INTRO TO PENTECOSTAL

DOCTRINE

THE 114

Chapters 8 & 9

■The earthly ministry of Jesus changed the nature of

spiritual leadership. In the church, heredity no longer

determines leadership positions, as was often the case in

the Old Testament. Just as Jesus called and commissioned

the Twelve, so the Holy Spirit calls and commissions church

leaders today. This is a vital and ongoing ministry of the

Holy Spirit. This chapter addresses specific callings and

ministries of leaders in the church. We will also look at the

power of the Holy Spirit for witnessing, and the need for

humility in relation to the gifts of the Spirit.

■Gifts of leadership in the body of Christ include apostolic and

prophetic ministry, evangelists, pastors and teachers

(Ephesians 4:11) as well as helps, administration, and leading

(1Corinthians 12:27–28). Ministries of giving generously,

showing mercy, and encouraging others also are important to

the church (Rom 12). Each ministry is designed to help the

body of Christ fulfill its God-given mission.

■Gifts of Leadership: Apostolic (grk: missionaries) and

prophetic ministry, evangelists, pastors, teachers,

administration, and leadership [A/G certificates are

‘credentialled to preach’]

■Support Ministries: Helps, serving

■Gifts from a Generous Heart: Generous giving, showing

mercy, & encouraging others

Discussion:

1) Are there still apostles and prophets today?

YES! However, there are valid biblical reasons for not instituting a formal process

of naming apostles and prophets. The Assemblies of God position paper, “Apostles

and Prophets,” addresses the role of these ministries today and is available at the

Assemblies of God Web site (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/index.cfm).

2) How would you describe the gift of generous giving?

3) Encouraging others is one of the gifts mentioned in Romans

12:8. Why is this such an important gift in the body of

Christ today?

Holy Spirit Power in Witnessing:

■The Holy Spirit comes to empower our witness. “‘You shall

receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,’” said

Jesus, “‘and you shall be My witnesses’” (Acts 1:8). Many

Christians fail to be effective witnesses because they do not

utilize the resources of the Holy Spirit.

■The purpose of that power was to spread the gospel to the

ends of the earth. The gifts of the Spirit equip the church for

two purposes: to edify believers and to reach the lost by

telling them of God’s full and free salvation. The Holy Spirit

provides power, love, and guidance to make us more effective

witnesses. Both the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit can enable

us to be more effective.

Humility and the Miraculous

Powers of the Holy Spirit:

A safeguard for

participation in spiritual

gifts

Exemplified by Jesus

An essential ingredient for

unity in the church

THE HOLY SPIRIT

AS A PERSONAL COMPANION

Chapter 9

The Holy Spirit: Our Help for Daily Living

God has provided for each one of us a teacher, a counselor, a guide,

and a constant companion Who is in us and beside us to help us

make the right choices. The Holy Spirit is to be a vital and practical

part of our daily lives.

■Paraclete Literal Greek meaning: “one called along side to help”

■Some English Translations:

Counselor Comforter Helper Advocate

■Jesus said, “’Unless I go away, the Counselor [Paraclete] will not come

to you; but if I go, I will send him to you’” (John 16:7).

- He groans within & through

■How can we know the Holy Spirit has spoken –it is really

God speaking?

(1) The Holy Spirit will not lead contrary to the Word of

God.

(2) The counsel of trusted believers, such as spiritual

leaders, friends, or family can give

needed insight.

■The Church in the Age of the Holy Spirit:

The “Church Age” and the “Age of the Spirit” are

synonymous and began on the Day of Pentecost. We see

powerful images of the church in relation to the Holy Spirit

when the church is described as the temple of the Holy Spirit

and the body of Christ. As a temple of the Holy Spirit, the

corporate body of believers is the dwelling place of the Spirit.

Also, the Spirit energizes the body of Christ to enable it to

fulfill its mission.