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April 2016 Printable .pdf (126 KB)

The March 2016 article discussed God as Holy Spirit and His gift of holy spirit, and the difference between the capitalization of God the giver (Holy Spirit) and His gift (holy spirit). The Greek words pneuma hagion related to the gift of holy spirit.

This month's teaching will focus on what it means to "receive" the gift of holy spirit. We will understand the Greek word origins of the word "receive." We will review all five records of receiving the holy spirit in God's Word, and the proof in the senses world. Senses world means anything that is attained through the five senses. Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching is of the senses world and relates to the flesh. John 3:6 states "that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

The record in Acts 1:8 tells us that we shall receive the power of the holy spirit and that we shall be witnesses to Jesus Christ to the uttermost part of the earth.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost [the hagion pneuma, power from on high, the gift] is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Let's look at the English word receive. The word "receive" in the Holy Spirit field may be used to receive something spiritually, as well as, receive something into manifestation in the world of the senses. There are 17 different Greek word forms translated from the word "receive." The two we will focus on are dechomai and lambano.

The two Greek words translated from our English word "receive" - dechomai and lambano - must be precisely well-defined and clear. From checking the usage of each in the New Testament, they are defined as: dechomai is a subjective reception indicating that by a person's own decision something, either spiritual or inherent, has taken place (e.g., confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead and receive the holy spirit); lambano is an objective reception indicating that by a person's own decision he or she may manifest outwardly that which has been received inwardly (e.g., speaking in tongues). Simply put, to receive spiritually is dechomai and to receive into manifestation in the senses world is lambano.

In Acts 8:14-15, both Greek words for "receive" are used.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received [dechomai -spiritually] the word of God [They were spiritually saved for they believed, according to Acts 8:12 and 13], they sent unto them Peter and John. Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive [lambano- manifest in the senses world] the Holy Ghost [pneuma hagion].

When Peter and John came down from Jerusalem, they prayed for the new born-again Christians that they might receive (lambano) evidence of the holy spirit (speaking in tongues) which they had received at the time they were born-again.

There are five records in God's Word that deal with receiving of the gift of holy spirit and what was the indication in the senses world of the internal presence of the holy spirit. All five records are listed in the book of Acts. I am going to review each record with you.

Let's review the first record in God's Word where the holy spirit was given in Acts 2:4.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost [pneuma hagion, the gift, power from on high] and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit [the pneuma, the Giver] gave them utterance.

The Holy Spirit, God, was not what they were filled with. It was His gift they were filled with. And as they began to speak with other tongues, the Holy Spirit, God, gave them utterance. Who did the speaking? They did. They moved their lips and tongues and made the sounds. But what they spoke was what the Spirit gave them to speak. In other words, your speaking is your action, but what you speak is God's action!

In Acts 8: 1-17 the second record of receiving the gift of holy spirit is seen.

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and hailing men and women committed them to prison.

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voices came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, this man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received [dechomai] the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive [lambano] the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he [it] was fallen upon none of them: [the gift of holy spirit had not been manifested] only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus).

Why did Peter and John to go to Samaria? Because they heard Samaria had received (dechomai - spiritually, they were born-again) the word of God but didn't receive (lambano - manifest in the senses world) the external manifestation of speaking in tongues. This was the first time in the history of the new Christian church that people were born-again and did not immediately speak in tongues. The apostles, Peter and John, came from Jerusalem to investigate why the Samarians were not immediately speaking in tongues. They had been born-again, however they had not manifest speaking in tongues.

In Acts 8: 9-11, we find the causes.

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, this man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

Simon had bewitched the people of Samaria for many years with sorceries and Devil spirit operations. This kept the people from speaking in tongues. The apostles Peter and John "laid they their hands on them," the new born-again Christians, who had received (dechomai - spiritually) the gift but had not manifested the gift (lambano - speaking in tongues) in the senses world. Acts 8:17:

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received [lambano- began speaking in tongues] the Holy Ghost.

The "laying on of hands" is used in the Word of God to identify the person ministering with the one being ministered to. Additionally, when hands are laid on, it is for the revelation manifestations (namely, the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and discerning of spirits-three of the nine manifestations of the spirit listed in I Corinthians 12:8-10) to be put into operation. The apostle operated the revelation manifestation of discerning of spirits.

In Acts 9, we find the third record of receiving the gift of holy spirit. Let's look at Acts 9:10:

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

Ananias was a disciple, not an apostle like Peter and John. He ministered to the apostle Paul who received the gift of holy spirit. Remember, Saul was Paul's Hebrew name. His Greek name was Paul. Based on God's Word, Paul became the greatest of all the Apostles.

This record continues in Acts 9:11-14.

And the Lord said unto him [Ananias], Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Ananias did not like this task God was giving him. So he spoke back to God and told God what he had heard about Saul. God told Ananias to go, and explained why He was sending him. This teaches us that if we don't like what God says in His Word, we need to talk to Him about it.

The story continues in Acts 9:15-21.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. [Paul stated in I Corinthians 14:18: "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all."] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

In Acts 10: 21-47, we find the fourth record of receiving the gift of holy spirit.

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth [respected] God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come.

Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Notice that Cornelius, like Peter, acted exactly and immediately upon God's Word. If you and I expect to receive the results of the Word of God, we must first make sure it is the Word of God and then we must act on it immediately and exactly!

Acts 10:34-47

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth [respects] him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: [he is Lord of all] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost [dechomai - gift of holy spirit] fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Peter did not baptize the people with water. Acts 11:16: states:

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

In Acts 19:1-6, we find the fifth and final record of receiving the gift of holy spirit. Paul came to Ephesus, finding certain disciples and asked "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since [when] ye believed?"

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost [pneuma hagion] since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost [pneuma hagion]. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ 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 Ghost [pneuma hagion] came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Paul expected the believers in Ephesus to receive the holy spirt into manifestation. They were trained by Apollos and they were born-again. But Apollos did not know how to lead them into bringing forth the evidence of the holy spirit or speaking in tongues. Apollos had not experienced this himself, so his ministry was limited to what he knew. He had not learned how to manifest the gift of holy spirit himself.

What had happen to the Ephesians is still happening today. Many of our leaders in the church are born-again but have not experienced receiving the holy spirit into manifestation by speaking in tongues. So, their ministry is limited to what they know. You can't teach what you don't know. Many people are born-again, but they manifest no indication in the senses world that they are born-again of God's Spirit. They do not operate speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits, faith, gifts of healing, and the working of miracles. These manifestations of the spirit are the outward evidence of the new birth, the power from the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues it's our infallible proof that we are born-again and have eternal life. It is how we know without a shadow of a doubt we have eternal life. It's fantastic, it's awe-inspiring!

In summary, we discussed the two Greek words translated from our English word "receive" - dechomai and lambano - and their Biblical usages in the New Testament. We have reviewed all five records in God's Word where the holy spirit was received. In each of these records, it is specifically stated, or the association is so clear it cannot be missed, that when people were born-again, speaking in tongues was the external manifestation of the gift of holy spirit. In all five New Testament records of receiving the holy spirit, the proof in the senses world of the internal presence of the holy spirit was speaking in tongues. We see that no one can manifest the power until he or she has received (dechomai) the gift, which is "Christ in you the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). We have the God given ability to manifest the gift by speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us utterance. There is no scripture that teaches when people are born-again, they do not or cannot speak in tongues. The Word of God teaches just the opposite. We must always go to the Word of God for the Will of God!

Next month's teaching will focus on who received the holy spirit, where they were, and how they received the holy spirit. We will also discuss modern day concerns about receiving the gift of holy spirit and the benefits of the manifestations of the spirit. So, I ask you "Have ye received the Holy Ghost (pneuma hagion) since ye believed?"

In the Lord,

Ministry of Reconciliation
Son of God through Jesus Christ
Ambassador for Christ

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