October/November 2016
You Can Make It
// Kenneth W. Hagin
When I was in grade school, my first grade teacher, Miss Finley, always used to tell our class, "Don't ever say you can't do something. The words 'can't do' do not exist in this class. If you really want to do something, you will always find a way to do it."
How true her words are. I'm sure you can look at your life and remember things that you really wanted to do. Even though your dream may have seemed impossible, because you were so possessed by it, you were able to find a way to accomplish it.
I've learned that the first step to success is believing you can make it. And you also must believe that God wants you to
The Display of His Splendor
// Kenneth W. Hagin
IF WE EVER NEEDED a greater measure of God's glory, it is today. The Bible has predicted that certain things will happen in the last days, and we are seeing some of those unfortunate events unfolding in our time. The Scriptures also say that the spiritual condition of some people will wax worse and worse. Second Timothy 3:1–4 even lists characteristics of those walking in darkness in the end times. These verses say, "People will be lovers of themselves . . . without love, unforgiving, slanderous . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (NIV).
But time and again in God's Word, we also see references to increased manifestations of His glory. Throughout history, God's people were designed and created to display His mighty power and glory. And we who are alive today on the earth are no less destined to display His glory—His awesome splendor and majesty.
Being Clothed From on High
//Tad Gregurich
BEFORE JESUS ascended into Heaven, He said to His disciples, "Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). The word endued means "to sink into; to put on; to clothe oneself."
We see in Acts 1:8 that we "shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon [us]." This verse is not talking about the Holy Spirit residing in us, but about the Holy Spirit coming upon us.
When we are born again, the Spirit of God comes into us in a measure. But there is another work of the Spirit of God. It's called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The word baptism means "to be fully immersed in." The idea here is that we are fully clothed with the power of God. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER NEVER INTENDED HIS CHILDREN TO LIVE AND OPERATE "NAKED"—THAT IS, WITHOUT THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
On Fire for the Nations
TRACEY ARSENEAULT-FARMER'S HEART is so on fire for the nations that she weeps when she's not there. One cry of her heart is for the women of Kenya.
This East African nation is graced with savannas, white beaches, wildlife, and game reserves. The diverse culture is full of life, rich with art and music. But behind the attractions lies the hidden darkness of domestic violence against rural women.
Rural Kenyan men are taught to beat their wives at least once a week, shared Tracey. It's part of their customs. Many men believe it's a way of disciplining their wives. Tracey saw this first-hand when she visited Africa in 2006 and returned in 2007 and 2008. "Women can't look at their husbands in public or hold their hands," she said. "If they do, their husbands have the right to beat them."
How to Witness About the Holy Spirit
// Kenneth E. Hagin
IN WITNESSING to your immediate family, the Lord may lead you differently from the way He has led me, and that's all right. But in dealing with my family, I never tried to get them saved. I told myself, I believe that when they see the reality of being born again, they will all want it. And every single one of them became born again. They all saw the reality of it!
The same thing should be true of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It's not just an experience to receive something to have a big time and enjoy. It is an enduement of power for service! A difference in our service for Christ should be seen after we're baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Let's discuss two simple biblical truths we can share with our loved ones about the baptism in the Holy Spirit.