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(Cont. from Page 778). 779. (6) Since Philip was still with them in Samaria, why was there need to despatch Peter and John to the already baptized believers there? Philip was to be directed elsewhere, and those new converts had not as yet received Holy Spirit. Further, since Simon was now a baptized believer, how could Peter utter these words to him: "You have neither part nor lot in this matter"? (Acts 8:21,26). The answer to these questions are that the Holy Spirit from God directs, speaks and gives evidence through those with a portion of His Spirit, and was in this way directing them. It was not being used to effect miracles such as physical healing or resurrection.
And so today the Holy
Spirit of God is active within those who have been called by an anointing with
His Spirit, and they are taught and sanctified by it. Each obedient one with a
portion of this Spirit recognizes another by his obedience to his portion of the
same Spirit. And the one with spiritual qualifications would receive
confirmation by Holy Spirit of the suitability of another that he is spiritually
readjusted to be appointed as God's minister with the spiritual gift he has
received, being taught by God's Spirit to be a teacher, evangelizer and shepherd
of the remaining members of the
"body"
of The Christ on earth: 144,000 spiritual "Jews" with their portions of
Holy Spirit. Sadly, disobedience to this God-given arrangement has made manifest those who are pushing ahead presumptuously, and allowed to do so, resulting in His "sheep" being scattered to the outside. (Ezek 34:20,21 Rev 3:9).
(6a) By what authority could Peter tell Simon
(6b) Why must a spiritually qualified anointed servant of God associate
personally (Cont. on Page 780). 14/12/76. |
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