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When it comes to revival or any other time in which the Holy Spirit moves in miraculous ways it is so easy to focus on that and the feelings it can ellicit, rather than leading us closer to Christ. These quotes remind us that we must remember that all of these things ought to point us to greater knowledge of Christ. Messages in tongues must be interpreted so God’s message is known, supernatural healing must lead to greater praise of God, etc. God is so good to give us these great experiences, but we also must not make them our only focus, rather than focusing on the knowledge of Christ
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Seeking out Jesus is what the Holy spirit has come to help us do. Holy Spirit baptism and the gifts of the Spirit all reflect the authority, love and sacrifice of Jesus for us. God wants to have a relationship with us, and the Holy Spirit indwelling is a sign of his love and longing for us. Holy Spirit points us to the sacrificial lamb that was given for us to be with God for eternity. If the Holy Spirit ever strays away from Jesus and his love, it’s not the Holy Spirit we are listening to. as Jesus says in John:
“when the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father- the Spirit of truth who goes out from the father-he will testify about me.” John 15:26
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These quotes are almost saying the same thing. Like Wes said, “The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus in a deeper way.” Holy Spirit does not take away from Jesus but instead adds pieces to the puzzle. Bartleman discusses the danger of taking Jesus away from the center of it all. That is how revivals fall apart and leave wounds in peoples hearts. Jesus needs to be the focal point.
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Both of these quotes have in common the importance of Jesus at the center of it all. Our view of Holy Spirit and the giftings given unto us by His Spirit are to draw us closer to Jesus and to empower us in sharing Jesus with others. During the 21 days Argue waited he first encountered Jesus and then he was baptized in the Spirit and gifted with tongues, if he had been baptized in the Spirit first do you think he would have continued to press in and encounter Jesus as he did? I mean, I hope so. This is what these quotes want to emphasize, what our heart is truly desiring in view of what it should be ultimately pursuing, which is to know Jesus deeper and better. Holy Spirit (also called the Helper) helps us to see and know Jesus, Holy Spirit puts the spotlight on Jesus.
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