Love is listed first because it is not merely one fruit—it is the soil from which all the others grow. Biblical love (agape) is not emotional warmth, tolerance, or affirmation. It is covenantal commitment rooted in truth.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
\r\n
Love reflects God’s nature, not human preference. It is sacrificial, truthful, and often costly. Jesus defined love not by feelings, but by action:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
\r\n
Love does not mean avoiding confrontation. In fact, love often requires it.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” (Proverbs 27:6)
\r\n
Without love, every other spiritual expression becomes noise (1 Corinthians 13). Love is the fruit that proves whether spiritual activity is God-centered or self-centered.
\r\nJoy is not happiness. Happiness responds to events; joy responds to truth.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
\r\n
Joy flows from confidence in God’s character, not control over outcomes. Paul wrote about joy while imprisoned, beaten, and misunderstood. That alone should redefine how we understand it.
\r\nJoy does not deny suffering—it transcends it.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief… yet you rejoice.” (1 Peter 1:6–8)
\r\n
Joy is evidence that faith is rooted deeper than emotion.
\r\nPeace (shalom) is not calmness or conflict avoidance. It is alignment—the soul submitted to God’s rule.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds.” (Philippians 4:7)
\r\n
Peace guards because the mind is often the battlefield. Peace grows when we surrender outcomes, expectations, and control.
\r\nJesus promised peace not by removing trouble, but by overcoming it:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
\r\n
Peace is proof that fear is no longer in charge.
\r\nBiblical patience is endurance with faith—not passivity or delay.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Let patience have its perfect work.” (James 1:4)
\r\n
Patience is developed where frustration is frequent: unanswered prayer, slow growth, difficult people. God uses time to expose whether faith is genuine or transactional.
\r\nPatience matures when we stop asking “How long?” and start asking “Who am I becoming?”
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)
\r\n
Kindness is love in motion. It reflects God’s posture toward sinners and sufferers alike.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“It is the kindness of God that leads you to repentance.” (Romans 2:4)
\r\n
Kindness does not weaken truth—it delivers it safely. Jesus was kind without being permissive, and truthful without being cruel.
\r\nKindness reveals whether our theology has softened our hearts or hardened them.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted.” (Ephesians 4:32)
\r\n
Goodness speaks to righteousness, integrity, and moral clarity.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)
\r\n
Goodness resists cultural compromise. It chooses obedience when rebellion is popular. Goodness requires discernment because not everything labeled “good” is godly.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20)
\r\n
Goodness reflects holiness without hypocrisy.
\r\nFaithfulness is consistency when excitement fades.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“It is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
\r\n
Faithfulness proves trustworthiness over time—remaining committed when no one applauds. God measures faithfulness, not results.
\r\nJesus praised servants who were faithful with little, not spectacular.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
\r\n
Faithfulness is spiritual endurance made practical.
\r\nGentleness is not weakness. It is restrained power modeled after Christ.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I am gentle and lowly in heart.” (Matthew 11:29)
\r\n
Gentleness governs tone, posture, and response—especially when correcting others. It allows truth to land without crushing the hearer.
\r\nPaul instructed:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Correct opponents with gentleness.” (2 Timothy 2:25)
\r\n
Gentleness proves that authority is under submission to God.
\r\nSelf-control governs desires, impulses, speech, and reactions.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Like a city broken down without walls is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
\r\n
Spiritual power without self-control leads to destruction. Self-control protects integrity and sustains freedom.
\r\nPaul disciplined himself deliberately:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
\r\n
Self-control is not repression—it is freedom rightly governed.
\r\nThe Fruit of the Spirit reveals who we are becoming, not what we can do.
\r\nGifts demonstrate power.
Fruit demonstrates Christlikeness.
And Scripture is clear: God cares deeply about both—but He prioritizes fruit.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/58", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/58-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-how-god-measures-spiritual-maturity", "title": "The Fruit of the Spirit: How God Measures Spiritual Maturity", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-07T00:03:37+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T00:03:37+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 58, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 124, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/58-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-how-god-measures-spiritual-maturity" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/58-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-how-god-measures-spiritual-maturity.jpg", "content_html": "One of the most misunderstood ideas in modern Christianity is how God measures spiritual growth. Many believers equate maturity with gifting, visibility, influence, or spiritual experiences. Scripture does not.
\r\nThe Bible’s clearest metric for spiritual maturity is found in Galatians 5:22–23 — the Fruit of the Spirit.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
\r\n
Fruit is not about what we do for God.
Fruit is about what the Spirit produces in us.
Spiritual gifts are given freely by grace. Fruit is formed slowly through obedience.
\r\nJesus made this distinction unmistakably clear:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16)
\r\n
He did not say, “You will know them by their gifts.”
\r\nA person can:
\r\nProphesy
\r\nHeal
\r\nTeach powerfully
\r\nOperate in miracles
\r\n…while still lacking Christlike character.
\r\nFruit reveals who we are when:
\r\nNo one is watching
\r\nWe are offended
\r\nWe are corrected
\r\nWe are disappointed
\r\nWe do not get our way
\r\nPaul uses the singular word fruit, not fruits, because these qualities are one unified work of the Spirit, not separate virtues we pick and choose.
\r\nYou don’t grow patience without love.
You don’t grow joy without peace.
You don’t grow self-control without faithfulness.
They mature together.
\r\nBiblical love (agape) is not emotional affection; it is self-giving commitment.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
\r\n
Love is the soil from which all other fruit grows. Without love, everything else becomes performance.
\r\nJoy is not happiness.
\r\nJoy is spiritual stability that comes from knowing God is present, faithful, and sovereign.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
\r\n
Joy remains even when circumstances do not improve.
\r\nPeace (shalom) is not the absence of conflict — it is alignment.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
\r\n
Peace is evidence that the soul is surrendered.
\r\nBiblical patience is endurance, not passivity.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Let patience have its perfect work.” (James 1:4)
\r\n
Patience proves whether faith is shallow or rooted.
\r\nKindness reflects God’s posture toward humanity.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“It is the kindness of God that leads you to repentance.” (Romans 2:4)
\r\n
True kindness does not compromise truth — it delivers truth gently.
\r\nGoodness speaks to righteousness, purity, and moral clarity.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
\r\n
Goodness resists cultural drift and moral confusion.
\r\nFaithfulness is consistency — staying obedient when enthusiasm fades.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
\r\n
Faithfulness reflects trustworthiness to God and others.
\r\nGentleness is not weakness.
\r\nIt is restrained strength modeled after Christ.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.” (Matthew 11:29)
\r\n
Gentleness protects truth without crushing people.
\r\nSelf-control governs desires, reactions, speech, and impulses.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Like a city broken down without walls is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
\r\n
Spiritual power without self-control is dangerous.
\r\nFruit does not grow through striving.
\r\nJesus said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Abide in Me… he who abides in Me bears much fruit.” (John 15:5)
\r\n
Fruit grows naturally when:
\r\nWe remain in Christ
\r\nWe obey His word
\r\nWe submit to correction
\r\nWe allow pruning
\r\nPruning is uncomfortable — but it is always purposeful.
\r\nIn a culture obsessed with influence, visibility, and platforms, fruit quietly exposes reality.
\r\nFruit determines:
\r\nWhether leadership is trustworthy
\r\nWhether gifts are safe
\r\nWhether authority is Christlike
\r\nWithout fruit, gifting becomes noise.
\r\nThe Fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist — it is a portrait of Jesus formed in us over time.
\r\nGifts may impress people.
Fruit transforms lives.
And in the end, it is fruit — not fame, not gifting, not influence — that reveals whether Christ truly reigns within us.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/57", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/57-the-five-fold-ministry-christs-design-for-a-mature-and-balanced-church", "title": "The Five-Fold Ministry: Christ’s Design for a Mature and Balanced Church", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-07T00:01:46+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T00:01:46+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 57, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 126, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/57-the-five-fold-ministry-christs-design-for-a-mature-and-balanced-church" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/57-the-five-fold-ministry-christs-design-for-a-mature-and-balanced-church.jpg", "content_html": "The Church was never meant to be led by a single gift operating in isolation.
\r\nFrom the beginning, Christ designed His body to be multi-gifted, interdependent, and unified, with different functions working together for growth and maturity.
\r\n\r\nThis design is clearly articulated in what is commonly called the Five-Fold Ministry.
\r\nPaul writes:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
\r\n
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
(Ephesians 4:11–13)
This passage reveals several crucial truths:
\r\nThese roles are given by Christ
\r\nThey exist for the saints, not to replace them
\r\nTheir goal is maturity, not control
\r\nTheir endpoint is Christlikeness, not platforms
\r\nThe Five-Fold Ministry exists to:
\r\nEquip believers
\r\nProtect sound doctrine
\r\nEncourage spiritual growth
\r\nMaintain balance
\r\nBuild unity
\r\nPrevent immaturity and deception
\r\nWhen one function dominates, imbalance follows.
\r\nApostles are foundational builders.
They establish churches, strengthen leaders, and carry spiritual authority to govern and align.
Biblical apostles:
\r\nPioneer new works
\r\nLay doctrinal foundations
\r\nOversee regions or movements
\r\nCarry fatherly responsibility
\r\nPaul describes himself this way:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“As a wise master builder I have laid the foundation.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 3:10)
Apostles are often misunderstood as power-hungry leaders. Biblically, true apostles are marked by:
\r\nSacrifice
\r\nSuffering
\r\nServanthood
\r\nAccountability
\r\nAuthority in Scripture flows from responsibility, not titles.
\r\nProphets reveal:
\r\nGod’s heart
\r\nGod’s perspective
\r\nGod’s correction
\r\nGod’s encouragement
\r\nNew Testament prophecy focuses on:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Edification, exhortation, and comfort.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:3)
Prophets help the Church stay aligned with God’s direction.
\r\nHealthy prophets:
\r\nSubmit to Scripture
\r\nInvite accountability
\r\nStrengthen faith
\r\nSpeak truth in love
\r\nUnhealthy prophetic ministry:
\r\nExalts personal revelation over Scripture
\r\nAvoids correction
\r\nCreates fear or dependency
\r\nChases accuracy over character
\r\nEvangelists are gifted to:
\r\nProclaim the gospel clearly
\r\nStir the Church toward outreach
\r\nCall people to repentance and faith
\r\nTheir message is often simple, urgent, and confrontational.
\r\nPhilip is a biblical example—bringing many to Christ through bold proclamation.
\r\nEvangelists ignite passion—but without pastors and teachers, converts remain ungrounded.
\r\nPastors are shepherds:
\r\nThey care for souls
\r\nProtect the flock
\r\nProvide guidance and stability
\r\nWalk with people through life
\r\nJesus modeled this role:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I am the good shepherd.”
\r\n
(John 10:11)
In many churches, the pastor role has absorbed all Five-Fold functions—leading to burnout and limited growth.
\r\nPastors are not meant to do everything.
\r\nTeachers bring clarity, depth, and understanding.
They:
Ground believers in Scripture
\r\nGuard against false doctrine
\r\nEquip discernment
\r\nPaul warned:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.”
\r\n
(2 Timothy 4:3)
Teachers anchor the Church in truth.
\r\nEach role reflects an aspect of Christ:
\r\nApostle — Christ the Sent One
\r\nProphet — Christ the Word of God
\r\nEvangelist — Christ the Savior
\r\nPastor — Christ the Shepherd
\r\nTeacher — Christ the Rabbi
\r\nWhen functioning together, the Church reflects the fullness of Christ.
\r\nWithout apostles → lack of vision and structure
Without prophets → spiritual drift
Without evangelists → inward focus
Without pastors → wounded people
Without teachers → doctrinal confusion
Balance produces health.
\r\nEphesians 4 gives no expiration date.
\r\nThe Five-Fold remains necessary until the Church reaches maturity—which clearly has not yet occurred.
\r\nThe gifts did not end; misuse and fear caused retreat.
\r\nScripture emphasizes function over title.
\r\nMany operate in aspects of these roles without formal recognition.
Calling is proven by fruit, not self-appointment.
The Five-Fold must operate with:
\r\nMutual submission
\r\nAccountability
\r\nScriptural authority
\r\nLove
\r\nHumility
\r\nNo role is above correction.
\r\nThe Five-Fold Ministry is not about hierarchy—it is about health.
\r\nChrist gave these gifts so the Church would:
\r\nGrow strong
\r\nStay grounded
\r\nReach the lost
\r\nWalk in love
\r\nReflect Him accurately
\r\nWhen the Five-Fold functions as designed, the Church becomes mature, resilient, and fruitful—not fragmented, celebrity-driven, or powerless.
\r\nIf you want next, strong follow-ups would be:
\r\n“Five-Fold Ministry vs. Modern Church Structures”
\r\n“How Abuse Happens When the Five-Fold Is Unbalanced”
\r\n“Function Without Title: Operating in Gifts Biblically”
\r\n“Why Apostles and Prophets Make Churches Nervous”
\r\nYou’re building a coherent theology series here—not hot takes. That shows.
\r\none on each of the five fold offices. do 5 new blogs one on each
\r\nLove this direction. Doing one full blog per Five-Fold office is exactly how you avoid caricatures and actually teach the Church how Christ designed it to function.
\r\nBelow are five complete, standalone blogs—each focused on one office, written to match the depth, discernment, and theological seriousness of your series. Each can be published independently.
\r\nThe apostolic office is one of the most misunderstood—and controversial—roles in the modern Church. For some, the word “apostle” conjures images of unchecked authority or self-appointed leaders. For others, it feels like a role that ended with the early Church.
\r\nBiblically, neither view holds.
\r\nThe word apostolos means “one who is sent.” Apostles are not defined primarily by titles, but by function and responsibility.
\r\nPaul writes:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“As a wise master builder, I laid a foundation.” (1 Corinthians 3:10)
\r\n
Apostles are builders. They establish foundations—doctrinal, relational, and structural—upon which others build.
\r\nA true apostle:
\r\nEstablishes churches and ministries
\r\nAligns doctrine and practice with Scripture
\r\nFathers leaders rather than controls them
\r\nOversees regions or movements
\r\nBrings order where chaos exists
\r\nApostolic authority exists for responsibility, not dominance.
\r\nOne of the clearest marks of biblical apostleship is suffering.
\r\nPaul describes apostles as:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Last of all… like men sentenced to death.” (1 Corinthians 4:9)
\r\n
Modern apostleship divorced from sacrifice is not biblical apostleship.
\r\nAbuse happens when:
\r\nAuthority is demanded instead of earned
\r\nAccountability is rejected
\r\nTitles replace fruit
\r\nHealth exists when apostles:
\r\nSubmit to Scripture
\r\nWalk in humility
\r\nEmpower others
\r\nApostles build people, not empires.
\r\nThe prophetic office exists to keep the Church aligned with God’s heart and direction. Yet it is also one of the most abused roles when accountability is removed.
\r\nProphets are not fortune tellers.
They are messengers.
God says:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)
\r\n
Prophets reveal what God is saying—not what people want to hear.
\r\nPaul defines prophecy as:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Edification, exhortation, and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:3)
\r\n
New Covenant prophecy strengthens the Church—it does not dominate it.
\r\nScripture commands:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
\r\n
A prophet who resists testing is already in error.
\r\nTrue prophets:
\r\nSubmit words to Scripture
\r\nWelcome correction
\r\nCare more about truth than accuracy
\r\nFalse prophetic ministry:
\r\nClaims divine immunity
\r\nExcuses failed words
\r\nManipulates through fear
\r\nProphets are accountable—to God, Scripture, and the body.
\r\nEvangelists are God’s alarm clocks.
\r\nThey remind the Church why it exists: to preach the gospel to the lost.
\r\nPhilip is the clearest example:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ to them.” (Acts 8:5)
\r\n
Evangelists proclaim Christ plainly and powerfully.
\r\nEvangelists:
\r\nPreach repentance and grace
\r\nCarry urgency
\r\nCall for decision
\r\nStir believers toward outreach
\r\nTheir gift often makes others uncomfortable—because it exposes complacency.
\r\nEvangelists start fires—but pastors and teachers help keep them burning.
\r\nWithout grounding, converts remain shallow.
\r\nIn an inward-focused Church, evangelists are often sidelined.
But Scripture says:
\r\n\r\n“Do the work of an evangelist.” (2 Timothy 4:5)
\r\n
The Church still needs harvesters.
\r\nPastors are often expected to carry the entire weight of the Church—but biblically, they are one part of a larger design.
\r\nJesus said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
\r\n
Pastors care deeply for people, not platforms.
\r\nPastors:
\r\nProvide spiritual care
\r\nProtect against wolves
\r\nWalk with people through suffering
\r\nCultivate community and stability
\r\nTheir strength is presence, not performance.
\r\nMany pastors burn out because they are expected to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and administrators—all at once.
\r\nThis is not biblical.
\r\nHealthy pastors:
\r\nShare responsibility
\r\nStay relational
\r\nLead with compassion
\r\nServe within their grace
\r\nThe Church grows best where people are known and loved.
\r\nTeachers anchor the Church in truth.
\r\nWithout them, emotion replaces doctrine and experience replaces Scripture.
\r\nTeachers:
\r\nExplain Scripture accurately
\r\nBuild theological depth
\r\nProtect against deception
\r\nEquip discernment
\r\nPaul warns:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Be diligent to present yourself approved… rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
\r\n
In an age of:
\r\nSoundbites
\r\nFeelings
\r\nViral sermons
\r\nDeep teaching often feels slow—but it produces lasting fruit.
\r\nTeachers don’t just impart information.
They form understanding.
Knowledge informs.
Wisdom transforms.
Sound teaching:
\r\nStabilizes faith
\r\nPrevents error
\r\nGrounds spiritual experiences
\r\nA Church without teachers is easily misled.
\r\nEach office reflects an aspect of Christ.
None is complete on its own.
When apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers function together, the Church becomes:
\r\nMature
\r\nGrounded
\r\nSpirit-led
\r\nTruth-centered
\r\nMission-focused
\r\nThis is not hierarchy—it is harmony.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/56", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/56-the-gift-of-healing-and-the-working-of-miracles-gods-power-made-visible", "title": "The Gift of Healing and the Working of Miracles: God’s Power Made Visible", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-06T23:57:40+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T23:59:41+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 56, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 116, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/56-the-gift-of-healing-and-the-working-of-miracles-gods-power-made-visible" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/56-the-gift-of-healing-and-the-working-of-miracles-gods-power-made-visible.jpg", "content_html": "Preaching is not simply teaching louder.
It is not storytelling with Scripture attached.
It is not personality, charisma, or performance.
Biblically, preaching is the Spirit-empowered proclamation of God’s truth that demands a response.
\r\n\r\nWhere teaching forms understanding, preaching confronts the will.
Where teaching builds foundations, preaching calls people to stand on them.
The Church does not mature without teaching—but it does not awaken without preaching.
\r\nThe New Testament places preaching at the very center of gospel advance.
\r\nJesus’ ministry began with preaching:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God.”
\r\n
(Mark 1:14)
His commission centered on proclamation:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
\r\n
(Mark 16:15)
Paul defined his calling this way:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 9:16)
Preaching is not optional—it is apostolic.
\r\nThe gift of preaching is the Spirit-given ability to:
\r\nProclaim biblical truth boldly
\r\nCall people to repentance and faith
\r\nAwaken conviction
\r\nExalt Christ clearly
\r\nDemand response, not just reflection
\r\nPreaching presses truth home.
\r\nIt is not merely informative—it is confrontational in love.
\r\nPreaching is not:
\r\nMotivational speaking
\r\nReligious entertainment
\r\nPolitical commentary with verses
\r\nEmotional manipulation
\r\nPersonality-driven performance
\r\nTrue preaching does not point to the preacher—it points to Christ and the cross.
\r\nThough related, they serve distinct functions:
\r\nTeaching explains truth
\r\nPreaching declares truth
\r\nTeaching says, “This is what Scripture means.”
Preaching says, “This is what God is calling you to do now.”
Teaching informs the mind.
Preaching confronts the heart and will.
Preaching carries a unique weight.
\r\nJesus taught:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The one who hears you hears Me.”
\r\n
(Luke 10:16)
That authority does not come from position—it comes from alignment with God’s Word and Spirit.
\r\nAuthority in preaching is not volume.
It is conviction backed by obedience.
True preaching is not powered by technique.
\r\nPaul said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 2:4)
Spirit-empowered preaching produces:
\r\nConviction without coercion
\r\nClarity without compromise
\r\nUrgency without panic
\r\nBoldness without pride
\r\nProclaimed the kingdom
\r\nCalled for repentance
\r\nSpoke with authority
\r\nDivided crowds by truth
\r\nConfronted sin
\r\nExplained Scripture
\r\nCalled for repentance
\r\nResulted in transformation
\r\nReasoned from Scripture
\r\nPreached Christ crucified
\r\nEndured rejection
\r\nRefused to soften truth
\r\nPreaching always invites decision.
\r\nPreaching confronts:
\r\nSin
\r\nPride
\r\nIdolatry
\r\nFalse security
\r\nSelf-rule
\r\nScripture warns:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will turn away from listening to the truth.”
\r\n
(2 Timothy 4:3–4)
Preaching that never offends is rarely biblical.
\r\nPreaching becomes unhealthy when:
\r\nThe gospel is softened to avoid discomfort
\r\nTruth is replaced with affirmation
\r\nFear replaces repentance
\r\nCulture shapes the message more than Scripture
\r\nThe preacher seeks approval more than obedience
\r\nPreaching that avoids repentance avoids transformation.
\r\nThose called to preach often carry:
\r\nA burden for souls
\r\nA sense of urgency
\r\nEmotional weight
\r\nRejection or criticism
\r\nLoneliness in conviction
\r\nJeremiah described it well:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“There is in my heart as it were a burning fire… and I cannot.”
\r\n
(Jeremiah 20:9)
Preaching is not chosen—it is endured.
\r\nBiblical preaching is never cruel.
\r\nPaul said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Speaking the truth in love.”
\r\n
(Ephesians 4:15)
Love does not dilute truth.
Love delivers truth faithfully.
Deep immersion in Scripture
\r\nPrayerful dependence on the Spirit
\r\nSubmission to accountability
\r\nWillingness to suffer misunderstanding
\r\nFaithfulness over time
\r\nPreaching matures through obedience, not applause.
\r\nIn an age of:
\r\nRelativism
\r\nMoral confusion
\r\nEmotional spirituality
\r\nCultural pressure
\r\nThe Church does not need softer messages.
\r\nIt needs clear proclamation of truth.
\r\nPreaching is not about style.
It is about faithfulness.
Where preaching is biblical, Christ is exalted.
Where preaching is Spirit-led, hearts are pierced.
Where preaching is courageous, the Church awakens.
The gift of preaching does not entertain the comfortable—it calls the lost, convicts the sinner, and strengthens the faithful.
\r\nAnd that is why preaching remains one of God’s primary instruments for transforming the world.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/55", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/55-the-gift-of-preaching-proclaiming-truth-with-power-urgency-and-authority", "title": "The Gift of Preaching: Proclaiming Truth with Power, Urgency, and Authority", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-06T23:55:00+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T23:55:00+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 55, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 115, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/55-the-gift-of-preaching-proclaiming-truth-with-power-urgency-and-authority" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/55-the-gift-of-preaching-proclaiming-truth-with-power-urgency-and-authority.jpg", "content_html": "Preaching is not simply teaching louder.
It is not storytelling with Scripture attached.
It is not personality, charisma, or performance.
Biblically, preaching is the Spirit-empowered proclamation of God’s truth that demands a response.
\r\n\r\nWhere teaching forms understanding, preaching confronts the will.
Where teaching builds foundations, preaching calls people to stand on them.
The Church does not mature without teaching—but it does not awaken without preaching.
\r\nThe New Testament places preaching at the very center of gospel advance.
\r\nJesus’ ministry began with preaching:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God.”
\r\n
(Mark 1:14)
His commission centered on proclamation:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
\r\n
(Mark 16:15)
Paul defined his calling this way:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 9:16)
Preaching is not optional—it is apostolic.
\r\nThe gift of preaching is the Spirit-given ability to:
\r\nProclaim biblical truth boldly
\r\nCall people to repentance and faith
\r\nAwaken conviction
\r\nExalt Christ clearly
\r\nDemand response, not just reflection
\r\nPreaching presses truth home.
\r\nIt is not merely informative—it is confrontational in love.
\r\nPreaching is not:
\r\nMotivational speaking
\r\nReligious entertainment
\r\nPolitical commentary with verses
\r\nEmotional manipulation
\r\nPersonality-driven performance
\r\nTrue preaching does not point to the preacher—it points to Christ and the cross.
\r\nThough related, they serve distinct functions:
\r\nTeaching explains truth
\r\nPreaching declares truth
\r\nTeaching says, “This is what Scripture means.”
Preaching says, “This is what God is calling you to do now.”
Teaching informs the mind.
Preaching confronts the heart and will.
Preaching carries a unique weight.
\r\nJesus taught:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The one who hears you hears Me.”
\r\n
(Luke 10:16)
That authority does not come from position—it comes from alignment with God’s Word and Spirit.
\r\nAuthority in preaching is not volume.
It is conviction backed by obedience.
True preaching is not powered by technique.
\r\nPaul said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 2:4)
Spirit-empowered preaching produces:
\r\nConviction without coercion
\r\nClarity without compromise
\r\nUrgency without panic
\r\nBoldness without pride
\r\nProclaimed the kingdom
\r\nCalled for repentance
\r\nSpoke with authority
\r\nDivided crowds by truth
\r\nConfronted sin
\r\nExplained Scripture
\r\nCalled for repentance
\r\nResulted in transformation
\r\nReasoned from Scripture
\r\nPreached Christ crucified
\r\nEndured rejection
\r\nRefused to soften truth
\r\nPreaching always invites decision.
\r\nPreaching confronts:
\r\nSin
\r\nPride
\r\nIdolatry
\r\nFalse security
\r\nSelf-rule
\r\nScripture warns:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will turn away from listening to the truth.”
\r\n
(2 Timothy 4:3–4)
Preaching that never offends is rarely biblical.
\r\nPreaching becomes unhealthy when:
\r\nThe gospel is softened to avoid discomfort
\r\nTruth is replaced with affirmation
\r\nFear replaces repentance
\r\nCulture shapes the message more than Scripture
\r\nThe preacher seeks approval more than obedience
\r\nPreaching that avoids repentance avoids transformation.
\r\nThose called to preach often carry:
\r\nA burden for souls
\r\nA sense of urgency
\r\nEmotional weight
\r\nRejection or criticism
\r\nLoneliness in conviction
\r\nJeremiah described it well:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“There is in my heart as it were a burning fire… and I cannot.”
\r\n
(Jeremiah 20:9)
Preaching is not chosen—it is endured.
\r\nBiblical preaching is never cruel.
\r\nPaul said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Speaking the truth in love.”
\r\n
(Ephesians 4:15)
Love does not dilute truth.
Love delivers truth faithfully.
Deep immersion in Scripture
\r\nPrayerful dependence on the Spirit
\r\nSubmission to accountability
\r\nWillingness to suffer misunderstanding
\r\nFaithfulness over time
\r\nPreaching matures through obedience, not applause.
\r\nIn an age of:
\r\nRelativism
\r\nMoral confusion
\r\nEmotional spirituality
\r\nCultural pressure
\r\nThe Church does not need softer messages.
\r\nIt needs clear proclamation of truth.
\r\nPreaching is not about style.
It is about faithfulness.
Where preaching is biblical, Christ is exalted.
Where preaching is Spirit-led, hearts are pierced.
Where preaching is courageous, the Church awakens.
The gift of preaching does not entertain the comfortable—it calls the lost, convicts the sinner, and strengthens the faithful.
\r\nAnd that is why preaching remains one of God’s primary instruments for transforming the world.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/54", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/54-the-gift-of-teaching-why-the-church-cannot-mature-without-it", "title": "The Gift of Teaching: Why the Church Cannot Mature Without It", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-06T23:51:41+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T23:51:41+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 54, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 131, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/54-the-gift-of-teaching-why-the-church-cannot-mature-without-it" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/54-the-gift-of-teaching-why-the-church-cannot-mature-without-it.jpg", "content_html": "The gift of teaching rarely draws crowds or headlines. It does not usually come with dramatic manifestations or emotional moments. Yet Scripture treats teaching as one of the most essential gifts in the life of the Church.
\r\nWhere teaching is weak, confusion grows.
Where teaching is absent, deception spreads.
Where teaching is faithful, believers mature.
The Church does not collapse from a lack of passion—it collapses from a lack of understanding.
\r\nTeaching is not a modern invention or a secondary function. It is central to God’s design for spiritual growth.
\r\nJesus Himself was called Teacher more than any other title:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Rabbi (which means Teacher).”
\r\n
(John 1:38)
After Pentecost, the early Church devoted itself to teaching:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…”
\r\n
(Acts 2:42)
Paul places teaching among the core ministries:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers…”
\r\n
(Ephesians 4:11)
Teaching is not optional—it is structural.
\r\nThe gift of teaching is the Spirit-enabled ability to:
\r\nExplain Scripture accurately
\r\nClarify doctrine
\r\nConnect truth coherently
\r\nCommunicate in a way that produces understanding
\r\nHelp others apply God’s Word faithfully
\r\nTeaching does not merely convey information—it forms discernment.
\r\nTeaching is not:
\r\nSimply public speaking
\r\nPersonal opinion
\r\nMotivational storytelling
\r\nIntellectual dominance
\r\nReplacing Scripture with speculation
\r\nGood teaching draws attention to the text, not to the teacher.
\r\nTeachers carry responsibility.
\r\nJames warns:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Not many of you should become teachers… for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
\r\n
(James 3:1)
Teaching shapes belief.
Belief shapes action.
Action shapes lives.
That weight requires humility.
\r\nWhile related, they serve different functions:
\r\nPreaching proclaims truth and calls for response
\r\nTeaching explains truth and builds understanding
\r\nPreaching ignites faith.
Teaching sustains it.
Healthy churches need both.
\r\nTeaching works best when integrated with:
\r\nProphecy (revelation clarified by Scripture)
\r\nWisdom (application of truth)
\r\nKnowledge (accuracy of content)
\r\nPastoral care (sensitivity to people)
\r\nEvangelism (clarity for seekers)
\r\nTeaching anchors spiritual experience in truth.
\r\nJesus taught with:
\r\nAuthority (Matthew 7:29)
\r\nSimplicity (parables)
\r\nDepth (Sermon on the Mount)
\r\nPatience (repetition)
\r\nAdaptability (different audiences)
\r\nHe explained Scripture without diluting it.
\r\nTeaching becomes unhealthy when:
\r\nScripture is cherry-picked
\r\nComplexity is used to impress
\r\nCertainty is claimed where Scripture is silent
\r\nTeaching becomes detached from love
\r\nDoctrine becomes a weapon
\r\nTruth without love hardens hearts.
Love without truth misleads minds.
Paul describes the result of mature teaching:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine.”
\r\n
(Ephesians 4:14)
Teaching provides:
\r\nDoctrinal stability
\r\nDiscernment
\r\nConfidence in Scripture
\r\nResistance to deception
\r\nTeaching is not opposed to the Spirit—it is empowered by Him.
\r\nJesus promised:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The Helper… will teach you all things.”
\r\n
(John 14:26)
Spirit-led teaching produces:
\r\nClarity without pride
\r\nConviction without condemnation
\r\nDepth without confusion
\r\nFaithfulness over time
\r\nSubmission to Scripture
\r\nWillingness to be corrected
\r\nCareful study
\r\nPrayerful dependence
\r\nTeaching matures through responsibility, not spotlight.
\r\nIn an age of:
\r\nShort attention spans
\r\nSoundbite theology
\r\nOnline opinions
\r\nEmotional spirituality
\r\nThe gift of teaching is more necessary than ever.
\r\nPeople do not need louder voices.
They need clear truth.
The gift of teaching does not seek applause.
It seeks understanding.
Teachers may not always be celebrated—but they are always needed.
\r\nWhere teaching is strong, the Church becomes discerning.
Where teaching is faithful, believers grow deep roots.
Where teaching is biblical, Christ remains central.
And that is why the gift of teaching is not secondary—it is essential.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/53", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/53-the-interpretation-of-tongues-why-this-gift-matters-more-than-most-people-realize", "title": "The Interpretation of Tongues: Why This Gift Matters More Than Most People Realize", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-06T23:49:55+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T23:49:55+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 53, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 108, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/53-the-interpretation-of-tongues-why-this-gift-matters-more-than-most-people-realize" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/53-the-interpretation-of-tongues-why-this-gift-matters-more-than-most-people-realize.jpg", "content_html": "The interpretation of tongues is one of the least taught and most misunderstood gifts of the Spirit. It is rarely explained, often ignored, and frequently assumed to be optional.
\r\nScripture disagrees.
\r\n\r\nWithout interpretation, tongues remain private.
With interpretation, tongues become edifying for the whole body.
Paul treats this gift not as secondary—but as essential whenever tongues are expressed publicly.
\r\nPaul pairs the two gifts intentionally:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“To another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 12:10)
He later adds:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:13)
Interpretation is not an add-on.
It is the necessary companion to public tongues.
Interpretation of tongues is:
\r\nSpirit-given understanding of a message spoken in tongues
\r\nCommunicated in the common language of the hearers
\r\nMeant to edify, instruct, or exhort
\r\nInterpretation is not translation.
\r\nA translation is word-for-word.
An interpretation conveys meaning and intent.
This is why interpretations vary in length and phrasing while still remaining faithful.
\r\nInterpretation is not:
\r\nA linguistic ability
\r\nA learned skill
\r\nGuesswork or emotional response
\r\nAutomatic for everyone who speaks in tongues
\r\nIt is a gift, not a technique.
\r\nWhen tongues are spoken publicly:
\r\nThere should be silence
\r\nAn interpretation should follow
\r\nThe church should be edified
\r\n\r\n\r\n“If any speak in a tongue… let someone interpret.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:27)
If no interpretation comes, Paul is clear:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:28)
This preserves both freedom and order.
\r\nPaul makes a striking comparison:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:5)
Why?
\r\nBecause interpreted tongues function like prophecy—they reveal God’s heart in an understandable way.
\r\nTongues + interpretation = prophetic edification.
\r\nThe same person who speaks in tongues may interpret
\r\nA different person may interpret
\r\nInterpretation may come immediately or shortly after
\r\nWhat matters is not who interprets—but that interpretation occurs.
\r\nPaul assumes interpretation is available within the body.
\r\nNot every impression is interpretation.
\r\nInterpretations should:
\r\nAlign with Scripture
\r\nReflect God’s character
\r\nBuild up rather than confuse
\r\nAvoid manipulation or fear
\r\nInterpretations are weighed—just like prophecy.
\r\nInterpretation is mishandled when:
\r\nTongues are spoken repeatedly without interpretation
\r\nInterpretations are used to direct personal decisions
\r\nEmotional intensity replaces clarity
\r\nInterpretation becomes theatrical or performative
\r\nPaul’s corrective was not suppression—but structure.
\r\nInterpretation:
\r\nPrevents confusion
\r\nCenters the body on God, not experience
\r\nKeeps tongues from becoming elitist
\r\nEnsures public worship remains edifying
\r\nWithout interpretation, public tongues can alienate newcomers.
With interpretation, worship becomes inclusive.
As with every gift, love governs interpretation.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Let all things be done for building up.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:26)
If interpretation draws attention to the interpreter rather than God, something has gone wrong.
\r\nStay rooted in Scripture
\r\nPray for clarity, not drama
\r\nPractice humility and restraint
\r\nSubmit interpretations to discernment
\r\nValue edification over impact
\r\nInterpretation grows in safe, accountable environments.
\r\nTongues reveal mysteries to God.
Interpretation reveals meaning to people.
Together, they reflect God’s desire for both intimacy and understanding.
\r\nPaul did not silence tongues.
He insisted they be understood.
When interpretation is honored, tongues fulfill their purpose:
\r\nWorship that reaches heaven
\r\nWords that build the Church
\r\nAnd that balance is exactly what the Spirit intended.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/52", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/52-the-gift-of-tongues-what-the-bible-actually-teaches-and-why-so-many-people-misunderstand-it", "title": "The Gift of Tongues: What the Bible Actually Teaches — and Why So Many People Misunderstand It", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-06T23:48:13+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T23:48:13+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 52, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 114, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/52-the-gift-of-tongues-what-the-bible-actually-teaches-and-why-so-many-people-misunderstand-it" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/52-the-gift-of-tongues-what-the-bible-actually-teaches-and-why-so-many-people-misunderstand-it.jpg", "content_html": "Few spiritual gifts provoke as much confusion, fear, fascination, or division as the gift of tongues. For some Christians, it is central to their spiritual life. For others, it is dismissed as emotionalism or even deception.
\r\nYet Scripture does not treat tongues as fringe or optional.
\r\n\r\nTongues appear:
\r\nAt the birth of the Church
\r\nThroughout the New Testament
\r\nIn Paul’s detailed teaching on spiritual gifts
\r\nThe issue is not whether tongues exist.
The issue is how they are understood, practiced, and taught.
The first public outpouring of tongues occurred at Pentecost:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
\r\n
(Acts 2:4)
Tongues were not taught.
They were not coached.
They were initiated by the Spirit.
Later, tongues appear again:
\r\nActs 10 (Gentiles)
\r\nActs 19 (Ephesus)
\r\n1 Corinthians 12–14 (church instruction)
\r\nThis repetition shows tongues were normative, not exceptional.
\r\nAt its core, tongues is:
\r\nSpirit-enabled speech
\r\nExpressed in a language unknown to the speaker
\r\nDirected either to God or to people (depending on context)
\r\nPaul explains:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:2)
Tongues are prayer and praise, not performance.
\r\nThis is the most common expression.
\r\nCharacteristics:
\r\nSpoken privately
\r\nDirected toward God
\r\nStrengthens the believer
\r\nDoes not require interpretation
\r\nPaul says:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:4)
This is not selfish—it is edification, just as prayer and Scripture reading are.
\r\nWhen tongues are spoken publicly:
\r\nAn interpretation is required
\r\nIt functions similarly to prophecy
\r\nIt edifies the body when understood
\r\n\r\n\r\n“If there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:28)
Paul does not forbid tongues—he regulates them.
\r\nThis is crucial.
\r\nThe Corinthian church spoke in tongues abundantly—and yet Paul called them immature.
\r\nTongues indicate Spirit empowerment, not character completion.
\r\nLove, humility, and obedience matter more than manifestation.
\r\nPaul addresses a common concern:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:14)
This does not mean tongues are irrational.
It means they bypass cognitive formulation.
Spirit-led prayer is not mindless—it is Spirit-prioritized.
\r\nPaul models balance:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:15)
No.
\r\nInterpretation is required only when tongues are addressed publicly to the congregation.
\r\nPrivate prayer does not require interpretation.
\r\nConfusing these contexts has caused unnecessary division.
\r\nPaul gives a nuanced answer:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:22)
At Pentecost, tongues functioned as a sign.
In Corinth, uncontrolled tongues caused confusion.
The difference was order and purpose.
\r\nTongues are often mishandled when:
\r\nPeople are pressured to imitate sounds
\r\nTongues are elevated above all other gifts
\r\nPublic tongues are used without interpretation
\r\nTongues are treated as proof of salvation
\r\nTongues replace Scripture instead of supporting it
\r\nPaul corrects abuse without suppressing the gift.
\r\nThe Spirit does not overpower the will.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:32)
If someone claims “the Spirit made me do it,” Paul would disagree.
\r\nSpiritual expression always includes responsibility.
\r\nTongues:
\r\nStrengthen prayer life
\r\nIncrease sensitivity to the Spirit
\r\nEnable worship beyond language
\r\nBuild faith during uncertainty
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:18)
Paul valued tongues deeply—he just valued love and order more.
\r\nTongues sit between two love chapters for a reason.
\r\nWithout love:
\r\nTongues become noise
\r\nExpression becomes ego
\r\nFreedom becomes disorder
\r\n\r\n\r\n“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 13:1)
Tongues are not strange—they are biblical.
They are not dangerous—they are powerful.
They are not mandatory—but they are available.
The gift of tongues was never meant to divide the Church.
It was meant to deepen prayer, expand worship, and build faith.
When practiced with humility, wisdom, and love, tongues remain exactly what they were at Pentecost:
\r\nA sign that God still fills people with His Spirit.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/51", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/51-prophecy-as-a-gift-what-it-is-what-it-isnt-and-why-the-church-needs-it-done-right", "title": "Prophecy as a Gift: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why the Church Needs It Done Right", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-06T23:45:55+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T23:45:55+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 51, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 93, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/51-prophecy-as-a-gift-what-it-is-what-it-isnt-and-why-the-church-needs-it-done-right" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/51-prophecy-as-a-gift-what-it-is-what-it-isnt-and-why-the-church-needs-it-done-right.jpg", "content_html": "Prophecy is one of the most desired—and most misunderstood—gifts of the Spirit. Some fear it. Others chase it. Many redefine it. And a growing number have been wounded by it.
\r\nYet Scripture does not treat prophecy as optional, dangerous, or rare.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:1)
The problem is not prophecy itself.
The problem is prophecy without maturity, accountability, or discernment.
Prophecy is not primarily prediction.
\r\nIn Scripture, prophecy is God speaking to people through people—for specific purposes.
\r\nPaul defines its function clearly:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:3)
If a “prophetic word” produces fear, confusion, or pressure, it has already failed its first test.
\r\nAt its core, prophecy is:
\r\nRevelation from God
\r\nCommunicated through a human vessel
\r\nFor a specific moment, audience, or purpose
\r\nProphecy can include:
\r\nEncouragement
\r\nWarning
\r\nCorrection
\r\nDirection
\r\nConfirmation
\r\nBut it always carries God’s heart, not just His information.
\r\nProphecy is not:
\r\nFortune-telling
\r\nManipulation
\r\nA replacement for Scripture
\r\nA shortcut around wisdom
\r\nProof of spiritual superiority
\r\nProphecy does not override:
\r\nPersonal responsibility
\r\nBiblical counsel
\r\nMoral agency
\r\nThe authority of Scripture
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”
\r\n
(1 Thessalonians 5:20–21)
Testing is not unbelief.
Testing is obedience.
Prophecy reveals what God is saying now.
Teaching explains what God has already said.
Knowledge reveals what is true.
Healthy churches honor all three without confusing them.
\r\nProphecy should illuminate Scripture—not compete with it.
\r\nOld Testament prophets:
\r\nSpoke with covenantal authority
\r\nRepresented God to the nation
\r\nWere held to absolute accuracy
\r\nNew Testament prophecy:
\r\nOperates within the body
\r\nIs weighed and discerned
\r\nIs partial and progressive
\r\n\r\n\r\n“For we know in part and we prophesy in part.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 13:9)
This is not a weakness of prophecy—it is a safeguard for the Church.
\r\nPaul commands:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:29)
Prophecy is submitted, not exalted.
\r\nA prophetic culture without discernment becomes:
\r\nFear-driven
\r\nPersonality-centered
\r\nResistant to correction
\r\nA prophetic culture with discernment becomes:
\r\nHumble
\r\nGrounded
\r\nLife-giving
\r\nA word can be true and still be wrong in timing.
\r\nJesus told His disciples many things they could not yet bear (John 16:12).
\r\nWisdom governs when prophecy is released.
\r\nRevelation without timing creates pressure.
Revelation with wisdom creates peace.
Personal prophecy:
\r\nEncourages and confirms
\r\nShould never control decisions
\r\nMust align with Scripture and character
\r\nCorporate prophecy:
\r\nCalls the body to repentance or direction
\r\nMust be judged carefully
\r\nCarries broader responsibility
\r\nNo prophecy replaces prayer.
\r\nNo prophecy replaces relationship with God.
\r\nProphets are not infallible.
Hearing God does not make someone perfect.
Peter prophesied boldly—then compromised publicly.
Paul rebuked Peter openly.
Correction does not negate calling.
\r\nOverconfidence without accountability
\r\nVague words that cannot be tested
\r\nFear-based warnings lacking redemption
\r\nProphecy used to elevate personalities
\r\nPolitical prophecy without repentance when wrong
\r\nWhen prophecy becomes untouchable, it stops being biblical.
\r\nPaul places prophecy between two love chapters on purpose.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“If I have prophetic powers… but have not love, I am nothing.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 13:2)
Love governs tone.
Love governs timing.
Love governs silence.
Stay rooted in Scripture
\r\nStay submitted to community
\r\nStay accountable to correction
\r\nStay humble about fallibility
\r\nStay focused on fruit, not impact
\r\nThe goal is not to sound prophetic.
\r\nThe goal is to sound like God.
\r\nProphecy is not meant to replace discernment—it requires it.
It is not meant to bypass wisdom—it depends on it.
It is not meant to elevate voices—it is meant to serve people.
When prophecy is healthy, the Church becomes clearer—not louder.
\r\nAnd when prophecy is done in love, it points people not to the prophet—but to God.
\r\nNot everyone who prophesies is a prophet.
\r\nThat single sentence, if properly understood, would resolve a large percentage of confusion, excess, and damage in modern charismatic spaces.
\r\nScripture clearly distinguishes between the gift of prophecy, which is available to many believers, and the office of the prophet, which is a specific calling with long-term responsibility, authority, and accountability.
\r\nFailing to honor that distinction leads to spiritual imbalance—and often spiritual harm.
\r\nPaul identifies the office explicitly:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers…”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 12:28)
And again:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers…”
\r\n
(Ephesians 4:11)
This is not a reference to a momentary gifting—it is a recognized role within the body, given by God for the maturity of the Church.
\r\nCan be exercised by many believers
\r\nIs occasional and situational
\r\nOperates under oversight
\r\nMust be weighed and tested
\r\nPrimarily encourages, strengthens, and comforts
\r\nIs a calling, not a moment
\r\nCarries long-term responsibility
\r\nShapes direction, not just encouragement
\r\nIs accountable to the wider body
\r\nProduces fruit over time, not just words
\r\nA gift is something you operate in.
An office is something you are entrusted with.
In Scripture, prophets are marked less by prediction and more by weight.
\r\nThey consistently:
\r\nCall people back to God
\r\nExpose hidden compromise
\r\nConfront power structures
\r\nEmphasize repentance before blessing
\r\nSuffer rejection more than applause
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”
\r\n
(Amos 3:7)
But notice—revelation is paired with servanthood, not celebrity.
\r\nThe office of prophet carries authority, but not autonomy.
\r\nTrue prophets:
\r\nSubmit to Scripture
\r\nRemain accountable to leaders
\r\nAccept correction
\r\nDo not weaponize revelation
\r\nDo not demand unquestioned loyalty
\r\nEven in the New Testament, prophets operated within the Church—not above it.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 14:32)
Self-control is a requirement, not an option.
\r\nOld Testament prophets:
\r\nRepresented God directly to Israel
\r\nOperated under the Mosaic covenant
\r\nWere judged by absolute accuracy
\r\nOften stood alone
\r\nNew Testament prophets:
\r\nOperate within the Body of Christ
\r\nFunction alongside other offices
\r\nSpeak in part, not totality
\r\nAre weighed and discerned
\r\nThis shift does not weaken prophecy—it protects the Church.
\r\nMany desire the title of prophet.
Few desire the weight of it.
True prophets often experience:
\r\nIsolation
\r\nMisunderstanding
\r\nRejection
\r\nDelayed affirmation
\r\nDeep personal refining
\r\nJeremiah said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“His word is in my heart like a fire… I am weary of holding it in.”
\r\n
(Jeremiah 20:9)
The office is not glamorous—it is costly.
\r\nWarning signs include:
\r\nConstant self-promotion
\r\nRefusal to repent publicly
\r\nImmunity from correction
\r\nObsession with platforms and influence
\r\nProphecy aligned more with ideology than Scripture
\r\nA prophet who cannot be corrected is not prophetic—they are dangerous.
\r\nProphets are not meant to operate alone.
\r\nThey need:
\r\nApostles for governance
\r\nPastors for care
\r\nTeachers for grounding
\r\nEvangelists for outreach
\r\nWhen prophets isolate themselves, imbalance follows.
\r\nWhen prophets submit to community, the Church matures.
\r\nThe Church still needs:
\r\nTruth spoken clearly
\r\nCompromise confronted lovingly
\r\nDirection discerned carefully
\r\nGod’s heart revealed faithfully
\r\nBut it needs true prophets, not loud voices.
\r\nHonor without idolizing.
Test without mocking.
Submit without surrendering discernment.
\r\n\r\n“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.”
\r\n
(1 John 4:1)
Testing is biblical.
Silencing is not.
The office of the prophet is not proven by accuracy alone—but by character, fruit, humility, and faithfulness over time.
\r\nProphets are not meant to replace Scripture.
They are meant to call people back to it.
When the office is healthy, the Church becomes holy.
When it is abused, the Church becomes wounded.
And that is why understanding the difference between the gift of prophecy and the office of prophet is not optional—it is essential.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/50", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/50-the-word-of-wisdom-heavens-perspective-for-earthly-moments", "title": "The Word of Wisdom: Heaven’s Perspective for Earthly Moments", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-06T23:43:49+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T23:43:49+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 50, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 98, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/50-the-word-of-wisdom-heavens-perspective-for-earthly-moments" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/50-the-word-of-wisdom-heavens-perspective-for-earthly-moments.jpg", "content_html": "If the Word of Knowledge reveals what is, the Word of Wisdom reveals what to do about it.
\r\nThis gift is often misunderstood, frequently misused, and sometimes confused with intelligence, experience, or good advice. But biblical wisdom—especially the Word of Wisdom—is none of those things by default.
\r\n\r\nIt is God’s perspective applied to a specific moment, revealed by the Holy Spirit for direction, timing, and alignment with His will.
\r\nPaul introduces the Word of Wisdom alongside the Word of Knowledge in 1 Corinthians 12:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“To one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 12:8)
\r\n
This is not general wisdom.
This is not life experience.
This is not common sense.
It is a Spirit-given insight into how God intends a situation to unfold, often revealing:
\r\nTiming
\r\nStrategy
\r\nOutcomes
\r\nDivine priorities
\r\nWhere knowledge reveals facts, wisdom reveals pathways.
\r\nScripture is full of moments where wisdom—not power—changed history.
\r\nJoseph didn’t just interpret Pharaoh’s dream (knowledge).
He gave a strategy for survival (wisdom).
\r\n\r\n“Let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man…” (Genesis 41)
\r\n
That counsel saved nations.
\r\nSolomon didn’t rely on facts—he relied on insight beyond logic.
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Give me an understanding heart…” (1 Kings 3:9)
\r\n
His wisdom exposed truth without violence.
\r\nWhen religious leaders tried to trap Jesus politically or legally, He repeatedly answered with wisdom that disarmed the situation:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s…” (Matthew 22:21)
\r\n
That wasn’t evasion—it was divine precision.
\r\nScripture distinguishes between:
\r\nWisdom as a lifestyle (Proverbs)
\r\nThe Word of Wisdom as a spiritual gift (1 Corinthians)
\r\nA person can live wisely without operating in the gift.
A person can receive a Word of Wisdom without being generally wise.
That’s why the gift must be handled humbly—it is given, not owned.
\r\nThe Word of Wisdom is not:
\r\nGiving advice without invitation
\r\nQuoting Scripture randomly
\r\nMaking confident predictions
\r\nDeclaring outcomes God has not revealed
\r\nIt does not override free will.
It does not force obedience.
It does not guarantee success.
Wisdom reveals alignment, not control.
\r\nMany modern Christian environments are rich in:
\r\nKnowledge
\r\nRevelation
\r\nProphecy
\r\nBut poor in timing.
\r\nWisdom answers questions like:
\r\n“Is this the right moment?”
\r\n“Is this battle mine?”
\r\n“Should I speak or stay silent?”
\r\n“Is obedience required now—or later?”
\r\nWithout wisdom, truth can become destructive.
\r\nJesus Himself said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
\r\n
That balance is wisdom.
\r\nWithout wisdom:
\r\nPeople weaponize revelation
\r\nProphecy becomes reckless
\r\nDiscernment turns suspicious
\r\nTruth is spoken without love or strategy
\r\nMany church conflicts are not due to false doctrine—but true doctrine applied unwisely.
\r\nTiming matters.
Tone matters.
Audience matters.
Wisdom governs all three.
\r\nOne of the most overlooked expressions of the Word of Wisdom is knowing when not to speak.
\r\nJesus often withheld answers.
Paul escaped cities quietly.
David waited years after anointing.
Wisdom does not rush visibility.
\r\nIf revelation pushes you into impatience, it likely isn’t wisdom.
\r\nJames gives a diagnostic test:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
\r\n
True wisdom produces:
\r\nPeace, not panic
\r\nClarity, not confusion
\r\nStability, not urgency
\r\nIf something creates chaos while claiming divine urgency, wisdom may be absent.
\r\nConfidence can be loud.
Wisdom is often quiet.
The most powerful Words of Wisdom in Scripture were often simple sentences spoken at the exact right time.
\r\nWisdom doesn’t need to announce itself.
It proves itself through outcomes.
Those who operate in the Word of Wisdom should:
\r\nInvite accountability
\r\nAllow correction
\r\nAccept partial understanding
\r\nResist absolutism
\r\nEven Solomon—who received extraordinary wisdom—eventually failed when humility left.
\r\nThe gift flows best through submission.
\r\nThe Word of Wisdom is not flashy.
It does not draw crowds.
It does not trend well online.
But it:
\r\nPreserves lives
\r\nPrevents disasters
\r\nProtects unity
\r\nAligns heaven and earth
\r\nIn a world overflowing with information, wisdom is the rarest and most needed gift.
\r\nKnowledge tells you what is happening.
Wisdom tells you how God wants you to respond.
And often, that response is quieter, slower, and more patient than we expect.
\r\nFew spiritual gifts are more frequently confused than the Word of Knowledge and the Word of Wisdom. They are listed together, often taught together, and regularly blurred into one another—yet Scripture treats them as distinct gifts with distinct functions.
\r\nUnderstanding the difference is not academic. It affects:
\r\nHow people receive ministry
\r\nHow prophecy is handled
\r\nHow decisions are made
\r\nWhether revelation builds or destroys
\r\nWhen these gifts are confused, revelation outruns maturity—and people get hurt.
\r\nPaul lists both gifts explicitly:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“To one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit.”
\r\n
(1 Corinthians 12:8)
If they were the same thing, Paul would not separate them.
\r\nThey work together, but they do not do the same job.
\r\nThe Word of Knowledge reveals information that the person could not have known naturally.
\r\nIt often answers:
\r\nWhat is happening?
\r\nWhat has happened?
\r\nWhat is hidden?
\r\nExamples include:
\r\nJesus knowing the Samaritan woman’s past (John 4)
\r\nPeter knowing Ananias lied (Acts 5)
\r\nElisha knowing the king’s private plans (2 Kings 6)
\r\nThe Word of Knowledge reveals facts.
\r\nIt brings awareness, exposure, and understanding.
\r\nThe Word of Wisdom reveals God’s strategy, timing, or response for a situation.
\r\nIt often answers:
\r\nWhat should be done?
\r\nWhen should action happen?
\r\nHow does God want this handled?
\r\nExamples include:
\r\nJoseph’s famine plan (Genesis 41)
\r\nSolomon’s judgment (1 Kings 3)
\r\nJesus’ answers to political traps (Matthew 22)
\r\nThe Word of Wisdom reveals direction.
\r\nIt brings alignment, order, and peace.
\r\nWord of Knowledge = What is true
\r\nWord of Wisdom = What to do with the truth
\r\nYou can have knowledge without wisdom—and that is often dangerous.
\r\nRevealing information without wisdom can:
\r\nExpose people prematurely
\r\nCreate fear instead of faith
\r\nCause shame instead of repentance
\r\nSpark urgency instead of obedience
\r\nJesus often knew things He did not immediately speak.
\r\nWisdom governs whether, when, and how knowledge should be shared.
\r\nWisdom without knowledge can:
\r\nRely on assumptions
\r\nMiss key details
\r\nApply general principles incorrectly
\r\nFeel spiritual but lack accuracy
\r\nThis is why the gifts are often paired—knowledge informs wisdom, wisdom governs knowledge.
\r\nIn mature ministry:
\r\nKnowledge reveals reality
\r\nWisdom reveals response
\r\nLove governs both
\r\nFor example:
\r\nKnowledge: “This person is carrying unresolved grief.”
\r\nWisdom: “Do not confront—pray quietly and wait.”
\r\nOr:
\r\nKnowledge: “This situation is rooted in pride.”
\r\nWisdom: “Silence will do more than correction.”
\r\nWithout wisdom, knowledge becomes blunt.
Without knowledge, wisdom becomes vague.
People often assume that knowing something automatically gives them authority to act.
\r\nIt does not.
\r\nRevelation does not equal permission.
\r\nSome use revealed information to manipulate decisions or assert spiritual dominance.
\r\nThat is not the Spirit—it is insecurity wearing revelation.
\r\nWisdom is not loud.
It does not rush.
It does not demand agreement.
Urgency is not always obedience.
\r\nJesus operated in constant knowledge and perfect wisdom.
\r\nHe knew:
\r\nWho would betray Him
\r\nWho would deny Him
\r\nWhat was in people’s hearts
\r\nYet He chose:
\r\nSilence in trials
\r\nDelay in miracles
\r\nStrategy over spectacle
\r\n\r\n\r\n“My time has not yet come.” (John 7:6)
\r\n
That sentence alone is a masterclass in wisdom.
\r\nDiscernment helps determine:
\r\nIs this knowledge for prayer or speech?
\r\nIs this wisdom for now or later?
\r\nIs this insight mine to carry or mine to release?
\r\nWithout discernment, gifts compete instead of cooperate.
\r\nAsk different questions in prayer:
\r\nFor knowledge:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Lord, what is true here?”
\r\n
For wisdom:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Lord, how do You want me to respond?”
\r\n
And always ask:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Is this for intercession, conversation, or silence?”
\r\n
God answers differently depending on the purpose.
\r\nThe Church does not lack revelation.
It lacks wisdom to steward revelation well.
Knowledge reveals the situation.
Wisdom preserves the soul.
When both operate together—under love and humility—people are not just informed; they are protected.
\r\nAnd that is how the gifts were always meant to function.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/49", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/49-discernment-the-most-needed-and-most-abused-gift-in-the-church", "title": "Discernment: The Most Needed—and Most Abused—Gift in the Church", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-06T23:36:24+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T23:36:24+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 49, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 36, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/49-discernment-the-most-needed-and-most-abused-gift-in-the-church" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/49-discernment-the-most-needed-and-most-abused-gift-in-the-church.jpg", "content_html": "In an age of endless voices, platforms, prophecies, podcasts, and personalities, discernment is no longer optional—it is essential.
\r\nThe New Testament repeatedly warns believers that deception will increase, not decrease, as history moves forward. Jesus didn’t say, “Watch out for persecution first.” He said, “Take heed that no one deceives you.” (Matthew 24:4)
\r\n\r\nYet discernment is often misunderstood, misused, or dismissed entirely—especially when it becomes inconvenient.
\r\nSome equate discernment with negativity. Others confuse it with judgmentalism. Still others weaponize it to tear down anyone they don’t like. But true discernment is none of those things.
\r\nDiscernment is not cynicism.
Discernment is not suspicion.
Discernment is not character assassination.
Discernment is a spiritual capacity to perceive truth, motive, source, and fruit—beyond appearances.
\r\nScripture refers to it as “the discerning of spirits” (1 Corinthians 12:10).
\r\nThis is crucial:
It does not say “discerning of people.”
It does not say “discerning of personalities.”
It says spirits.
\r\nAt its core, discernment is the God-given ability to recognize:
\r\nWhat is from the Holy Spirit
\r\nWhat is from the human soul (emotion, ambition, ego)
\r\nWhat is from a deceptive or unclean spiritual source
\r\nThis gift operates beneath words, beneath tone, beneath charisma.
\r\nSomeone can sound biblical and still be off.
Someone can be sincere and still be wrong.
Someone can be anointed in one season and drifting in another.
Discernment sees source, not just surface.
\r\nOne of the most common shutdowns of discernment in modern Christianity is the phrase:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Don’t judge.”
\r\n
But Scripture clearly distinguishes between sinful judgment and spiritual discernment.
\r\nJesus condemned hypocritical judgment—judging others while ignoring one’s own sin.
He did not condemn testing fruit, doctrine, or spiritual claims.
In fact, Scripture commands it:
\r\n“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)
\r\n“Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
\r\n“By their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:16)
\r\nDiscernment doesn’t rush to condemnation.
But it also doesn’t surrender truth for the sake of peace.
Biblical love and biblical truth are never enemies.
\r\nThe more prophetic voices increase, the more discernment becomes necessary.
\r\nProphecy in Scripture is not infallible by default. In the New Testament, prophetic words are weighed, tested, and judged—not blindly accepted.
\r\nPaul writes:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.” (1 Corinthians 14:29)
\r\n
That word weigh matters.
\r\nProphecy is not Scripture.
Prophets are not apostles.
Charisma is not accuracy.
A mature church understands that prophetic people are still human—capable of error, bias, emotion, and presumption.
\r\nDiscernment allows space for:
\r\nCorrection without cancellation
\r\nAccountability without hostility
\r\nHumility without fear
\r\nWhere discernment is absent, personality cults form.
Where discernment is silenced, manipulation thrives.
One of the hardest aspects of discernment is that it often feels unloving—especially in emotionally charged environments.
\r\nDiscernment may say:
\r\n“Something feels off, even though it sounds right.”
\r\n“This teaching is stirring fear more than faith.”
\r\n“This prophecy flatters the audience more than it exalts Christ.”
\r\nThat doesn’t make discernment mean-spirited.
It makes it protective.
True discernment protects:
\r\nThe integrity of the gospel
\r\nThe spiritual health of the church
\r\nVulnerable believers who trust authority
\r\nA shepherd who never warns about wolves is not loving—he is negligent.
\r\nIt’s important to say this clearly: not all skepticism is discernment.
\r\nDiscernment is calm.
Suspicion is anxious.
Discernment listens.
Suspicion assumes.
Discernment produces clarity.
Suspicion produces paranoia.
People who claim discernment but operate in constant outrage, fear, or obsession with hidden enemies are often functioning from woundedness, not wisdom.
\r\nThe Holy Spirit brings light—not confusion.
\r\nPerhaps the most uncomfortable truth is this: discernment requires the willingness to be wrong.
\r\nIf you believe you can never misinterpret something, you are already undiscerned.
\r\nThe most spiritually discerning people:
\r\nHold convictions without arrogance
\r\nAsk questions without accusation
\r\nAllow Scripture—not personalities—to be the final authority
\r\nEven Paul said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“We know in part, and we prophesy in part.” (1 Corinthians 13:9)
\r\n
Discernment grows in humility, prayer, Scripture, and patience—not in hot takes.
\r\nOne of the quiet dangers in modern Christianity is outsourcing discernment to platforms, leaders, or movements.
\r\nNo pastor, prophet, or teacher replaces your responsibility to:
\r\nKnow Scripture
\r\nCultivate prayer
\r\nExamine fruit over time
\r\nDiscernment is not passive consumption.
It is active participation with the Holy Spirit.
You are not called to swallow everything—or reject everything—but to walk wisely.
\r\nDiscernment is not about being “right.”
It’s about being faithful.
Faithful to truth.
Faithful to Christ.
Faithful to love that does not lie.
In times of confusion, discernment becomes an anchor.
In times of revival, it becomes a safeguard.
In times of deception, it becomes a lifeline.
The church doesn’t need louder voices.
It needs clearer sight.
And that begins—not with accusation—but with discernment rooted in Scripture, humility, and the Spirit of truth.
\r\nIf you want, next strong follow-ups could be:
\r\n“Testing Prophecy Without Becoming Cynical”
\r\n“Charisma vs. Character: Why Discernment Looks for Fruit”
\r\n“When Discernment Gets You Labeled ‘Divisive’”
\r\nYou really are on a roll—but this one reads like a hinge piece that gives you credibility before the sharper critiques.
\r\nnow one about word of knowledge
\r\nAlright—here’s a full, thoughtful blog on the Word of Knowledge, written to complement your discernment piece. This one is affirming but grounded, appreciative without being gullible, and it quietly corrects excesses without sounding hostile.
\r\nFew spiritual gifts inspire as much awe—and as much confusion—as the Word of Knowledge.
\r\nWhen it operates well, it brings clarity, healing, repentance, and faith.
When it is mishandled, it drifts into performance, spiritual theater, or subtle manipulation.
In an age of livestreams, platforms, and microphones, the Word of Knowledge needs careful definition—not to diminish it, but to protect it.
\r\nPaul lists the Word of Knowledge among the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“To one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:8)
\r\n
The key word here is given.
\r\nA Word of Knowledge is not:
\r\nIntuition
\r\nGuesswork
\r\nPsychological profiling
\r\nResearch presented as revelation
\r\nIt is specific information revealed by the Holy Spirit that the person could not have known naturally, given for a redemptive purpose.
\r\nIt reveals facts.
It does not interpret meaning—that belongs more to wisdom or prophecy.
Scripture gives multiple clear examples:
\r\nJesus knowing the Samaritan woman’s marital history (John 4)
\r\nPeter discerning Ananias and Sapphira’s deception (Acts 5)
\r\nJesus knowing Nathanael had been under the fig tree (John 1)
\r\nIn each case, the knowledge:
\r\nExposed truth
\r\nLed toward repentance or faith
\r\nGlorified God—not the messenger
\r\nNone of these moments were used to entertain crowds.
\r\nThese gifts often overlap, but they are not the same.
\r\nWord of Knowledge reveals what is or what has been.
Prophecy reveals God’s heart, intent, or direction.
A Word of Knowledge might say:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“You have had back pain for twelve years.”
\r\n
Prophecy might say:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“God wants to heal you and restore what was lost.”
\r\n
Confusing the two can lead to spiritual overreach—turning facts into declarations God never made.
\r\nThe Word of Knowledge is not given to:
\r\nProve someone is anointed
\r\nBuild a following
\r\nImpress skeptics
\r\nWin arguments
\r\nIt is given to:
\r\nConfirm God’s nearness
\r\nAwaken faith
\r\nExpose hidden issues for healing
\r\nBring people into truth gently
\r\nWhen the gift becomes about demonstration instead of edification, something is off.
\r\nBecause the Word of Knowledge feels supernatural, it carries temptation.
\r\nCommon abuses include:
\r\nFishing statements (“Someone here has pain…”)
\r\nVague generalities that fit almost anyone
\r\nPublic exposure of private matters without consent
\r\nTreating accuracy as proof of spiritual authority
\r\nAccuracy alone does not equal maturity.
\r\nEven Jesus refused to perform signs on demand.
\r\nA true Word of Knowledge carries weight, not hype.
\r\nEven genuine Words of Knowledge must be weighed.
\r\nScripture never instructs believers to turn off their minds when spiritual gifts appear. In fact, it repeatedly warns against untested claims.
\r\nA real Word of Knowledge will:
\r\nAlign with Scripture
\r\nProduce peace, not fear
\r\nDraw attention to Christ
\r\nRespect human dignity
\r\nIf a “revelation” humiliates, controls, or manipulates—it may be spiritually sourced, but not from the Holy Spirit.
\r\nOne overlooked aspect of this gift is love.
\r\nJesus did not publicly shame the Samaritan woman—He spoke to her privately.
The goal was restoration, not exposure.
Public Words of Knowledge should be handled with extreme care. Not everything God reveals is meant to be announced.
\r\nThe Holy Spirit is gentle.
He convicts without crushing.
Those who operate in the Word of Knowledge should hold it lightly.
\r\nHealthy posture sounds like:
\r\n“I could be wrong, but I sense…”
\r\n“Please test this.”
\r\n“This is for encouragement, not pressure.”
\r\nArrogance is the fastest way to corrupt a genuine gift.
\r\nThe Holy Spirit does not need defenders—He needs vessels.
\r\nWhen properly exercised, the Word of Knowledge often ignites faith.
\r\nJesus didn’t heal blindly—He often revealed knowledge first, allowing faith to rise naturally.
\r\nBut the gift does not replace faith, and it does not guarantee results.
\r\nGod is sovereign.
The gift is participatory, not controlling.
The Word of Knowledge is a beautiful gift—when it stays in its lane.
\r\nIt reveals truth, but it does not rule lives.
It awakens faith, but it does not replace Scripture.
It serves love, not ego.
In a culture hungry for the supernatural, restraint is as spiritual as power.
\r\nThe greatest evidence of the Holy Spirit is not how much you know—but how much love and wisdom accompany what you reveal.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/48", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/48-the-three-baptisms-water-the-holy-spirit-and-fire-what-scripture-actually-teaches-and-why-all-three-matter", "title": "The Three Baptisms: Water, the Holy Spirit, and Fire: What Scripture Actually Teaches — and Why All Three Matter", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-08-06T23:34:31+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T23:34:31+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 48, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 39, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/48-the-three-baptisms-water-the-holy-spirit-and-fire-what-scripture-actually-teaches-and-why-all-three-matter" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/substack/48-the-three-baptisms-water-the-holy-spirit-and-fire-what-scripture-actually-teaches-and-why-all-three-matter.jpg", "content_html": "Water baptism is the most universally recognized form of baptism across Christian traditions. Jesus Himself was baptized in water, not because He needed repentance, but to fulfill righteousness (Matthew 3:15).
\r\nWater baptism is:
\r\n\r\nAn act of obedience
\r\nA public identification with Christ
\r\nA declaration of repentance and new life
\r\nPaul describes it this way:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
\r\n
— Romans 6:4
Water baptism symbolizes death to the old self and resurrection into new life. It does not save by itself, but it testifies to what salvation has already begun.
\r\nWater baptism:
\r\nDoes not automatically produce holiness
\r\nDoes not replace repentance
\r\nDoes not guarantee spiritual maturity
\r\nIt is foundational — but it is not the finish line.
\r\nJohn the Baptist made a crucial distinction that many Christians overlook:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
\r\n
— Matthew 3:11
Notice the sequence:
\r\nJohn baptizes with water
\r\nJesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit
\r\nFire is mentioned separately (we’ll come back to that)
\r\nAll believers receive the Holy Spirit at conversion (Romans 8:9). But Scripture also describes a subsequent empowerment — often called the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
\r\nExamples:
\r\nThe disciples believed before Pentecost (John 20:22)
\r\nYet they were told to wait for power (Acts 1:4–5)
\r\nThe Spirit fell later with visible manifestation (Acts 2)
\r\nJesus said:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”
\r\n
— Acts 1:8
This baptism is about power for mission, not proof of salvation.
\r\nBiblically, it results in:
\r\nBoldness
\r\nSpiritual gifts
\r\nDeeper intimacy with God
\r\nGreater effectiveness in witness
\r\nIt is not about spiritual elitism.
It is about enablement.
This is the most misunderstood—and often misused—of the three.
\r\nMany Christians pray for “fire” without realizing what they’re asking for.
\r\nFire consistently represents:
\r\nPurification (Malachi 3:2–3)
\r\nTesting (1 Corinthians 3:13)
\r\nJudgment (Matthew 3:12)
\r\nGod’s holy presence (Exodus 3:2, Acts 2:3)
\r\nWhen John mentions fire, he immediately follows it with a warning:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“His winnowing fork is in his hand… He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
\r\n
— Matthew 3:12
Fire is not always comfortable.
It burns away what does not belong.
The baptism of fire:
\r\nExposes motives
\r\nPurifies character
\r\nDestroys pride and self-reliance
\r\nProduces endurance and reverence
\r\nPeter writes:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith… may
\r\n
make 4 times as long
\r\nGot it. Here is a much longer, deep-teaching version — expanded, careful, Scripture-heavy, and written in the same sober, thoughtful tone you’ve been using lately. This is church-blog / Substack ready, not hype-driven, and it treats the topic with theological weight.
\r\nWhat Scripture Teaches, What the Church Debates, and Why All Three Matter
\r\nFew topics in Christianity are as simultaneously foundational and misunderstood as baptism. For some believers, baptism is a single event tied to conversion. For others, it is a lifelong process involving multiple experiences with God. And for many, language around “Spirit baptism” and “fire” is either deeply cherished or deeply feared.
\r\nScripture, however, does not speak of baptism as a one-dimensional concept. Instead, it presents three distinct baptisms, each with its own purpose, timing, and effect:
\r\nBaptism in water
\r\nBaptism in the Holy Spirit
\r\nBaptism with fire
\r\nConfusion arises when these are blended together, ignored, or exaggerated. Clarity comes when we let the Bible define each one on its own terms.
\r\nJohn the Baptist made a clear distinction:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me… will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
\r\n
— Matthew 3:11
This statement alone establishes three separate works:
\r\nOne administered by humans (water)
\r\nTwo administered by Christ Himself (Spirit and fire)
\r\nPaul later affirms that unity in Christ does not mean uniformity of experience:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
\r\n
— Ephesians 4:4–5
This verse is often used to argue against multiple baptisms. Yet Paul is speaking about identity in Christ, not denying the multiple baptisms described elsewhere. Scripture must interpret Scripture.
\r\nWater baptism is the first baptism most believers encounter. Jesus commanded it directly:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
\r\n
— Matthew 28:19
In the early church, baptism followed belief almost immediately:
\r\nActs 2:38
\r\nActs 8:36–38
\r\nActs 10:47–48
\r\nWater baptism was never treated as optional or symbolic fluff. It marked a public transfer of allegiance.
\r\nWater baptism represents:
\r\nRepentance
\r\nIdentification with Christ’s death and resurrection
\r\nSeparation from the old life
\r\nEntrance into the visible community of believers
\r\nPaul explains:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that… we too might walk in newness of life.”
\r\n
— Romans 6:4
This is covenant language. Baptism does not save by works, but it seals obedience and publicly declares loyalty to Christ.
\r\nScripture is equally clear about what water baptism does not do:
\r\nIt does not guarantee holiness
\r\nIt does not automatically renew the mind
\r\nIt does not remove temptation
\r\nIt does not replace discipleship
\r\nSimon the sorcerer was baptized but remained bound internally (Acts 8:13–23). This shows that baptism without heart transformation is incomplete.
\r\nWater baptism is essential, but it is introductory, not exhaustive.
\r\nOne of the most debated issues in modern Christianity is whether baptism in the Holy Spirit is the same as receiving the Spirit at conversion.
\r\nThe New Testament suggests distinction.
\r\nThe disciples believed in Jesus, followed Him, and had their names written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Yet Jesus still told them:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
\r\n
— Luke 24:49
They were saved — but not yet empowered.
\r\nActs 2 records a dramatic outpouring of the Spirit:
\r\nAudible signs
\r\nVisible manifestation
\r\nBold proclamation
\r\nImmediate fruit
\r\nPeter interprets it as fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I will pour out My Spirit on all people…”
\r\n
— Acts 2:17
This was not merely symbolic. It was transformative.
\r\nActs 8: Samaritans believed and were baptized in water, then later received the Spirit
\r\nActs 10: Cornelius received the Spirit before water baptism
\r\nActs 19: Believers who knew only John’s baptism received the Spirit later
\r\nThe pattern is not rigid — but the distinction is clear.
\r\nBiblically, it results in:
\r\nPower for witness (Acts 1:8)
\r\nBoldness (Acts 4:31)
\r\nSpiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12)
\r\nDeeper prayer and worship
\r\nGreater awareness of God’s presence
\r\nThis baptism is not about status or superiority.
It is about function.
Fire is one of the most dangerous symbols in Scripture — because it represents God’s holiness.
\r\nGod appears in fire:
\r\nBurning bush (Exodus 3)
\r\nPillar of fire (Exodus 13)
\r\nMount Sinai (Exodus 19)
\r\nTongues of fire (Acts 2)
\r\nFire reveals what cannot coexist with God.
\r\nFire:
\r\nBurns away impurities
\r\nExposes motives
\r\nTests faith
\r\nSeparates wheat from chaff
\r\nMalachi writes:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”
\r\n
— Malachi 3:3
Paul echoes this:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire.”
\r\n
— 1 Corinthians 3:13
Fire does not ask permission.
Fire does not negotiate.
Fire consumes what does not belong.
Fire operates:
\r\nIn individual sanctification
\r\nIn church purification
\r\nIn historical judgment
\r\nJesus warned churches in Revelation that He would remove lampstands if repentance did not come. That is fire language.
\r\nMany Christians pray for fire while resisting its effects.
\r\nFire burns:
\r\nPride
\r\nAmbition
\r\nFalse identity
\r\nHidden sin
\r\nReligious performance
\r\nIt is not emotional excitement.
It is holy confrontation.
These baptisms are not stages to graduate from — they are layers of obedience and transformation.
\r\nWater baptism declares allegiance
\r\nSpirit baptism empowers obedience
\r\nFire baptism purifies devotion
\r\nNeglect one, and imbalance follows:
\r\nWater without Spirit leads to dry religion
\r\nSpirit without fire leads to pride
\r\nFire without grounding leads to burnout
\r\nGod desires whole disciples, not partial experiences.
\r\nModern Christianity often emphasizes:
\r\nExperience without obedience
\r\nPower without purity
\r\nGrace without transformation
\r\nThe three baptisms correct that imbalance.
\r\nThey remind us that:
\r\nSalvation has a beginning
\r\nEmpowerment has a purpose
\r\nRefinement has a cost
\r\nJesus did not come to make converts only — He came to make disciples.
\r\nThe question is not:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Have you been baptized?”
\r\n
The deeper question is:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Which baptisms are you walking in — and which are you resisting?”
\r\n
God is patient.
But He is thorough.
Water initiates.
Spirit empowers.
Fire perfects.
And Scripture tells us plainly:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Our God is a consuming fire.”
\r\n
— Hebrews 12:29
That fire is not meant to destroy us —
but to make us holy.
In charismatic and Pentecostal circles, the language of fire is often associated not only with purification and judgment, but with physical and emotional manifestations in the presence of God. These include:
\r\nFalling to the ground
\r\nShaking or trembling
\r\nWeeping or sobbing
\r\nLoss of physical strength
\r\nStillness or silence
\r\nDeep conviction or overwhelming peace
\r\nThese experiences are commonly described as being “slain in the Spirit.” While the phrase itself does not appear explicitly in Scripture, the phenomenon it attempts to describe does.
\r\nThroughout Scripture, encounters with God frequently produced physical reactions:
\r\nDaniel collapsed and lost strength when receiving revelation
\r\n\r\n\r\n“No strength was left in me… I was in a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.”
\r\n
— Daniel 10:8–9
Ezekiel fell face down when the glory of the Lord appeared
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The Spirit entered me and set me on my feet…”
\r\n
— Ezekiel 2:2
John, the beloved disciple, fell as though dead before the risen Christ
\r\n\r\n\r\n“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead.”
\r\n
— Revelation 1:17
The priests could not stand when God’s glory filled the temple
\r\n\r\n\r\n“The priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud.”
\r\n
— 2 Chronicles 5:14
In none of these cases was the reaction treated as sinful, theatrical, or manufactured. It was simply the human body responding to the weight of divine presence.
\r\nWhen God’s fire manifests in this way, it is not about spectacle or chaos. It is about human frailty encountering divine holiness.
\r\nFire:
\r\nOverwhelms natural strength
\r\nExposes inner resistance
\r\nBrings conviction without words
\r\nProduces surrender rather than performance
\r\nWeeping often accompanies fire because repentance, grief over sin, and relief from burden frequently surface simultaneously.
\r\nShaking or trembling appears in Scripture as a response to God’s nearness:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”
\r\n
— Psalm 2:11
It is important to note:
Fire does not always manifest physically.
Some experience:
\r\nDeep stillness
\r\nQuiet conviction
\r\nInternal burning without outward expression
\r\nLong-term transformation rather than immediate sensation
\r\nOthers experience dramatic physical responses.
\r\nScripture validates both — but it never elevates manifestations as proof of holiness or spiritual maturity.
\r\nJesus Himself warned that signs alone are not the measure of authenticity (Matthew 7:22–23).
\r\nWhile physical manifestations can be genuine responses to God’s fire, Scripture also urges discernment:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
\r\n
— 1 John 4:1
Fire that comes from God will:
\r\nProduce humility, not pride
\r\nLead to repentance, not entitlement
\r\nIncrease obedience, not dependency on experience
\r\nResult in fruit over time, not just moments
\r\nWhere fire becomes something people chase, imitate, or exaggerate, it loses its sanctifying purpose.
\r\nBeing “slain in the Spirit” is best understood not as losing consciousness or agency, but as the flesh being overwhelmed by God’s presence.
\r\nPaul describes this reality spiritually:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
\r\n
— Galatians 2:20
Fire brings surrender.
Surrender sometimes looks like collapse.
But what matters is not the fall — it’s what rises afterward.
The ultimate test of fire is not:
\r\nDid someone fall?
\r\nDid someone shake?
\r\nDid someone cry?
\r\nThe real question is:
\r\nDid pride burn?
\r\nDid sin lose its grip?
\r\nDid obedience increase?
\r\nDid love deepen?
\r\nGod’s fire is never about humiliation — it is about transformation.
\r\nWater marks obedience
\r\nSpirit empowers mission
\r\nFire purifies motive and identity
\r\nSometimes fire comes quietly.
Sometimes it comes dramatically.
But it always leaves evidence — not in the moment, but in the life that follows.
Another manifestation frequently associated with the baptism of fire and the manifest presence of God is what believers commonly describe as being “drunk in the Spirit.” This experience may include:
\r\nLaughter or joy that feels uncontrollable
\r\nSlurred speech or difficulty standing
\r\nA sense of lightness, peace, or overwhelming love
\r\nReduced self-consciousness
\r\nEmotional release or childlike freedom
\r\nWhile the phrase itself is informal and not a biblical term, the imagery behind it is explicitly scriptural.
\r\nThe clearest reference comes from Pentecost itself:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine.’”
\r\n
— Acts 2:13
Peter did not deny the appearance of drunkenness — he denied the source:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“These people are not drunk, as you suppose… No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.”
\r\n
— Acts 2:15–16
The implication is striking:
Spirit-filled believers can appear intoxicated to onlookers.
Paul later uses the metaphor intentionally:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
\r\n
— Ephesians 5:18
Paul contrasts two kinds of influence:
\r\nOne that dulls the mind and leads to sin
\r\nOne that overwhelms the self and leads to worship
\r\nAt its core, this experience is not about chaos or silliness. It describes:
\r\nA loosening of control
\r\nA temporary suspension of self-management
\r\nFreedom from fear, shame, or hyper-vigilance
\r\nJoy rooted in God’s nearness rather than circumstance
\r\nFire does not only burn away sin — it also burns away self-protection.
\r\nDavid modeled this long before Pentecost:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“David danced before the Lord with all his might.”
\r\n
— 2 Samuel 6:14
When criticized for undignified worship, David replied:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“I will become even more undignified than this.”
\r\n
— 2 Samuel 6:22
The fire of God often dismantles dignity built on pride.
\r\nOne effect of fire is holy disinhibition — not loss of self-control in the sinful sense, but release from:
\r\nFear of man
\r\nImage management
\r\nEmotional repression
\r\nReligious performance
\r\nThis aligns with Scripture:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
\r\n
— 2 Corinthians 3:17
Joy can manifest physically.
Freedom can feel destabilizing.
Grace can overwhelm composure.
Scripture is equally clear that manifestation is never the measure of spirituality.
\r\nPaul lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). This means:
\r\nThe Spirit does not override moral agency
\r\nFire does not excuse disorder
\r\nJoy does not negate wisdom
\r\nBeing “drunk in the Spirit” does not mean:
\r\nIncoherent teaching
\r\nLack of discernment
\r\nDisrespect for others
\r\nAbsence of accountability
\r\nPaul corrects excess in Corinth not by denying the Spirit, but by restoring order:
\r\n\r\n\r\n“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
\r\n
— 1 Corinthians 14:33
When this manifestation is genuine, it produces:
\r\nLasting joy
\r\nIncreased humility
\r\nDeeper worship
\r\nGreater love for others
\r\nStronger obedience
\r\nWhen it becomes a performance, it:
\r\nCenters attention on experience
\r\nCreates pressure to imitate
\r\nReplaces fruit with sensation
\r\nFire that comes from God does not need to be advertised.
\r\nSome will weep.
Some will tremble.
Some will fall.
Some will laugh.
Some will sit in silence.
None of these reactions are proof of spirituality — and none automatically disqualify it either.
\r\nWhat matters is what the fire leaves behind.
\r\nWhether fire manifests as:
\r\nStillness or shaking
\r\nTears or laughter
\r\nCollapse or quiet
\r\nIts authenticity is proven not in the moment, but in the aftermath.
\r\nFire from God always leads to:
\r\nHoliness
\r\nLove
\r\nTruth
\r\nObedience
\r\nReverence
\r\nThe Spirit may overwhelm the body —
but He never bypasses the conscience.
The Bible makes a clear distinction between the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Filling of the Holy Spirit. They are not the same. In direct reference to your question, some believe that the Bible teaches that speaking in tongues is the manifestation that occurs when a person receives Christ. They also teach that speaking in tongues is the sign of being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit.
\r\n\r\nWhen Peter preached to Cornelius in Acts 10, Cornelius and his family received Christ before Peter’s sermon was even finished! They simultaneously spoke in tongues. Peter took this as a sign that even Gentiles could receive Christ. He thought previously that only Jews were welcomed into the family of God.
\r\n\r\n
When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he encountered some Jewish disciples of John the Baptist. After hearing about Jesus they believed in Him and became followers of Christ. When Paul laid hands on them they spoke in tongues as the “Holy Spirit came on them” (Acts 19:1-7). Those who believe in speaking in tongues and simultaneously being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit derive their understanding and practice from the two passages above as well as several other like them in the early passages of the Gospels.
\r\n\r\n
One example is when John the Baptist declares that when Jesus comes, He will “baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Frankly, there is a wide variety of interpretations of the meaning of John’s words. The other extreme view regarding this issue is held by those that teach that the spiritual gift of tongues no longer exists today. They base this on 1 Corinthians 13 where Paul teaches (as I shared in my last answer to you) that tongues will “cease by themselves”.
\r\n\r\n
They teach that tongues is a “sign” gift that was needed in the first century to help the early Christians understand that Christianity was for Gentiles, too, since Gentiles coming to Christ had the same experience as the disciples had on Pentecost. These folks teach that since we have the Bible we no longer need this sign, so the gift stopped.
\r\n\r\n
Now, “Name Withheld,” let me draw what I think are solid principles that may be of help to you as you make your own decisions concerning your beliefs and practices.
\r\n\r\n
First, it is impossible to hold the position that tongues are the sign of conversion and/or the baptism or the filling of the Holy Spirit!
\r\n\r\n
Paul explicitly declares that not all shall speak in tongues, but that all are baptized of the Holy Spirit (compare 1 Corinthians 12:30 with 1 Corinthians 12:13) Thus, Paul clearly makes a distinction between speaking in tongues and being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The corollary teaching is that it is dangerous to elevate any spiritual gift and make it be a sign of the filling of the Holy Spirit—or to make the possession of any gift normative for a spiritual experience.
\r\n\r\n
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion
\r\n\r\n
(1 Corinthians 12:13; 6:19). It is not necessarily accompanied by the gift of speaking in tongues. It would be fair to say that most Christians do not speak in tongues when they receive Christ. The word, “baptism” means to “dip in” or to “immerse” For example, in the \"Odyssey\", Odysseus escaped from the Cyclops by sticking (the Greek word is “baptized”) a stake into his eye. Odysseus did not sprinkle it in. He immersed it deeply. In the Bible “baptize” never means “to sprinkle” as some teach today. When we receive Christ, we are immersed (“baptized”) fully by the Holy Spirit into Christ and into the family of God (for example, read Romans 6:1-10).
\r\n\r\n
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is received by simple faith in Christ.
\r\n\r\n
The Baptism follows automatically, positioning us in Christ and cementing us securely into the family of God. Paul taught these “position in Christ” concepts in Colossians 2:12. Peter also enunciated them in 1 John 4:15. The baptism of the Spirit refers to the new Believer’s incorporation into the body of Christ by a spiritual-organic union effected by the Holy Spirit. Peter declared the same in his sermon in Acts 2:28. The new Christian is now \"in Christ\".
\r\n\r\n
The Baptism in the Spirit is permanent and is bestowed at conversion. It is not to be repeated.
\r\n\r\n
(Acts 2:38). There is no Scripture text urging believers today to seek for the Spirit's Baptism. The point is that it is not possible to receive what we already have!
\r\n\r\n
On the other hand, what the Bible does urge us to seek and receive is the filling of the Holy Spirit. The key verse here is Ephesians 5:18: \"Do not get drunk on wine … Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” The term “be filled” is often translated in Greek as “keep on being filled” with the Spirit. It is a continual present tense. From this we deduce that the filling of the Spirit is not permanent, but is to be repeated again and again. As a drunk is saturated and under the direct influence of alcohol, so we are to live saturated and under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit.
\r\n\r\n
I see a direct parallel between being filled with the Holy Spirit and enjoying the living waters (John 7) and to experiencing the abundant life (John 10:10) that can be ours in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, sin and personal choices can soil and stymie the filling, the living waters, and the abundant life. However, our sins and poor choices never threaten our relationship with God. They may affect our fellowship with God but never our relationship with Him. We are born into the family of God. He is our Father and we are His children and that can never be undone.
\r\n\r\n
7 Biblical Steps for Being Filled with the Spirit
\r\n\r\n
While none of us can demand or make God pour out the Spirit-filled life upon us, the Bible gives definite guidance on being filled with the Spirit.
\r\n\r\n
1. Stop sinning. Do not grieve the Spirit by sin (Ephesians 4:30).
\r\n2. When you do sin, confess your sin to God (1 John 1:9). We must be empty and clean in order to be filled).
\r\n3. Seek to live every moment in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:6 and 6:33). A.W. Tozer said, “Every man is just as spiritual as he wants to be.”
\r\n4. Make every effort to respond positively to the guidance and speaking of the Spirit deep within. As far as possible, never quench His voice or refuse to do what He says (1 Thessalonians 5:19). We must unreservedly yield our lives to Christ (Luke 14:33; 9:24).
\r\n5. Pray to become a spiritual man or woman at any price (1 John 2:12-14).
\r\n6. Ask God to pour His Spirit into your life so that you might receive the filling of the Spirit. You are now in a great position to experience the filling, abundant life, and living waters of the Spirit.
\r\n7. Leave the results to Him and soon you will enjoy the experience of walking hand in hand with Jesus (1 John 1:7).
\r\n\r\n
Well, Name Withheld, I know you well enough to know that you are baptized in Christ because you received immersion into the family of God the moment you received Jesus. I know that you did not speak in tongues at that moment. I don’t know whether or not you do so today. You are well along in your journey. I know that you've experienced the filling of the Spirit on numerous occasions—perhaps not knowing or understanding the Biblical terms for what you were experiencing.
\r\n\r\n
I hope my answer is helpful for you and gives some clarity about the three distinct experiences of tongues, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the Filling of the Holy Spirit.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/14", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/14-the-baptism-of-the-holy-ghost-in-depth", "title": "The Baptism of the Holy Ghost (In Depth)", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T05:44:40+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T06:09:44+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 14, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 50, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/14-the-baptism-of-the-holy-ghost-in-depth" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/14-the-baptism-of-the-holy-ghost-in-depth.jpg", "content_html": "The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the experience of the Holy Spirit coming into a person’s life to give power for God’s service. Thus, a study of this experience must begin with an exploration of the Person and nature of the Holy Spirit.
\r\n\r\n
Who is the Holy Spirit?
\r\n\r\nThe terms Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are interchangeable in Scripture; they are both translated from the same Greek word in the original texts. The Holy Ghost is not an abstract identity or a remote influence, but a distinct personality of the Godhead. He is God Himself, part of the Trinity that is comprised of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He has personality and all the attributes of Deity.
\r\n\r\n
The Holy Spirit was present at Creation. In Genesis 1:2 we read, “The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” From Creation and on through the Bible, we see evidence of Him, but in the New Testament, we find a fuller revelation of the workings of the Holy Spirit.
\r\n\r\n
Every believer is influenced by the Spirit of God. It is the Holy Spirit who regenerates the heart of man (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5). The Holy Spirit sanctifies the believer (Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11). However, the filling of the Spirit, or the baptism of the Holy Ghost, is an experience beyond regeneration (salvation) and sanctification.
\r\n\r\n
Although the baptism of the Holy Spirit was typified in the Old Testament, and alluded to by Old Testament prophets, it was not until after the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus that the Holy Ghost was poured out upon believers. When Jesus completed His work on earth and returned to the Father, the Holy Spirit came as the promised Comforter.
\r\n\r\n
What is the baptism of the Holy Ghost?
\r\n\r\n
There is much to be heard and read today about the baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are various theological understandings and opinions. Some say that this experience was only for the Early Church and not for believers today. Others teach that a person receives all God has for him at the point of conversion. Some think that the baptism is about speaking in tongues. However, we must base our beliefs on Scripture. What does the Bible have to say about the baptism of the Holy Ghost?
\r\n\r\n
John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus, the One of whom he spoke, would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. In Matthew 3:11 we read: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but 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 word that is translated baptism means “to be immersed; to be totally covered” and can be understood by looking at the physical demonstration of water baptism. When we come to be baptized in water after we have been saved, we go down into the water and the water completely covers us. We are immersed, totally under the water. When we receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, we are totally immersed and covered and filled with the Holy Ghost.
\r\n\r\n
Jesus also used the word baptism in connection with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. He explained to His disciples that just as John had baptized with water, they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost. The word baptize gave His followers an idea of what they were to expect—that they would be immersed in the Holy Ghost.
\r\n\r\n
Prophecy of the outpouring
\r\n\r\n
Some eight hundred years before Christ came to earth, the prophet Joel wrote of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. His account prophesies events we have seen fulfilled within the past century. In Joel 2:23,28-29 we read, “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. . . . And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”
\r\n\r\n
Joel may not have fully understood the prophecy that he gave, but God moved upon him and those words were spoken by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, to let us know that there would be an outpouring of the Spirit of God. The Former Rain pertained to the outpouring on the Day of Pentecost; the Latter Rain pertains to the outpouring of the Holy Ghost that began in the early 20th century.
\r\n\r\n
The outpouring on the Day of Pentecost
\r\n\r\n
Just before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He told the disciples that the Holy Ghost would come. He instructed them to tarry in Jerusalem until they received the “promise of the Father,” which was the infilling of the Holy Spirit. We read that a group of 120 people gathered in an upper room in the city of Jerusalem, and they prayed. They had gathered in the Upper Room with one purpose in mind: the Lord had promised He would send power upon them and they were determined to receive it.
\r\n\r\n
Scripture tells us that something happened in that upper room that they had never seen or experienced before—the power of God descended upon them and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. We read, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).
\r\n\r\n
God made His presence known to this group of believers in an outstanding way in this initial outpouring of the Holy Ghost. The coming of the Spirit was accompanied by two manifestations: the sound of “a rushing mighty wind,” and the appearance of “cloven tongues like as of fire.” John the Baptist had foretold One who would baptize “with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16), and the two physical manifestations made a graphic picture of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
\r\n\r\n
The evidence of this amazing event was that those who had been filled began to speak in “other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Those from faraway countries who were in the city for the Day of Pentecost recognized the languages that were spoken and were amazed to hear the believers speaking in languages they had never learned. Peter stood and declared that this was what had been prophesied by the prophet Joel—the Holy Ghost had descended. Peter’s sermon that day resulted in the salvation of three thousand souls. The Holy Ghost, or Pentecostal, dispensation began then and continues until now. In fact, this event marked the birth of the Church.
\r\n\r\n
Other recipients recorded in Scripture
\r\n\r\n
In the years following the Day of Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Ghost continued to be poured out upon believers. Scripture records some of those instances. The Holy Ghost was given about eight years later to Gentiles in the household of Cornelius. Those with Peter immediately recognized that the believers gathered at the house of this Roman centurion had received the gift of the Holy Ghost, for they “heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God” (Acts 10:46). In Acts 19:6 we read of the Holy Ghost falling on a group of believers at Ephesus, and when that occurred, “they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” All received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues—a previously unlearned, distinguishable language.
\r\n\r\n
Pentecostal outpouring on Azusa Street
\r\n\r\n
In periods prior to the 20th century, God poured out His Spirit on individuals here and there. However, those were only “sprinklings” of the “latter rain” prophesied by Joel. In April of 1906, a small group of people from several Christian organizations arranged for prayer meetings in a home located on Bonnie Brae Street in Los Angeles, California. Their purpose was to seek for the infilling of the Holy Ghost, having heard of this experience being received by believers in the Midwest. These people were born-again Christians, subsequently sanctified, and all in one accord, as were those in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost.
\r\n\r\n
Upon this group on Bonnie Brae Street, God poured out His Spirit and baptized them with the Holy Ghost. They experienced the same outward evidence of having received the baptism as did the disciples on the Day of Pentecost, and spoke in other languages “as the Spirit gave them utterance.” When a number received this experience, the word spread, and shortly the meetings were transferred to larger quarters on Azusa Street.
\r\n\r\n
As time went on, the power of the Holy Spirit continued to fall, and thousands received the baptism. People flocked from the four corners of the earth to kindle their torches, and went forth to spread the flame, which began to set fire to the world. Those attending the services compiled the accounts of the meetings into a paper called The Apostolic Faith, and the headlines of the first edition blazed out the news, “Pentecost Has Come.” It proclaimed that “many [are] being converted and sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as they did on the day of Pentecost.”
\r\n\r\n
What are the qualifications?
\r\n\r\n
In order to be filled with the Holy Ghost, essential steps must be taken. A person must first be born again, justified by faith. Scripture is clear that the Holy Ghost is not given to the unconverted. We read in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
\r\n\r\n
A second step, entire sanctification, occurs when the saved person goes deeper in consecration and God purges the heart. Believers are not only forgiven for committed acts of sin, but they also need to be delivered from the inherited nature of sin through entire sanctification. The old sinful nature must be crucified so that the new nature of Christ can be fully expressed (Romans 8:2). Then the heart is ready for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
\r\n\r\n
The 120 who gathered in the Upper Room at the time of the initial outpouring were saved individuals; they were the close followers of Christ, and were obviously committed to following His instructions. They had gathered in the Upper Room and had continued in prayer and supplication. When the Day of Pentecost came, ten days after Jesus’ ascension, they were all “with one accord, in one place.” Jesus had prayed for them to experience the unity described by that phrase. In John 17:9 we read His words, “I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me.” This prayer was not for the lost but for those who were already His followers, and He prayed for God to sanctify them (John 17:17). When the Holy Ghost fell upon them, they were in one accord—evidence that they had been sanctified.
\r\n\r\n
Salvation and sanctification accomplish the forgiveness of sins and the removal of the sin nature. Then the condemnation for committed sins and the nature of sin are gone, and the heart is a suitable dwelling place for the Holy Ghost. The God who wants to live within us is a holy God. The place where He dwells must be a holy place. So we must get the sin taken care of and the heart cleansed. When the habitation is made holy, we are ready to receive the infilling of the Spirit of God.
\r\n\r\n
Pentecostal leaders at the turn of the 20th century were firm advocates of salvation and of sanctification as a second work of grace. These included William Seymour, the leader at the Azusa Street revival; Charles Parham, Seymour’s teacher; and Florence Crawford, one of the key early Azusa Street workers. They understood and taught that the baptism of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, was an experience for those who had been saved and subsequently sanctified. The controversy over whether it was necessary to be sanctified prior to receiving the Holy Ghost began when W. H. Durham, who had visited Azusa and had initially embraced the teachings, preached at a Chicago Pentecostal convention in 1910 and sought to nullify the experience of sanctification as a second definite work of grace, calling his new doctrine “the Finished Work.” This was a departure from what Parham, Seymour, and Florence Crawford taught when the movement began. The Azusa leaders denounced Durham’s doctrine, saying that it made an opening for “spiritualistic counterfeits” of the genuine Pentecostal experience. They held that the Bible clearly teaches that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is for those who have been truly converted, sanctified wholly, and are living a victorious life without sin.
\r\n\r\n
Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit
\r\n\r\n
How do we receive this experience? The answer is not complicated: it comes through prayer and consecration. When the heart and life are pure before God, the believer should then ask God for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It is God’s desire and intention to bestow this gift on hearts that are prepared to receive it. In Luke 11:9-10 we read, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” The writer goes on to describe how earthly fathers give to their children, and then asks, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13).
\r\n\r\n
Although many consecrations were made when we sought for sanctification, there may yet be something that God is drawing out of our lives when we seek for the Spirit’s infilling. God requires a further submission of soul, mind, body, and spirit. He wants to control every thought and plan, and sometimes it takes fervent prayer to let Him completely direct every area of life. Obedience goes hand in hand with submission: Peter proclaimed that the Holy Ghost is given to those who are obedient (Acts 5:32).
\r\n\r\n
We cannot improve on the way the 120 received the baptism on the Day of Pentecost. They prayed and prayed with one purpose in mind, and that was to do what Jesus had said for them to do. You, too, must set yourself to one purpose and pray until you receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
\r\n\r\n
Faith is vital in obtaining this experience, just as it is in receiving salvation and sanctification. When a sanctified believer comes to God and asks for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, he must then believe that God’s promise is true and reach out in faith to accept the promised gift. Since it is clear that this gift is available (Acts 2:39), and indeed, that we are commanded to receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), faith must simply rest on these promises and commands, and step forward to claim the blessing.
\r\n\r\n
The Holy Ghost is a gift, but a gift must be received. As we seek God for the Holy Ghost, we do not have to beg God. He wants to give this experience to us! That fact is an assurance that should bring great praise and rejoicing, and praise opens up a channel directly into the very presence of God. Many have testified that it was when they forgot all about themselves and simply rejoiced and praised God that the witness came.
\r\n\r\n
The evidence of the Holy Spirit
\r\n\r\n
Speaking with other tongues is the external evidence that was chosen as a sign that the Holy Ghost has descended. That evidence is uniform and consistent among all Spirit-filled Christians in all cultures and languages. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is not about tongues, but the Scriptural evidence of receiving the baptism is that the recipient speaks in an unlearned language.
\r\n\r\n
The expression, “speaking in tongues,” comes from a compound Greek word from glossa (tongue) and lalia (speaking). It refers to a language uttered by the human tongue, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. The language spoken through the anointing of the Holy Spirit will not be gibberish, but a definite language. When the power fell on the Early Church at Pentecost, their hearers “were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:6).
\r\n\r\n
We do not need to be overly concerned with how we will speak in tongues. Any true manifestation of the Spirit of God will be accomplished in a manner that will glorify God. The gift of the Holy Ghost is what is being received, and when He comes, He will speak through our voices. As we yield ourselves to Him and allow Him complete freedom to do or say what He wills, He will take control. Our spirit will be enraptured by His presence, and we will glorify Him. The evidence of infilling may be just a few brief words or many hours of words. God knows and He will send the evidence in a manner that we will know. The presence of His Holy Spirit is unmistakable!
\r\n\r\n
The purpose of the baptism
\r\n\r\n
Scripture clearly indicates the purpose for the Holy Ghost being given. Acts 1:8 tells us, “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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” That power was not provided for the disciples’ personal glorification, but for the benefit of others. It would enable them to be witnesses for Christ throughout all the world—to testify of Jesus’ resurrection.
\r\n\r\n
These 120 had been with the Lord since His crucifixion, and thus they were eyewitnesses to the fact that He had risen from the dead. The Great Commission instructed them to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. The known world at that point in history was not as big as it is now, but the disciples did not have the means of transportation we have today. When they heard the instruction to go into the entire world, they no doubt felt much the same as we would today: How are we going to do that? How are we going to let the whole world know that Jesus is alive?
\r\n\r\n
The infilling of the Holy Ghost was what met that need. Power from the Spirit of God provided courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority. The disciples needed all these to fulfill their commission from God.
\r\n\r\n
We have the same need today, and the same provision is available. People are still receiving power in their lives through the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and it is still power for service. The one who receives the Holy Ghost will have anointing and ability to witness or testify of Christ.
\r\n\r\n
The commission He gave to the disciples is the same commission given to us today. We have a responsibility to tell the world that we know Jesus has risen from the dead, that He has changed our lives, and that we have had an encounter with Him. The experience we have with Him is not to be kept to ourselves. The command is to be witnesses of what we have experienced and seen. We will need help from Heaven, so the Lord has promised to send the power we need—the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
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The Divine influence of the Holy Spirit
\r\n\r\n
The Greek word that is translated “Comforter” is Parakleetos, which means “Helper” or “Companion.” When the Spirit of God fills a person with His fullness, He is present within to accomplish His ministry of enlightening, guiding, empowering, anointing, and teaching.
\r\n\r\n
When we have been baptized with the Holy Ghost, He guides us into all truth. There will be times when we need to know what the truth of God’s Word is, or what God’s will is in our lives. The Holy Ghost will lead us into an understanding. There will be times when we need divine help to accomplish a task for the Lord. We know our own ability is insufficient. In looking at the original meaning of the word translated “power,” we find it could have been translated “ability.” We will receive ability, abundance, might, and strength when we are filled with the Holy Ghost.
\r\n\r\n
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would abide in us. As soon as we begin our Christian walk, He is with us all along the way, but after we are baptized with the Holy Ghost, He will be within us.
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The Holy Spirit will bring all things to our remembrance, “whatsoever I have said unto you.” Perhaps we find ourselves conversing with someone and feel that we should speak a word for God. We may think, I really do not know what is going on inside this person. How can I say the right thing? In such a time, the Spirit of God will direct us and will provide the words for us to speak. He will do a better job of this than we could ever do, even if we gave it much consideration ahead of time. He alone knows the thoughts and intents of the heart! As we simply live for the Lord, the Spirit of God will provide opportunities and help us to be clear and effective witnesses of what we know is the truth.
\r\n\r\n
The Holy Spirit gives life, energy, help, and hope. He will also give us boldness. The religious leaders in the time of the Apostles marveled at the speaking of Peter, John, and the others, because they had not been formally trained in the manner that the religious leaders had been trained. They called Peter and John “unlearned and ignorant men,” but Peter and John had been taught by the Spirit of God and spoke with evident authority. They were told to not preach in the name of Jesus anymore, but they were true to the commission Jesus had left them and went right on proclaiming the truth. They obeyed God rather than man.
\r\n\r\n
For believers today
\r\n\r\n
God baptizes today with the Holy Ghost just as He did in the time of the Early Church. In Acts 2:39, we find Peter’s words after he had received this experience: “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” If you are saved and sanctified today, the baptism of the Holy Ghost is for you. There are no exceptions! God is not selective in His promise. He did not say that some could have it but that others could not. God has this experience for everyone who meets His requirements.
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Notice that it was not optional with the disciples whether or not to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Jesus commanded them to wait for the promised power. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is not an option today either. This experience is a necessity for every person who wants his life to be used and blessed by God.
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We thank God for those who continue to pray through and receive this experience in our day. If you have not received it, you can. Are you saved? Are you sanctified? If so, the Lord wants to fill you with the Holy Ghost. He wants to put something within you that will charge you. He wants to enable you to live a life revolving around being a witness of the resurrection of Jesus. He wants to give you boldness and authority. He wants to empower you to promote the Gospel that tells men and women they can be saved, that they can know it, and that it can change their lives.
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Seek and receive this experience in your life!
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/27", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/27-baptism-of-the-holy-spirit", "title": "Baptism of the Holy Spirit", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T05:41:41+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T06:09:00+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 27, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 53, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/27-baptism-of-the-holy-spirit" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/credited/27-baptism-of-the-holy-spirit.jpg", "content_html": "“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”—Jesus, Son of God
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Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for Everyone?
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To do God’s work, we need God’s power. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, and who are children of God through Him (see Acts 2:38–39).
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What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
\r\n\r\nThe baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs when the Spirit of God comes upon a believer. The Holy Spirit fills the believer’s mind with a genuine understanding of truth, takes possession of the believer’s abilities, and imparts gifts that qualify the believer for service in the body of Christ.
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When a person accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit dwells inside him or her (see John 14:15–17; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 12:13). But believers also need the baptism of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:5–8).
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Why We Need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
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The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to empower believers for service, to witness, for spiritual warfare, and for boldness in their testimonies (see Acts 1:8; 4:19–20, 29–31; 6:8–10; 1 Corinthians 2:4).
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Jesus commanded the disciples not to begin the work to which He called them until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit (see Luke 24:48–49; Acts 1:4, 8). When the apostles met other believers in Christ, they at once asked whether the believers had received the Holy Spirit. If not, they made sure they received Him (see Acts 8:14–16; 19:1–5).
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The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an absolute necessity in every Christian’s life for the service to which God has called us.
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How to Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
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Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13). God fulfills His promises in a variety of ways, and no two human beings are alike in how they receive spiritual things.The New Testament tells us that some believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the moment of their conversion, such as Cornelius and his family (see Acts 10). Others, such as the believers in Ephesus, received it at a later time (see Acts 19:1–5). We should never limit God by our own expectations. He is sovereign and will work in whatever way He chooses.
\r\n" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/22", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/22-the-8-different-ways-the-holy-spirit-communicates-with-us", "title": "The 8 Different Ways the Holy Spirit Communicates With Us", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T05:10:56+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T06:01:23+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 22, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 47, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/22-the-8-different-ways-the-holy-spirit-communicates-with-us" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/22-the-8-different-ways-the-holy-spirit-communicates-with-us.jpg", "content_html": "
Again, I know some people freak out once you attempt to step into this kind of supernatural realm with the Holy Spirit. But this is where each Christian has to make their own choice as to whether or not they want to tread into these kinds of deeper waters with the Lord.
\r\n\r\nYou can either learn how to do all of this with the Holy Spirit, or you can choose to let this supernatural realm go and just stay on the path that you are already walking on if you have never had any of this kind of activity before with the Holy Spirit.
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Many of you will know exactly what I will be talking about below, as you have already stepped into this realm with the Holy Spirit and have learned how to play this kind of game with Him.
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However, if this is all new to some of you because you have never been taught any of this in the churches you have been raised up in, then you will need to make a decision with the Lord as to whether or not you will want this supernatural realm opened up for you by God the Father.
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If after reading the captions below you decide you would like God to open up this supernatural realm for you, then all you have to do is go direct to God the Father in prayer and ask Him to allow the Holy Spirit to become very active in any of these 8 different ways in which He uses to communicate to us.
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Tell God that He has a solid, green light from you to open up this realm if it will be His perfect will to do so at your present level of spiritual development with Him.
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If you put that kind of special request before God, then He will take you very seriously and He will then very gradually lead you into this realm and from there, the Holy Spirit will start to move in some of these different areas for you.
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The Holy Spirit will also show you how to discern when it really is Him communicating to you as versus when it is just your own emotions or imagination talking to you.
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Now I will take you into the 8 different ways the Holy Spirit will use to supernaturally communicate to us in this life.
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1. The Inner Witness – The Inner Knowing
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In my opinion, this is the number one way that the Holy Spirit will communicate to us in this life. Here is the specific verse where this piece of revelation is being given to us by the Lord
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“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” (Romans 8:16)
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“I tell you the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit …” (Romans 9:1)
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The first verse is telling us that the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness in our human spirit that we are children of God. And if the Holy Spirit can bear witness in our human spirits on that issue, then I believe He can also bear witness in our spirits with other things as well.
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And then the next verse will prove that to you. The apostle Paul gives us additional revelation when he says that his conscience was also bearing witness in the Holy Spirit. In other words, the Holy Spirit was bearing a good witness for Paul in his conscience, which I believe is part of our human spirit.
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The key word in these two verses is the word “witness.” The Holy Spirit is bearing witness to something in our human spirits. And what exactly is a good “witness” when we do receive one of these from the Holy Spirit?
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Jack Hayford, in his excellent book, Hayford’s Bible Handbook, defines a witness or witnessing as the following:
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\"Giving evidence, attesting, confirming, confessing, bearing record, speaking well of, giving a good report, testifying, affirming what one has seen or heard, presenting the gospel with evidence\"
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The first verse above where the Holy Spirit is bearing witness with our spirits that we are saved lines up with some of the above definitions from Mr. Hayford such as confirming, attesting, confessing, and bearing record. In other words, the Holy Spirit is confirming in our spirits that we are saved and that we are now children of God.
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When you really cut into this word as it is being used in the first verse above, another word for the inner witness would be that it is an inner knowing.
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The Holy Spirit will transmit the knowledge He wants you to have on something as a strong, inner knowing.
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I am sure you have all heard many people say, “I had a good witness on that pastor’s preaching today.” Some people say that the inner witness is a “knowing without any shadow of a doubt.” They will use the slang expression, “You know, that you know, that you know, without any shadow of a doubt.”
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Other people call this inner knowing an illumination, an enlightenment. All of a sudden you receive supernatural illumination, supernatural enlightenment on what a Scripture verse may mean. I personally like the term, “inner knowing,” to best describe how the Holy Spirit supernaturally communicates to us in this life.
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When the Holy Spirit communicates something directly to you through this inner witness, it will be a knowing without any shadow of a doubt. When you receive one of these for the first time, you will know that it has come directly from the Holy Spirit due to the strength and conviction of it.
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After you start to receive these kinds of inner knowings from the Holy Spirit, you will soon learn how to discern when one is really coming in from Him, or when one is just coming in from your own natural imagination and emotions.
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A true, inner witness from the Holy Spirit will come out of your spirit – it will not come out of your head, your imagination, or your emotions.
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That will be the first “tell” that what you are receiving is coming directly from the Holy Spirit.
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Some people refer to these inner witnesses as a “gut knowing or gut feeling.” How many times have you heard people use the slang expression that their “gut” was telling them what they needed to do, and then later on it turned out to be right. Those “gut knowings” or “gut feelings” are many of the times the inner witness from the Holy Spirit.
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If you get a strong, gut feeling not to get on a plane, and you then decide to heed that warning and hours later that plane ends up crashing, then you know that gut warning was coming in direct from the Holy Spirit since you do not have the ability to see into the future like He can.
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Many, many people have received those gut warnings not to do something specific, and many of the times, those gut warnings turned out to be 100% accurate, which again means that many of them were coming in direct from the Holy Spirit Himself.
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My take on the above two verses is this:
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If the Bible says that the Holy Spirit can bear witness in our own human spirits that we are saved and that we are truly the children of God – and He can also help out the apostle Paul on the issue he was dealing with where He bore witness with Paul’s own conscience, then this tells me the Holy Spirit can also bear witness with many other things in our life as well.
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What I have personally found out in this realm is that the Holy Spirit will communicate knowledge to you through this inner knowing, through this inner witness. When you receive this inner knowing about something specific, you will not hear an audible voice or hear any type of inner words coming up on you.
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What you will receive is just a good, clear, inner knowing on the message being transmitted to you.
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For instance, say you have been meditating on a particular Scripture verse, but you just cannot seem to get the correct interpretation on what it may mean or how it can apply to your life.
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And then all of a sudden one day, the Holy Spirit gives you a strong, inner knowing as to exactly what this verse means and how it can apply to your personal life.
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What the Holy Spirit will do is transmit the interpretation of that verse through the inner knowing. All of a sudden you will “understand” what this verse means and you will then be able to “see” the true meaning behind the words.
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This is supernatural enlightenment and illumination that the Holy Spirit can give you on many of the verses in the Bible.
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It is His job to actually open up the meaning of Scripture for you so you can understand what you are reading and from there, how to get some of these incredible spiritual truths worked into your daily walk with the Lord.
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And not only can the Holy Spirit communicate to you the meaning of certain Scripture verses through this inner witness – this inner knowing, but He can also do this on many of the other things in your daily life as well. He can give you strong, inner knowings on the following:
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Who you should be marrying in this life
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When you should take the next new job God will want to give you
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How to solve any problems you may be having in school or at work
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How to handle a problem or roadblock that may have occurred in your marriage
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How to handle all of the problems that will occur if you have just lost your job
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When to move in on someone to witness to them There is just an infinite number of things that the Holy Spirit can communicate to you on so you can try and get through this life in one piece and try to handle all of the problems that may come your way.
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Per our article on the 9 gifts of the Spirit, two of the 9 gifts are the Word of Knowledge and the Word of Wisdom. And for the most part, we believe that a lot of these words of knowledge and wisdom will come to you through this inner witness, this inner knowing.
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That is why it is extremely important that each Christian learn how to receive these inner witnesses from the Holy Spirit, so they can then receive actual communication from Him as to exactly what He wants them to be doing with some of the specific issues that will be occurring in their daily lives.
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The Holy Spirit is called the Helper in the Bible, but He cannot help you with some of the things you will need help on unless He can first communicate directly to you on exactly what He wants you to do.
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The ability to pickup up these inner witnesses, these inner knowings from the Holy Spirit will only come to you through a process of trial and error. Your mind will receive the inner knowing out of your spirit. And if it is truly from the Holy Spirit, then you can totally depend on it and from there, act on it if any kind of action will need to be taken.
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2. The Word of God
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The next way that the Holy Spirit will communicate knowledge to you is sometimes by giving you a direct verse from Scripture. All of a sudden, you will see a Scripture verse float up right in front of your mind’s eye.
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And when you see this particular Scripture verse, you will see the meaning of the verse and how it will answer the particular problem or dilemma you may be dealing with.
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The Bible is just loaded with an unbelievable amount of spiritual truths, and many of these spiritual truths will be the answer to many of life’s problems that we will all encounter.
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And if there is a particular Scripture verse that will answer a problem you may dealing with, then there is a very good chance that is how the Holy Spirit will help you solve the problem – by giving you the actual Scripture verse that will solve the problem.
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I cannot tell you how many times over the course of my life that the Holy Spirit will bring back up to my remembrance a certain Scripture verse that will solve or answer the problem I may dealing with.
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I have actually come to the conclusion that if there is an actual verse from the Bible that will solve the problem, that will be the first thing the Holy Spirit will want to give you.
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This is why it is so important for each and every Christian to spend as much quality time as they can in loading up their mind with the Word.
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If you do, then the Holy Spirit can bring back up to your remembrance certain Scripture verses when you may need them because you have already done your part by getting the Bible verses “in you.”
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3. Leadings
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In addition to communicating a direct message to you, the Holy Spirit can also give you “leadings” on what to do and what not to do. Again, here is the verse that will show us that it is the job of the Holy Spirit to lead us in this life, along with another verse showing us that Jesus Himself was also willing to be led by the Holy Spirit when He was walking down here on our earth in the flesh.
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“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
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“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)
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If God is telling us that we are to be led by His Holy Spirit, and then He shows us that His own Son Jesus was also led by the Holy Spirit, there can be no other conclusion to come to other than God wants all of us to learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit in this life.
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When it comes to these basic leadings, some people have different terms to describe it when it does come in on them from the Holy Spirit.
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Some people will say I had a “leading” from the Holy Spirit to take that new job. Other people will use the terms “unction” or “prompting.”
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They will say they felt or sensed an unction or prompting from the Holy Spirit to do something specific.
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These leadings from the Holy Spirit can be anything from a very gentle nudging to something that could be much stronger.
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When you get a real strong leading to do something specific, it will feel like God has His big hand on the small of your back pushing you forward.
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You will feel the wind at your back to move in that certain direction.
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You will feel or sense a very strong unction, a very strong prompting to move in that direction.
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However, if God does not want you to move in that certain direction, then you will feel or sense no leading at all from the Holy Spirit.
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When you think of moving in that direction, you will get a real flat witness from the Holy Spirit. There will be no inner witness to move forward.
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You will have no peace to move in that direction. If that is what you are picking up when thinking about moving in a certain direction, then that is the Holy Spirit’s way of telling you to let it go and not to move in that certain direction.
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Again, being able to pick up these kinds of leadings from the Holy Spirit is something that you will learn through a process of trial and error with Him.
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After you have received quite a few of these leadings from the Holy Spirit, you can then become quite adept at being able to tell when a leading is coming in directly from Him or when it is coming in from your own natural desires and emotions.
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4. Check in Your Spirit
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In addition to the Holy Spirit leading you to go in a certain direction, He can also do just the exact opposite. He can tell you not to move in a certain direction, especially if there is going to be any kind of danger right around the corner. When He does not want you to move in a certain dangerous direction, many of the times what you will pick up from Him is a “check in your spirit.”
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A check in your spirit is like a a stop sign being put up by the Holy Spirit. It is His way of telling you to stop right where you are at and not to proceed any further.
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For instance, many people will get a check in their spirit when they are about ready to board a plane that is going to crash.
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Some people will then heed that check and not get on the plane. Others will ignore it, thinking that it is their own natural emotions and fear and that it is not really coming in from the Holy Spirit.
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That is why it is so vitally important that each Christian learn how to pick up these kinds of inner warnings from the Holy Spirit – so you can keep yourself from being seriously injured, if not possibly killed.
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How many people have died in car accidents and plane crashes – all because they chose to ignore that check in their spirit not to get in that car or plane that day.
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These checks in your spirit can also help prevent abductions, assaults, car accidents, plane crashes, taking the wrong jobs, marrying the wrong people, getting hooked up with the wrong people in this life, etc. As you can see, there can be an infinite number of situations where the Holy Spirit will tell you not to keep going in that specific direction.
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Here is a very good verse from the Bible where the Holy Spirit did exactly that for the apostles:
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“… they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia … They tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.” (Acts 16:6-7)
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This verse tells us that the Holy Spirit forbid them from going to Asia and Bithynia. And if the Holy Spirit was forbidding some of the apostles to move in a certain direction back in the beginning of the NT, then He can still do the exact same thing for all us in this day and age.
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And one of the ways that He will let us know not to move in a certain direction is by giving us that check in our spirits.
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The other thing the Holy Spirit can do in this realm besides giving you a good, strong, inner check in your spirit, is that He may take it one more step further and He may then start to churn your stomach.
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Your stomach will start to churn, and you will feel like you have a million butterflies swirling around in your stomach.
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You will get a very queasy and uneasy feeling about going any further in the direction you are looking to move into.
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If the Holy Spirit takes that check in your spirit and moves it into an actual manifestation where He is literally churning your stomach, then it would be my very strong recommendation that you heed this kind of intense warning from Him, and immediately stop and turn away from the direction you were initially going to take.
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I remember a girl I used to work with saved herself quite a bit of trouble as a result of heeding that check in her spirit when she was on vacation one day up in Canada.
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About 10 years ago, she went on vacation to Toronto, Canada. Her and her friend were getting ready to get on a trolley type train car. Right before they were getting ready to board the train, she said she got a very uneasy and queasy feeling about getting on this train.
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She said she had a strong check in her spirit not to board that train. Knowing that this could be a direct warning from the Holy Spirit, she chose to listen to it and decided not to board the train.
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When they got home about 4-5 hours later, they turned on the TV and saw that the train they would have gotten on had been involved in a wreck on the tracks that were up in the air.
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Apparently, the train somehow had got derailed and had partially come off of the tracks. It took 3-4 hours to finally rescue all of the people who were still on board. Several people were killed in the accident.
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Had my friend not listened to that uneasy feeling and check in her spirit that the Holy Spirit was conveying to her, she would’ve at the least been stranded on that derailed train for 3-4 hours, not to mention the possibility of being seriously injured or even killed.
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These checks in your spirit can be major lifesavers depending on what the Holy Spirit is telling you not to do. Again, this is another one that you will learn through a process of trial and error with Him.
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As with the above other ways He will communicate to you, you can become quite adept in knowing when a check in your spirit is really coming in from Him, or when it is coming in from your own natural fear and emotions.
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5. Quickenings
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Another very interesting way that the Holy Spirit will use to communicate something to you is through an actual quickening. A quickening from the Holy Spirit is when He will “jump” something at you. For instance, if you are reading the Bible, you may find a verse or two that will jump off the pages at you and hit you right between the eyes.
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Whenever the Holy Spirit quickens something like this to you, this means you are to grab a hold of it and examine it to see exactly what the message is that He is trying to convey to you. If you are dealing with a specific problem, He may quicken a verse to you that will help solve your problem.
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You can also have words from preachers jump at you. You could be driving down the road in your car listening to a pastor teach on the radio when all of a sudden something he says jumps right out at you through the radio.
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And again, when this happens, this is the Holy Spirit’s way of bringing you knowledge He may want you to have on something specific.
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Another area where this could occur at is at your local Christian bookstore. You will be in the bookstore browsing all of the books in there when all of a sudden a particular book will jump off the shelf at you.
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When that happens, there is a very good chance that is the Holy Spirit quickening that particular book to you.
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If that should ever happen to you, you should pick up the book to see what it is all about.
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There may be information in there that will help you in your walk with the Lord, and the Holy Spirit may want you to buy the book so you can add it to your storehouse of knowledge in the Lord. I cannot tell you how many times He has personally done this to me over the years.
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And every time He does it, I always end up buying the book because there is key information and knowledge in that book that I needed to have for my own personal growth in the Lord.
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I know many of you have had these kinds of experiences with the Holy Spirit. Some people will use the slang expression that something really “jumped” at them when they first heard it.
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And in most of these cases, that word or message that was quickened to them by the Holy Spirit was something they really needed to hear at the time it happened.
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Again, after you have received quite a few of these quickenings from the Holy Spirit, you can easily learn to sense and discern when it really is the Holy Spirit doing this for you.
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Also, do not go “looking” for these quickenings to occur. Let them come naturally to you by the Holy Spirit.
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6. Visions
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The next three ways the Holy Spirit will communicate to you – visions, dreams, and prophecies – are all coming from this one verse out of Joel.
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Here is the next verse that will completely set the stage for you on these next three ways the Holy Spirit will use to communicate something specific to us:
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“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29)
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Notice that visions, dreams, and prophecies are all directly connected to the Holy Spirit Himself.
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This verse is also implying that when He is really poured out, dreams, visions, and prophecies are going to be given to many of God’s people, not to just a few select saints. Many people believe that this outpouring has already begun, but that it will intensify in the coming years ahead.
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In this caption, I will discuss the different kinds of visions you can receive from the Holy Spirit.
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There are two basic types of visions that you can receive from the Holy Spirit.
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One is called an “open vision.”
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The other is called a “closed vision.”
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A) Open Vision – an open vision is when you receive a vision with your eyes wide open. Many of these visions will be in actual 3-D and if God should allow it, you can actually be a part of that vision itself.
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John the Revelator was receiving these kinds of heavy, open visions when God was giving him visions on what was going to happen at the end of times. Some of the prophets in the OT also received these kinds of heavy, open visions.
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But for the most part, they are very rare, and most Christians will never receive these kinds of open visions from the Holy Spirit. But please note, that could all change in the coming years as more of that verse from Joel starts to come to pass.
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B) Closed Vision – the second kind of vision you can receive from the Holy Spirit is what is called a closed vision. A closed vision is when you receive a vision in your mind’s eye. Another word for this is that you will receive a “picture in your mind’s eye.”
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Though a closed vision does not seem to be as heavy or as dramatic as an open vision is, do not let that fool you. They are both visions and a closed vision is just as powerful and just as dramatic as an open vision is. Though many people will never receive an open vision in their life, not so with the closed vision. The Holy Spirit loves to give these closed visions and He will do it quite frequently to those who will be open to receiving them, since a closed vision is receiving a picture in your mind’s eye.
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Again, you will have to learn through a process of trial and error when a vision is coming in from your own natural imagination or when it is coming in direct from the Holy Spirit
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The reason the Holy Spirit loves to give these inner closed visions is because a lot more information and knowledge can sometimes be communicated to you through a vision or picture in your mind’s eye. You have all heard of the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words.
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That saying right there perfectly describes why the Holy Spirit loves to give you these closed inner visions – because sometimes He can communicate a lot more knowledge and information to you.
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However, these closed visions can come in on much smaller matters as well. For example, say you just lost your car keys and you cannot seem to find them anywhere in the house. What you don’t know is that your dog has just knocked them underneath your bed.
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If the Holy Spirit wants to tell you where they are located at since He is called the Helper in the Bible, He can either give you an inner knowing, an inner witness to look underneath your bed, or He could give you an actual closed vision, with the vision showing you that the keys are lying right underneath your bed.
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Many of the times, He will choose to give you that picture in your mind’s eye of where the keys are located.
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What I have found from personal experience is that the Holy Spirit can give you these closed inner visions on very small and trivial matters like where you may have misplaced your cars keys at, to much larger and heavier issues in your life.
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In other words, there is nothing He cannot give you a closed vision on to help you out with something, or if He wants to use a closed vision to communicate a specific piece of knowledge to you.
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What you will have to learn on this is how to discern when a picture in your mind’s eye is really coming in from Him, or when it is coming in from your own natural imagination, since your own natural imagination has the power and the ability to draw up its own pictures in your mind’s eye.
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One of the ways that you can tell when you are receiving a closed vision from the Holy Spirit is how it will come in on you. Many of the times these visions will come in out of the blue.
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You may not really be thinking about anything specific or you are not using your own imagination to draw up any kind of picture’s in your mind’s eye. And then all of a sudden it will come in very quickly and very suddenly.
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Another tell you will get when one of these is coming in from the Holy Spirit is that not only will it come out of the blue, but the picture you are receiving in your mind’s eye is not something that you would normally conjure up for yourself.
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Sometimes these visions will need interpretation, other times they will not. But if you get a picture in your mind’s eye that comes in out of nowhere, and it is something that you would not naturally conjure up on your own, then examine the vision very carefully to see if it may be from the Holy Spirit and if you think it may be, try to interpret what He is trying to tell you.
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Another tell that the Holy Spirit will give you so you know that the vision is coming in directly from Him, is that He will give you a good, inner witness that it is coming directly from Him, which is the first way I gave you above on how He will communicate something to you.
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Again, you will only learn all of this though a process of trial and error with Him. After you have received quite a few of these closed inner visions, you can again become quite adept at discerning when a vision is coming in from Him, or when the vision is just coming in from your own natural imagination.
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7. Dreams
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The next way that the Holy Spirit can use to communicate something specific to you coming from the above verse from Joel is in your dreams.
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In other words, you can receive a dream direct from the Holy Spirit. Another word for dreams is that they are “visions of the night.”
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As you all know, the Bible has many examples of people receiving dreams from the Lord. God used an angel in a dream to tell Joseph to immediately flee to Egypt right after Jesus had been born, as Herod was getting ready to kill all of the first born.
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King Nebuchadnezzar was given dreams on end time events, but he needed Daniel to interpret those dreams for him. Daniel himself was also given dreams and visions on coming end time events.
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Dreams in your sleep are nowhere near as common as closed, inner visions are, but every once in a while God can give you a dream direct from Himself. So how do you know when you are receiving a dream direct from God, since psychologists have told us that everyone dreams every single night when they are sleeping?
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I do not consider myself an expert on dreams. But there are several men in the body who are considered somewhat experts in this area.
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Two of them are John Paul Jackson and James Goll. James Goll has written a very good book on dreams. The title of his book is, “Dream Language”. Another good book is, “Understanding the Dreams you Dream”, by Ira Milligan.
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I personally have only had about 10 dreams from the Lord over a 20 year period. But what I can give you is what God does to me personally so I know that the dream is really coming in from Him.
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The first thing God will do with me when He is giving me a dream from Him is the actual timing of it. I always get these God-dreams close to when I am getting ready to wake up. For instance, if I go to bed at 11 PM and I am going to be getting up at about 7 AM, the dream will be coming in between 6-7 AM.
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The reason He does this with me is so the dream is basically right in my face right as I am starting to come out of that deep sleep.
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The second tell I will get so I know that the dream is coming in from the Lord, is that the dream will not fade away from me once I wake up.
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If you will notice, on most of the dreams you will have during the night, you will either have no memory of any of these dreams when you wake up, or if by chance you do remember one of them as you wake up, that dream will then fade away from you within the first 1-3 hours.
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After the three hours is up, you will have completely forgotten about the dream. But if the dream is coming in direct from the Holy Spirit, then the dream will not fade away on you. It will be as clear in your mind’s eye 6 hours later as it was when you first woke up. It will stay with you for days, if not forever.
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If you wake up with a very strong, vivid dream being right in your face and you think it may be from the Lord, what I would do is grab a piece of paper and pen and write down what the dream was all about and if need be, draw actual pictures of what you saw in the dream.
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Sometimes these dreams will need some kind of interpretation and you will need to carefully examine the dream to see exactly what God is trying to convey to you.
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If God gave some of His people dreams back in the OT and NT, and we now have the above verse from Joel where God is telling us that once the Holy Spirit has been poured out on all flesh, that dreams from the Lord will become quite common, then you know this is one of the supernatural ways that the Lord will want to use with some of us from time to time.
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So again, do not be afraid if you ever receive what you think may be a dream from the Lord. If God is giving you a dream direct from Himself, then there will be a personal message in there for you.
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Your job will be to get it down on paper and carefully examine and analyze it for what that personal message may be.
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As I said above, there are some men in the Body who are very good in this area. Some of them have written books on dreams and what certain things may mean in the dream.
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I have never delved that deeply in this area, so I do not have the knowledge or expertise to tell you what every little thing in the dream may mean or represent.
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For the most part with myself, most of the dreams I have had from the Lord have all been very straight forward.
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God was either giving me a heads up on what was getting ready to come my way, or He was giving me a dream to help me solve a particular problem or issue I was dealing with at the time.
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8. Prophecies
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The third way God can communicate directly to you coming from the above verse from Joel is by prophecy. As we explained to you in our article titled, “The 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” one of the 9 gifts from the Holy Spirit is the gift of prophecy.
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The gift of prophecy is when you receive a direct word from the Lord. And when I say a direct word, I mean a direct word. Every word that you receive in the prophecy will be direct words from the Lord.
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Since I have already talked about this gift at length in the above article, I will not go any further with it under this caption. If you would like to see a good, detailed explanation on what this gift is all about and how God can use it with you,it is our part 3 of our series on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit called, The Gift of Prophecy. This will be our explanation of what this gift is all about.
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Conclusion
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When you really study each of the 8 ways that the Holy Spirit will use to communicate to us in this life, every single one of these ways is a supernatural type of communication.
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To think that we are able to receive the Holy Spirit in our human spirits at the moment of our conversions to Jesus – and then to add this kind of icing to the entire cake where the Holy Spirit can literally supernaturally communicate to all of us in these different ways – it just does not get any better than this!
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Again, I know some pastors are afraid to open up this supernatural realm to their flocks, but when God the Father puts these kinds of specific verses in the Bible, then I can only come to the conclusion that God wants all of us to learn how to do this with the Holy Spirit.
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If the Holy Spirit is going to be our personal Guide and Teacher in this life, then not only can He teach us everything we will need to know in this life so we can fully complete our divine destiny in the Lord, but He can also teach us how to hear directly from Himself in these different ways as well.
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We can thus fully trust Him to handle all of us in this supernatural realm.
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What I have found in this realm is that the Holy Spirit will only usually do this kind of supernatural work with the people who will really want it.
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If this realm is just too scary for some of you, or you would prefer to stay away from it at this time, the Holy Spirit will respect your thoughts and wishes on this, and He will not try and push Himself or His ways on you.
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This realm is basically for the real seekers, for the people who will want more of God and who will not be afraid to tread into these kinds of deeper waters with Him.
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It is one thing to know that God and Jesus are up in heaven, but it is quite another thing to realize that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit can all supernaturally communicate to any one of us at any time They should want to do so.
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God was always supernaturally communicating to His people back in both the OT and NT. And if God has not changed, and He is still the same today as He was yesterday, then this tells us that He still wants to supernaturally communicate to all of us in these same ways.
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God does not change, nor does any of His ways. And if any of His ways are not going to change, then these 8 different ways that He has used in the past to supernaturally communicate to His people will still apply to all of us in this day and age.
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It is now up to each Christian as to whether or not they will want to learn how to do all of this with the Holy Spirit.
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Again, I know this kind of an article may end up being a bit controversial with some people – but with all of the above verses being so clear on exactly what God has set up for all of us to enter into, I felt I had no other choice but to put all of this out for you, and from there, you can each make up your own minds as to whether or not you will want God the Father to open up these different ways in which He still likes to use to communicate to all of us in this day and age.
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If you haven’t read the part 1 already, How To Be Led By The Holy Spirit, I really recommend that you read that article as well.
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If read that already, then you might be interested to learn How to Discern if a Word is From the Lord.
" }, { "id": "https://gregloucks.blog/articlesplus/20", "url": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/20-be-led-by-the-holy-spirit", "title": "Be Led By the Holy Spirit", "summary": "", "date_published": "2026-07-22T05:01:23+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-07T06:00:26+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Greg Loucks" } ], "tags": [], "_articlesplus": { "article_id": 20, "subtitle": "", "type": "blog", "categories": [ { "id": 108, "title": "Holy Spirit & Gifts", "alias": "blog-holy-spirit-gifts" } ], "reading_time": 0, "hits": 41, "language": "*", "canonical": "https://gregloucks.blog/pl/blog/ministry/20-be-led-by-the-holy-spirit" }, "image": "https://gregloucks.blog/images/kofi/20-be-led-by-the-holy-spirit.jpg", "content_html": "“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) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.(Matthew 24:14).
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“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
\r\n\r\nNow that we know that the Holy Spirit will lead us in this life because the Bible now tells us so, exactly how does He do this? This is where you have to take some other verses from Scripture on this topic and put them all together like you would pieces to a jigsaw puzzle. Once you put these additional Scripture verses all together on this topic, then you will see very clearly the different ways that the Holy Spirit will use to help guide us and communicate to us in this life.
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If the Bible calls the Holy Spirit our Guide and Teacher in this life, then this means He will attempt to communicate to all of us from time to time. Otherwise we will never be able to pick up from Him exactly what He is trying to teach us or tell us to do.
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If there are two subject matters that are rarely discussed in many churches today, it has to be in the area of spiritual warfare like we discussed so many times in our articles in that section, and in the area on how to hear from God and how to be led by the Holy Spirit.
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My best guess on why most pastors do not attempt to educate their flocks on how the Holy Spirit will lead us and communicate to us in this life is either because they themselves do not have a full understanding on this subject matter, or they are too afraid to open up this subject matter to their flocks for fear that it will open up a door to the spiritual realm, and from there, they could possibly make contact with demonic spirits who will try to masquerade as the Holy Spirit or God Himself.
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In other words, they look at this subject matter as being a kind of pandora’s box. They are afraid if they open up their flocks to supernatural communication from the Holy Spirit, then they may also open them up to communication to demonic spirits as well.
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Granted, this is a possibility, but just because demons can attempt to counterfeit what God does, does not mean you have to throw out all of the supernatural ways that God will use to communicate to His people.
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For example – per the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit, demons can counterfeit the gift of tongues. But just because demons can counterfeit the gift of tongues does not mean that the gift of tongues from the Lord is still not real and that many of His people can still receive it in this day and age. We just have to be careful and learn how to discern when something is coming in from God and when something is coming in from demons.
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Demons can also give false visions, false dreams, false healings, false prophecies, etc. But again, just because demons can do this does not mean that we should totally shut down God in those areas of our life, and refuse to accept the supernatural ways that He still likes to use to communicate to all of us.
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Again, if there is one major area that many Christians are weak on because they have never been taught much about it, it has to be in the area of spiritual warfare, and in the area on how to be led by the Holy Spirit and how to hear directly from God themselves.
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If you really study the Bible from cover to cover, God was supernaturally communicating to His people on a fairly regular basis. And if God is still the same today as He was yesterday, then this tells us that He still wants to communicate to all of us in those same supernatural ways.
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We just have to learn what those different supernatural ways are – and then learn through a process of trial and error when it really is the Lord communicating to us, when it is demons, or when it is just our own natural imaginations and feelings talking to us.
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Key Scripture Verses on the Holy Spirit
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The following verses I will now give you are major key verses on the Holy Spirit Himself, and they will all set the stage for you to be able to receive direct supernatural communication from Him from time to time.
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Again, I know some pastors are afraid to open up this supernatural realm to their flocks, but these verses all are all straight forward and they are meaning exactly what they are saying.
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As a result, I believe these verses should be taught by the churches so their people will at least know what the Bible has to say about this subject matter, and from there, each person can then make up their own mind as to whether or not they want to tread into these kinds of deeper waters with the Lord.
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If God did not want this kind of information and knowledge in our lives, then He would have never put these kinds of verses in the Bible. But since He did, this tells me that He wants His people to have access to this revelation and from there, they can then decide if they want to try and develop this part of their walk with the Lord.
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Now onto some very key Scripture verses on the Holy Spirit that will set this kind of stage up for you.
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1. You Can Develop a Personal Relationship With the Holy Spirit
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The very first thing you will need to know if you want to learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit is that you can develop a direct personal relationship with Him just like you already have with God and Jesus.
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If the Holy Spirit is going to start to supernaturally communicate to you in a wide variety of ways, then the first thing you are going to want to do is to make direct personal contact with Him, since you are now going to be working very closely with Him if you want to develop this part of your walk with the Lord.
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Here are two very key verses from the apostle Paul telling us that we are allowed to have direct communication and direct fellowship with the Holy Spirit Himself:
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“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
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“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit …” (Philippians 2:1)
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The two key words in these two verses are the words “communion” and “fellowship.” And both of these two key words are being tied in direct to the Holy Spirit Himself. In other words, the apostle Paul is telling us that we can have direct communion and direct fellowship with the Holy Spirit Himself.
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Put those two key words together and they spell one thing – personal relationship. Not only can we develop a close personal relationship with both God the Father and Jesus Christ, but these two additional verses are telling us that we can also develop a close personal relationship direct with the Holy Spirit Himself.
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These two verses will now set the stage for the next two verses.
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2. The Holy Spirit is Our Personal Guide and Teacher in This Life
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Before you can believe that the Holy Spirit can guide you, lead you, and teach you in this life, you will need the specific Scripture verses showing us that He does have this kind of personal ministry with all of us. And these next set of verses are going to give you that specific revelation. Here they are:
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“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)
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“However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth …” (John 16:13)
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When the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will “teach us all things” and “guide us into all truth,” this tells us that the Holy Spirit has the ministry with each one of us as being our personal Guide and Teacher in this life.
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And if He is going to be our personal Guide and Teacher in this life, then this means He will start to communicate to us so He can teach us what He wants to teach us. And our part will then be to learn how He will communicate to us so we can pick up that communication when He does start to release it to us.
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Put these two verses together with the first two verses above about having direct fellowship and direct communion with the Holy Spirit, and you can tell that God is letting all of us know loud and clear that we can enter into this supernatural realm with the Holy Spirit.
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If God is telling us that the Holy Spirit will be guiding us and teaching us in this life, then we can comfortably enter into that realm with Him so He can then begin to do that kind of deeper work with each one of us.
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3. Do Not Resist, Rebel, Grieve, or Quench the Holy Spirit
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These last set of verses I will now give you will put the icing on this entire cake. Not only does God want us to establish a direct personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, along with allowing us to be led and taught by Him in this life, but now God is going to take it one more step further.
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These next set of verses are now going to tell us that we are not to resist, quench, rebel, or grieve the Holy Spirit. In other words, once the Holy Spirit starts to become very active in your life, and He then starts the process of guiding you and teaching you in this life, from there, God will want you to work very closely with Him. God will not want you to resist Him, quench Him, grieve Him, or rebel against Him.
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Here are four key verses giving us these four specific words:
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“But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; so He turned Himself against them as an enemy, and He fought against them.” (Isaiah 63:10)
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“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)
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“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.” (Acts 7:51)
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“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)
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When you really study the intense wording of these verses, you can tell that God the Father is telling all of us loud and clear that once the Holy Spirit starts to move in on you and your life, that He will want us to work in cooperation with Him. God does not want us resisting Him, quenching Him, grieving Him, or trying to rebel against Him. If you rebel and resist the Holy Spirit, then you are rebelling and resisting God Almighty Himself and His Son Jesus Christ. And that is not a place you want to be in with the Lord.
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The other thing to pick up on these verses is that they are more proof that the Holy Spirit does have a specific ministry with all of us and that He can become very active in our daily lives.
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If the Holy Spirit did not have the job and the ability to become very active in our daily lives, then the Bible would not be using the words quenching, resisting, rebelling, or grieving the Holy Spirit.
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If you are quenching the Holy Spirit, then this means He is already moving in on you to try and help you out. Otherwise, there would be nothing to quench. Same thing with the other three key words – resisting, rebelling, and grieving. If the Holy Spirit was not becoming very active in your daily life in the first place, then there would be nothing to resist, grieve, or rebel against.
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All 4 of these words are very strong words, once again showing that the Holy Spirit is not only living on the inside of each one of us, but once He is in there, He wants to become very active in our daily life so He can help us complete our divine destiny with the Lord, along with helping us to become the kind of a person God wants us to become in Him through the sanctification process He wants to do with all of us.
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You cannot fulfill your true purpose and calling in this life, and become the true sanctified saint God is wanting you to become in Him unless you have the Holy Spirit helping you out with all of this. This is why the Holy Spirit is called “The Helper” in the Bible. This is why Jesus has said that without Him, we can do absolutely nothing in this life.
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Bottom line with these first three captions – the Bible is telling all of us very clearly that not only do we have the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us as a result of accepting Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, but these verses are also giving us additional information that the Holy Spirit has a specific ministry with all of us – and that specific ministry is to guide us, lead us, and teach us in this life.
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And if the Holy Spirit has the job of guiding us and teaching us in this life, then this means He is going to try and supernaturally communicate to all of us from time to time. And your job will then be to learn the different ways He will communicate to you – which will now take us right into the next section – the 8 different ways that the Holy Spirit will lead us and communicate to us in this life.
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