Monday, May 30, 2011

Input Please!

For the past few days I’ve been trying to muster up the courage to start a series entitled ‘power, presence and purpose’ having to do with the person, the work, the ministry, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each time I begin contemplating this series I am overwhelmed by its sheer size, because to do the doctrine of the Holy Spirit any sort of justice, one need explore it a little deeper than with just a cursory read. There is much depth, much wisdom, as well as many challenging topics for those who have already established preconceived ideas concerning the Holy Spirit, that can’t be covered in two, or three or thirty posts for that matter.

If I begin this journey it will be a long and arduous one, and just by the minimal outline I’ve put together thus far it looks like there will be at least forty posts on the topic of the Holy Spirit. It is a big commitment, because there has to be continuity, so I’d have to find time to write on a daily basis, and when it’s all said and done, if we put all the posts together, chances are we’d have a novel’s size worth of information.

Now my question to you is this: Do I begin this journey?

So, although it seems most of you have an aversion to leaving a comment, I’m asking for your input as to whether or not you believe this project would be helpful, useful, or necessary for your spiritual growth.

If I receive enough positive responses, (yes I have an arbitrary number in my head, no, I will not share the number with you), then I will begin fleshing out the existing outlines I have in my binder, as well as continue the journey into the deeper things of the works and ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Be forewarned, I am not a cessationist, I do not believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit ended with the Apostles, I do not believe God no longer speaks to His children, nor do I believe that God no longer performs miracles. I believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still available to the faithful, because the Bible not only proves it, but Jesus promises it. So, if we begin this journey, it will be through the prism of a present experience, a present availability, and a present reality of the Holy Spirit, and not merely a historical retelling of something that was, and is no more.

With that having been said, I guess as the old saying goes, ‘the ball’s in your court’, and if we do begin this journey, it will not be in search of an individual or personal truth, but rather in the search of the absolute truth, the truth of God that is above the opinions and preconceived notions of men.

Too readily we accept less than all of God, too readily we settle for the easy path, unwilling to press in, and search out the deeper truths of the Gospel. We have reconciled ourselves to the idea that we are a powerless generation, and in so doing extinguished the fire, and satiated the hunger that should compel and drive us toward the fullness of intimacy with God, and not just a solitary experience.

With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

Michael,
I believe your writings to be anointed and balanced. I found your Grandfather's messages in 2000 and believe the Lord has kept His messages coming through you. I am interested to read and share what you are given and write on this subject of the Holy Spirit and Gifts.

My wife, Dolly, and I (Ronald D. Cruise, Sr. on facebook) share your writings and Dumitru's messages on our fb ministry page on Jesus Walk Ministries and in our emailings to our groups and when speaking. I pray your "arbitrary" number of responses come! Count this response as 2 from both of us!

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael,
I am one of those who does not care to have my two cents posted, but I will leave that decision up to you.
I am what you would call a messianic believer, although I do not care for titles and would prefer to be call a believe in His Word cover to cover. When I first came into this understanding I put everything down and tried to understand what the Word has to say and not what man’s opinion on any particular subject was. In the last maybe half year He has been stirring up those gifts that He had given to me some time ago. All of that to say that I would love to hear what He gives you to share. I have been reading your site for years now and am blessed with how faithful you are to His Word.
May Abba bless you and your wife and keep you.
Shalom,
Robin

pollock6376 said...

Dear Brother Michael,
I read yesterdays post and thought you should have made one of the lies that majority of the churched has believed was that the five fold ministry no longer exists and also that signs,wonders, and miracles no longer exists ie. the manifestations of the spirit,gifts of the spirit. These are some areas concerning the spirit that maybe you can narrow it down to especially since I think that you and I both probably believe that there is going to a latter rain outpouring before too long. It would help ones who haven't received this truth to see and receive the the Lord's mercey and grace.

Love in Christ

Missy

Marcel said...

Hi Michael,
By all means !
It should be quite profitable for the weak,worldly church to learn about trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit instead of the flesh and it's dead works.

One concern I have is the inroads which the dragon and his followers are making in the Church to turn even true believers against Israel.

I wonder why so many Christian teachers and preachers are silent as all the nations of the world come against Israel at this very late hour ?
There is no middle ground as we either gather with Jesus and His plan or scatter and are cut off.
Romans 11:22
Very soon when God removes His hand and Israel brings unimaginable destruction upon her neighbors the world will blame the Jews as will many deceived Christians.
And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 12
***

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved,as it is written:
“ The Deliverer will come out of Zion,And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
27 For this is My covenant with them,When I take away their sins.”
Romans 11

Anonymous said...

Dear Brother Michael - Your blog has been an incredible blessing to me. I came across it a few months ago and have been reading it steadily ever since. I've been a Christian most of my life, but only recently (in the last few years) returned to attend a Pentecostal church. I have so many questions about how the Holy Spirit operates and know I would benefit from anything you choose to teach on. My questions deal with why do I sometimes have physical sensations when I pray? (heat, lightness, other worldliness) Why do so many people in my church pray for healing -- but nothing seems to happen? What do I do with the gift of discernment -- if that's what I have, when it just seems to generate such negative emotions in me and others? (I think I'd rather be a mercy person and just love on everybody & encourage.)

I had a dream in 2008 ago which I'm convinced was from God, yet even after all this time I'm not really sure what it means: I'm up to my third interpretation so far. Does the Holy Spirit operate that way? I told a couple people about it -- I didn't pray about it first (like you seem to do), so now I'm wondering if I somehow prevented God from giving further dreams because of it. (Should I have kept my mouth shut?!)

So, just to confirm, this sister in Washington would very much appreciate anything you choose to teach on the Holy Spirit that could help me navigate this.

Mary Lamoray said...

Michael, When I first saw this post my heart thrilled that you would offer a teaching on the wonderful and glorious person of the Holy Spirit! He is so beautiful and it would benefit the body tremendously. Also, it is perfect timing to further knock down and expose the current 'flood' of false teachings and heresies of the day.

And most importantly...God has given you as a gift to the body and has blessed you with purity and great balance for sharing the Gospel. Whatever God teaches you to in turn, teach us, will be tremendously encouraging and good! We need this!!

Anonymous said...

If you can explain the phrase "And the word of the Lord came upon..." such-and-such person as a part of it, do it.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I am one of those people who never comment,but,since you asked and I really do believe it would be a wise and timely endeavor,here ya go! Because of what I have seen and heard within the last two to three years in church,people sitting in groups and asking the Holy Spirit to give them a word or show them something for so and so, there confusion and error in what is being taught. I was in such shock and it took me a long time to acutally say that what these people,and good people,are doing is the same thing that diviners do and it is dangerous.They talk to people's "spirit people" in a session called "theophostic prayer".They are convinced they are hearing the Holy Spirit because they always hear something,but I am convinced the majority of the time they are hearing imposters.Because of this deception I believe a lot of people are leary when someone starts talking about signs and wonders and gifts of the Holy Spirit,but we cannot abandon what God has given because some are in error.This generation desperately needs to see the pure real power of the Holy Spirit. I hope you get the interest you are looking for.
God bless,
Delana

wendyworn said...

I would love to read an indepth study on the work of the Holy Spirit especially the gifts of the Spirit that are absolutely available to all believers today. I suppose that you will also need to cover what is NOT the work of the Holy Spirit - that is manifestations that are called the Holy Spirit - but are not. Those that are truly seeking the Truth of the manifestations come across these 'anything goes' demonic manifestations masquerading as true - and they are turned off of the true manifestations. That is so tragic.

will be praying for you to be filled with the Holy Spirit for truly inspired posts on the subject

blessings in Christ
Linda

Anonymous said...

I would be very interested in hearing what you have to say about the spiritual gifts. That has actually been a topic that's been on my mind a lot lately, and also wondering why we almost never see them in action today. Having experienced some of the miracles with your grandfather firsthand, I think you would be the the perfect person to speak on this. I believe God is with you in a special way as well.

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael

Although God gave me 1John 2v27 when He took me out of the church I was in I would certainly enjoy to read what is revealed to you on this topic and would also share it with my friends and Biblestudy group

Love in Christ
Jo

Christine said...

Yes, yes, yes absolutely! Would live to study in debth the Holy Spirit! Anytime I can get more understanding of My Lord I cry a definite yes please! I am for ever blessed at each post you share. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord and His kingdom!

Christine said...

Yes! Yes! Yes, absolutely! Any time I can learn more of My Lord I say yes! Holy Spirit open our eyes deeper and wider than ever before in Jesus Christ my messiah's name I pray. Hallaluya!

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael,

I rejoice at the possibility of your doing a series on the subject of the Holy Spirit. There is so much confusion at the present time about how the Holy Spirit works, with some church groups adamant that the gifts of the Spirit aren't operating as in the past, but on the other hand we have groups that attribute any number of weird manifestations to the Holy Spirit. We also see various positions between these two extremes. I, for one, would appreciate some clarification on this subject from the minister I trust more than any other, namely yourself. I have been seeking a church to worship with for seven years, and so far they have ranged from being dry as a bone spiritually to being so desirous of signs, wonders, and emotional excitement that every novel thing that happens is accepted with no discernment whatsoever. Michael, I hope you get the number of affirmatives you are looking for. This is a subject much in need of extensive discussion by someone with experience and true biblical wisdom, and I trust you are the man for the job.

With you in Christ,

Melanie

Sam said...

I would like it.
Thanks,
Sam

rleigh said...

Yes! I pray you will do this study. We desperately need true knowledge of the Holy Spirit to survive these dark times and complete the destiny He has for each of us. So few are leading in Truth in these days-God bless you for what you are doing in Him!

Amy said...

Dear Michael,
I would be interested to read what you have to say about the Holy Spirit. There are so few voices in this country who speak out against the blasphemous teachings and lifestyles of the most popular "Christian" leaders. One of the reasons I think so many people are deceived by them is because they do not understand Who the Holy Spirit is. The Scriptures clearly warn about lying signs and wonders. And about false prophets. About calling fire down from heaven to deceive even the elect if possible. Yet so many people cannot tell the difference between the genuine and the false - they see a miracle or wonder and immediately assume it is from God and indicates His approval of the person it came through. And so many believe the Holy Spirit is a power or force they can use and tap into if they just have the right formula. But He is a Person Who brings glory only to the Son and cannot be bought or sold or manipulated!
I would just encourage you to follow whatever He seems to be prompting you to write about, regardless of man's opinion. It can't be a waste of your time or energy to study and discover more about Him and teach the truth about Holy Spirit, even if no one seems to care. This blog is probably not going to be the only venue for your message on this topic.
Blessings,
Amy

Anonymous said...

Oh please do! I am not blessed with a good sense of timing, but still I think time is very short. Soon the Holy Spirit is all we will have. Go for it! Please!

Anonymous said...

Michael

What you propose is a much needed investigation - one that I am sure that you will pursue in an honest way, not making up your mind before hand about various aspects of the Holy Spirit.

If God is leading you that way then please be obedient to His leading. I for one will enjoy reading your discoveries in the word regarding the Holy Spirit.

Michael R

Anonymous said...

Go tell it on the mountaintop if the Holy Spirit compels you to. If even 1 person gleans a deeper revelation from your writings then it would be well worth it.

Anonymous said...

Michael,
I enjoy and look forward to reading your posts daily. I find them enlightening and feel they are helping me dive deeper into my faith. I would truly appreciate a series on the Holy Spirit. However, I would also say if you have a novels worth of information that, I think you could reach a greater audience. I know I would buy a copy for myself and also as gifts. I would probably use it to lead a Bible study group. I recomend your blog to many people because I feel you touch on very important issues within in the body of Christ. Today's church does not understand the necessity of, and therefore lacks the presence of the Holy Spirit. In summary, if writing a novel is not an option for you then my vote is for a series.
MB

Mrs. Pugh said...

Brother Mike,

I think you already know what you should be doing. The number of responses doesn't matter. However, that being said, count me as a resounding, "YES!"

It seems to me that the present church almost completely ignores the Holy Spirit. Preachers talk of God, they talk of Christ, but they rarely talk of the Spirit in any depth. I don't know why this is. I can't think of the reason being, as you said, an overwhelming sense of the depth and time needed, because so little time is spent on the topic at all! And if it is touched upon, it's usually brief and somewhat vauge. An in depth look at what the Word has to say about the Spirit would be a boon to us all.

I would dearly love 40 posts on this topic. I am sure you are correct, it will be a long hard journey, but how wonderful to know that the very Spirit of God you will be writing about will be attending to you during the process.

Love in Christ,
Mrs. Pugh
(Like others, I may not be posting much, but I read always! Thank you for your faithfulness!)

Timothy Mahurin said...

Michael,
I met your grandfather and you when you came to speak in Roanoke VA years ago. I've been a faithful follower of your site and believe that you are one of very few ministers out there that truly believe in the Word of God. If you keep posting, I'll keep reading. Thank you for your ministry.
Timothy

Anonymous said...

I might be mistaken, but I thought I remember reading in Dumitru's book (Through the Fire without Burning) talking about him praying and asking for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Is that different then salvation? Maybe you could cover that.
Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Michael,

I know I would benefit greatly from learning more about the Holy Spirit. I would love to read what you have to share.

Nina

Anonymous said...

Hello Michael,
I have only been reading your blog for a few weeks but have enjoyed immensely. This old vine is in need of much pruning and that is what your blog does for me. Thank you for your time and effort and I sincerely hope this new project goes forward.

Jeanne Meagher said...

Mike,

I also have been following your blog for some time and have never posted a comment, but at your request and the Spirit's prompting, feel led to comment.

The very fact that you lead the type of incredibly busy life that you do with your ministry and family and yet still faithfully prioritize the time needed to sit and write to the edification of the body of Christ almost daily is a testament to the working of the Spirit in your life and His empowerment to fulfill His purposes through you.

Jesus said "I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." Much (if not all) of that building comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. It continues to fascinate me the difference between the disciples before Jesus went to His cross vs after the endowment of the Spirit. Jesus Himself forgave, restored and empowered them with His Spirit to accomplish His mission whereas the only thing they contributed was the story of His impact in their life. Every last one of them fled from Him; not one had the courage to stand for Him as He faced His cross. And yet what does history tell us about what they were like when they faced their own crosses... So what is/was the difference? The indwelling/empowerment of the Holy Spirit. And even Jesus who suffered alone, what was His motivation and prize? "For the joy set before Him... He endured the cross, despising the shame..." So for the JOY set before Him, He endured. And His disciples and Bride since has been able to endure... for the JOY set before them/her, and empowered by the Spirit.

All of us that are truly His, know within our spirits the truth of the message that you and so few others boldly proclaim, that the time really is short, and before the crown there will be the cross. To share in His reign is to share in His sufferings. This is not an easy or popular message to hear, but it is true nonetheless, and the Spirit is faithfully communicating it to every one that is His.

So as we hear of the tidings of the world around us and realize that all of us are coming that much closer to our crosses, how do we endure? How do we not give in to the Fear breathing down our necks and threatening to steal our sanity? By recognizing that our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. What He did for the disciples, He will do for us. He will increase our faith more and more, He will edify us and speak words of kindness to us. He will grant us joy unspeakable and full of glory so that by the time we arrive at each of our crosses, we too will be able to proclaim, "For the JOY set before us, we endured the cross, despising the shame..."

It will be the Spirit of God alone that will prepare each of us individually for that day. I believe that it is the Spirit of God Himself that has given you the prompting to open our hearts and understanding to all of the things that He is preparing for us. And He has promised that the good work that He has begun, He will be faithful to complete. So whether it is through your own writing, or through others He may choose to use, He will open to His Body the glorious truths He is about to reveal and pour out.

So, I along with many others are excited to see what the Spirit Himself is going to show and give to you to give to us as we prepare to meet our Lord and one another face to face.

God bless you and thank you for your faithfulness. I can't wait to sit in on and just listen to some of the conversations you and Ezekiel will share in eternity :)

Jeanne Meagher

stephen said...

Thanks so much Michael
I felt like your runaways article was written just for me.
i would love to read more on the holy spirit as well.
Thanks again.
Steve

Anonymous said...

Michael,

By God's grace, I have recently had my eyes opened to all of the false teachings that I have been sitting under for the last 25 years in the charasmatic movement. I would love to have some balanced teaching concerning the Holy Spirit as I continue to root out the false theology and pursue the truths of God's word.

Suzie said...

Dear Michael,

If The Lord has put it into your heart to share all things re: His Holy Spirit then I, for one, am anxious to learn more. Three years ago I asked God to guide me in learning His Word, His Truth. I didn't want man's interpretation of His truth; the bible should interpret itself. God answered my prayer when He led me to you! You are a true servant of The Lord and I thank Him for your service. I trust you with His Word and look forward to your teachings.

God Bless ~ Suzie

Kirk + Jennie + Markie + Sammie said...

I'm very interested! I'm also thankful for your blog. I repost your blogs on facebook sometimes in the hope that they might speak to someone in need.

Anonymous said...

I wonder what your arbitrary number is, but that is between you and God. I grew up in a rigid Calvinist church that did not emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit, or the name of Jesus. But I praise God they did teach the Word and made me memorize it. So God's truth was safe in my heart, just waiting to be revealed. I have heard that God does not put limits on how we can be used by Him, but we do. I still have far too small an idea of what He is capable of doing in and through my life. If the Bible says we shall do "greater things than these," how will we without the power of the Holy Spirit? With man it is impossible, but "with God all things are possible."
I think I am stuck between giving up the pursuits of the flesh and proceeding onward to operating at full capacity in the Spirit. Or, if my Holy Spirit tank had a gauge, it would only be on 1/4 tank at best. (I vote yes.)

Anonymous said...

Yes, I would like to read your post on the Holy Spirit. I read pretty much all your posts and the Hand of Help website. Rhonda from CA

Anonymous said...

Yes please start one I read all your posts don't comment much, but I do read them all.. Thank-you posting..
Blessings & Shalom,
debbi rennier

Anonymous said...

I have been praying and seeking for truth and correct teaching about the Holy Spirit for some very long time. Please! Please DO go ahead with as many blogs as becomes necessary for a deep truthful biblical teaching on the Holy Spirit and how to appropriate His Spirit into our daily lives realistically practically and without falling prey to error. God Bless you and thank you for being open to His leading and for freely sharing all He shows you to us all. Cherie

Anonymous said...

Yes, I would love to study your teachings on the Holy Spirit. It seems to me that the church spends little time teaching about the Holy Spirit, and I am hungry for such a study. Thank you!!!

Unknown said...

I would love to read your teaching on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for this blog, the Lord uses it often to help me.

Sherri Heinl said...

Dear Michael, I want to encourage you to write what is on your heart! Do not be concerned at the length of the project, the Holy Spirit will guide you every step of the way. Be blessed and be at peace! Sherri

gg said...

YES!!! more indepth understanding is always desired! Without question we need it.

Maybe in order for it to be easily digested by the random reader you could make the posts shorter than your usual ones so not to lose people with short attention spans.
Your writing is always spot on and I trust your instincts and leading by the Holy Spirit for what is the right time to share what thoughts.
Carry ON!!!

Anonymous said...

My prayer has for some time been that I would be led to correct teaching about the Holy Spirit ~ without this knowledge I am certain that we will perish for the work of the Holy Spirit is vital for us as God's People to survive the coming onslaught which is intended to destroy us and wipe the name of Jesus forever from the face of the earth. Please go ahead with this series regardless of how many blogs it takes! God Bless you and your precious family.

Linda said...

Did you get my message Michael? If not I would absolutely love it. Holy Spirit has been directing me in this direction for some time now it would be great.

Linda

gg said...

WoooHooo!!!
Look at all those comments!

We are ready and willing to journey with you on this project!
Rock ON!!!

Anonymous said...

Bro. Michael,

I sent in a comment a day or so ago, but for some reason it doesn't appear to have gone thru.

Anyway, we would be very blessed by the teaching. Keep them coming. Count as 2 votes, as my husband and I both read them.

Blessings to you and yours !

oldtown said...

Hello Michael, I too, left a post but it didn't go through, I guess. I am not gospel hardened and I do appreciate your blog, but I am not in favor of such a long study on this subject. I believe judgment begins in the house of the Lord and that God has withdrawn His power from the church in America for the most part. Judgment has come to the house of the Lord and we are getting whooped. There has never been such fear, sickness, powerlessness, and sin in the church as there is now. We can no longer go out to battle and win and we wonder why the Lord doesn't seem to be with us anymore. Is another long study on the Holy Spirit really going to help when we can't even raise the fuzz on a peach? Without the power of God, we are just another religion. What is the Word of the Lord to deliver His people right now? Until God shakes everything that can be shaken until only what is pure Jesus is left, I believe we will see very little of the power of God in America. Even though the words you would teach would be correct,I am not sure this long arduous journey you would have to take would really bring forth the meat we need in due season. Without the fear of God in the church in America, it is all hopeless. The fear of God must come first, or else we have the cart before the horse, don't we?
I love you, Michael. Dell

Unknown said...

Do what God would have you to do Michael.