Barnabas Bulletin ~ 0102

A GROWING HUNGER FOR HOLY SPIRIT MINISTRY

I have been in Christian Ministry for almost 50 years. There have been great times as well as testing times. Right now we are encountering a growing hunger in the lives of people from mostly what we call denominational and orthodox churches for more of the reality of the Holy Spirit and what He wants to do in their lives. People are hungry for the real Holy Spirit Ministry, and are growing increasingly sick of “performance orientated” meetings, gimmickry and the “same old programme” mentality. The Holy Spirit is very creative and He desires that our relationship with Him is such that we can hear what He is saying today, and to obey Him accordingly. This very much involves the releasing of His Spiritual Gifts to minister “edification, exhortation and comfort” to those gathered (1 Corinthians 14:3). When the Holy Spirit is allowed to have His way, then there is a flow of “Spirit to spirit” ministry that meets the needs of the people. It has been very encouraging to see and hear people ~ even young people ~ functioning for the very first time in Spiritual Gifts in an accurate and edifying way.

When we are strongly motivated by love for people, we will not make any serious mistakes in ministering the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Love will always build up others and desire to see God’s best for them. We should also maintain a teachable spirit so we can continue to learn, develop, and to release these beautiful Gifts of the Holy Spirit out of our lives more and more. They are already in us, as they are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and our bodies are the temple of the same Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)!

In recent years there has been too large a neglect of the developing of the Spiritual Gifts in many Christian meetings. But now there are positive developments taking place (even in some unexpected circles) as the hunger for God increases. Let me remind you that Spiritual Gifts are God’s idea, not ours. God knew what He was doing when He sent the Holy Spirit ~ together with the nine beautiful Gifts of the Holy Spirit ~ to enable us to build up and to bring Christian believers to more maturity in Jesus Christ. We cannot do this without those Gifts ~ and the five-fold ministry Gifts of Ephesians 4:11 ~ being recognized and released to function.Bible knowledge without the Holy Spirit manifestation (revelation) will leave us sadly lacking in spiritual truth and understanding. It is not surprising, therefore, that we are exhorted to“earnestly desire” Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31)! In Bible terminology that is very strong language. It means we seek after Spiritual Gifts in such a way that every reasoning and excuse is illuminated and we are able to freely function in those Gifts. We are told to especially pursue the Gift of Prophecy because “we can/may all prophesy”! (1 Corinthians 14:1, 31, 39). True prophecy flows when the Holy Spirit is at work (Acts 2:14-21). It is also a sign of the presence of Jesus in the midst of His people (Revelation 19:10). The Gift of Prophecy flowing freely in our gatherings has the power to convert any unbeliever who comes into our midst (1 Corinthians 14:23-25). Seriously think about this!

•  So, why do we not pursue these wonderful Gifts more than we do?
• Do we not want to see the unbelievers converted?

Instead of “blocking” the releasing of Spiritual Gifts, Leaders should be actively teaching and releasing their people in the proper function of such. The greatest evidences I have seen over the years of my ministry have been when the voice of God is obeyed and the Spiritual Gifts are released! Signs, wonders and miracles can happen when we are obedient to the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit-filled believers want to be useful and effective in God ~ not restricted to “singing and sermons” week after week. There is a whole new dimension in God when we become committed to obeying God out of a love relationship with Jesus.

• What about you?
• How hungry are you for more of the reality of the risen Christ Jesus?
• How do you demonstrate your hunger to God?

 The best way I know how is for us to be obedient to whatever He says. May this be the testimony of us all! ~ Rodney W. Francis.

 Bible  Readings:  1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 14.

 Please Pray This Prayer:

 "Dear Lord, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I thank You that You love me and are totally committed to my good. I lift my heart to You today and ask You to reveal more of Your purposes to me regarding Your Spiritual Gifts. Help me to be willing and available to You for the releasing of these Gifts out of my life to encourage and build up Your body wherever I go. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen."

 The Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry,  New Zealand. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.