What is Holy Spirit?

[David in NJ]

We could all make personal attacks on each other, but that is not civil. Rather than attack the poster, we are required to address the post.

I am in fact not born again, but the scriptures do not say that is a requirement for understanding the scriptures.
It does say a requirement for understanding the scriptures is to be taught be God.
Jesus was the foremost taught one. He taught his disciples, and they in turn taught others.
That is the process, which Jesus continues to use. Matthew 24:45

Remember it was after holy spirit was poured out on his disciples, that this happened...
Acts 8
26 And the angel of the Lord spoke unto Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south unto the road that goeth down from Jerusalem into Gaza, which is desert.”
27 And he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasure and had come to Jerusalem to worship,
28 was returning; and sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, “Go near and join thyself to this chariot.”
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Understandest thou what thou readest?”
31 And he said, “How can I, unless some man should guide me?” And he besought Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

I'm just a humble person who is listening to Jesus through his followers here on earth - the ones who are born again - annointed by holy spirit.
So, I do have understanding of scripture.

Can you imagine me saying to Peter in those days, when he comes to me with the message, "Peter. I am born again."
Lol. No. I would accept that God does the choosing, and Jesus - the head of the body - appointed ones to feed his sheep, his little lambs.

I am just a humble lamb. I am not destined for heaven. My citizenship does not exist in the heavens, but rather, here on earth. Matthew 6:10; Romans 8:18-23; Ephesians 1:10; Psalms 37:9-11, 29.
I look forward to that paradise, when the wicked are gone. We wouldn't have to worry about the Hitlers, Stalins, nor Putins.
Hence there is no scriptural reason for me to be born again.

Here is what Jesus said is required of me, if I want to survive God's wrath, which is coming.
Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.’

I just have to assist Jesus brothers - the born again annointed ones whose citizenship exists in the heavens, with one purpose - to be kings, priest and judges, and rule with Christ, for the 1,000 years. Revelation 20:6

That's all. No. I am not goat-like. I am a feeding lamb, following the shepherds instructions.
One primary instruction being - declaring the good news of God's kingdom, before the end come (Matthew 24:14), and making disciples of people, teaching them (Matthew 28:19, 20).

I assume you are familiar with Matthew 7:1.

JESUS says you must be born-again or you cannot see or enter the kingdom of God.
The flesh cannot inherit eternal life.

There is no paradise waiting for the unsaved/unborn.

Read and pray the Gospel of John = worship at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ as there is no better Place to be.

 

[The Disciple John]

I'm sorry you felt it was personal attack. If you are not a Christian then I presume you are on this forum looking for answers. Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit and none of us are able to fully understand the scriptures without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And you can only be filled with the spirit once you are born again. That is the point where you become a Christian. No other way except through Jesus.
John 3:3
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

PS. It is possible to know the scriptures without knowing Jesus and then it is just empty knowledge. Scriptures by themselves will not love you or save you or forgive your sin or give you eternal life. Only Jesus.

...and if I am a Christian? It's okay to say that it seems you lack understanding of scripture, even though you think you do , and quote 2 Corinthians 4:4 as the reason?

 

[David in NJ]

...and if I am a Christian? It's okay to say that it seems you lack understanding of scripture, even though you think you do , and quote 2 Corinthians 4:4 as the reason?

You said that you have not been born-again - Post #97
You also said that quoting scripture is a sign that one has the Holy Spirit - Post #93

#1. If you have not been born-again then you do not have the Holy Spirit.
#2. Satan knows the scripture better then you and me and he does not have the Holy Spirit nor is he a disciple of Christ.
#3. Knowledge of scripture alone cannot save you - John 5:39

 

[The Disciple John]

JESUS says you must be born-again or you cannot see or enter the kingdom of God.

Yes. Jesus did say that, and I agree. What is the Kingdom of God?

The flesh cannot inherit eternal life.

No? Do you say this of your own thinking, or is there a scripture you can show, that says that?

There is no paradise waiting for the unsaved/unborn.

Unborn? What do you mean? The unborn do not exist.
The righteous are promised life in paradise. Even the criminal that died next to Jesus was promised... "you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). and no mention is made of him needing to be baptized in water and spirit.

Read and pray the Gospel of John = worship at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ as there is no better Place to be.

Jesus told his followers to pray to and worship his father and God. Not him.
I listen to Jesus, and do what he commanded.
That's good. No?

 

[Pearl]

...and if I am a Christian? It's okay to say that it seems you lack understanding of scripture, even though you think you do , and quote 2 Corinthians 4:4 as the reason?

To put it bluntly if you aren't born again then you are not a Christian. And by your own confession you are not born again. But you could be if you wanted to be.

 

[amadeus]

Well proving that is a whole other thing. But if they have the Holy Spirit then they will be like God and have the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

What did Adam and Eve have before they disobeyed? Did they lose or corrupt the Spirit or spirit within so as to lose Life itself?

When we have the Holy Spirit within us, what happens if we do not follow the lead of the Spirit?

Why did Paul write this?

"Quench not the Spirit." I Thess 5:19

 

[Raccoon1010]

What did Adam and Eve have before they disobeyed? Did they lose or corrupt the Spirit or spirit within so as to lose Life itself?

When we have the Holy Spirit within us, what happens if we do not follow the lead of the Spirit?

Why did Paul write this?

"Quench not the Spirit." I Thess 5:19

I don't know Amadeus. I only quenched the spirit early on in my Christianity. It's been a long time.

 

[David in NJ]

Yes. Jesus did say that, and I agree. What is the Kingdom of God?


No? Do you say this of your own thinking, or is there a scripture you can show, that says that?


Unborn? What do you mean? The unborn do not exist.
The righteous are promised life in paradise. Even the criminal that died next to Jesus was promised... "you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). and no mention is made of him needing to be baptized in water and spirit.


Jesus told his followers to pray to and worship his father and God. Not him.
I listen to Jesus, and do what he commanded.
That's good. No?

You will find the Scripture declaring that the Kingdom of God is Jesus = It begins with HIM = Gospel of John

Unborn are the living dead who walk this earth in and under the power of Death which is sin = Col 2:13 , Eph 2:1

The Criminal who believed and was saved thru his confession of faith unto JESUS was immediately received by Christ and saved.
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John ch1

Whoever does not worship the Son, equally does not worship the Father.
Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

 

[amadeus]

We could all make personal attacks on each other, but that is not civil. Rather than attack the poster, we are required to address the post.

I am in fact not born again, but the scriptures do not say that is a requirement for understanding the scriptures...

In all my years in Christians forums, including this one, I have heard very few supposed believers express that so directly.

Consider what Jesus said and what John subsequently wrote:

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

A man not born again cannot see and cannot enter the kingdom of God!

And then with regard to sin:

"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." I John 3:9

On the one hand, it is so often said by believers that they cannot stop sinning, but on the other hand some of the same people will insist that they are born again or from above or of God. Your statement is remarkable among believers.

I have not as I write this read all of the posts following yours. They may be of interest!

 

[amadeus]

I don't know Amadeus. I only quenched the spirit early on in my Christianity. It's been a long time.

I have certainly done it since believing. Too many, I believe, have been taught to do it by the ministers and/or rules in the churches where they attend. Does anyone quench the Spirit without realizing what they have been or are doing?

 

[Ronald Nolette]

So because... ?
.. but you said... Do you believe Jesus is a door? a gate? a way? Do you believe God has wings? feathers?
So were you not saying that they do not have to be taken literal? So I thought you understood that those expressions can figuratively be applied to holy spirit, since it is God's spirit.

Where does the Bible say the holy spirit is God?
I've never read that. All scriptures say it is the Spirit of God. Genesis 1:2
I'm surprised that you don't see the word "of", in the same way you see the word "he".
I really shouldn't be surprised though, but ... Well... What more can I say.

Acts 5
King James Version

5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

2 Corinthians 3:16-17
King James Version

16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.


Read them as written by God and not interpreted by men! That will tell you the Holy Spirit is God.

And yes figurative language is found in SCripture. but wicked men use figurative language falsely to twist the Scriptures to their own destruction like C.T. Russell and his followers have done.

 

[The Disciple John]

To put it bluntly if you aren't born again then you are not a Christian. And by your own confession you are not born again. But you could be if you wanted to be.

Uh. Says Pearl.
I follow Jesus, and listen to his voice, Pearl.
Yes, and I do find many pearls, gems, and other good gifts in God's word the Bible. So finding a pearl of high value does interest me.
Do you want to discuss the Bible, or what pearl believes? Scripture?

 

[The Disciple John]

You will find the Scripture declaring that the Kingdom of God is Jesus = It begins with HIM = Gospel of John

Not even that you can't explain?

Unborn are the living dead who walk this earth in and under the power of Death which is sin = Col 2:13 , Eph 2:1

Those verses say nothing about unborn. They do not even mention the word David.
So that's your belief. Not scripture.

The Criminal who believed and was saved thru his confession of faith unto JESUS was immediately received by Christ and saved.
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John ch1

The criminal was not born again. That is the point.

Whoever does not worship the Son, equally does not worship the Father.
Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Ah. So you believe as those ignorant Jews do.
Do you realize how ignorant those Jews were, and you are quoting them, thinking they were right? Cha'h

 

[The Disciple John]

In all my years in Christians forums, including this one, I have heard very few supposed believers express that so directly.

Have you ever asked why they expressed it, and listened carefully to the explanation?

Consider what Jesus said and what John subsequently wrote:

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

A man not born again cannot see and cannot enter the kingdom of God!

And then with regard to sin:

"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." I John 3:9

On the one hand, it is so often said by believers that they cannot stop sinning, but on the other hand some of the same people will insist that they are born again or from above or of God. Your statement is remarkable among believers.

I have not as I write this read all of the posts following yours. They may be of interest!

Or did you start preaching to them?
I like to listen to why people believe as they do. It gives me an opportunity to see the perspective they are viewing.
I have found that attitude makes conversation much easier... one the person is willing to converse.
Preaching at people only causes them to , and they either say nothing, or just get into an argument, or battle with verses.
That loses my interest.

If you are interested in anything other than what you believe, just let me know. I'd be happy to discuss it with you. :)

 

[David in NJ]

Not even that you can't explain?


Those verses say nothing about unborn. They do not even mention the word David.
So that's your belief. Not scripture.


The criminal was not born again. That is the point.


Ah. So you believe as those ignorant Jews do.
Do you realize how ignorant those Jews were, and you are quoting them, thinking they were right? Cha'h

Self-admitted = you are not born-again.
The Bible will not help you if you reject the words of Christ = "Marvel not that I say you must be born-again" - John ch3
Everything I said to you is Truth from the Word of God but you cannot see the Kingdom just as the LORD said - John ch3

The Bible/Scripture is a Love Letter to His Children.
You say "I follow Christ" but you reject His words - start following His words by kneeling before Him in prayer and ask for the New Birth.
Pray to the Lord Jesus Christ to lead you to where you can be in fellowship with those who know Him and have His Spirit within them.

The Holy Spirit has this word for you = You are under the power of the devil and do not realize it.
You must submit to God in order to be set free.

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?
6But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

7Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
James ch4

 

[Pearl]

I follow Jesus, and listen to his voice, Pearl.
Yes, and I do find many pearls, gems, and other good gifts in God's word the Bible. So finding a pearl of high value does interest me.
Do you want to discuss the Bible, or what pearl believes? Scripture?

I'm sure you do; but it isn't reading or knowing your bible that is the main thing. The main thing is Jesus and to know him in a personal way not just know about him from what we read in scriptures even though that is good. To repent and seek God's forgiveness and turn away from the sin that separates us from God. Having that personal relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit is what we should be looking for so that he is our brother and we are heirs with Him in the kingdom.
Romans 8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Matthew 12:50
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

 

[The Disciple John]

Acts 5
King James Version

5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

2 Corinthians 3:16-17
King James Version

16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.


Read them as written by God and not interpreted by men! That will tell you the Holy Spirit is God.

And yes figurative language is found in SCripture. but wicked men use figurative language falsely to twist the Scriptures to their own destruction like C.T. Russell and his followers have done.

I did read the verses, as they are writen, and not interpreted by men. That's why I don't believe what you interpreted them to mean.

Acts 5:3, 4
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 While it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”
Acts 5:9
9 Then Peter said unto her, “How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried thy husband are at the door and shall carry thee out.”

2 Corinthians 3:16-17
Parallel Verses
International Standard Version
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Lord's Spirit is, there is freedom.
American Standard Version
Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

God is spirit. Yes?
God has spirit. Yes, or No?

 

[The Disciple John]

I'm sure you do; but it isn't reading or knowing your bible that is the main thing. The main thing is Jesus and to know him in a personal way not just know about him from what we read in scriptures even though that is good. To repent and seek God's forgiveness and turn away from the sin that separates us from God. Having that personal relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit is what we should be looking for so that he is our brother and we are heirs with Him in the kingdom.
Romans 8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Matthew 12:50
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

God's people know his son, and they are known by them. I am serving God, and doing his will.
Do you know the will of God?

 

[Pearl]

God's people know his son, and they are known by them. I am serving God, and doing his will.
Do you know the will of God?

When did you give your life to Jesus? But if you really aren't born again as you stated it means you haven't. I know the exact date I became a Christian - it's my second birthday when I was born of the Spirit and became part of God's family. Knowing scripture is no good to you unless you know Jesus.

I read in another post that you wanted to be asked why you say you aren't born again, well I'm asking you now. Why do you say you aren't born again?

 

[amadeus]

Have you ever asked why they expressed it, and listened carefully to the explanation?

Or did you start preaching to them?
I like to listen to why people believe as they do. It gives me an opportunity to see the perspective they are viewing.
I have found that attitude makes conversation much easier... one the person is willing to converse.
Preaching at people only causes them to , and they either say nothing, or just get into an argument, or battle with verses.
That loses my interest.

If you are interested in anything other than what you believe, just let me know. I'd be happy to discuss it with you. :)

Are we not talking about many of those in the world known as Christendom and their ATs [Absolute Truths]?

I do not press people to change to what I believe. I am willing to go deeper on a subject when a person is not too set in his own or his church's ATs. I don't hide my own beliefs but surprisingly few really want to hear the details when they differ significantly from where they are. A few want to convert me and press me.

I do not belong to any well-known denomination. For the past three years I have not had a home church. Are you interested in details?