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(Cont. from Page 778). 779. (6) Why was there need, and who really dispatched Peter and John to the already baptized believers in Samaria? Philip was still with them in Samaria. Philip was to be directed elsewhere, and those new converts had not as yet received Holy Spirit. Further, how could Peter utter the words to Simon, "You have neither part nor lot in this matter", for Simon was now a baptized believer? (Acts 8:21,26).The answers to these questions, surely, are that God's Holy Spirit was speaking, directing and giving evidence to those who had a portion of His Holy Spirit, and in these ways it was helping them, but not in a miraculous way as in physical healing or resurrecting. So today, God's Spirit is active within those who have been called by being anointed with His Spirit, being taught and cleansed by it. Each obedient one with a portion of this Spirit would recognize another by his obedience to his portion of the same Spirit. The one with the spiritual qualifications would 'see' the evidence by Holy Spirit of that one, whether he is readjusted sufficiently for an appointment of service and to minister with his gift, acquired by being taught by God's Spirit as a teacher, evangelizer and shepherd of the members of the body of Christ; namely, those today remaining on earth of the total number of 144,000 spiritual Israelites, with their portions of Holy Spirit. (Eph 4:11,12. 1 John 2:27. 1 Cor 7:17). Again sadly, disobedience to this God-given arrangement has manifested those who are pressing ahead presumptuously, and being allowed to do so, resulting in His "sheep" being scattered to the outside. (Ezek 34:20,21. Rev 5:9).
(6a) How could Peter tell Simon he had neither part nor lot in the matter? (Holy Spirit).
(6b) Why would one anointed qualified servant have to personally associate
to 'see' (Cont. on Page 780). 14/12/76. |
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