Category: The Holy Spirit | Answers to Life Ministries

Answered Prayer | Praying in the Spirit Pt. 2

Baptism with the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit initiates Christians into realized oneness and communion with the glorified Jesus Christ, thus preparing and enabling them for sanctity and service, as promised by John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.

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Destroy the Old Life

By Pastor Dennis Williams

God has created a fresh relationship between himself and sinful humanity possible via Jesus Christ. This entails the renewal of human nature, as well as the eventual renewal of creation.

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6

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Out of the Belly

By Pastor Dennis Williams

Human life depends on water. The physical urge to drink is often used in Scripture as an analogy for a spiritual need that can only be met by God.

Physical thirst quenched
Ex 17:1–6

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Acts and Gospel Boldness

By Pastor Dennis Williams

Holy Boldness – Confidence and Courage when approaching God and other people.

Approaching God with Boldness

Heb 10:19–22

Also see: Ge 18:27; Ge 18:31

Proclaiming the Gospel to others with Holy Boldness

Ac 4:29

Also see: Acts 4:13; Acts 4:31; Acts 9:28; Acts 13:46; Acts 14:3; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8; Acts 28:31

Hold Boldness in dealing with people

Confidence on the inside

Ps 138:3

Also see: 1 Sa 17:34–50; Pr 28:1; 2 Co 3:12

Authority with Boldness

Phm 8–9

Also see: Ro 15:15; 2 Co 10:1–2

Holy Courage

Mk 15:43

Also see: Ex 14:8; Nu 33:3

Persistence

Luke 11:8

Courage – Strength from God

Godly strength and courage are what we need. The Lord enables us to have courage through faith. God is faithful concerning all He has promised us in the Word of God and enables us to trust Him as we pass through this life.

Courage through faithful obedience
1 Ch 22:11–13

Also see: 1 Ch 28:20; Ge 12:1–4; Heb 11:8; Ge 22:1–5; Heb 11:17–19; 2 Ch 15:8; 2 Ch 19:8–11; Ezr 7:27–28; Ezr 10:1–4; Mt 26:39

Courage when faced with wrong-doing
2 Sa 12:7–9

Also see: 2 Ch 26:16–18 Azariah and Uzziah; Mk 6:18 John the Baptist and Herod; Heb 11:7; Heb 11:24–27

Having courage when under pressure
Ps 46:1–3

Also see: Ps 10:17; Ps 27:3; Is 12:2 Isaiah’s encouragement of the exiles of Israel; Ac 27:22; 1 Co 16:13; 2 Co 6:4–10; Heb 3:6; Heb 11:32–39; Mt 14:27

Becoming a courageous witness
Ac 4:18–20

Also see: Mt 10:19–26; Ac 23:11; Php 1:14; Php 1:20

Courage when in prayer
Heb 4:14–16

Also see: Ge 18:27–28; 1 Ch 17:25

Father in heaven,
Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. Lord Jesus, please forgive me of all of my sins, come into my heart, and be my Lord and Savior. Please, help me to live for you and fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Turn the World Upside Down

By Pastor Dennis Williams

These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. Paul and Silas in Acts 17:6

HOW DID THE EARLY DISCIPLES TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN FOR JESUS?

Through the Power of the Holy Spirit given at the day of Pentecost
The Apostle Paul knew it was not through good grammar or human wisdom

1 Corinthians 2:1-5: And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.2 For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Was not Paul’s fancy preaching or entertaining humor
Or Paul’s abilities
Only through the Power of God
Same with us: Know the Word and be yourself

Paul knew he had weaknesses

Vs. 3 He said, “I was with you in weakness and with much trembling.”
Paul knew his physical weaknesses
Paul needed the Lord to work through Him
Just like we do!

Vs.4-5 Paul acknowledged the Holy Spirit’s ability rather than his own

1 Cor 2: 4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

The Holy Spirit is the one that convicts, convinces, and converts the sinner
Paul’s job was to proclaim, and the Holy Spirit persuaded
That is how it works for us (we can’t force anyone to do anything)

THE EARLY CHURCH TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN BY PRAYING

The early church’s response to every problem encountered was prayer
If we want to turn the world upside down for Jesus
The Body of Christ has got to start taking personal prayer and the prayer meeting of believers seriously
The Lord responds to the prayers of His people