~ 1611 ~

I wanted to commemorate one thousand six hundred and eleven page views with this post but before I had a chance to write it my page view counter blew the doors off The Warming House.  Thank you all who have signed up to follow by email.  I especially hope these commentaries and stories are a help and blessing to both our New England Church and the Church in Russia.  Several of you overseas have been very faithful reading my ‘stuff’ and it is very humbling.  Thank You.

As Bible Believers we all accept that “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

For we know that “the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21)

It is certain that Timothy and his mentor Paul and Paul’s fellow Apostle Peter believed this.

And it goes without saying that the Incarnate Word, The Lord Jesus Christ, places a lot of emphasis on the writings of Moses and the Prophets.  He said, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”  But the question is “Do they REALLY HEAR Moses and the Prophets?”…

Pastor Johnny Pope, who I have had the privilege of listening to on a few occasions here in New England, posted on Facebook recently,

“No less than fifteen times in Scripture our Lord says, “…He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). If anyone believes that God is not speaking today, he is mistaken. God is most definitely speaking, the problem is - we are not listening. A good prayer to pray is, “Lord give me ears to hear what you are saying to me.” One important component to getting that prayer answered is a willingness to obey what He reveals.”

Now I don’t believe that my study notes and comments in my Centennial Edition KJV Red Letter Thompson Chain Reference Bible are also inspired but it’s certainly interesting to note that the reference items 1601 to 1614 all deal with the ministries and activities of the Holy Spirit.  Item 1611 in particular deals with ‘The Leadership of the Holy Spirit.’

He Guides into All Truth:

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

He controlled the movements of Believers:

“While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.” (Acts 10:19-20)

Sometimes quite literally…

“And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:39)

He directed the selection of Christian leaders:

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

He chose the fields of operation:

“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.” (Acts 16:6-8)

And He still teaches and guides, controls and directs, and chooses the circumstances in the lives of His Church, His children today:

“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:” (Romans 8:14-16)

“And if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:18)

To repeat Pastor Pope a good prayer to pray is,

“Lord give me ears to hear what you are saying to me.”

One important component to getting that prayer answered is a willingness to obey what He reveals.”

The Apostle by the Spirit writes,

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” 

If we walk in obedience to the inner promptings of God’s Holy Spirit, loving Him in gratitude for His presence in us, He will increase in us and we (our own selfish inclinations) will decrease.

“He must increase, WE must decrease!”