Why God Gave His Spirit
by
Kenneth Dobbin
Copyright 2011 Kenneth Dobbin,
All rights reserved.
Published in eBook format by eBookIt.com
ISBN-13: 978-1-4566-0149-2
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
Unless otherwise indicated. Bible quotations are taken from the NIV & KJV versions of the Bible. Copyright © NIV 1973, 1978, 1984 by the international Bible Society, Zondervan Bible Publishers. Copyright © KJV.
Why a Forward?
It may seem strange to begin this book with this question, but it fit into the basic theme of this book with the question of why? Most sincere Christians are drowning with questions that begin with the word why. Such as, Why did God give his Holy Spirit to everyone of his children? What motivates you to live a life pleasing to God? Why are you walking the straight and narrow and why are you so willing to follow Jesus where ever he takes you? My hope is that you will learn why by the time you finish reading this book.
I think you will find this book to be informative as some of the topics are only briefly discussed in every church. The Bible is packed full of information and it is easy to overlook some of the things that show how God works in your life to build you into the image of Christ. In the last thirty years of my Christian experience I have found no one thinks alike and what one hears depends on who you are listing too.
I have a deep love for God and the priority to know him better, but occasionally my priority gets me into trouble. You see, I also have the desire to be know God better, but my pride initiates a argument to determine just how right I am. While Christians may not agree on everything it bugs me to disagree with the person who is sitting next to me in Church. Unfortunately I am not alone for others have the same fault.
Christians take their beliefs seriously even when they are absolutely wrong. However there is only one way to solve the issue and that is to search the scriptures until you find the truth of the matter. From this experience I have learned to pay more attention to what God has said and make every attempt to repeat his words. It may be a preference, but I have also learned to search for more than one verses that agrees with my basic premise. Or it just may be that I want more than hearsay evidence but rather the absolute truth to prove my points.
Much has been said about the Holy Spirit and for the most part the majority of teaching about the Holy Spirit is primarily concerned with his relationship within the divine nature. In some circles the Holy Spirit empowers the believer with the ability to speak in tongues as an outward sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. What I have heard over the years is the message in never complete, doesn't always benefit the believer or stay in context with the word of God.
At the same time we have all heard traditional teachings coming from men and women who love the Lord with all their heart. Traditional teachings come from understanding only a small part of the big picture and sometimes reveal things that God said nothing about. While these teachings mean well they are deceptive by adding false statements to the truth of God's word. Unfortunately they are accepted by men and women of the church, as if it was actually the word of God. We will look into some of these beliefs.
Then some justify their beliefs with human reasoning and I hate to say that they can be pretty good at convincing an audience. And although I am aware of human reasoning, I also am guilty of use human reasoning at times. There are other times I have to say that I am God's messenger and I am compelled to say he said nothing on that subject. Making the effort to keep every word I write in agreement with God's word will make the difference.
God teaches his children to be prudent by testing all things before making a commitment to a belief that will eventually affect your life. Testing every spiritual concept for truth is a normal procedure for those who take God's word to heart. It means that we listen to both sides of the argument, which is like looking at the pro's and cons of your decisions. In your case it is one that gives the benefit of doubt to the believer, but also the opportunity to hear the truth from God that carries more weight.
Rather than argue the merits of the current doctrines taught in the church, I would rather point at the scripture that open my eyes and allow you to form your own opinion. I haven't learned what will change minds or how to form the minds of my readers to think as I do and as far as I am concerned changing the way people think is God's expertise, not mine.
Knowing that I can not change your mind I will do my best to interject scriptures within my comments so that you can follow along. My hope is that you do not take everything I say at face value, for some of my arguments have no scriptural references but are human in nature and logical to my way of thinking. As I said earlier there is only one way to get to the truth of the matter and that is to search the scriptures.
1. Why a Gift?
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
The gift of the Holy Spirit is given as a result of a promise to empower the child of God to live the holy life desired by our heavenly Father. This gift has many functions as he guides us into the truth, enables us to resist the fiery darts of the devil and helps us to present the gospel message to the world.
The Holy Spirit was given to us at when we accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and born into the Kingdom of God. The moment Jesus Christ came into our lives he baptized us with the Holy Spirit and fire. Some say you must ask for the Holy Spirit quoting how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. So lets put that verse in context.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:10-13
When we put this verse in context we find a comparison of the gifts we can expect from our fathers. The comparison is one of our earthly fathers verses our heavenly father by how they show their love and the gifts they give to their children. Jesus was saying because our heavenly father loves you he would give you the good things you ask for. Within this comparison Jesus illustrated that God would not give you anything that would harm you. This comparison does not require you to ask God for the promise of the father, but if you ask, expect what you asked for.
On other hand, when we look at the gift a from a different picture we find that Jesus was exalted to the throne of God and was entrusted with distributing the Holy Spirit to God’s children (Acts 2:33). In addition, the bible tells you some interesting facts worth knowing such as when you receive the Holy Spirit.
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the
