tongue. Nowhere does the Bible teach these gifts stopped at the Early Church as many try to teach!

·          Acts 2:4…And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

·          Acts 19:2-6…He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied

·          Acts 10:44-46…While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

·          1 Cor 14:2-4…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.  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

 

6. The necessity of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

            In the plan of God through redemption, Salvation of the soul in the new birth is perhaps one of the greatest miracles that come’s from the Throne of Christ. Even greater is the purifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that is granted from Christ to the heart and life of a believer.  The beauty of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is a full Salvation that provides everything man needs to have victory over sin, self, and lusts of the flesh. Temptation doesn’t have the same affect on a man baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire. The inner conflict between self and the Holy Ghost is taken away by the power of this Baptism. The peace of God “rules” this heart and life every minute, every hour, and every day. A contented life in Christ without the inner conflict and without an entanglement to the problems of life is just another blessing that comes from this Baptism.

            It’s understood that all have not experienced the blessing of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, “but they can”.  It’s understood that many miss the full blessing of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost because of shallow understanding of the Spirit’s presence or wrong teaching; but the God’s door is still open for them to walk through. Some people take the position that a child of God can never have full Salvation in this life (that Sanctification is future tense work of the Holy Ghost finished when the soul goes to Heaven). The Holy Ghost can show them otherwise. The doctrine of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a present tense truth and New Testament experience.

            During Christ’s earthly ministry Peter had a revelation of Christ’s Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Why? Peter had a divine nature. Peter however; didn’t understand that Christ had to suffer, die, and would rise from the grave. After the death of Christ Peter was baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire at Pentecost and his understanding was changed. Peter’s entire character was changed by the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that he received at Pentecost. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was received by Peter fifty days after Christ’s death on the cross. Peter had believed in the Messiahship of Christ for years prior, however; he had not yet experienced the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. After the death of Christ the Holy Ghost inspired Peter to write two Epistles. The fullness of Gods Salvation came after Peter was “filled” with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.  Jesus predicted the work of the Indwelling Spirit when He told the disciples prior to His death that the Spirit of truth shall be “in” you. Shall be in you was a promise stated by Christ.

·          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.

            The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is a necessary experience for the child of God. It makes every believers witness true to both, God and man.  It purges a believer from doubt and uncertainty. It gives men strength to overcome and remain faithful to Christ every minute of there existence. It keeps men from wavering in and out of faith. It’s more than the new birth. Why? There’s no struggle on the outside or war from within to oppose the Spirits presence. It’s the final work of the Holy Ghost in the heart of believer. It can be received on this side of Heaven. The Hebrew letter describes this final work of the Holy Ghost as the… spirits of just men made perfect (Perfection in this verse deals with the present tense work of sanctification…not future tense as some people teach).

·          Heb 12:23…To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire (pt.1)...by Rick Roehm

The Holy Ghost is the third person of God, in the Divine Trinity. The work of Holy Ghost in the Godhead reveals the sin of man, his rejection of Christ, and doubt to the human conscience. How? By stirring the conscience and showing man what he really is in the presence of Christ. Sanctification through the Spirit is the will of God for all men. The initial work of the Holy Ghost is conviction and repentance for the sinner.  This ministry of the Holy Ghost turns the penitent from sin to Christ, for salvation of the human soul. The sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost relates to the child of God (after Salvation) where the believer’s heart is purged from the inherited Adamic nature. The final work of the Spirit (in this life) through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire will be the central focus of this discourse. Its content will describe how, when, and why this Baptism performed by Christ deals with a part of a believer not dealt with at the new birth.

1. All believers need the sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

            Reason: The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a Christian, not the sinner. This purifying work of the Holy Ghost has nothing to do with initial Salvation in the new birth where the believer receives a new nature. This Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is another Christian experience that comes after the new birth. The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is God’s deliverance from the Adamic nature.

            Through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross the miracle of Salvation of the human soul is granted to those who “trust in Christ’s death for the forgiveness of sins”. Within that miracle is a new birth where that believer receives a divine nature. The divine nature allows the believer to live a holy life in the sight of God and the new nature takes over. Greater is He…

                There is no struggle to do right in a believer’s life; however when there is a lack of recognition to this power, self still tries to rule the mind, soul, and body. This inner conflict wars against the power and will of the Holy Spirit’s directive. Why? The Adamic life and memories of it still exist in the life of a believer and thus tries to rule the mind, soul, and body even though a new nature was given by the power of the Holy Spirit in the new birth. 

            The miracle of the new birth is an instantaneous work of the Holy Ghost in the soul of a penitent sinner. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire likewise is an instantaneous work however; this operation of the Holy Ghost deals with the believer instead of the sinner. Unlike the new birth received by the sinner, the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire deals specifically those who know Christ. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire allows God to deal with a part of this believer not dealt with at the new birth.  What is not dealt with in the new birth? The old life man experienced! That old life was forgiven in the new birth and all past guilt was taken away. But memories of man’s fallen nature still try to be recognized. The only way a believer can get rid of this old life is through crucifixion of the old life and the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that destroys that part of man, entirely.  

                The Adamic nature which once ruled the sinner does not rule those who trust in Calvary for the forgiveness of sins.  The memories of an old nature are still there but these have been overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence. The Adamic life continues to war against the believers consciousness to the Holy Spirit’s presence. This requires the great need for a believer to get rid of the inner conflict not dealt with at the new birth.

            The sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire” came upon” believers, not sinners on the day of Pentecost. This Baptism by Christ was an instantaneous work at one stroke at the hand of the Holy Ghost and not a progressive work as some profess.  Why do Christians need the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire? It’s a more complete work of the Spirit for the believer. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence that delivers and sanctifies believers in Christ completely from the Adamic life. This sanctifying power a spiritual baptism by Christ in the heart of a believer makes Christian’s better witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ.

·          Acts 1:8…But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you ;and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

            The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire has no relationship to Water Baptism in any manner. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire deals primarily with an inner conflict from the Adamic life that hinders the believer from having all the Spirit of God has to offer in Salvation. This purifying work of the Holy Ghost that removes the believer’s conflict with the Spirit… is the predestinated will of God for all believers. It’s the fullness of God to some however; vague to others due to lack of recognition of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives; or vague because of erroneous indoctrination.

                After the new birth, a believer’s conscience desires to become totally subject to the presence of Christ. The conscience of a believer desires to be without sin or an inner conflict with self. The presence of the Holy Ghost allows a believer to constantly see himself in light of a Savior. In this believer’s relationship with the Savior, the Holy Ghost reveals the need for death to the Old life. This cutting away of all that a believer is points to the work of the Holy Ghost dealing with the negative part of that believer. When the believer actually dies to all that he is and puts off the Old man, the power of the Indwelling Spirit (through Baptism) destroys indwelling sin. The body of sin is no longer in conflict with the old life; it’s destroyed through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

·          Rom 6:4-6…Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

 

2. Conditions to receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

            This discourse was written to highlight the power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. It’s important to understand the Sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost is not limited in power. Regeneration deals with the sinner. Sanctification deals with the saint. The sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire takes the believer away from a self life and thus makes him totally subject to Christ. How? The presence of the Holy Ghost reveals Christ’s suffering and death to the heart of a believer. In contrast Christ’s death and suffering shows the believer the need to die to the Old life. Through the believer’s recognition of Christ as Savior helplessness and nothingness from the Old man is likewise revealed. “Death (burying the old life) becomes the believer’s path to receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire”.

            Believer’s need deliverance from an inner conflict as the presence of the Holy Ghost makes Christ known to that heart. Unlike the sinner who doesn’t know Christ, a believer continuously sees himself in the presence of the Holy Ghost. What is revealed? A believer in light of Christ sees a need to die, and to get away from the selfishness caused from the old life. Through the work of the Holy Ghost a believer has a God given desire to put off the former lifestyle.

·          Eph 4:22…That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts

           Without Christ a believer has no strength of his own to overcome the old life. A believer is powerless to such struggle that tries to rule the mind, soul, and body. A believer knows his sins were forgiven at the cross. A believer knows he received a new nature when he turned to Christ for forgiveness. Enlightenment from the presence of the Holy Ghost allows this believer to realize only God can purge his heart from a still existing struggle with the old life. Without death to the Old there can be no renewal from the Holy Ghost. Deliverance from that struggle is the reason for the blessed experience of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Only those that know Christ through the presence of the Holy Ghost can experience this completed work of God termed as Sanctification.

            Ponder the lives of Peter, John, and James. Did you notice they did not receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire when they first believed? The Bible doesn’t teach that man receives the Baptism with the Holy Ghost in the new birth. Why? The unbeliever doesn’t acknowledge the presence of the Holy Ghost until after his sins are forgiven. Then after Salvation, the believer’s recognition of Christ allows the presence of the Holy Ghost to reveal and rid man of the selfish part that was not dealt with in the new birth. Crucifixion revealed through the presence of the Holy Ghost is a path to the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. After the old man is put off, the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is performed by Christ …at one stroke.

·          Col 3:9…seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

·          Matt 3:11…he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 

            The presence of Holy Ghost shows the sinner his need to get away from old life and all old associations; likewise the presence of the Holy Ghost shows the believer his need to get away from everything pertaining to the old ways. Remember, the presence of the Holy Ghost reveals the negative side of man to the saint. When the believer totally surrenders to Christ, he will bury the old life. Then at one stroke from the hand of God the believer will “put on” the new man. The new man is created through the purifying operation of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

·          Col 2:12… Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God 

·          Col 3:10…And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

            The Bible does teach various modes of Baptism however; the intent of this discourse is to magnify Christ as the one who baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire received at Pentecost was not the works of man nor was it performed through water Baptism. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire comes from the Throneroom where a believer’s faith in Christ should remain every minute, every hour, and every day…without wavering. As promised by the Father Christ baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire.

·          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.

·          Matt 3:11…he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

3. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire began on the day of Pentecost

            The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was promised by the Father and has been ministered under Grace since the day of Pentecost. The power and presence of the Spirit of Truth was taught by the Lord Jesus himself before His ascension to Heaven. God’s plan (through the Divine Trinity) understood man’s need to overcome sin and struggles caused from the flesh. The omnipresence of Holy Ghost under the Grace dispensation we now live in provides every believer with such power of deliverance. Christ knew the fullness of the Spirit would come through His body, the Church. Christ knew the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was an enduement of power that would produce fruit in the heart and life of every believer from Pentecost until the Rapture of the Church.

·          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.

Are you led by the Spirit of God?

Someone might ask,"What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God?" You mean to tell me that the Spirit of God can direct the way I act? Direct the way I behave and direct the way I conduct myself in this life? Yes. Children of God act godly and holy because the moral make-up is changed by the Grace of God. The Spirit leads a man so God can fulfill His purpose in your life.

Rom 8:14...For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

So, why doesn't the Spirit of God lead everybody? Reason? Everyone is not "born of the Spirit". You mean to tell me that I must be born of the Spirit to be led by the Spirit? Yes. That's what Jesus meant when He said that men must be born of the Spirit or simply born again.

John 3:6-7...That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

To be born again does not imply a natural or physical birth. To be born again does not imply a natural moral change made by man himself. To be born again means to be birthed by the Spirit of God into a new creation by the Spirit of Holiness. The moral character is changed by the Grace of God. The Spirit of God leads a morally changed man "in the life of holiness" not "into the life of holiness". The new birth consists of a place where the heart and soul is cleansed from sin and forgiveness from all past sins is found in the human conscience. The new birth is a regenerating work of the Spirit of God that morally shows man that the past is gone. The slate is wiped clean from a past life of unholiness and filthy living. The sins are blotted out and this new creation desires to live and act like a child of God...not a child of the Devil like you used to be. Holiness is enacted in the human soul when Saving Grace is experienced.

To be led by the Spirit of God is a great privilege that world cannot share. To be led by the Spirit of God will allow you to glorify Christ in your body and and Spirit. The leading of the Spirit makes men witnesses for Christ in both word and deed. The Spirit "leads" and "guides" the child of God into all truth. Jesus told the disciples about the great blessing of the Spirit of God that would flow from the cross at Calvary.

John 16:13...Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth

Being led of the Spirit allows God to fulfill His purpose in your life. Glory! God wants to fulfill His purpose in the life of every child of God. Being led of the Spirit allows God to do this very work. The Holy Spirit is a believers comfort that the unbelieveing world cannot experience, cannot see, or cannot know. When you know, when you believe, and when you obey God...The Spirit of Truth will abide with you forever as Jesus said He would.

John 14:16-17...And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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.

The Spirit of God establishes, touches, and directs the hearts of those who are "led" by the Spirit of God. Those led by the Spirit of God look and wait patiently for the coming of Christ.

2 Thess 3:3-5...But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you, And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ

Regeneration

Regeneration is the experience of a new birth in Christ. Regeneration deals with the body, soul, and spirit of man. Regeneration is deliverance from the bondage of sin. The body is controlled by the head. The mental process is what controls body functions. The soul is what controls the mental process.

In regeneration (from Salvation) the soul of man is morally converted. The soul is man’s power to choose and decide. The choices and decisions of a regenerated man are different than choices and decisions of the unregenerated man. Reason? Moral conversion. The immoral make-up of man is made moral. The unholy make-up is of man made holy. The make-up of man is changed by the power of Salvation by Grace.

Regeneration is the power of the Spirit of holiness that delivers man from the bondage of sin. The bondage of sin controls the choices and decisions of the unregenerate. The Spirit of holiness in regeneration delivers man from such bondage. Sinful choices and sinful decisions will cease. Reason? Greater is Christ in you and choices are effected. Greater is the power of the Grace of God where right decisions are made. Greater is the divine nature from God over the natural state of man. The whole man is changed.

Regeneration is an instantaneous work of the Spirit of holiness that takes place in Salvation of the human soul. The soul is morally changed. The mind is changed. The choices are changed. The decisions are changed. Why? Christ is in control of your actions, your character, your behavior, your conduct, your decisions, and your choices. Where sin used to abound Grace does much more abound in the regenerate man. The body, soul, and spirit of man are “regenerated by the Spirit of Christ”, and “morally changed by the Spirit of Christ”. Sinful man is changed by Christ!

Choices change because you are changed. Decisions change because you are changed. The Grace of God does more than just give a promise for the future. Grace gives man the present tense blessing of peace, happiness, and contentment that man (without Christ) “cannot have” or “doesn’t know”. Grace provides a regenerated state of being the natural man cannot know about. Only the power of God through the person of Christ can change the way a man chooses or decides. If sin controls you, your choices and decisions are controlled by sin…but if Christ controls your choices and decisions? You'll do the right thing. You have it made in the choice making or decision process.

Regeneration gives man a better life and a better way of thinking. Regeneration cannot be found in life without Christ. Regeneration cannot be achieved by human activity. You cannot accomplish regeneration in any manner. Only the Spirit of holiness that raised Christ from the grave can regenerate the soul, spirit, and body of man.

Christians are regenerated. Christians live, move, and have their being in Christ. The Bible says so. Read it! The whole man is regenerated….body, soul, and spirit. The unholy make-up of man of a man without Christ is made holy when Christ is found. A new birth is received into the heart. A new way of life becomes the path. The Holy Spirit is what leads the regenerated man down the path. The Spirit of holiness! The same Spirit of holiness that raised Christ from the grave. Glory! Regeneration of the Spirit! The new man! With power to make right choices and right decisions! Good bye sin! Good bye Devil! The answer is no to temptation! Hello Jesus! “Thank you Jesus for regeneration from the Spirit”.

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)

The work of the Holy Spirit

At the Churches on Trial it is our desire to help others to see the operation and work of God 's Holy Spirit in a fast paced world that involves many distractions. Documents are compiled, written, and archived at this site as a library for God to teach people (around the globe) what the Holy Scriptures teach about such Spiritual work and operation. The links stored in the below archive are focused primarily on the work of the Holy Spirit "in and upon" the human soul...especially in and upon those who trust Christ for personal Salvation and personal forgiveness from sin.

1.   Did you know the Holy Spirit "testifies?"
2.   How Christ ministers to man

4.   The ministry of the Holy Spirit
5.   The power of the Gospel message "calls"
6.   The Holy Spirit deals with the negative side of life
5.   Are you "led" by the Spirit of God?
7.   "Born into" the family of God
8.   What takes place when a sinner is "cleansed" from sin?
9.   Forsaking sin
10.  Are you God's property?
11. Sin doesn't live here anymore
12. The work and ministry of the Holy Spirit defined
13. The "inner and outer" work of the Holy Spirit
14. People don't "live" to be sanctified
15. Sinful men are "criminal" in the eyes of God
16. Does the Holy Spirit have "full sway" of your life?
17. The promise of my Father (pt.1)...a study of two baptisms
18. The promise of my Father (pt.2)...a study of two baptisms
19. Sanctifying power revealed
20. The purpose of the Baptism with Holy Ghost and fire (pt. 1)
21. The purpose of the Baptism with Holy Ghost and fire (pt. 2)
22. The purpose of the Baptism with Holy Ghost and fire (pt. 3)
23. Amazing Grace (video) ...Hubert T. Lindsey
23. The example of a believer in Christ

25. The Holy Spirit's witness (pt. 1)

26. The Holy Spirit's witness (pt. 2)

Did you know?

The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit :

Convicts the unbeliever of sin
Makes Christ known in the heart of man
Seals those who trust Christ with an initial down payment
Regenerates those who repent and find forgiveness in the death of Savior
Baptizes believers into the body of Christ
Puts a moral witness into the heart of a believing soul
Leads and guides the child of God in righteousness
Sanctifies the saved believer from the still existing Old Adam
Makes intercession for the saints of God
Makes men witnesses for Christ
Holds back the AntiChrist until the Rapture of the Church

The above operations of the Spirit of God are just few of many reasons why Christ sent the Spirit of Truth into the world. Christ told the disciples before His ascension to Heaven that He would send "another" comforter. This Comforter, the Holy Spirit that Christ sent under the blessing of the New Testament...has an ongoing ministry and operation that "works" and is "made manifest" at present through the preaching of the Gospel message. The Gospel has power to morally change, deliver, forgive, and rid man of sin and unholiness. When the Gospel is preached the Holy Spirit is working on behalf of God. The Gospel is God's method of reaching sinners and extending enough mercy for unsaved men to "turn to Christ". The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit is "behind" the preaching of the Gospel with all power and authority. All for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Forsaking sin, the attitude of a believer

Christ commanded His disciples to go into "all" the world and preach the Gospel because He knew the power and the effect the Gospel message would have on the unbelieving world. Saint Luke stated the words of Christ in the 24th chapter that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name. Both repentance and remission of sins are received in the heart of man through the effect of the truth of the Gospel message upon the unregenerate heart. What does the Gospel message have to do with the unregenerate man forsaking sin? How does the Gospel message effect the unbelieving world? These questions arise.

 As the Gospel message is ministered to the hearts of men the Holy Spirit has an effect on the unbeliever that "sways" mans thinking and attitude. The unbeliever sees himself in light of the Spiritual presence of the person of Christ. Sin is revealed as the goodness of God "leads" an unregenerate man to repentance or change of mind. This leading, this spiritual effect, and this power that flows from the truth of the Gospel message "stirs" the conscience of the unregenerate soul. It stirs him enough to give him the attitude to "turn away from sin". It stirs him enough to give him the attitude to quit sinning. It sways him enough to give him the attitude to "forsake sin and dirty living". This is the work of the Holy Spirit that breaks the will of fallen man and turns him away from the desire to live unholy in the eyes of God. Forsaking sin is the attitude of an unregenerate man in repentance. Forsaking sin is a natural desire of an unregenerate man who weighs out the things he did in the past...and puts them in light of the truth about Christ that comes from the hearing the Gospel message. Yes my brothers and sisters forsaking sin is the attitude of the unbelieving soul, even before God's Grace comes in to remit and forgive man from all past sins.

Forsaking sin comes from the act of repentance. Forsaking sin is a desire to quit wrongdoing because of enlightenment that Christ places upon the unbelieving soul. The attitude of forsaking sin is the right attitude to receive the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation. The power of the Gospel, the power of God's Grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit that flows from Calvary is the power that breaks, sways, and changes the unbelieving heart...to a place of repentance. When the power of Calvary is "trusted" completely by a man that repents and forsakes sin... a miracle takes place. The miracle is the remission of sins that man receives "when" he personally trusts Christs redemptive work on the cross at Calvary. Through this man (Christ) is preached the forgiveness of sins. Reconciliation is made for the lost soul in Heaven. God speaks pardon to man who repented with the desire to forsake sin. This man can believe and trust Christ because the eyes of his understanding have been enlightened. Christ is revealed and accepted. Sin has been forsaken. The attitude of forsaking sin took place before the new birth in repentance. Now the repentant heart can accept and trust Christ for personal forgiveness. All sins are remitted. A power from above has showed the man who forsook sin a new life and a new walk. Grace brings a new experience of righteousness and right living. Not weaving in and out of wrongful living. Even before the saving Grace came in mans attitude was to forsake sin. After Grace came in the regenerated man had power to live holy and to do right. He not only forsakes sin in repentance but has a God given desire to live holy and right in the eyes of God.

Don't let man deceive you God's Grace is enough to live holy. Repentance and godly sorrow is enough to usher in the power that a believer needs to be the person they ought to be. Isn't that beautiful? Don't be confused sin is forsaken in repentance. Holiness of heart is found in Salvation. Glory! Believing in and trusting in Christ for personal forgiveness is also a renunciation of sin. Why? Belief allows the Holy Spirit to give you a desire to quit sin. When the Holy Spirit takes you over you will quit your meanness completely. Your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. You are delivered from sin and washed in the Blood. You don't have to forsake sin anymore. You did that when you repented. Now by the Grace of God, you just cease from sinful living. You become "proof" our Savior lives. He's alive in you! Glory! You're saved! Your heart is clean! No more dirty living!

Luke 24:44-47...And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations,

Are you God's property?

The Bible is clear that a saved man is accountable to God for what he does in this body. A saved man is holy…in body and Spirit because he is ”bought for a price”. The price was what Christ did for you personally when forgiveness was found within your heart and soul. A clean and holy heart was given. Thus you became God’s property because you trusted what Christ did for you personally. By the power of God’s Grace that “saves the human soul” you were given the presence of the Holy Spirit to glorify Him in your body and Spirit. A union was made with God so you could bring honor to your King and never dishonor. You are God’s property and not you own! Prove what is acceptable to Him!


1 Cor. 6:19-20…What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

What is the example of a believer in Christ?

1 Timothy 4:12…but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

The example of the words of a believer (how a believer talks) are not corrupt communication, profanity, or cursing. Sweet water and bitter water don’t flow from the same fountain. Even Jesus said out of abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A clean heart brings forth clean words and a clean tongue.

The example of the conversation of a believer is “the manner of life” or “lifestyle” of those who accept Christ as personal Lord and Saviour. Lifestyle can also pertain to sonship, parenthood, domestic life, social life, business life, religious life, etc. Believer’s in Christ live right in the eyes of God because the believing heart is made clean and holy by the Grace of God. Therefore, the manner of of living regardless of human status is made clean and holy.

Charity is the spiritual inclination of the believing heart. Charity is the love manifested when a believer in Christ gives from the heart. The example of charity is recognized in the eyes of God and is a witness for Christ to the unbelieving world.

The example of the spirit of the believing heart is an example of one who pays full attention to Christ and things that pertain to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The natural man doesn’ t know the things of the Spirit of God or Christ because they are foolishness to him. The Spirit man doesn’t do the things that he did in the old life before Christ. A spirit man “quits” his meanness. This example of the believer ”proves” what is acceptable to God.

The example of faith is the believers faithful life to Christ. Faithfulness to Christ proves rightstanding with God and the clean heart. Faithfulness to Christ allows God’s Spirit to work within the believing heart. God’s witnesses are faithful and true and eligible to testisfy and preach. This kind of example in the eyes of God also makes a statement to the unbelieving world, “The action of a child of God speaks louder than words”. That’s why the clean and holy heart (a gift from God) are so important.

The example of purity can only be manifested through the work of the Holy Spirit in the believing soul. Man cannot purify the human heart without the saving Grace of Salvation. Heart purity has nothing to do with human maturity or human growth. Purity is given freely from God when the believing heart is cleansed from sin and unrighteosuness. Purity is manifested in the life and the example of the child of God. The best example of heart purity I know of is when every sin of the past is forgiven and the Old Adam is crucified just like Christ. Newness of life is thus found because the believing heart is made clean and holy in the new birth. Heart purity breaks the bondage of sin. The moral make-up of and unbeliever is purified through belief in the truth about the person of Christ.

Being an example of a believer in Christ is a necessary tool to win the lost.

1 Timothy 4:12…but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

What takes place when a sinner’s heart is cleansed from sin?

The old hymnal I love very much asks the question? What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Rick Roehm asks the question, “What takes place when a sinner’s heart is cleansed from sin?”

The unholy heart is made holy as God’s Justification takes place. The new nature is given to the believer in Christ because of regeneration of the Spirit. God takes man out of the world and “baptizes” him into the body and person of Christ. By one Spirit we are all baptized into one body. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Repent and be baptized everyone of you for the remission of sins…

Many things take place when a sinner is made into a child of God. Sin is washed away. The heart of man is cleansed. The Spirit’s baptism “puts the repented sinner into Christ”. A miracle takes place when every sin committed in the past life is forgiven. The dirty heart of fallen man is made clean. The sin stains are washed away as a result of suffering and shed blood of Christ. What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Or…There is power, power, wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb. Or, He sought me, and he bought me with His redeeming Blood.

The cleansing power of the cross flows into man’s heart and life. Baptism takes place as God immerses the beleiver into Christ. This baptism is performed by the Spirit of God. Forgiveness is found and the conscience is freed from the guilt of sin. Many things take place in the heart of man according to the power of God’s Grace.

The heart is made clean. Man is “placed into” (baptized)into right-standing with God. It’s soul cleansing that comes from above. Born of the Spirit washed in His blood. Many things take place in redemption. I write of these things to clarify words in the Bible such as redemption, Salvation, being cleansed, the Spirit’s baptism, remission of sins, forgiveness, Justification, Sanctification, etc.

Honored to share with you what God has shared with me. Love using the lyrics to the old hymnals also. Those songs were scripturally sound. Based on the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb. This Blog also illustrates what takes place when a sinner repents, believes, and finds redemption in the human soul. God puts man into Christ. Man is baptized by the Spirit into the holiness and purity of Christ. If any man gets into Christ he is a new creation. We are His workmanship “created” in Christ Jesus. Much happened! Much took place! The sinner becomes a saint of God! Glory!

Born into the family of God

Jesus told Nicodemus (John 3) that a person must be born, again. Note, He said again. Not a natural birth but a spiritual birth. All the Apostles knew that a man had to be born of God. Anybody that hears the Gospel message today...can find out that a sinner can be born into the family of God. How? The only description I can give you pertaining to "how" a person is born into the family of God is as follows.

Hearing the Gospel message allows the Spirit of God to come into a sinners heart and morally change. When God comes in...sin goes out. How? Forgiveness is found and the conscience is made clear. A spiritual deliverance takes place. A new nature is given to the heart of man...from above. The sinner is taken out of the world and baptized "into" Christ. This baptism is a spiritual baptism, or a "putting into" or "being emerged into"...the family of God. Born into the family of God. A new creation. A new heart, and new life, a new character, and new conduct. A child of God.

The best Biblical example I know of is when the children of Israel were "baptized" unto Moses. (1 Cor. 10:1-4) The hand of God took Israel from the bondage of Egypt; parted the water of the Red Sea; and took 600,000 people out of Egypt and delivered them into Canaan. These children of Israel were "put into" the land of Canaan by God Almighty. It was a Spiritual baptism. It was a " taking out and putting into" by the operation of God Almighty.

When sinners today hear the Gospel message about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ...the Spirit of God converts these sinners into the family of God where they become , children of God. Children of God are part of the family of God...because they are born of God's blessed Holy Spirit. Blessed is the God of our Salvation....Jesus Christ who made a way for us to be partakers of the family of God.

I have another Blog where I post a complete library of audios for the study of God's Word. If you care to indulge in these great teaching audios...please review at the following link at Wordpress. God bless you all and thanks for stopping by the Churches on Trial Blog.

http://rickroehm.wordpress.com/

Amazing Grace...by Hubert T. Lindsey

The following audio/video was orginally recorded at a morning service at the Church at Birmingham in 08/28/1988. It magnifies the greatness of God's Grace and puts Grace in contrast with man's own abilty. The 30 minute sermon comes out of the Philippian Letter with great authority. It magnifies God's Amazing Grace through the power and presence of a living Christ.

The Holy Spirit deals with the negative side of life

The ministry of the Holy Spirit was given by Christ to deal with the negative side of life and the negative side of man who is a fallen being. The Holy Spirit came to.."reprove" man of sin and righteousness. The Bible says the goodness of God leads man to repentance or to a place where sinful man changes his mind and turns to a Saviour. What causes sinful man to change his mind? The work of the Holy Spirit in the human soul. God can break the human will of a fallen man and cause him to turn to Christ for forgiveness and Salvation. When the Jews heard Peter preach in Acts 2...their hearts were "pricked" because of the convicting work of the Holy Spirit that came through the Gospel message Peter was preaching. This is how the Holy Spirit deals with the negative side of life and the negative side of man. This is the power of ministry of the Spirit that comes from the Gospel Christ commanded us to preach. This is the power of God in Salvation that "breaks" the rebellious will of sinful man and puts him in a place of godly sorrow. The Bible teaches man is morally depraved and corrupt. Scriptures teach man is evil from is youth. A baby speaks lies after they grow up to and age of accountability. David said in sin his mother conceived him. Sin dominates a man before he repents and turns to Christ. The Holy Spirit was given not only to reprove the negative side of man but also to "regenerate" his make-up into a child of God.

Regeneration is the new birth. Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit that morally changes man into a new creature holy and right in the eyes of God. This spiritual experience follows the forgiveness of sins and gives man the power to do right in the presence of God. This new divine nature is greater than the old carnal nature because its given by the power God's Divine Grace. Divine Grace is the power of holiness and eternity given from Heaven from Christ. For this cause Christ died on the cross and the power of the Spirit of holiness that rose Christ from the grave is the same power of the Holy Spirit that gives man a desire to quit sinning with the ability to live holy and right. The work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth is among the greatest of blessings that man can ever receive in this life. For this cause Christ died at Calvary and rose the third day.

The work of the Holy Spirit "testifies" Christ to the heart of man. This ministry comes by hearing the word of faith contained in the Gospel message. The Gospel allows the Spirit of Holiness to minister to hearts of all listeners. Faith comes by hearing the Gospel message. The Holy Spirit ministers "truth" to the heart. God draws men to Him through the the Gospel message. Simply put, "Throught the Gospel message the Holy Spirit shows man what he really is in light of the supremacy of Christ that is manifested in the preaching. As the Holy Spirit makes Christ known to the mind and thinking of a believer "death to self" is also revealed in light of Calvary.

In the first work of the Spirit upon sinful man God shows this person the guilt of sin and the necessity to find forgiveness that only comes because of what Christ did for that individual personally. In the work of the Holy Spirit that testifies Christ in the life of a believer man realizes what he really is in light of Christ. When realization finally sinks in... the beleiver will die to "all" that he is. The Spirit of God deals with the negative side of mans heart and shows him how to "crucify the Old Man".

Crucifixion of self takes place when man is melted to nothingness. When man accepts the fact that he is helpless and hopeless without Christ he will die to self. Death to self will take place. Crucifixion is the Holy Spirit's power and presence that makes Christ known to the negative part of the believer's heart that still tries to rule. Simply put, "When man sees who Christ is he will realize that he himself is nothing... without the power of a resurrected Christ". Death to self allows Christ to have complete control of your actions and character. This likewise is the sanctifying work of the baptism with the Holy Spirit in your heart and life. This work of the Holy Spirit is not a process...its an experience of renewal that follows death to the Old Adam.

All said and written above to say one thing, "It's the Spirit of God that causes repentance, conviction, regeneration, crucifixion to self, and sanctification". The ministry of the Holy Spirit is why Christ commanded us to preach the Gospel. The Gospel message allows the ministry of the Holy Spirit to deal with the negative side of life. Glory! That's why Christ sent the Spirit of Truth to make Him known! Glory! The world cannot receive Christ unless the Spirit of God breaks the will of a sinful man enough to turn this man to Christ.

John 14:17...Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:

Glory! Let the name of Christ be known! The Spirit of God will testify Christ to their hearts. Tell the world about Christ! The power of the Holy Spirit is behind your preaching!

John 15:26... But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

A small glimpse of the "inner and outer" work of the Holy Spirit...

The "Inner work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a believer"… God’s preparation for the Rapture of the Church

• The Holy Spirit reproves the hearts of sinful men and leads them to repentance.
• After repentance the Holy Spirit baptizes the believer into the body of Christ.
• A believer is thus sealed with the Holy Spirit
• A member of the body of Christ is regenerated by the Spirit of God through the new birth.
• The Holy Spirit testifies and reveals Christ to the hearts of members of the body of Christ
• The Holy Spirit shows members of the body of Christ how to get rid of the Adamic nature that still tries to rule their lives
• In the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire…The Holy Spirit purifies the heart of the believer from the Adamic life and nature that still tries to rule
• After the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is experienced, members of the body of Christ are…renewed by the Spirit.
• All believers patiently await the Rapture of the Church
• The Church in the Rapture is one that is holy, and without spot or blemish


The "Outer work of the Holy Spirit “hindering” the reign of the Antichrist" … until the Rapture of the Church

The work of the Holy Spirit is not limited to Salvation and Sanctification of the soul only. The Holy Spirit is what keeps the Antichrist from full reign today! The omnipresence of the Holy Spirit is what keeps the mercy of God present in this Church Age! What happens after the Church is taken out? The Rapture allows the seven year Tribulation on Earth to begin. The Tribulation is the ministering of God’s Wrath upon the Earth. God’s mercy departs with the Church in the Rapture. After the Rapture the Antichrist or Man of Sin steps in, under the dominion of Satan!

At present the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit “holds back” the Wrath of God taught in the book of Revelation. At present the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit “holds back” powers of Satan who will set up his kingdom for seven years when the Church is taken out. At present the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit in the Church “holds back” the Man of sin/Antichrist promised to be revealed at the beginning of the seven year Tribulation.

The Holy Spirit is the “hinderer” of God’s Divine Wrath and the Antichrist. The Rapture is the Churches final judgment that “escapes the Wrath of God” during the seven year Tribulation. At present…God’s mercy in the Holy Spirit is the only thing that hinders the Wrath of God from coming upon the Church! The Antichrist cannot come until the Church is taken out first. Satan’s dominion will come after the Rapture. The Antichrist will move in at that time under Satan’s dominion. Satan’s kingdom and the Antichrist are both hindered in this present Church Age until the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit steps aside, at the Rapture of the Church.

Many people understand the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the human soul. Fewer understand the hindering work of the Holy Spirit that saves the Church world from the Wrath of God. Why? The Divine Wrath and Judgment of an angry God are subjects seldom taught on today. When the Holy Spirit is viewed as more than a reprover and sanctifier He will be seen as a hinderer of God’s Wrath. The Holy Spirit hinders the Wrath of God… withholds the Wrath of God… and steps aside from the Divine Wrath of God at the Rapture of the Church. The hindering work of the Holy Spirit is the only thing keeps the Antichrist from stepping into our present Church Age! Here’s the best verse in the Bible that describes the hindering work of the Holy Spirit that is holding back the reign of the Antichrist in this present Church Age.

• 2 Thess 2:4-8… Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God (the Antichrist). Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth (the Holy Spirit) that he (the Antichrist) might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let (the Holy Spirit), until he be taken out of the way (the Holy Spirit steps aside). And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy (the Antichrist) with the brightness of his coming ;

William E. Blackstone author of… Jesus is Coming…This mystery of Lawlessness already worked in the days of the apostle, but there has been a hindering power, which, we believe, is the Holy Spirit, in His present manifestation, or office, viz.: as the reprover of the world and gatherer of the Church. When He, the restraining one, is taken out of the way (or out of the midst), at the rapture of the Church, then shall the mystery be unveiled, and the Lawless one be revealed (2 Thess. 2:7-8).

Get it clear...The Bible doesn't teach that people "live" to be sanctified...

The Bible does however; teach that when people are "sanctified" they will truly live. If people live to be gradually separated from the world, by gradually separating from worldly things, such as worldly apparel, worldly devices, and worldly associations... they are not letting the Spirit of God perform His complete and instantaneous work of sanctification in their hearts.

Sanctification has nothing to do with your "works" or "your ability to gradually achieve a better standard of holiness". Sanctification is the work of the Spirit of God that "rids" man of self. Sanctification "rids" man of the Old Adam at one stroke. Sanctification is the final work (completed work) of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost... that Christians can be blessed enough to receive in this life. This stroke of the Spirit of God's sanctifying power instantaneously comes when the Christian realizes that he is nothing. Where he becomes helpless and realizes his own inability to achieve anything... at the Saviours feet. Death to self is shown to the heart of man... by the Spirit of God! Crucifixion is received when man throws up the white flag of surrender to Christ! This death to the Old Man allows God's Spirit to sanctify your heart from what you are! Sanctification only comes by "death to the Old man".

Praising God, being happy, and having joy unspeakable "does not" prove that man is sanctified. To be honest...to Praise God, to have happiness in Christ, and joy unspeakable is a requirement to be sanctified! You are required of God to delight in the Lord in order to be sanctified!

Ps 37:4...Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Having delight in Christ is the right attitude to be entirely sanctified! The Holy Spirit gives the believer a desire to be purged from the Old Adam. Sanctification however; does not relate to things you do! Sanctification is not spiritual maturity, spiritual growth, or the process of putting yourself into a better standing with God! Sanctification is "God's removal " of the Adamic nature! There is no process to Sanctification nor is there a process to receive forgiveness for your sins. All comes from Christ! A Christian doesn't get Sanctified because he's on his "best" behavior. A Christian cannot achieve sanctification by his own works! Man is not good enough to receive sanctification by works or good behavior. A Christian gets sanctified because of who Christ is! Christ is the Sanctifier! Glory!

Only Christ (who is God) can sanctify the human soul from the Adamic life. How? By burning up all the dross and all the impurities that man can't get rid of himself. Only the sanctifying power of a resurrected Christ can "burn up" and "rid man of an indwelling sinful nature" that sometimes "tries" to rule the life of a believer. Sanctification is God's "removal" of Indwelling sin where man's entire being is "filled" with the Indwelling Spirit! The Indwelling Spirit of God simply takes over mans entire being! No process here! Only sanctifying power! Not human works! Sanctification "takes place" and "happens" when the believer is "totally" yielded to Christ, the Sanctifier. Christ thus takes control of the sanctified heart, "totally". What do I mean by totally? The entire being of man is owned, ruled, and controlled by the living Christ! A sanctified man is in total subjection to the person of Christ!

Man must understand, his natural inclination to do good works is not the object of sanctification. Here's why.

1 Cor 2:14...the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,

The object of sanctification is knowing that only Christ can rid your heart from an inherited nature that cannot be confessed or forgiven in the New Birth! Sanctification deals with a part of man that man can not get rid of in the New Birth! It's the part of man that still tries to rule the heart with natural tendencies! Or the part of man that causes the conflict or struggle with the Divine nature. Sanctification deals with this part of what man is from birth! The only thing that can rid man from this inherited propensity of sin is God's sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire! This Baptism is subsequent to the New Birth but comes instantaneously...at one stroke after the believer completely dies to self! The Spirit of God reveals to the believer the true meaning and true experience of the crucifixion of self. When man sees himself as he really is he knows he has to die! This actual death to self (crucifixion)brings sanctification from the Spirit of God!

The inner evidence of Sanctification is the "removal" of indwelling sin! The outer evidence of Sanctification is speaking in "unknown tongues". Both of these God-given evidences "together prove"...the sanctified heart from the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire! Glory!

If your living a life to be sanctified...you won't be sanctified because its not scriptural to grow into the sanctified life! This type of progressive mindset or progressive thinking will never allow you to be entirely sanctified by the Spirit of God! Why? First, its not taught in the Bible! Second, your human works are hindering you from seeing and experiencing what Christ "does" from the Throneroom... by the work of His Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire! Christ is the refiners fire. Christ purifies the heart of man and burns up all the dross.

Mal 3:2-3...for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifer of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver,

Man's religious and progressive mindset of a "good" standard of living does just enough to prevent this individual from seeing what Christ "actually does by His power of Grace from the Throneroom". Sanctification has nothing to do with what "you do". Sanctification comes only by the Grace of God! Sanctification is what Christ does to a Christian when He delivers the Christian from the Adamic Nature...completely!

Real Christian living, real Christian contentment, and real Christian peace are yours Brother and Sister...as a result of the sanctified heart. If you're not sanctified you're not living fully contented life! If Peace like God has, doesn't rule your heart! Who do you think you're kidding! You can kid yourself but you're not kidding God! If you've got sanctification ...you've got it and you know you've got it! God knows it too, because you're totally yielded to his cause! If you don't have sanctification you know you don't have either! Please understand...The Spirit of God reveals entire sanctification to the heart of all believers in Christ! The scriptures teach...Your ENTIRE body, soul, and spirit are "sanctified wholly" and "preserved blameless" until the coming of Christ! GLORY! It also teaches that God does it...not you!

1 Thess 5:23-24...And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

You and I both know...so many people need Entire Sanctification and they all know they need it! They just don't know "with certainty" how to get it! Or they're not sure exactly what Sanctification actually is! At the Churches on Trial we give our "all" in attempt to scatter these beauties of holiness into the world over the Internet and in our personal lives. This preacher also preaches it in his personal ministry! Glory! Brother Lindsey spent 72 years of his life preaching holiness and in the last 30 years of his ministry he taught Entire Sanctification. Brother Lindsey always said he wished he would have done "more" concerning Sanctification in the earlier years of his ministry!

It is an honor and privilege to carry on these timeless teachings of holiness and right living that were started by Brother Lindsey! I'm glad God used Brother Lindsey as a mouthpiece to come across my path! Sanctification has blessed my heart, life, marriage, and ministry! I'm so glad we have this website! I'm glad Christ backs it with His Spirit of holiness sent down from Heaven! We bless your heart dear Lord! Bless our ministry as we reach out and scatter it! God bless all you readers! May the Spirit of Holiness reveal the truth about sanctification to all your hearts, minds, and lives. Glory to the living Christ we serve! Glory to His name! Glory to His name forever!

For further study here's an excellent audio by Brother Lindsey that teaches man how to get rid of the Adamic nature... http://churchesontrial.blogspot.com/2009/02/blog-post.html