[Revealing the oneness of the Spirit]
The Holy Spirit is a mysterious personality, functioning in highly sensitive ways. In the previous editions, we have discussed His personality, manifestations and his ministry among the saints. In this 5th edition, we shall consider the oneness of the Holy Spirit.
One God, One Message
In trying to console his disciples, Jesus promised that when He goes away, He would send the Comforter (the Holy Spirit). He added in verse 13: "However, when He the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth: He shall not speak of Himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak.." John 16:7,13
There is a message in this promise –the oneness of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, 'God is not the author of confusion.' Jesus did not say, 'when the Spirit comes, he shall teach you the different versions of the truth. No. He even called him the spirit of truth. Truth is one. Indigenous cultures may differ, but God's word is one.
There is no American or African version of truth. This is the unity coordinated by the Holy Spirit. He speaks the same message.
He Does Not Speak of Himself
Jesus added in the same verse 13 that the Holy Spirit shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear (from the Father), that shall he speak.' (John 16:13c)
This means that the Holy Spirit does not have his own message. He teaches people who He is, and how He operates also. Yet, that is still part of the Father's message. Jesus said He (the Holy Spirit) shall guide you into ALL truth.'
The emphasy here is that the Holy Spirit does not look at a situation and offer a tailored judgement. The verdict he gives is that of God. His 'No' in Sierra Leone is still 'no' in Papau New Guinea. He never supports sin.
He never compromises iniquity. He operates from the word bank of the Father. He delivers the same message of righteousness and the Kingdom wherever he goes. He promotes the culture and life of the Kingdom.
He might tolerate, bare with our weaknesses and slow adaptability to the Kingdom style, but that is not a sign that He has finally said yes to our compromise.
Sometimes, when you cannot match up to his high standards, he allows you to grow and attain understanding. Then adjustment becomes easier. If you're sensitive enough, you'll discover he's been there all the while. He is so patient.
'The Spirit is One'
I once listened to a preacher who said this, and it made so much sense to me. The Spirit is one. The ideas He promotes is one. What He is saying is one. 'One' here does not connote quantity but unity.
People have claimed to hear from God, but the content of their supposed revelation is not in consonance with the Word of God.
Do not be deceived. God is one. The Spirit is one. The message is one. The devil also provides revelations to people in diverse ways. But how to distinguish is by the Word of God. Yes, the devil never promotes the word of God, because that would be his defeat. He promotes his perversion. So, any revelation contrary to God's word is not of God. God bless you.
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