Evangelist Rachel Thomas Teaching from Unswitchable’s Ministry- Mama Thomas

I. The Holy

Spirit is at work in us to

change us and make us holier.

A. He is working to draw us into a deeper union with God and one another, to give us a fuller experience of the new life. B. He is working to make us realize the need for us to turn away from wrongdoing, to reorder our priorities, to take away all those things that make us less loving.

II. We can expect to experience trials and difficulties as we grow: they can be a means of growth. A. Problems, difficulties and trials are normal and to be expected.

B. The Lord uses them for our growth. 1. “God works for the good in everything with those who he loves, and those who loves him” (Romans 8:28) 2. We now have a new power to deal with difficulties. 3. The Lord will teach us things through overcoming difficulties. 4. I Thess. 5:16-23 C. Help is available from those more mature in the life of the spirit.

III. After the Seminar A. In order to grow we need much more (this is only the beginning)

1. We need to learn a great deal more about the Christian life It is important to take advantage of all the (right) teachings Which are available?

2. We need the support and strength of others, the sharing of experience, advice

Agood way to put out the fire is to pull the logs apart a good basis for starting a fire is to put them together in the (right) way.

3. We need a situation in which we can learn how to serve the Lord

Many people may even at this point; still have the feeling that once baptized in the spirit, nothing can go wrong. Such people are in a dangerous position. Satan can use any setback to destroy your faith, but you should expect difficulties and that those difficulties can be a source of great advance. Paul said in (Acts 5:41- “so they departed from the meeting rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus”!!!! (I Thess. 1:5-“Which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which you also suffer”) This chapter is about Thanksgiving for our growth. I suggest we read this entire chapter. Especially verses 11, and 12. (James 1:2) “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your “faith produces patience.” In addition (James 5:11) so always rejoice, and endure for the Lord knows what he has intended and what the end will be… Sense the power and victory in the Lord. Difficulties come, that is true. However, the Lord has given us a new power. He is setting us on the path of growth. We do not have to be fearful. We are in his hands, and he will be faithful to us. The need for a definite commitment to a kind and loving God is always in tune with the Holy Spirit to go on. Jesus wants us to enter into a deeper relationship with him every day. He wants us to more and more become as he is-Holy and perfect. However, how can a man make himself Holy and perfect, as God are holy and perfect? He cannot. God himself must bring about our holiness and perfection, and he will “If” we let him.

To Be Continued next week