The Holy Spirit and Vocation Concepts

Vocation and Occupation

• Vocation is a calling, and occupation is a job
• Vocation is derived from the Latin word "vocare" which means "to call".
• Occupation is the job you use to assist your vocation.
• Vocation is what you are called to do
• Occupation is the job you presently use to do it
• Occupation is more temporary than vocation
• When a man's vocation is his occupation, then his occupation feels like his vacation!

Glossolalia and Xenolalia

• Glossolalia is speaking in an unknown tongue or tongues.
• Xenolalia is speaking in known tongues or languages.

Prophetic Renewal in the Birth Narrative

• The Holy Spirit's activity is evident in the birth narratives of Luke's Gospel.
• The angel Gabriel prophesied that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Elisabeth and Zechariah were filled with the Spirit, speaking prophetically.
• Simeon was granted guidance and prophetic revelation by the Holy Spirit.
• Each instance shows the Holy Spirit initiating prophetic occurrences.
• The Spirit's activity in the Birth Narrative of Luke's Gospel: The angle Gabriel prophesies that John will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb (1:15) Elizabeth and Zechariah are filled with the Spirit when they break into prophetic utterance (1:41,67) The Spirit rests on Simeon granting him guidance and prophetic revelation (2:25-32)

Holy Spirit Baptism

• Jesus is the Baptizer.
• Believers are to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit is the medium of this baptism.
• Jesus is the Baptizer
• The Believer is to be Baptized
• The Holy Spirit is the Medium

Knowing God's Voice

• Agreement with scripture, nature of God, Holy Spirit, community of faith and will of God are important.
• Various types of ears are needed for recognizing God's voice.
• A dedicated ear, anointed ear, and holy ear are highlighted.
• Agreement with: Scripture, Nature of God, Holy Spirit, Community of Faith, and Will of God
• Types of Ears Needed
  • A Dedicated ear
  • An Anointed ear
  • A Holy ear

Spirit-Empowered Life

• Marked by confessed weakness and accepted strength.
• Ten ways to discern whether something is from God are presented (e.g., alignment with scripture, peace and acceptance by the community).
• Confessed weakness
• Accepted Strength
• Ten Ways to Discern that it May Not be God
  • Not in Agreement with Scripture
  • Does Not Bring Peace
  • Is Rejected by Faith Community
  • Generates Out of Your Ego
  • Bring You Under Condemnation
  • Tempts You to Break Authority/Covering
  • Leads You to Sin
  • Is not Something Jesus Would Do
  • Empowers Your Flesh Not Your Spirit
  • Causes Shame in God's Presence

Understanding God's Voice

• Guidelines for discerning God's voice are presented, like scripture, angels, the Holy Spirit, aligned events, prophetic utterances, etc.
• Questions are provided for self-reflection. (e.g., can you do this without grace or God?).
• Scripture, angels, The Holy Spirit, Aligned Circumstances, Prophecy/Others/ Ordained Authorities, tongues/Interpretation, Personal Confirmation, Dream, Vision

Signs of Spiritual Warfare

• Common signs of spiritual warfare include division, distraction, confusion, deception, pressure, depression, and intimidation.
• Signs of Spiritual Warfare
  • Division
  • Distraction
  • Confusion
  • Deception
  • Pressure/Depression
  • Intimidation/Fear

Holy Spirit Baptism in Acts

• Described five occasions where believers received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2, 8, 9, 10, 19), highlighting varying situations and circumstances.
• Specific "keys" to receiving the Holy Spirit (e.g., remembering the pattern in Acts 2, surrender) are outlined.
• Holy Spirit Baptism: Five Occasions in Acts Where Believers Receive the Holy Spirit
  • Acts 2
  • Acts 8
  • Acts 9
  • Acts 10
  • Acts 19

Keys to Receiving the Holy Spirit

• Remembering the Acts 2 Pattern, focusing on the right direction, surrendering completely, asking for the Holy Spirit, believing in the gift and welcoming into your life.