Bill's Bloggins

I'm amazed at the uniformity of thought concerning the Holy Spirit today. It's almost like people just read the same books or listen to the same professors or the same preachers or the same whatever and never bother to see for themselves what the Bible has to say . Sometimes I wonder if anyone has ever gone through and looked at all of the passages to try to understand just who the Holy Spirit is.

Well, I'm going to take a look at each passage now so that at least you, dear reader, will be able to say that you have thought about the all of the passages. There are somewhere around 160 passages in the New Testament which talk about the Holy Spirit. Many are very similar and I think that there is definitely a common thread running through all of these passages. See if you can see what they all have in common and be sure to let me know what you think!

Matthew 1:18-20

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

This is a very familiar passage to anybody who has celebrated Christmas. We've all read it many times, but have you ever really thought about the meaning of the phrases, "by the Holy Spirit" and "of the Holy Spirit"? The same Greek word, "ek" is translated as"by" and "of". It is the same word used in the genealogy of Jesus found earlier in Matthew 1:3 where it is translated "Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar..." So "ek" the Holy Spirit could just mean that the Holy Spirit was the parent of Jesus, but that sounds a little too much like Greek mythology to satisfy me. It also mixes up the parental roles in the trinity too much. Since God is Jesus' Father and Mary is Jesus' mother what role does that leave for the Holy Spirit?.

The passage sounds similar to this one.

1 Peter 1:23

for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

But Jesus was never born again as we were.

Here's what I think happened. Jesus told Joseph to not be afraid because the child is out of the Holy Spirit. I think this just means that Joseph was to calm down because the child was the fulfillment of prophecy and everything was going according to what God had spoken before. There was nothing to worry about. Look at what follows our passage.

Matthew 1:22,23

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

Matthew 3:10-12

"The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. "His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Here, we already have another difficult passage. Baptism with fire seems to be a bad thing. Trees are destroyed by fire. On the other hand, the first believers in the book of Acts were baptized with the Holy Spirit when they first believed. So it is possible that there are two baptisms in mind here, one good and one bad.

I don't think this view fits the passage. I think that the structure of the passage shows that there is only one baptism and it is a baptism of judgment which destroys those who do not bear fruit. John's baptism quote is surrounded by judgment. Before the quote we have the statement of the judgment of the trees and following the passage we have the statement of the judgment of the chaff.

So the baptism of the Holy Spirit is one of judgment and destruction. But in what sense does the Holy Spirit judge and destroy? I can't find any clues in the immediate context. I, also, can't think of any passages that speak of the Holy Spirit destroying anyone. The only sense I can make of this is to say that fire is the means of baptism and the Holy Spirit is the standard of judgment. Jesus will destroy with fire those who have not borne the fruit set as a standard by those who communicated the words given to them by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:16,17

After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased."

This is another interesting passage. Why does the Spirit of God descend on Jesus? Did He not already have the Spirit of God? Of course He did. The dove is a visual message to us. I think that it refers back to the dove that told Noah that the flood of God's judgment was over. In the same way, this dove speaks to us that the judgment of the Mosaic Law will soon be over and that, instead of John's baptism of cleansing which was required by the Law, we will now be immersed in the beloved Son who is well-pleasing to the Father.

Matthew 4:1

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

The Father spoke through His Spirit to lead Jesus.

Matthew 10:10

"For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

The Father spoke through His Spirit in Jesus' disciples.

Matthew 12:18

"BEHOLD, MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN;
MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL is WELL-PLEASED;
I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM,
AND HE SHALL PROCLAIM JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES.

The Father speaks through His Spirit in Jesus.

Matthew 12:28

"But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Jesus speaks and the demons flee.

Matthew 8:16

When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.

Matthew 12:24-32

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons." And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. "If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? "If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. "Or how can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters. "Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. "Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

Jesus says this to those who have accused Him of casting out demons by the power of demons instead of by the power of the Holy Spirit. By denying that the miracles authenticating Jesus' message come from God, the blasphemers are cutting themselves off from the forgiveness of which Jesus speaks.

Matthew 22:43

He said to them, "Then how does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying,

This is similar to

1 Corinthians 12:3

Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

We are only able to call Jesus Lord through God's Spirit speaking in us.

Matthew 28:19

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

The authority for this baptism comes from the testimony of the Father and the Son and all that was spoken by the prophets moved by the Holy Spirit under the Old Covenant.

Mark 1:8

"I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

See Matthew.

Mark 1:10-12

Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; and a voice came out of the heavens: "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness.

See Matthew.

Mark 3:28-30

"Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."

See Matthew.

Mark 12:36

"David himself said in the Holy Spirit, 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD,"SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET.

David spoke the words of the Father as revealed to him by the Holy Spirit.

Mark 13:11

When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.

See Matthew.

Luke 1:15,16

"For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb."And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.

John the Baptist was filled with the word of the Lord and those words of repentance turned many Israelites back to God.

Luke 1:34,35

Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.

The Holy Spirit spoke to Mary's heart so that she could understand and believe what the angel was telling her. The power of God is the answer to her question about how a virgin can conceive.

Luke 1:41,42

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

The Holy Spirit spoke to Elizabeth's heart and told her that the Saviour was in Mary's womb.

Luke 1:67

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

The Holy Spirit spoke to Zacharias heart and told him what to prophesy.

Luke 2:25-32

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."

The Holy Spirit spoke to Simeon and told him to go into the temple and told him what he should speak.

Luke 3:16,17

John answered and said to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. "His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

See Matthew.

Luke 3:22

and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."

See Matthew.

Luke 4:1

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness

See Matthew.

Luke 4:14

And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district.

The Spirit gives Jesus the power to speak the words of God.

Luke 4:18

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,

The Spirit enables Jesus to preach the words of God.

Luke 10:21

At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.

Jesus' joy is the result of the Father speaking to him the things hidden from the wise and intelligent.

Luke 11:13

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?"

The greatest gift is the knowledge that God loves us. The Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him so that He can speak the words of the gospel to them.

Luke 12:10

And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.

See Matthew.

Luke 12:12

for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."

See Matthew.

John 1:32,33

John testified saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. "I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.'

See Matthew.

John 3:5-8

Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

We are reborn when we believe the word of the truth that God loves us that the Spirit speaks to our hearts.

James 1:18

In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

1 Peter 1:23

for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

John 3:34

"For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.

The Spirit enables us to speak the words of God.

John 6:63

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.

The Spirit gives life by speaking to us the words of life.

John 7:37-39

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

When we receive the Spirit we speak the words of God's love to others which refresh their souls like rivers of living water.

John 14:16,17

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

The Spirit helps us by speaking the truth of God's love to our hearts.

John 14:25,26

"These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 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 that I said to you.

The Spirit teaches and reminds us of the things Jesus spoke while He was on earth.

John 15:26

"When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,

The Spirit helps us by speaking to us the testimony about Jesus.

John 16:7-15

"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.

The Spirit speaks to us all of the truth that belongs to the Father and to Jesus.

John 20:21-23

So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. "If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained."

The disciples were to receive the Holy Spirit so that they could speak the words of forgiveness as has been recorded in the book of Acts.

Acts 1:1-8

The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

God spoke His orders to the early apostles and immersed them in the words of His love and promised them that they would receive the power to communicate the words of His love in the many languages of the different nations gathered together to celebrate the feast of Pentecost.

Acts 1:16

"Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.

The Holy Spirit spoke through David.

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

They were filled with the words of God's love as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak in the languages of those gathered together.

Acts 2:16-18

but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy.

The Holy Spirit speaks through God's people.

Acts 2:33

"Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.

The Father promises to speak the words of His love into our hearts.

Acts 2:38

Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the gift of God's words of love spoken in our hearts.

Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and elders of the people,

Peter was filled with the words spoken in his heart by God.

Acts 4:25

who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE,AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?

God spoke through David.

Acts 4:31

And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

God filled their hearts with the words of His love and they began to speak.

Acts 5:3

But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?

Ananias, whose name means, "whom Jehovah has graciously given", lied against the words spoken by God to the first believers when He apparently said that He would bless them if they held their possessions in common.

James 3:14

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

Acts 5:9

Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well."

Why put the words spoken by the Lord to the test?

Acts 5:32

"And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."

The words spoken by God witness of these things also.

Acts 6:3-5

"Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.

These seven men were full of the wisdom spoken by God in their hearts and the faith in these words.

Acts 6:10

But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

They were unable to cope with the wisdom of the words God had given him to speak.

Acts 7:51

"You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.

They resisted the words God had spoken.

Acts 7:55

But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;

Stephen was full of the words of assurance of love spoken to him by God.

Acts 8:14-19

Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

Peter prayed that they would receive the words of love spoken by God in their hearts. This receiving was evident to Simon because it resulted in their speaking those words of love in foreign languages as in Acts 2.

Acts 8:29

Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot."

The Spirit spoke to Philip.

Acts 8:39

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.

The Spirit of the Lord said to Philip to go away. He went and the eunuch no longer saw him. Why insert some weird off-the-wall miracle into this passage?

Acts 9:17

So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Saul was filled with the words of God's love.

Acts 9:31

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.

The words of God's love comfort us.

Acts 10:19

While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you.

The Spirit spoke to Peter.

Acts 10:38

"You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Jesus was filled with the word of God.

Acts 10:44-47

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?"

The audience received God's word into their hearts and spoke the gospel in other languages.

Acts 11:12

The Spirit told me to go with them without misgivings. These six brethren also went with me and we entered the man's house.

The Spirit spoke to him.

Acts 11:15,16

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. "And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'

The words of God came into their hearts and they spoke the gospel in other languages. This baptism was an immersion into judgment for the unbelieving Israelites.

1 Corinthians 14:21,22

In the Law it is written, "BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME," says the Lord. So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe.

Acts 11:24

for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

He was full of the words of the Lord.

Acts 11:28

One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world And this took place in the reign of Claudius.

The Spirit spoke through Agabus.

Acts 13:2-4

While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

The Holy Spirit spoke to them about what they were to do.

Acts 13:9

But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him,

Paul was filled with the words of God.

Acts 13:52

And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

The disciples were filled with the words of God.

Acts 15:8

And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us;

God put His words into their hearts also.

Acts 15:28

"For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:

It seemed to agree with the Holy Spirit's words spoken in their hearts.

Acts 16:6,7

They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;

The Spirit told them not to speak and not to go.

Acts 19:1-6

It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.

They hadn't yet received the word of God into their hearts but when they did it came rushing out like rivers of living water.

Acts 19:21

Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

Paul's plans were spoken to him by the Spirit.

Acts 20:22,23

"And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.

The Holy Spirit tells Paul what to do.

Acts 20:28

"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

The Holy Spirit told the early church whom they were to appoint as overseers.

Acts 21:4

After looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem.

The disciple gave Paul the directions spoken by the Spirit.

Acts 21:11

And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

The Holy Spirit speaks to Paul.

Acts 28:25

And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, "The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,

The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Isaiah.

Romans 1:4

who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,

The Spirit tells of our holiness before God.

Romans 2:29

But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

The Spirit tells our hearts that our flesh has been cut off by the work of Christ on the cross.

Romans 5:5

and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The Holy Spirit tells us about the love of God.

Romans 7:6

But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

The Spirit tells us that we are a new creation, pleasing to God, and no longer bound to the Law of performance in order to please Him.

Romans 8:1-16

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

The Spirit tells us of the life we have in Christ.

The Law is fulfilled in us who focus our minds on the life we have in Christ.

The Spirit's testimony of the life we have in Christ dwells in the believer.

Those who belong to God have His word in their hearts.

The Spirit's revelation to our hearts of God's love for us gives life to our mortal bodies.

Our mortal bodies live by focusing on the fact that our bodies are dead to sin and to the Law.

The Spirit tells us that we have become the children of God.

Romans 8:23

And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body

We have the first life changes as a result of the word of God abiding in our hearts.

Romans 8:26,27

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

"In the same way" refers back to verse 23. The word of God in our hearts helps us to pray according to His will.

1 John 5:14

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Romans 9:1

I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit,

The Holy Spirit reveals the truth to Paul.

Romans 14:17

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit reveals to us the truth of our righteousness before God and that results in our peace and joy.

Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The power of the Holy Spirit is the result of being filled with the joy and peace that comes from believing the truth revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:16

to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

The Father told Paul, through the Holy Spirit, that He had set apart the Gentiles for His glory.

Colossians 1:25-27

Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Romans 15:19

in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

The Spirit gave Paul the words to speak.

Romans 15:30

Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,

This love is the fruit of the Spirit's revelation of God's love for us.

1 John 4:19

We love, because He first loved us.

1 Corinthians 2:4

and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

The Father gave Paul the words to speak.

1 Corinthians 2:9-16

but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.

The Spirit reveals to us the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:16

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

We are vessels that contain and distribute the word of God.

1 Corinthians 6:11

Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

We were washed, sanctified, and justified by the revelation of God's love for us.

1 Corinthians 6:19

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

Our bodies house the word of God, the representation of His character, His love.

1 Corinthians 7:40

But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Paul thinks that His opinion is in agreement with what the Father has revealed through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

The Spirit reveals to us the truth of the Lordship of Jesus.

The various manifestations of the Spirit express or confirm the word of God.

We are all immersed in the same revelation of God's love for each of us.

2 Corinthians 1:22

who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

The Spirit speaks in our hearts and tells us we are the children of God.

2 Corinthians 3:2-18

You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory? For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it. For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory. Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

The revelation of God's love for us gives life to our mortal bodies, frees us from bondage to the Law, and transforms us into people who love as Jesus does.

2 Corinthians 5:5

Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

The Spirit speaks in our hearts and tells us we are the children of God.

2 Corinthians 6:6

in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,

This is vague due to the lack of contextual definition. It's just a part of a list of basically everything under the sun. Let's just say that it means in the revelation of who we are in Christ, sort of like in the word of truth.

2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

The Holy Spirit reveals to us the common salvation we have in Christ.

Galatians 3:2-5

This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain? So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

The gospel is received by faith. We begun by believing the revelation of God's love for us and we should continue to focus our minds on that revelation.

Galatians 3:14

in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The Spirit delivers the promise into our hearts.

Galatians 4:6

Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

The Spirit of His Son tells us we are the sons of God.

Galatians 4:29

But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.

The Spirit's revelation that we are pleasing to God renews our minds.

Galatians 5:5

For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.

We wait for the hope of righteousness because God has revealed it to us through the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-18

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Live your life focusing on the Spirit's revelation of God's love for you. The Spirit has revealed that God loves us and the flesh tells us that we must earn God's love. If we obey the revelation of the Spirit we do not need to obey the Law to earn God's love because we already have His love.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

As the Spirit reveals God's love to us we become more loving and the fruit of the Spirit is a reflection of His love.

Galatians 5:25

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Focusing on the revelation of God's love gave us life and we should continue to focus on God's love.

Galatians 6:8

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

If we focus on earning God's love our lives will be corrupted. If we focus on God's love our lives will reflect the image of His love.

Ephesians 1:13

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

God's Spirit speaks in our hearts to confirm that we are His children.

Ephesians 2:18

for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

God's Spirit reveals to us our access to Him.

Ephesians 2:22

in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

The Spirit's revelation of the loving character of God in His people replaces the Old Covenant temple.

Ephesians 3:5

which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

There is nothing mysterious about the gospel. The mystery has been solved. The Spirit has revealed the truth of God's love.

Ephesians 3:16

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

The power to live the Christian life is the revelation of God's unconditional love to our hearts.

Ephesians 4:3-5

being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Our unity is based on the common revelation of God's love that the Spirit reveals to all peoples.

Ephesians 4:30

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Act like the children of God that the Holy Spirit has revealed you to be.

Ephesians 5:18,19

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

Be filled with the revelation of God's word, speaking to one another of God's love.

Ephesians 6:17,18

And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

The Spirit is the word of God. Pray at all times according to the revelation of God's will.

Philippians 1:19

for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

If we pray according to the revelation of God's will, as provided by the Spirit, we know that He will answer our prayers.

Philippians 2:1,2

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

Our fellowship is based on our common salvation as revealed by the Spirit.

Philippians 3:3

for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,

We worship according to the Spirit's revelation that we do not need to earn God's approval through our actions.

Colossians 1:8

and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

Our love is the fruit of focusing on the Spirit's revelation of God's love for us.

1 Thessalonians 1:5,6

for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

The gospel is the revelation of the Holy Spirit and was confirmed by the testimony of the signs and wonders and miracles and gifts which accompanied the revelation.

Hebrews 2:3,4

how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

1 Thessalonians 4:8

So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

Our words are not our own but are the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:19,20

Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.

The Spirit is prophetic utterances.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

Our special place in God's heart is revealed to us by the Spirit.

1 Timothy 3:16

By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

The Spirit said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

1 Timothy 4:1

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

The Spirit says.

2 Timothy 1:13,14

Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

Guard, through constantly focusing on the revelation of the Holy Spirit, the sound words of the gospel.

Titus 3:5

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

We are saved by having our minds refreshed by the revelation of God's love.

Hebrews 2:4

God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit were one of the means that God revealed His will to His children.

Hebrews 3:7

Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says," TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,

The Holy Spirit spoke through David.

Hebrews 6:4

For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

We have partaken of the living waters of the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 9:8

The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing,

The Holy Spirit revealed the plans for the construction of the tabernacle.

Hebrews 9:14

how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Christ's sacrifice was in accord with God's eternal plan of redemption as revealed by the Spirit.

Hebrews 10:15

And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,

The Holy Spirit testifies to us.

Hebrews 10:29

How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

How can we speak against the revelation of the grace of God as demonstrated in Christ?

James 4:5

Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"?

I don't know what to say about this verse. I can't figure out what Scripture James is citing. I can only say that we have been made temple of the revelation of God's character and we should not distort that revelation.

1 Peter 1:2

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

God's revelation to our hearts of Christ's work shows us how special we are to Him.

1 Peter 1:10-12

As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven--things into which angels long to look.

The Holy Spirit reveals the truth about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:14

If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

The Spirit tells us that we are glorious.

2 Peter 1:19-21

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation,
for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

God's word in their hearts moved men to prophesy.

1 John 3:24

The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

The Spirit tells us that Christ abides in us.

1 John 4:2,3

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

We know the message is from God because it confesses that Jesus is from God.

1 John 4:13

By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

His Spirit tells us that we abide in Him and He in us.

1 John 5:6-8

This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.

The Spirit testifies of the truth about Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:19,20

These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

We have the mind of Christ and we pray according to the will of God.

Revelation 1:10

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet,

John was in communication with God.

Revelation 2:7

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches to him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of God.'