Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 11/26/2007

Question
What are some of the best books that you know of on the Precious Holy Spirit.And give me ALL the scripture references you have on Him. And tell me how to strengthen my relationship with Him.

Thank You So Much for ALL your help! God Bless

Answer
Catonya,

Thank you for your questions. I will do my best to answer them.

The very best book on the Holy Spirit is the Book of all books, the Holy Bible itself! It is the Word of God, and it contains everything we need to know about Him. The Books of John, and Acts are a good place to start. However, if you are looking for books by Christian authors "about" the Spirit, I suggest that you try a local Christian book store in your area. Or, you can try the following site for books that may help...

Gospel Publishing House (Assembly of God)

http://gospelpublishing.com/store/searchresults.cfm?SearchResultsTemplate=&Start...

Now for me to list "...ALL the scripture references..." in the Bible on the Holy Spirit would be rather lengthy. Perhaps it would be easier if you could look them up yourself. Here is a great Bible study tool that I often use. All you have to do is put in a search for "Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, anointing" ect..., and then choose the version you would like (I suggest the King James, New King James, or American Standard). Here is the link...

http://bible.crosswalk.com/

Now to your last question about "...how to strengthen my relationship with Him." Catonya, when you seek the Lord Jesus, and when you worship the Heavenly Father, you are strengthening your relationship with the Holy Spirit as well. For the Bible teaches us that that there is only one God, Who is eternally manifested as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Catonya, the Bible also teaches us that when the Lord Jesus ascended back to the Father, that He sent the Holy Spirit back to help us. The Lord Jesus promised every born-again Believer the power of the Spirt. This promise is found in the Bible, and is still for us today. This promise is called the "Baptism with the Holy Ghost". Let me explain...

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is the empowering for service that takes place in the life of the Christian.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Second encounter with God. The first encounter with God is called as 'conversion' or salvation. Just as the indwelling Spirit reproduces the life of Jesus, the outpoured, or baptizing Spirit reproduces the ministry of Jesus.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a definite experience, not identical with conversion. When the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is received, unknown tongues will follow. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to endue the believer with power from on high; to give and to equip him for a practical, efficient, spirit-filled, soul-winning ministry and service. Inasmuch as this is the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, every believer has a right to expect His incoming to be after the same manner as recorded by the Word of God in Bible days.

Luke 24:49; John 14:16; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38-39; 10:44 -48, 19:6

Do not think that I am saying you have to speak in tongues to be saved. I am not. The work of the Lord Jesus Christ and the mercy of God bring salvation and the indwelling Spirit, and that does not involve speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues, from all indications in the New Testament, is the consequence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. There was an initial utterance in tongues, bearing witness that the tongue had been sanctified and empowered by God for His use. But speaking in tongues was not necessary for the salvation of those people.

You may be asking yourself, how do I receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? Realize that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit comes by faith just like salvation, healing or anything else received from God. God wants you to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in Luke 11:13, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

Praying in tongues is an act of faith. You must step out in faith after you have asked to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and begin to speak. The Bible says in Acts 2:4 that when the disciples received an infilling of the Holy Spirit that they "...began to speak with tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." The step out in faith, following the leading of the Spirit, and started speaking in tongues.

My friend, no one can tell you what to say or lead you in a language. You must step out in faith after you have asked to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and begin to speak. Just begin to praise God with the sound of your voice ,and receive the utterance the Holy Spirit gives.

Catonya, if you would like to know more about the Holy Spirit baptism, I have an information page on our ministry web site. Just click on the link below...

http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1/WhattheBiblesSaysabouttheHolyGhostBapti...

Catonya, I do help that this was helpfull. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1/