T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Gospel of Mark - Chapter 1 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 2 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 3 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 4 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 5 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 6 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 7 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 8 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 9 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 10 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 11 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 12 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 13 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 14 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 15 Gospel of Mark - Chapter 16 Reflections After Reading the Gospel of Mark Key verse:  “For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.” Reflections: The remarkable characteristics of the Lord Jesus as a Servant include the following: (1) Humbling Himself to Become a Servant  (Phil. 2:6–8) He did not present a background that would cause people to honor Him. He did not highlight a birth or life story that would make people respect Him. He only mentioned that He came from Nazareth—using despised Nazareth as His background (Mark 1:46). (2) Serving Through Prayer Praying in the wilderness before dawn  (1:35) (1) Drawing near to God at the best time of the morning. (2) Fellowshipping with the Father in the quietness of the wilderness. Going up the mountain to pray  (6:46) (1) Drawing near to God from a transcendent position. (2) Fellowshipping with God in a heavenly and spiritual realm. Serving through prayer (1) Ministering to God. (2) Seeking God’s will. (3) After knowing God’s will, being sent out to work. (3) Enduring Suffering and Labor He did not give a Sermon on the Mount, farewell discourse, or long teachings—His recorded words are few. The Gospel is filled with accounts of healing, casting out demons, and miracles—His works are many. He rose before dawn to pray in the wilderness, even neglecting meals—suffering and paying the price to serve faithfully. (4) Serving Faithfully Words such as “immediately,” “at once,” “soon,” “straightway,” “instantly,” and “without delay” appear forty‑three times, describing the Lord’s faithful and diligent service. (5) Hiddenness When helping people, He often said, “Do not tell anyone”— recorded four times: (1) Cleansing the leper (1:44) (2) Raising Jairus’s daughter (5:43) (3) Healing the deaf and mute man (7:36) (4) The Transfiguration (9:9) The poor widow who offered two small coins—her name is not recorded. The woman who anointed the Lord with ointment—her act must be remembered, yet her name is not mentioned. (6) Obedient Unto Death Driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (1:12). Praying in Gethsemane, desiring the Father’s will (14:36). Before Pilate, He answered nothing (15:4–5). Obedient unto death, moving the centurion to say, “Truly this man was the Son of God” (15:39). (7) Emphasizing the Gospel in Serving Humanity Jesus preached, saying that people must repent and believe the gospel (1:15). Leaving all for His sake and for the gospel (8:34–35; 10:29–30). The preaching of the gospel must also recount the story of this woman (14:9). Going into all the world to preach the gospel (16:15). Notes Teachings already explained in the Gospel of Matthew may be applied to the Gospel of Mark. To avoid repetition, they will not be explained in detail again in this book. For topics previously covered in Matthew, the Gospel of Mark will be explained from a different perspective. The aim is to use simple and accurate explanations to highlight key points, guiding readers to grasp the principles of Bible reading — to understand the light, spiritual principles, and insights in Scripture, and to apply them in daily life, work, and ministry.

This book is a transcription of the speaker’s oral studies on the Gospel of Mark, conducted every Sunday afternoon in 1973 in Manila, Philippines, together with a group of young brothers and sisters who loved the Lord and were devoted to pursuing Him. The recorded notes have now been lightly edited and compiled into this volume as a reference for those who desire to witness and study the Scriptures. May the Lord grant the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that as readers diligently read the Bible, they may receive richer light and instruction from the Lord, and be enlightened, cleansed, and nourished—so that their spiritual lives may become ever more pure and abundant. I. Introduction to Testimony Bible Reading Over generations, books on biblical interpretation have accumulated, becoming a precious spiritual heritage for the church. Whether for foundational faith or the edification of truth, they provide rich nourishment and guidance to believers. 2 Timothy 3:16  states:   "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the person belonging to God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work."  This verse tells us that Scripture originates from God's inspiration and serves to teach, correct, and guide believers into righteousness, enabling them to grow in spiritual maturity and be prepared for good works—this is the fundamental understanding of the verse. However, if we delve deeper, we discover that the phrase "All Scripture is inspired (revealed) by God" carries a profound and elevated meaning. It speaks of God’s eternal plan, His will, and His purpose, which He desires all believers to pursue, understand, and ultimately fulfill. To accomplish God's eternal plan and fulfill His heart’s desire, believers need to advance in spiritual growth through Bible reading. The maturity of a Christian’s inner life, the increase of Christ's stature in the church, and the victorious testimony of individuals and congregations all require further strengthening. Thus, learning how to read the Bible in a way that daily provides spiritual nourishment and enables spiritual growth is a pressing priority for believers today. John 6:63  records: "Jesus said, 'The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.'"  This verse clearly explains that the Lord’s words are meant to supply spiritual life. Just as the Israelites were sustained for forty years in the wilderness by manna, believers grow and live spiritually through God’s Word. The prophet Jeremiah once said: "Lord God of Hosts, when Your words came, I ate them; Your words were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name."  (Jeremiah 15:16) Again, this shows that Scripture is God’s Word—it is spiritual food, life, and strength, allowing believers to grow spiritually, live powerfully, and have the strength to overcome. John 5:39  records Jesus Himself saying: "You study the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me."  This reveals that the Bible is a testimony to Christ’s divine and supreme authority. First, through the Word of God in the Bible, we receive eternal life. As 1 Peter 1:23  states: "You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." Second, through the word of God in the Bible, we live out the testimony of Christ. When God's Word enters the believer, it becomes life—this life is the life of the Son of God, which grows within and manifests Christ, and be a testimony of Christ. This way of reading the Bible—where believers are transformed to live out Christ's testimony—is called "Testimony Bible Reading" .   In other words, Testimony Bible Reading  means r eading Scripture to receive divine illumination and apply spiritual principles to a believer’s daily life, work and service, knowing Christ, experiencing Christ, and ultimately living out Christ. II. Basic Principles of Bible Reading A. Understanding the eternal nature of the Bible God is the eternal God (Psalms 90:2) An eternal plan as blueprint Revealing the Bible through the eternal Spirit The Bible transcends time and space and is applicable in every era and place B. Understanding the present nature of the Bible God is the eternal God, yet He is also the God of the present. With God, there are no time limitations—everything is "now".  (Hebrews 13:8) Every part of the Bible is applicable to present-day spiritual experiences. C. Understanding that the content of the Bible is Christ The Bible is the manual that reveals God's Son, Christ  (Luke 24:44-45 ). The central figure of the Bible is Christ. Through explicit texts, prophecies, symbolic representations, historical narratives, and poetry, the Bible expresses Christ. D. Understanding the infinite spiritual meaning of the Bible  (Ephesians 3:8) The Bible contains literal facts. Spiritual meaning is revealed through these literal facts. Because Christ is spiritual, heavenly, eternal, and infinitely rich, the Bible’s spiritual significance is also limitless E. Understanding that the interpretation of the Bible depends on the revelation of the Holy Spirit  (John 15:26; Ephesians 1:17; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11) The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit; therefore, only the Holy Spirit can interpret it. Knowing Christ requires revelation, so interpreting the Bible also requires the revelation of the Holy Spirit  (John 15:26). III. The Spiritual Principles and Application of Testimony Bible Reading A. Clearly understand the literal meaning of the Bible Understand the literal meaning of the Bible Comprehend the spiritual significance of Biblical text B. See illumination and spiritual principles with the revelation of the Holy Spirit Receive the illumination given by the Holy Spirit through the literal text of the Bible. Gain revelation from the Holy Spirit through biblical facts to understand spiritual principles. C. Apply the illumination and spiritual principles in life, work and ministry Apply the literal meaning of the Bible in daily life, work, and service. Practice the spiritual significance of biblical texts in life, work, and service. Apply the illumination revealed by the Holy Spirit in life, work, and service. Apply the spiritual principles received through the revelation of the Holy Spirit in life, work, and service.

The Fire of Revival (1) The Fire Before the Tabernacle The Fire on the Rock at Ophrah The Flame on the Rock at Zorah The Fire on the Threshing Floor of Araunah The Fire Before the Temple The Fire on Mount Carmel The Fire of Pentecost The Fire of Revival (2) The Baptism of the Holy Spirit The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Part 2) The Law of the Holy Spirit The Law of the Holy Spirit (Part 2) The Fire of Revival (3) The Spiritual Significance of the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit The Double Portion of the Spirit and the Way of the Cross Using Spiritual Gifts and Yielding to the Anointing The Holy Spirit and the Word of God <-- Back

This book contains messages shared by the author between the years of 1985 and 1987, during times of training held at spiritual retreats for coworkers, church ministers, and preachers in locations such as the West Coast of the United States, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Indeed, we have witnessed the Lord’s clear confirmation and blessing. May glory be unto Him! The transcripts of these messages have been lightly edited and compiled into this volume to meet the needs of ministry. May the Lord use this work to guide readers into the path of serving Him, and bring revival to His Church! T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Chapter 1 —　 Ministering in the Lord’s Presence Chapter 2 —　 Ministering with the Lord's Co-working Chapter 3 —　 Ministering in the Lord's Blessings Chapter 4 —　 Ministering in the Great Love of the Lord Chapter 5 —　 Ministering in the Flow of the Holy Spirit Chapter 6 —　 Ministering in the Grace of the Lord Chapter 7 —　 Ministering in the Tearing Work of the Cross Chapter 8 —　 Ministering in the Pathway of Life Chapter 9 —　 Ministering in Coordination with the Church Chapter 10—　 Ministering in the Attainment of the Testimony of the Fullness of Christ <-- Back to "Ministry"

Introduction Colossians 3:3–4 says, “Your life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ is our life.” This reveals that the relationship between a Christian and Christ is a hidden one—an inner life, hidden in God Himself.Sadly, in these last days, Christians tend to focus on what is visible, external, and self-exalting. How greatly this runs contrary to the heart of God! (2 Corinthians 4:18) In 1993, the author delivered ten messages on “The Pathway of Inner Being” in churches across Taiwan and the Philippines. These teachings were offered to saints earnestly pursuing spiritual growth in the hope of attaining a fuller life in Christ—a deeper journey into spiritual maturity. T A B L E O F C O N T E N T Chapter 1:  Prayer, Bible reading, and Ministry Chapter 2: The Inner Feeling Chapter 3: The Inner Fellowship Chapter 4:  Inner Guidance Chapter 5: The Outer Man is Destroyed Chapter 6: The Inner Man Enters Into The Fullness of Life Chapter 7: Inner Knowledge Chapter 8: Inner Management Chapter 9:  Inner Purity Chapter 10: Inner Union with Christ <-- Back to "LIFE OF CHRIST"

Preface This book was compiled in response to an invitation from a evangelistic broadcasting company in the Philippines. In the year 1977, the speaker introduced "The Three Stages of the Christian Life" in a concise and straightforward manner through weekly Saturday broadcasts, covering a total of twenty topics. The recorded transcripts have been slightly edited and compiled into this book to meet present needs. May the Lord bless His own message . T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S STAGE I : Stage of Foundation Topic 1 - Born Again Topic 2 - Prayer Topic 3 - Reading the Bible Topic 4 - Assembling Together Topic 5 - Witnessing Topic 6 - Consecration Topic 7 - Purging of Sins Topic 8 - Rejecting the World STAGE I : Stage of Growth Topic 9 - Obedience of the Feelings of the Conscience Topic 10 - Having Fellowship with the Lord Topic 11 - Obedience to the Teachings of the Holy Spirit Topic 12 - The Pathway of Faith Topic 13 - The Life of Loving the Lord Topic 14 - Obeying the Will of God Topic 15 - Serving the Lord Topic 16 - Love One Another STAGE III - Stage of Maturity Topic 17 - Accepting the Cross Topic 18 - The Filling of the Holy Spirit Topic 19 - Christ is All Topic 20 - Christ as the Head <-- Back to "LIFE OF CHRIST"

Preface Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and might have [it] abundantly.” (John 10:10)  This means that Christians must reach the stage of abundant life in their progress along the walk in the path of life.  On the other hand, the Apostle Paul spoke about how the Israelites left Egypt, walked through the wilderness, and entered Canaan to signify walking in the path of the Lord.  Their failures serve as admonition for us, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (I Corinthians 10:1~11). The author of this book, in his messages delivered during the summer conference held at Baguio City, Philippines in 1990, pointed out 24 important spiritual experiences.  He used as background the journey of the Israelites—how they left Egypt, walked through the wilderness, and entered Canaan.  With their being born again as the starting point (observing the Passover at Rameses); followed by walking through the pathway of heavenly life station after station (journeying through the wilderness); and finally attaining the abundant spiritual life (entering Gilgal of Canaan to observe the Passover). These messages point out to Christians the goal and pathway of their lifetime pursuit.  At the same time, they provide the saints who are walking the spiritual pathway of life the means to check the extent of their own spiritual growth.  They also serve to encourage the readers to continue straining forward to what lies ahead and press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:13~14)!            Christian Ministry Training Center Bookroom October 1993 Synopsis The Journey of Spiritual Life  - out of Egypt, through the wilderness, into the land of Canaan Bible verses: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 Ephesians 4:13 Exodus 3:8      God has a great plan to accomplish in the universe, and so He created all things and mankind. Knowing that man would fall, He prepared a perfect redemption.      This eternal plan of God is to establish Christ as the center of all things, granting Him the highest position, so that Christ may fill all things in the universe.     The reason God redeemed us is to connect us with His eternal plan and to make us co-workers with Him to fulfill this eternal plan. Therefore, after we are saved and born again, we must determine the direction of our lives, which is to align with God’s eternal plan. We must also recognize our calling, which is to fulfill God’s eternal plan.     The process of fulfilling God’s eternal plan is what we call the "Journey of Spiritual Life." Regarding this journey, there is a clear typology in the Old Testament: the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan. This time, we use the Israelites' journey from Egypt, through the wilderness, and into Canaan as the background to discuss the spiritual experience of Christians entering the fullness of Christ. Coming out of Egypt, journeying through the wilderness, and entering into Canaan is the representation of the spiritual journey      1 Corinthians 10:1-6 mentions that our forefathers were under the cloud and passed through the sea, referring to the Israelites coming out of Egypt and crossing the Red Sea. Later, they ate spiritual food and drank spiritual water. This means that while walking through the wilderness, God provided manna from heaven for them to eat and caused water to flow from the rock to sustain them. However, on this journey, most of the Israelites failed to enter Canaan and instead died in the wilderness. This serves as a warning for believers in the last days.      1 Corinthians 10 mentions twice that the experiences of the Israelites is our type (type means symbol in the original text). It shows that what the Israelites experienced in the past reflects what believers in the New Testament experience today, as a reminder for us, the saints of the last days, to be vigilant and avoid failure by living in indulgence and following the flesh, just as the Israelites did. As Romans 15:4 also says, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning..."      Therefore, we must specifically highlight two aspects of the spiritual experience of Christians: the first is the goal , and the second is the path . Goal — The Fullness of Christ      Exodus 3:7-8 records: "The Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry... I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey" This passage clearly reveals that when the Lord planned to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, He explicitly set their goal: to enter the land of Canaan. The land of Canaan was the goal of the Israelites      In other words, God placed Canaan ahead as the goal for the Israelites. Although the Bible does not explicitly record this, it can be assumed that when they were about to leave Egypt, the children would certainly ask their parents, "Where are we going?" I strongly believed that their parents would have answered, "Moses is leading us to the beautiful land of Canaan." Thus, it is evident that from the young to the old, they all clearly understood that their destination was Canaan.      Similarly, today, as we walk on earth (the wilderness), we are not without goals or direction. Although it may seem far away and out of sight, there will come a day when we reach Canaan. So what does "Canaan" refer to? Thank God! The New Testament explains this to us: Canaan refers to the fullness of Christ, the abundance of Christ, the riches of Christ. Before the Israelites entered Canaan, the Bible used three expressions to describe it: "good" "spacious" and "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8) Good — The glorious beauty of Christ      In the entire universe, only Christ is the most beautiful. King David of Israel, who held the highest throne, enjoyed the greatest authority, honor, and glory. However, when he wrote Psalm 27:4, said: "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." This means that the beauty of the Lord surpasses everything; among millions, He is the most glorious. The attraction of His beauty makes us forget the pleasures of the earth, causing us to adore and long for Him. From this, we can see that Canaan is a good land, symbolizing Christ's glory and beauty. May the Holy Spirit reveal to us so that we can be captivated by Christ's beauty throughout our lives, acknowledge Him, follow Him, pursue Him, and seek nothing else. Spacious --- The breadth, length, depth and heigth of Christ      The Bible mentions the land of Canaan and further describes it as "vast" (or spacious). This indicates that Canaan is not only beautiful but also immeasurably large. "Vast" also refers to Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul devoted his life in pursuing to know Christ, and in Ephesians 3:18, he said: "may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height...to know the love of Christ" The dimensions of "length, width, height, and depth" signify something beyond measurement—something unfathomable and surpassing human understanding. Throughout history and across cultures, people are left in awe when speaking about the vastness of Christ. Oh, my Savior Jesus Christ, Your vastness exceeds human comprehension, human discussion, and human praise. In other words, Christ's vastness is infinite. How long? Endless! How wide? Boundless! How high? Infinite! How deep? Unfathomable! Land flowing with milk and honey --- The infinite abundance of Christ      The third description of the land of Canaan is "a land flowing with milk and honey". Milk is produced when cows and sheep graze, and honey is produced after bees collect nectar from flowers. Therefore, "milk" and "honey" are the combined essence of both animals and plants. Additionally, the phrase 'a land flowing with milk and honey' also portrays the sweetness and abundance of that land. Colossians 2:9 says: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form." This illustrates the infinite richness of Jesus Christ. As the hymn goes: He is so rich! He is so full! How can I tell all that I know? He is so sweet! He is so true! This I have tasted in my soul. The fullness of Christ is the goal of the saints      In the past, the Israelites regarded the land of Canaan as their goal.  Similarly, the saints of today (Christians) also consider Christ’s fullness as their goal in life.  Therefore, from the moment we are born again and baptized into Christ, we have to be clear and certain about our direction in life.  We must be aware that attaining Christ’s fullness is our goal. Count all things as rubbish to gain Christ      Before the apostle Paul met the Lord, his goal was to become a leader within Judaism. The direction he pursued was one of earthly wealth, fame, and status. However, through the Lord's mercy, one day on the road to Damascus, he met Jesus, and his life’s goal instantly transformed. He became clear about the meaning and purpose of life and determined that Christ would be the ultimate goal of his life. From then on, Christ became the focus of Paul's lifelong pursuit. When he wrote Philippians 3:7-8, he described how he regarded Christ as the goal of his life: "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Strain forward      Before he met the Lord, Paul was filled with great ambition and lofty aspirations within the religious world. He strictly adhered to the law, became a Pharisee, and was taught under Gamaliel—all of which demonstrated his hope to become a leader in the religious community, gain fame, and achieve power. However, after meeting Christ, he regarded all these things as loss, realizing that reputation, status, and glory would prevent him from entering into the fullness of Christ. Therefore, Paul considered all things as garbage in order to gain Christ. Hence, he devoted himself daily to pursuing Christ. Even at that point, he did not consider himself to have already attained it. By then, Paul had believed in the Lord and had been greatly used by Him for some years, accumulating profound spiritual experiences. Yet, he still said, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me." (Philippians 3:12) Press on toward the goal—Christ is our goal      Furthermore, he said: "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal." (Philippians 3:13-14). The goal is Christ. This signifies that although Paul was advanced in age and spiritually mature, the fullness of Christ is so infinite that there was still much to attain. Just as when Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, he was already old, yet the Lord said to him: "...there are still very large areas of land to be taken over." (Joshua 13:1). From this, we see clearly that the fullness of Christ is the ultimate goal for us Christians throughout our lives. Pathway      In the past, two to three million Israelites, led by Moses, left Egypt in a grand exodus and crossed the Red Sea. However, the Red Sea was not their destination; they had to continue their journey through the wilderness until they reached Canaan. This historical fact serves as a foreshadowing, illustrating how Christ today leads us on the journey of spiritual life, guiding us into His fullness. Thus, when we meet each other, we may ask one another,"Brother, what is your goal?" Some might reply, "My goal is to purchase a large piece of land in the future and build houses." Others may say, "My goal is to become a renowned entrepreneur." Still, others might express desires like immigrating to a certain place or other ambitions. Yet, these are not the true goals for us Christians, for we have only one goal—Christ. In Christ, there are infinite riches awaiting us to enter into, experience, and make our own. Regarding the path to entering into the fullness of Christ, there are four aspects of significance:" The pathway of Life      The path toward Canaan (the fullness of Christ) is the pathway of life. When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years, the Lord provided manna from heaven daily as their food, meaning their sustenance did not come from the earth. Today, we consume rice, vegetables, and fruits that are products of the land, but during their forty years in the wilderness, they had no time to cultivate crops. Instead, they relied on gathering manna every morning for survival. When Jesus was on earth, He spoke to the people about manna, saying, "'It is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' They said, 'Sir, always give us this bread.' Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life.'" (John 6:32–35). To walk the pathway of life, one must rely on the bread of life for sustenance, which is why this path is called the pathway of life.      The Lord is the "bread of life". In a spiritual sense, it is through the bread of life that spiritual life grows. This is the pathway of spiritual life. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Therefore, Christians, having received Christ’s life, must continuously progress toward greater abundance. By receiving the spiritual sustenance from the Lord, they gradually grow and attain fullness.      David wrote a renowned golden psalm, saying of the Lord: "You are my Lord; my goodness is nothing apart from You. Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup." (Psalm 16:2, 5). Toward the end, he declared, "You will show me the path of life." (Psalm 16:11). Outwardly, David ruled as king, governing the nation of Israel; but spiritually, he walked the path of life. This idea was highlighted when, on Pentecost, the apostle Peter stood to deliver his first sermon. He quoted Psalm 16, emphasizing how David sought the Lord to reveal the path of life.      Matthew 7:13–14 records: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and [b]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." This passage presents two paths before us. The people of the world walk the road to destruction, which has a wide gate and a broad path. However, the Christians walk the path of life, which leads to eternal life and enters into the richness of Christ. Yet, the gate is small, and the road is narrow. Therefore, anyone who has received grace and believes in Jesus but returns to walking the same path as the world—the wide gate and broad road—ultimately chooses the path leading to destruction. May the Lord show us mercy and preserve us throughout our lives, helping us enter the narrow gate and walk the path of life. Hence, in the church, we do not speak about morality or religion, nor do we concern ourselves with discerning right and wrong, good and evil.      After God created the first ancestors of humanity, He established a garden in Eden in the East and placed the man He had created there. God caused every kind of tree pleasing to the eye and good for food to grow from the ground, and in the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil... God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. He also commanded, "Of every tree of the garden you shall freely eat; but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat; for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Genesis 2:7-17)      This historical account reveals that God's intention for humanity is to engage with life and walk the path of life. Today, as we set Christ as our goal, we too walk the path of life. Reflecting on this, we might ask ourselves: Have our lives grown? Are they abundant? The heavenly path      When the Lord sent Moses to lead the Israelites out of the land of slavery in Egypt, He called them to walk the path of the wilderness. This road symbolized a heavenly journey until they entered the land of Canaan, which represents the fullness of Christ. During the Israelites' forty years in the wilderness, they dwelt in tents. Tents could be dismantled and set up again, move from place to place according to their journey and having no fixed shelter. The wilderness was a place where they could not take root, meaning that they had nothing on earth. In other words, the path was not an earthly path but a heavenly path. The Israelites' observance of Passover symbolizes Christians' acceptance of redemption and being saved and born again. Being born again is being born from above.      John 3:31 states: "He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all." This explains that we are born from above, born of heaven. Therefore, Philippians 3:20 says, "But our citizenship is in heaven." It is like the Chinese emigrants living in the Philippines today—through the Lord's care, many have applied for and obtained Filipino citizenship. Yet, no matter what, they still feel that their ancestral home is China; they firmly identify as Chinese. Likewise, while Christians live on the earth among the people of this world, we are born of heaven, and our identity is as citizens of heaven.      The Lord Jesus further told His disciples, "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:16). This means that we are not people of this world; we are heavenly citizens, those who walk on the heavenly path. A servant greatly used by the Lord, Brother Bunton, once said, "Christians have only one road in life and only one grave in death," signifying that Christians leave the world without gaining anything from it.      No wonder Abraham longed for a better country, a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16). Since we are citizens of heaven, it is only natural that we return to our homeland to enjoy our territory, inheritance, and heritage. A defining feature of Abraham's life was living in tents on earth, signifying that he was a sojourner and a temporary resident. His eyes were always fixed on that city with foundations, which is in heaven.      Brothers and sisters, there is a spiritual book called "Pilgrim's Progress." It states that we are all travelers walking this heavenly path. Abraham's eyes were always set on the city with foundations, and after many years, the holy city of Jerusalem was revealed in the Bible. However, Abraham in the Old Testament had already seen it through faith. Today, we too use the eyes of faith to see this glorious holy city, this better homeland. Therefore, we must tread firmly on this heavenly path today. The Bible records that when the Israelites walked in the wilderness, the Lord specifically instructed them to sew a blue tassels on the corners of their garments (Numbers 15:38). This signifies that they are heavenly citizens walking a heavenly pathway. The way of the cross      According to the typology in the Old Testament, the path the Israelites walked through the wilderness is the way of the cross. The Bible describes it as a "great and terrible wilderness" (Deuteronomy 1:19), meaning a harsh and challenging path—the way of the cross. This was ordained by God, for only by passing through the wilderness could they enter Canaan. In terms of experience, it signifies that only through the cross can one enter into the fullness of Christ. The Israelites spent forty years in the wilderness. In the Bible, "forty" is the number of trials. For instance, the Lord Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness for forty days, which also signifies the experience of the cross. Thus, walking this path of the cross entails many hardships, carrying the meaning of trials from the Lord.      When the Lord Jesus was on earth, He said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). This means that the path of following the Lord is the way of the cross. Luke 9:23 further states, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." This implies that we have to take up the cross daily to follow the Lord and to walk the way of the cross, not attempting to put the cross down any single day. Those who lack revelation may shrink back in fear upon hearing this. However, there is truly nothing to fear, for the cross is not greater than His grace, and storms cannot hide His blessed face. I am satisfied to know that with Jesus here below, I can conquer every foe. Therefore, for those with revelation, the way of the cross is not difficult to walk.      Back then, the Israelites traveled from Rameses in Egypt to Gilgal in Canaan, completing a journey of forty-two stations. In the Bible, "forty-two" is the number representing suffering (Revelation 12:6). Indeed, the way of the cross is marked by hardships and trials, yet it is filled with God's grace, enabling us to complete this journey. Revelation 14:1-5 records, "The Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him were one 144,000... They follow the Lamb wherever He goes." This signifies that Jesus, as the Lamb, lived His life walking the way of the cross. The 144,000 followers of the Lamb symbolize those of us who dedicate our lives to following the Lord and walking the way of the cross. Having suffered with Him on earth, we now stand gloriously with Him in eternity on Mount Zion! How glorious! May the Lord reveal to us the preciousness of the way of the cross, so that we may stay on this path for life, and on that day, share in His glory in heaven. The path of faith      The path the Israelites took—from leaving Egypt, through the wilderness, and into Canaan—was also a path of faith. For the Lord gave them His promise: "I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites..." (Exodus 3:8). This signifies that the Israelites were to hold fast to the Lord's promise and walk this path of faith.      For the Israelites of that generation, they had never seen Canaan and relied entirely on believing in the Lord's promise, not on what they saw. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." They trusted in the Lord's word and moved forward in faith. However, the facts tell us that during the forty years in the wilderness, all those over twenty years old perished in the wilderness (except for Caleb and Joshua). They did not enter Canaan to inherit the promised land because of one reason—unbelief (Hebrews 3:19).      Today, we are like the Israelites, setting our goal towards the fullness of Christ. Our feet tread on the path of faith, aiming to enter into the fullness of Christ. The road we walk is a path of faith. If we lose faith or harbor an evil heart of unbelief, the result will likewise be failure and collapse, unable to enter into the fullness of Christ.      On the other hand, there is also a glorious example—Caleb and Joshua. After forty years in the wilderness, they ultimately entered Canaan, completing the journey of faith. The Bible says, "But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully..." (Numbers 14:24). Caleb became a witness of victorious faith, inspiring us to walk the path of faith.      So how should we proceed, and what attitude should we have to complete the journey of faith? It is by "looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and finisher of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2). Christ enters into us, and His faith becomes our faith. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. He will guard our faith, make it grow, and nurture it to perfection in the end. Spiritual Journey of the Israelites 1. The Feast of Passover  Christ is the everlasting life 2. Feast of Unleavened Bread Christ is the holy life 3. Consecrated to God Christ is Lord 4. Pillar of cloud and pillar of fire Christ’s guidance 5. Crossing the Red Sea The death of Christ 6. Bitter waters turned sweet Christ’s loving kindness and grace 7. Springs of water and palm trees Christ is our satisfaction and rest 8. Manna Christ is the bread of life 9. Rock of living water Christ is the water of life 10. Defeating the Amalekites Christ is the victorious life 11. Handing down of the Law Christ is the power for service 12. The Making of the Sanctuary Christ is the wisdom (vision) in service 13. Fire consumed all the complaints The trial and refining of the cross of Christ 14. Smote the greedy Christ is everything (world) 15. Miriam contracted leprosy Establishing the upright spirit of Christ 16. Not allowed to enter Canaan Establishing Christ’s spirit of faith 17. The destruction of the tribe of Korah Establishing Christ’s spirit of submission 18. Plague befell the assembly Establishing Christ’s spirit of gentleness 19. The budded staff Knowing the body of Christ 20. Moses acted without authorization Knowing the authority of Christ as the Head 21. Raised up the serpent of brass Setting our eyes upon Christ 22. Fornication and idolatry were punished Being filled with Christ 23. Crossing the Jordan The deeper death of the cross of Christ 24. Entering the land of Canaan Attaining the fullness of Christ   T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S The Spiritual Journey (1) The Spiritual Journey (2) The Spiritual Journey (3) The Spiritual Journey (4) The Spiritual Journey (5) The Spiritual Journey (6) The Spiritual Journey (7) The Spiritual Journey (8) <-- Back to "LIFE OF CHRIST"

This book is based on oral Bible study sessions on the Gospel of Matthew, conducted by the speaker every Sunday afternoon in Manila, Philippines, in 1974, together with a group of young brothers and sisters who were devoted to the Lord and earnestly seeking Him. These studies took place . The recorded notes have been slightly refined and compiled into this book as a reference for Testimony Bible Reading. May the Lord grant wisdom and the spirit of revelation so that, as readers diligently study the Scriptures, they may receive greater light, teachings, illumination, cleansing, and nourishment from the Lord, leading to a purer and more abundant spiritual life! I. Introduction to Testimony Bible Reading Over generations, books on biblical interpretation have accumulated, becoming a precious spiritual heritage for the church. Whether for foundational faith or the edification of truth, they provide rich nourishment and guidance to believers. 2 Timothy 3:16  states: "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the person belonging to God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work."  This verse tells us that Scripture originates from God's inspiration and serves to teach, correct, and guide believers into righteousness, enabling them to grow in spiritual maturity and be prepared for good works—this is the fundamental understanding of the verse. However, if we delve deeper, we discover that the phrase "All Scripture is inspired (revealed) by God" carries a profound and elevated meaning. It speaks of God’s eternal plan, His will, and His purpose, which He desires all believers to pursue, understand, and ultimately fulfill. To accomplish God's eternal plan and fulfill His heart’s desire, believers need to advance in spiritual growth through Bible reading. The maturity of a Christian’s inner life, the increase of Christ's stature in the church, and the victorious testimony of individuals and congregations all require further strengthening. Thus, learning how to read the Bible in a way that daily provides spiritual nourishment and enables spiritual growth is a pressing priority for believers today. John 6:63  records: "Jesus said, 'The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.'"  This verse clearly explains that the Lord’s words are meant to supply spiritual life. Just as the Israelites were sustained for forty years in the wilderness by manna, believers grow and live spiritually through God’s Word. The prophet Jeremiah once said: "Lord God of Hosts, when Your words came, I ate them; Your words were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name."  (Jeremiah 15:16) Again, this shows that Scripture is God’s Word—it is spiritual food, life, and strength, allowing believers to grow spiritually, live powerfully, and have the strength to overcome. John 5:39  records Jesus Himself saying: "You study the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me."  This reveals that the Bible is a testimony to Christ’s divine and supreme authority. First, through the Word of God in the Bible, we receive eternal life. As 1 Peter 1:23  states: "You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." Second, through the word of God in the Bible, we live out the testimony of Christ. When God's Word enters the believer, it becomes life—this life is the life of the Son of God, which grows within and manifests Christ, and be a testimony of Christ. This way of reading the Bible—where believers are transformed to live out Christ's testimony—is called "Testimony Bible Reading" . In other words, Testimony Bible Reading  means r eading Scripture to receive divine illumination and apply spiritual principles to a believer’s daily life, work and service, knowing Christ, experiencing Christ, and ultimately living out Christ II. Basic Principles of Bible Reading A. Understanding the eternal nature of the Bible God is the eternal God (Psalms 90:2) An eternal plan as blueprint Revealing the Bible through the eternal Spirit The Bible transcends time and space and is applicable in every era and place B. Understanding the present nature of the Bible God is the eternal God, yet He is also the God of the present. With God, there are no time limitations—everything is "now".  (Hebrews 13:8) Every part of the Bible is applicable to present-day spiritual experiences. C. Understanding that the content of the Bible is Christ The Bible is the manual that reveals God's Son, Christ  (Luke 24:44-45 ). The central figure of the Bible is Christ. Through explicit texts, prophecies, symbolic representations, historical narratives, and poetry, the Bible expresses Christ. D. Understanding the infinite spiritual meaning of the Bible  (Ephesians 3:8) The Bible contains literal facts. Spiritual meaning is revealed through these literal facts. Because Christ is spiritual, heavenly, eternal, and infinitely rich, the Bible’s spiritual significance is also limitless E. Understanding that the interpretation of the Bible depends on the revelation of the Holy Spirit  (John 15:26; Ephesians 1:17; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11) The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit; therefore, only the Holy Spirit can interpret it. Knowing Christ requires revelation, so interpreting the Bible also requires the revelation of the Holy Spirit  (John 15:26). III. The Spiritual Principles and Application of Testimony Bible Reading A. Clearly understand the literal meaning of the Bible Understand the literal meaning of the Bible Comprehend the spiritual significance of Biblical text B. See illumination and spiritual principles with the revelation of the Holy Spirit Receive the illumination given by the Holy Spirit through the literal text of the Bible. Gain revelation from the Holy Spirit through biblical facts to understand spiritual principles. C. Apply the illumination and spiritual principles in life, work and ministry Apply the literal meaning of the Bible in daily life, work, and service. Practice the spiritual significance of biblical texts in life, work, and service. Apply the illumination revealed by the Holy Spirit in life, work, and service. Apply the spiritual principles received through the revelation of the Holy Spirit in life, work, and service. T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 1 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 2 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 3 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 4 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 5 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 6 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 7 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 8 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 9 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 10 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 11 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 12 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 13 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 14 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 15 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 16 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 17 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 18 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 19 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 20 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 21 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 22 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 23 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 24 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 25 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 26 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 27 Gospel of Matthew - Chapter 28 Conclusion: Reflection after reading Gospel of Matthew Key Verse:  "The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1:1) Reflection: Jesus is King. He not only holds the rightful position but also exemplifies the life of a king. Based on the key verse, the characteristics of His kingship are outlined below: A. Wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34) The first notable trait of Solomon, the son of David, is wisdom, which reveals a king’s life. Solomon’s wisdom was unparalleled (1 Kings 3:12), as seen in the famous ruling where he proposed to divide the infant in dispute. Jesus Christ is full of wisdom: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s."  (Matthew 22:15–22) Christ is the answer to all problems: "What do you think about the Christ?"  (Matthew 22:42) B. Authority (1 Kings 4:20–28) Solomon exercised great authority, displaying the life of a king. He ruled over many nations, and peace prevailed in his kingdom (1 Kings 4:21–24). Jesus Christ possesses supreme authority: His teachings were with authority (Matthew 7:29). He healed the sick and cast out demons (Matthew 8:1–34). He calmed the storm (Matthew 8:23–27). C. Peace Solomon’s name means “peace.” He was a king of peace, and his kingdom enjoyed tranquility, demonstrating the life of a king (1 Kings 4:24–25). Jesus Christ embodies peace: He is gentle and humble in heart, giving rest to those who come to Him (Matthew 11:28–29). He entered Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing humility and peace (Matthew 21:1–11). Isaiah prophesied that His name would be "Prince of Peace."  (Isaiah 9:6) D. Building the Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1) Solomon built the temple, and God was pleased (1 Kings 8:11–12). Jesus Christ is building His church (Matthew 16:18). Among the four Gospels, only Matthew records Jesus speaking about building the church. Between Christ’s ascension and second coming, His work is to build the church (Ephesians 4:11–13). E. Death and Resurrection (Genesis 22:1–14) Isaac, the son of Abraham, was placed on the altar (Genesis 22:1–14). His offering prefigured death and resurrection (Hebrews 11:19). The life of a king is marked by death and resurrection, signifying complete victory: Like a grain of wheat that dies and bears fruit. Jesus Christ went through the cross, death, and resurrection: He did not resist when arrested (Matthew 26:50–52). He did not come down from the cross or save Himself (Matthew 26:53). He died on the cross (Matthew 27:50). He rose again (Matthew 28:5–6). He received all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18): The life of a king is a life of dominion. His resurrection secured His reign.

Bible Reading: Romans 8:1-2,6,13,28-29 — "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death....For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.....For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.....And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." 2 Corinthians 3:6 — "who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Galatians 5:16-18, 22-23 — "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law....But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Failure After the Baptism of the Spirit Comes from Not Living According to the Law of the Spirit This morning’s meeting is the final session of our special gathering. In the past three evening meetings, we have emphasized two key points. The first is the baptism of the Holy Spirit , and the second is the law of the Spirit . The baptism of the Holy Spirit brings revival, while the law of the Spirit not only sustains revival but also leads us on the path of life—rooting us downward and bearing fruit upward. The experiences of many Christians in the past show us that there are those who were lukewarm—neither dead nor alive—who became fervent after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They overcame sin, forsook the world, and loved the Lord with zeal. However, not long after, they grew cold and fell back. Though they were fervent at the time of their Spirit baptism, their spiritual life and daily walk had not changed much. Gradually, they returned to their former state. After one year, two years, or three years, it seemed as if they had never received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at all. The reason is this: after receiving the baptism of the Spirit, they did not live according to the law of the Spirit. Therefore, beginning last night, we started to speak about this: after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we must live daily according to the law of the Spirit. The Result of Living According to the Law of the Spirit We have previously referred to Romans chapter 8 to speak about how to live according to the law of the Spirit. In this Sunday morning’s meeting, we will again refer to this chapter to discuss the results of living in the law of the Spirit. By understanding these results, we can also test whether we are truly living according to the law of the Spirit. Deliverance The first result a Christian experiences when living according to the law of the Spirit is deliverance. As Romans 8:2 declares: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free...” This clearly shows that the law of the Spirit brings us deliverance. The Law of Sin Before a person experiences deliverance, they are bound by two kinds of bondage. The first is the bondage of sin. Romans chapter 7 devotes much of its content to describing the power of sin and how it binds people in the flesh. One passage says: “For I know that in me nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:18–24) This is Paul describing the struggle within the flesh—the condition of being bound by sin. About ten years ago, I went through a period of earnest striving to live rightly. I tried hard not to speak evil, to be humble, to avoid anger, to be patient and gentle. I even wrote these virtues on paper and placed it under the glass on my desk. After half a year, it proved completely ineffective. For a while, I endured by sheer willpower and seemed to succeed a little—but when I reached the limit of my endurance, I failed completely. I became proud again! I lost my temper again! All that effort brought no real fruit. This was because I was still bound by the law of sin. To understand the law of sin, we can use a simple analogy. Physics tells us that the earth has a law called gravity. No matter where you are in the world, if you let go of something, it falls downward. Without gravity, we wouldn’t be able to stand on the earth as it spins and orbits. Gravity is a law—unchanging and universal—pulling all things downward. Sin within us operates in the same way. It has a law—the law of sin—that rules over us, binds us, and keeps us from freedom. It makes us slaves to sin, compelling us to sin. We find ourselves unable to be patient, unable to be gentle, unable to avoid pride, unable to control our temper. This law of sin within us becomes our bondage. The Law of Death The second kind of bondage is the law of death . Ever since Adam sinned and fell, humanity has come under the dominion of death. God’s Word tells us: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) This death does not only refer to the physical death when our breath ceases. It also refers to a power, a law within us that rules over us. It separates us from God, dulls our spirit, makes us unable to hear God’s voice, and blinds us to His will. Therefore, Ephesians 2:1 says that we were dead in trespasses and sins. Deliverance from the Law of Sin and Death When we live according to the law of the Spirit, the result is that we are delivered from the law of sin and death and receive freedom. As Romans 8:2 says: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2) Now we can use an appropriate analogy to explain this matter. About two days ago, astronauts boarded a rocket and left Earth for the moon. We know that such a massive American rocket is launched into space with astonishing force. The astronauts sit inside without exerting any effort; they simply sit there, and once the rocket ignites—boom—it propels them into space. Once they ascend, they surpass the range of Earth’s gravitational pull and enter another realm of space. From that moment on, the astronauts are freed from the law of Earth’s gravity. When we receive salvation and live in Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit releases us from the law of sin and the law of death. That realm of freedom is beyond the reach of the law of sin and death—just like the astronauts who are freed from Earth’s gravity because the law of the rocket has delivered them. For example, when parents see their children misbehaving and repeatedly ignoring correction, they often resort to discipline. Most of the time, discipline is accompanied by anger. But sometimes, it is possible to discipline without getting angry. The key lies in whether you are living in Christ Jesus. If at that moment you are reading the Bible, praying, fellowshipping with the Lord, or meditating on the Holy Spirit, and suddenly someone comes to tell you how your child is misbehaving, you hear it and forget to get angry. This is the law of the Spirit releasing you—overcoming your temper and delivering you from the law of sin. Let us also give an example of deliverance from the law of death. In this morning’s breaking of bread meeting, we clearly sensed the Holy Spirit moving. Many brothers and sisters opened their mouths to praise and pray. Everyone prayed with ease, without pressure or effort—it flowed naturally. The reason is that we had entered into the spirit of the meeting and were living in the movement of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the law of the Spirit removed the death in our spirits. Our spirits had fellowship with God and spiritual sensitivity, so it was easy to open our mouths and pray. This too is the law of the Spirit releasing us—delivering us from the law of death. Life and Peace Romans 8:6 says: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Living according to the law of the Spirit inevitably brings life and peace. Brothers and sisters, the opposite of death is life; to be free from death is to enter into the realm of life. The result of sin is suffering, and its opposite is peace; naturally, when we are free from sin, we have peace. This is the result of being released by the law of the Spirit. When a Christian draws near to the Lord in the morning and feels comfortable before Him, this is called life. There is also an indescribable rest, which is called peace. Every Christian should enjoy this right; after being saved, one should always have life and peace within. If we lose life and peace, it proves that we are no longer in the Spirit, but rather in sin or in the flesh. At such times, we must quickly return to the law of the Spirit to enjoy life and peace, and to experience the fullness and rest in the Spirit. Strength and Victory Next result is strength and victory. Romans 8:13 says: “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” When we live in the flesh, many evil deeds will come out. For example, in daily life, sometimes we curse others, sometimes we argue, sometimes we even jealous and hate others, there are always be some disputes. But when we live in the Spirit, these evil deeds are put to death, and as a result, “you will live.” This “living” means the spirit is alive. In other words, you overcome. It is evident that living according to the law of the Spirit makes the spirit strong and victorious. In Taipei, five mornings every week, a few brothers and sisters gather to pray for one or two hours. As a result, the spirit becomes strong. When meeting friends to preach the gospel, the spirit comes forth; when there is a need to visit brothers and sisters, the motivation comes. Because with more prayer, we live more in the law of the Spirit, and as a result, we become strong and victorious. On the contrary, when there is little prayer, the spirit becomes weak. There's no burden for preaching gospel to friends, and no motivation to visit brothers and sisters in needs. Dear brothers and sisters, we need to live in the law of the Spirit so that we may have a strong spirit every day and live a victorious life. Whether a church is strong depends on how many people in the church live in the law of the Spirit. The more such people there are, the stronger and more powerful the spirit is, and the more victorious it becomes. Therefore, I hope brothers and sisters will do their best to attend prayer meetings. More prayer brings more living in the law of the Spirit. Living Out the Image of the Son of God Let’s look at another result from Romans 8:28-29: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” If we submit to the working together of all things—every hardship, every difficulty, every challenge—and accept them without complaint, without resentment, without resistance, and without reason but simply submit to God’s arrangement in every circumstance, the ultimate result is that we are conformed to the image of God’s Son. This is also the result of living under the law of the Spirit. The Son of God was in heaven, people could not see Him; they only knew by faith that He is the Son of God. The heavenly angels could see His glory, righteousness, greatness, holiness, and honor, but His image was not manifested. Until one day, through the body of Jesus, He appeared, and His thirty-three and a half years on earth were the expression of the image of God’s Son. When we live under the governance of the Holy Spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to work, we can live out the model of Jesus. This is also the result of living under the law of the Spirit. I truly hope that we can all submit to every circumstance arranged by God’s sovereignty and live out the image of God’s Son. Let me share a real experience. At the Taipei meeting hall, during the regular morning prayers, if everyone opens his mouth and prays earnestly, I feel very joyful. But if one or two people are not earnest, dragging their feet and praying listlessly, I feel annoyed inside. I think, “If you have no burden, you might as well not come.” At that moment, I am already in the flesh. But if I turn my thoughts to the Holy Spirit and say, “Lord, thank You, it is because the brothers and sisters are weak that they come to kneel before You.” The more I think this way, the more I sympathize and pray for them—not necessarily out loud, but silently in my heart. This is because living in the law of the Spirit results in being filled with love for them and not condemning them. This is also an experience of living out the image of God’s Son. So whenever we live in the law of the Spirit, we can submit and say, “Lord, You have sent these brothers and sisters who do not pray. My flesh may be displeased and annoyed with them, but I still thank and praise You, because this is what You have measured out.” When we accept this, we live in the law of the Spirit, and as a result, not only do we not condemn them, but we love and sympathize with them. By accepting the governance of the Holy Spirit and the working of all things, when we submit, we live out the image of Jesus. Sufficient as Ministers of the New Covenant We h ave j ust r ead 2   C orinthians 3 :6,  w hich s ays,  " who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. "   T his m eans t hat i f w e r ely o n t he Holy Spirit ,  t hat i s,  the r esult o f l iving i n t he l aw o f the H oly S pirit,  w e c an be suffiecint as ministers of t he n ew c ovenant. " Ministers o f t he n ew covenant" h as a   profound m eaning.  I n a   d eep s ense,  t he ministers o f t he n ew covenant r efer t o t hose w ho h ave r eceived a   c ommission f rom G od t o a ccomplish G od's  w ill i n the N ew T estament e ra.  I n s imple e xperience,  a ll matters of serving t he L ord b y t he H oly S pirit a re ministers o f t he n ew c ovenant.  I f w e l ive i n t he l aw o f t he H oly S pirit,  t he r esult w ill b ecome a n o utlet f or t he H oly S pirit.  Wh oever i s  t h e o u tlet o f  t h e H o ly S p irit i s  t h e minister o f  t h e n e w covenant. The m ost i mportant f eature o f m inistry i n t he N ew T estament e ra i s t o b e t he o utlet o f t he H oly S pirit.  I   p reach o n s tage,  a nd i f t he H oly S pirit c omes o ut o f m y m outh,  I   am a d eacon o f t he n ew covenanct .  I f t he H oly S pirit c annot c ome o ut o f m y m outh w hen I   p reach,  t hat s ermon i s j ust w ords and d octrines,  b ut n ot a   ministry o f t he n ew c estament.  B rothers a nd s isters,  ministry a nd d octrine a re t wo d ifferent t hings,  a nd t here a re t oo m any p eople p reaching i n C hristianity t oday,  b ut t oo f ew ministers .  Pa ul w a s a   minister, P e ter w a s a  minister , J o hn w a s a  minister , a n d G o d's w o rkers s h ould b e  ministers. D ear b rothers a nd s isters,  s o i s the g athering o f a ll t he s aints.  W hen w e b reak b read,  you a re m oved b y t he H oly S pirit,  a nd y ou p ray o ut,  this i s f ulfilling t he p rinciple o f a ministeri n the n ew c ovenant.  O r y ou h ave a n e xperience b ehind y ou,  a nd y ou testify before b rothers and s isters through the moving of the Holy Spirit,  this i s also t he m inistry o f new covenant .  I f w e l ive i n t he l aw o f t he H oly S pirit,  we c an b e sufficient to become m inisters o f t he n ew c ovenant.  Ot herwise, w e  w i ll r e turn t o  t h e ministry in t h e O l d T e stament r i tuals. T he d ifference b etween t he N ew T estament a nd t he O ld T estament i s n ot i n the s cale,  f ormality,  a nd o utwaard performance .  The b iggest d ifference i s w hether i t i s a n o utlet f or t he H oly S pirit.  W hoever i s t he o utlet o f t he H oly S pirit i s in the s ervice o f t he N ew Testament ,  w hich i s t he s ervice u nder the p rinciple o f ministry of t he n ew covenant.  W hoever d oes n ot b e a n o utlet o f t he H oly S pirit i s in t he s ervice o f t he O ld T estament,  serving in l aws,  r ituals,  h eredity,  a nd t radition.  B rothers a nd s isters, there is a big d ifference.  To day, G od i s w atching from heaven m illions of C hristians serving H im o n e arth.  B ut those who serve u nder t he principle of ministry of new covenant are really f ew. May G od r aise u p e ach o f u s t o s erve w ith n ew ministry p rinciples a nd b e an o utlet f or t he H oly S pirit.  W hen w e p ray,  w e a re m oved b y t he H oly S pirit t o p ray;  W hen w e t estify,  w e a re m oved b y the H oly S pirit t o t estify.  W hen w e v isit t he s aints,  w e a re a lso m oved b y t he H oly S pirit.  W hatever t he H oly S pirit t ells m e t o s ay, I will say. A nd whatever the Holy Spirit tells me to d o,  I   w ill d o. In all aspects of l ife,  w ork,  and s ervice, we rely on t he H oly S pirit.  Fo r it is by the Holy Spirit that w e  c a n b e sufficient for t h e ministry o f  t h e n e w c o venant. T oday,  m any C hristian g roups p reach t he g ospel,  l ead p eople t o s alvation,  w orship,  s ing h ymns,  a nd l isten t o s ermons,  a lmost a ll o f w hich a re O ld T estament m inistries a nd a ctivities.  W e h ope t o r eceive G od' s m ercy a nd b ring p eople t o t he L ord,  r eturn t o G od's  w ord,  h elp t hem r eceive the H oly S pirit, to b e an o utlet o f t he H oly S pirit,  a nd r esume t he s ervice o f t he N ew T estament e ra.  T here i s a lways a   s ituation that a ffects m any g roups a nd C hristians to e mbark o n t he p ath o f minstry in t he N ew T estament.  I t i s s till a   d ivine m ission,  n ot a   m atter o f how many poeple,  b ut a   m atter o f the n ature.  W e m ust m aintain t he n ature o f t he N ew T estament. In   short,   we   must   live  well in   the   law   of   the   Holy   Spirit,   so   that  we will naturally   have   the   service   of   New   Testament ministry. Bearing the Fruit of the Holy Spirit T he l ast p oint i s t o b ear t he f ruit o f t he H oly S pirit.  G alatians chapter 5   s peaks o f o ur l usts,  o r f lesh, at war w ith the H oly S pirit.  W hen w e a re s aved,  t he H oly S pirit d wells i n u s.  B ut w e a lso h ave A dam's  f allen d isposition i nside,  s o t hese t wo f orces h ave l ong b een at war w ithin.  W hen w e o bey t he f lesh,  t he H oly S pirit i s t roubled a nd m akes u s lost our peace .  T he m ore carnally minded w e become ,  t he m ore p ainful i t w ill b e.  If  w e  l i ve i n  t h e l a w o f  t h e H o ly S p irit, t he Ho ly S p irit takes the position in us, a n d we e v entually b e ar t h e f r uit o f  t h e H o ly S p irit. G alatians 5 :22- 2 3 t ells u s, " The f ruit o f t he H oly S pirit i s l ove, j oy, p eace, p atience, k indness, g oodness, f aithfulness,  g entleness,  and s elf-control. "  These n ine t hings a re the v irtues o f C hrist,  t he c haracteristics o f G od's  l ife,  a nd the t estimony that t he L ord w ants o f b elievers.  Th ese v i rtues c a nnot b e  o b tained t h rough l e ssons, e f forts, o r  p r actice, b u t g row na turally. T herefore,  a fter G alatians c hapter 5   s peaks o f t he f lesh f ighting w ith t he H oly S pirit,  a nd a lso m entions t he n ine f ruits o f t he H oly S pirit,  chapter 6 : 8   s ays,  " Whoever s ows i n the f lesh w ill r eap c orruption f rom t he f lesh,  a nd w hoever s ows a ccording t o t he H oly S pirit w ill r eap l ife f rom the H oly S pirit."   As  l o ng a s  w e  a l ways o b ey t he Ho ly S p irit a n d l i ve i n  t h e l a w o f  t h e H o ly S p irit, w e  w i ll b e  a b le t o  r e ap l i fe a n d h a ve t h e f r uit o f  t h e H o ly S p irit. P salm 1 :2- 3   a lso s ay,  " Blessed i s the m an w ho l oves t he law o f t he L ord a nd t hinks a bout i t d ay a nd n ight.  H e w ill b e p lanted l ike a   t ree b y a s tream,  a nd i t w ill b ear f ruit i n i ts s eason."  I t m eans t o ponder o n the w ord o f t he L ord a nd l ive i n t he l aw o f t he H oly S pirit,  a nd t he r esult i s l ike a   t ree b y t he s tream. It bears f ruit in season because it's by the stream. Similarly, t he t ree of l ife b ears f ruit of the Holy Spirit i n t he f low o f t he H oly S pirit.  N o w onder the l ast c hapter of R evelation a lso s ays t hat t here i s a   t ree o f l ife t hat b ears f ruit e very m onth b y t he r iver  (R evelation 2 2 :1-2 ).  obviously, t h e f r uits o f  t h e H o ly S p irit can never be taught, l e arned, o r  made, b u t c o mpletely g r own out of li ving i n  t h e l a w o f  t h e H o ly S p irit. A lthough w e c annot f ully a rticulate the r esults o f l iving t he l aw o f t he H oly S pirit,  we h ave a lready l isted s o m any k ey p oints that are t ruly e nough f or u s t o b e e ncouraged  a nd d rawn t o a life in the l aw o f the H oly S pirit a nd to l ive out t he t estimony o f r evival. May the fire of revival burn among us through the messages of this conference until  the ends of  the earth! <-- Back Part 3 -->

Bible Reading: Romans 8:1-2 — "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:4-5 — "that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:13 — "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:15 — "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:26-29 — "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." John 6:63 — "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." Romans 7:6 — " But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter." After Spirit Baptism, One Must Live by the Law of the Spirit In this four-part series on the theme of “The Fire of Revival,” we’ve emphasized two key points. The first two nights focused on the first point: “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.”  Starting tonight, we turn to the second point: “The Law of the Spirit.”  The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a promise from God to every believer, and when received, it brings great revival. But how long can that revival last? Can one continue walking in the path of spiritual life? That depends entirely on whether the person who has received the Spirit baptism is living according to the law of the Spirit. Today, many churches have embraced the Pentecostal experience and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. After being filled with the Spirit, they gain power and actively use the gifts of the Spirit—healing the sick, casting out demons, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues, preaching, and more. They labor tirelessly from the beginning to the end of the year, praying fervently and working diligently. Their influence on the world and humanity is undeniably strong. Yet, in terms of spiritual maturity, many remain in a childish and carnal state, with shallow understanding of spiritual matters. They neglect deeper spiritual experiences—failing to root downward and bear fruit upward. From the perspective of spiritual growth, they are still infants. (1 Corinthians 3:1) This is a serious deficiency in spiritual life. Therefore, after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we must both maintain the revival atmosphere—bringing the gospel to a dark generation and igniting lukewarm churches with love for the Lord—and also deepen our spiritual roots through experiential learning. Otherwise, we risk becoming like Ephraim— a cake unturned. (Hosea 7:8 ) To fulfill both aspects, the law of the Spirit  is the key. Spirit baptism is not the end, but the beginning of the journey of spiritual revival. From there, we must obey and live by the law of the Spirit. For example: A car without gasoline cannot move; pushing it manually is exhausting. But once fueled, it no longer needs human effort and can carry many passengers. Likewise, a church without the power of the Holy Spirit must rely on human methods and strength to operate, which is burdensome and difficult. But if the church is filled with the Spirit, empowered by Him, then every meeting and ministry becomes light and effective. However, once the car is running, it must still obey traffic laws to drive safely and avoid accidents. Similarly, believers and churches that have received Spirit baptism must obey the law of the Spirit and live in it. Otherwise, they cannot progress on the path of life and may even provoke unnecessary resistance, hindering others from receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Path to Living by the Law of the Spirit Among all the chapters in the Bible, Romans chapter 8 speaks most clearly about the Law of the Spirit. This chapter gives detailed teaching on how to live according to the law of the Spirit. At the beginning of Romans 8, the Holy Spirit is given a striking title: “the law of the Spirit of life.”  Verse 2 says: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” This means that the Holy Spirit, called the Spirit of life, has a law that sets us free. We call this law "the law of the Spirit". In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is referred to by many names, such as: The Spirit of Christ  (1 Peter 1:11), The Spirit of truth  (John 14:17), The eternal Spirit  (Hebrews 9:14), The Spirit of glory  (1 Peter 4:14), T he Spirit of life  (Romans 8:2), etc... All these titles refer to the Holy Spirit. Tonight, we focus on the title “Spirit of life”, which connects the Holy Spirit with life itself—like a bridge linking the Spirit’s power with the path of life. We are not only to serve with the Spirit’s power and gifts, but also to grow in spiritual experience so that our lives reach maturity. This Spirit of life has a law—the law of the Spirit—which leads us onto the path of life. In summary, Romans chapter 8 begins by telling us that the Holy Spirit is called the "Spirit of life", and He has a law—"the law of the Spirit"—that guides us to walk the path of life and into a life of spiritual living. This life is marked by authority, power, glory, beauty, and victory, fully manifesting the virtues of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must both receive the baptism of the Spirit and live according to the law of the Spirit. Now, let us look into Romans chapter 8 to understand how to live by the law of the Spirit. Standing in the Position of Being "In Christ" The first essential step to living by the law of the Spirit is to stand firm in the position of being “in Christ.”  Romans 8:1–2 says: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” The phrase “in Christ Jesus”  appears twice in these verses, emphasizing that to live by the law of the Spirit, we must stand firmly in the position of being "in Christ Jesus" .  Only in Christ can the law of the Spirit make us free and operate freely without hindrance. How Do We Live “In Christ”? It’s not through our own striving or effort that we enter into Christ. Rather, when we receive the Lord Jesus, God places us in Christ. It is God who puts us there—not us climbing in by our own strength. In 1 Corinthians 1:30, Paul said, “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus…” In truth, God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. But in experience, we are placed in Christ when we believe in Him. This requires the Holy Spirit to open our eyes so we can see that we are already in Christ. John 15 describes the experience of being in Christ. Jesus said: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. When we are joined to Him—abiding in Christ—we bear much fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is not something we learn, struggle to produce, or manufacture. It flows naturally from abiding in Christ and receiving His fullness. This is what it means to stand in the position of being in Christ—it is a life of communion with the Lord. Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, once felt powerless in his ministry in China, serving became burdensome and difficult. But the Holy Spirit opened his eyes to see that Jesus is the vine, and he is a branch—not trying to become a branch. He realized that all that Christ has is already his. From that moment, he was released. Because he stood in Christ, the law of the Spirit set him free. Dear brothers and sisters, to live by the law of the Spirit, we must stand in the position of being in Christ. This life in Christ requires understanding that we are already in Christ—and maintaining that reality through daily prayer, Bible reading, and communion with the Lord. Many Spirit-baptized believers treasure the experience of Spirit baptism but neglect the importance of living by the law of the Spirit. As a result, they repeatedly fall into immature and carnal patterns. A sister, after being filled with the Spirit in a meeting, joyfully sang “Hallelujah” and praised God. After the meeting, she exclaimed how wonderful it was—she had never experienced such joy. She felt superior to those who hadn’t received Spirit baptism. She got carried away with her feeling of relief. But when she returned home and saw her children making a mess and fighting, she lost her temper and beat them. Soon after, she felt sorrowful and knelt before the Lord, weeping and confessing: “Lord Jesus, forgive me! I lost my temper again and hit my children. Have mercy on me! Deliver me from this corrupt flesh…” If someone opposed to Spirit baptism had witnessed this, they might say, “What’s the use of Spirit baptism? Even being filled with the Spirit doesn’t change much.” This shows that Spirit baptism is not graduation—it’s just the beginning. After baptism, we must stand in Christ. Only by abiding in Him can we live by the law of the Spirit and experience true freedom and victory. Thank the Lord, some sisters in recent years have not only received Spirit baptism but also live by the law of the Spirit. They maintain beautiful communion with the Lord—whether working at home or walking outside, they are constantly in fellowship with Him. After baptism, they became more spiritually sensitive, quickly dealing with even the smallest offenses against the Lord. As a result, their homes are filled with the Lord’s presence. This is the fruit of living by the law of the Spirit. If you already have communion with the Lord before receiving Spirit baptism, praise God! After baptism, that communion can grow deeper, and your union with Christ becomes stronger—enabling you to continue living by the law of the Spirit. One more experience of being "in Christ" to be mindful of, is to bow before the throne of Christ and submitting to His rule. Our natural flesh loves to be seen and assert opinions—especially in ministry, where we often want to take charge, using our hands and try to accomplish God's work. But remember: when man takes the lead, he steps out of Christ. We must wait, seek, and rely on the Lord in all things—letting Him reign, decide, and govern. Only then can we truly stand in Christ and live by the law of the Spirit. Following the Holy Spirit The second key to living by the law of the Spirit is to follow the Holy Spirit. Romans chapter 8 begins by introducing the law of the Spirit, and then explains how to live within it. Verse 4 says: “That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” This means that we, the redeemed, are those who do not follow the flesh but follow the Spirit. As mentioned earlier, standing in Christ means living in communion with the Lord—being drawn to Him, sensing His loveliness, His preciousness, His glory. This daily love, obedience, and longing for Him is the essence of communion. But on the other hand, since the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we must also follow the Spirit, listen to His voice daily, be attentive to His movements, and not to grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30), nor should we quench His prompting (1 Thessalonians 5:19 ). Instead, we must actively obey Him. The apostle John, in his mature years, also taught: “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” (1 John 2:27) This means we should obey the voice of the anointing—that is, the indwelling Holy Spirit. As we follow the Spirit’s teaching through His anointing, we abide more deeply in Christ and grow in union with Him. A sister who had received Spirit baptism went out during a typhoon to buy groceries. It was dusk, and the wind and rain were intensifying. She intended to take a taxi, but the Holy Spirit forbade her and prompted her to walk. As she walked, she saw a young man lying on the roadside, bleeding from his head—he had been hit by a taxi. She called out to some young passersby to help lift him and arranged for another taxi to take him to a nearby hospital. She offered to cover the medical expenses and asked someone to notify his family. The next day, the young man’s brother came to the hospital, grateful for her help and refusing to let her pay. She took the opportunity to share the gospel with them. Because she obeyed the Holy Spirit, she bore a beautiful witness of Jesus Christ. Dear brothers and sisters, after receiving Spirit baptism, our inner being becomes more open and sensitive to the Spirit’s voice. We must continually pay attention to His promptings, His warnings, and His voice. This is the teaching of the anointing. When He teaches us, we must follow immediately and obey consistently. The result of following the Spirit is that we naturally live by the law of the Spirit and unknowingly express the life of Jesus. One morning, a sister went to the market and saw someone selling rat poison. She remembered the rodent problem at home and decided to buy some. But the Holy Spirit strongly forbade her. She ignored the Spirit’s warning and bought it anyway. On her way home, the Spirit continued to convict her, making her feel uneasy and troubled. Yet she still refused to obey. When she arrived home, a government official came to inspect her property documents. She set down her grocery basket—along with the rat poison—and went upstairs to retrieve the papers. At that moment, her two children came home, saw the poison, mistook it for candy, and ate a large amount. Soon they cried out in pain. When she realized what had happened, her face turned pale, and she rushed them to the hospital. But it was too late. The children could not be saved. Everyone was heartbroken over the tragic loss. Because she did not follow the Holy Spirit and acted on her own judgment, she failed to live by the law of the Spirit. Her grief and regret were overwhelming, and the name of the Lord was dishonored, with her testimony severely damaged. Let us hope that in all things, big or small, we will follow the Holy Spirit—so that we may truly live by the law of the Spirit. Setting the Mind on the Holy Spirit The third principle is to set our minds on the Spirit .  Romans 8:5 says: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” This verse links living according to the Spirit with setting our minds on the Spirit. To live by the law of the Spirit, we must not only follow the Spirit—we must also set our minds on the things of the Spirit. Clearly, setting our minds on the Spirit is a vital part of spiritual life. To experiece this, we must first understand that when we were saved by grace, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within us. Therefore, we must constantly turn our thoughts inward—toward the Spirit. This is what it means to set our minds on the Spirit. In every aspect of life—our routines, actions, conduct—we must continually return to the inner life and think on the Spirit. The result is that we naturally live by the law of the Spirit and walk in victory. A brother, revived by the Lord, began to pursue Him fervently. Each morning, he would rise to spend quiet time with God. But one day, a tofu vendor stopped outside his house, ringing a bell and shouting loudly. Many neighbors came to buy tofu, and the noise disrupted his quiet time. Frustrated, he angrily rebuked the vendor for stopping at his door. Though he had a burning desire to love and seek the Lord, he failed in that moment. Later, the Lord led him to experience what it means to set his mind on the Spirit. After that, he was no longer disturbed by the vendor’s noise and could still draw near to the Lord and read His Word—demonstrating the victory of Christ. Another brother, who had walked with the Lord for many years, commuted daily by ferry. One evening, on his way home, a nearby ship dumped waste oil into the sea. A strong wind blew the oil onto his clothes. Normally, such an incident would provoke anger. But surprisingly, this brother remained calm and silent. His colleague beside him was outraged and wanted to confront the crew. Yet the brother just let it go. Why? Because he was setting his mind on the Spirit and living by the law of the Spirit. As a result, he bore a beautiful witness of Jesus Christ. Putting to Death the Deeds of the Body by the Holy Spirit Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”  This means we must continually live under the law of the Spirit and rely on the Spirit to put to death the deeds of the body. This is not achieved by human willpower or strength, but is the natural result of abiding in Christ Jesus, walking according to the Spirit, and setting our minds on the things of the Spirit. While we live on earth, we often encounter sinful deeds of the flesh, as described in Galatians 5:19–21: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like...” All these must be put to death by the Spirit. Do not think that receiving the baptism of the Spirit automatically makes one spiritual. Remember, if someone who has received the baptism of the Spirit does not live under the law of the Holy Spirit, they may instead live under the human spirit or the spirit of the world, manifesting many works of the flesh. Therefore, after receiving the Spirit, we must stand firm in Christ, continually follow the Spirit, and set our minds on the Spirit. In doing so, the Spirit—who brings the death of the cross—will put to death the fleshly behaviors in us, enabling us to live a spiritual life. Brothers and sisters, the Holy Spirit who dwells in us today is the Spirit sent by the Lord Jesus after His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. This Spirit dwells in us with the power of the cross to put to death. As long as we follow the Spirit, set our minds on Him, and give Him full authority, we will be able to put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit. At a recent gathering in Cebu, a brother who is in car business shared his testimony. He said that after receiving the baptism of the Spirit, he was filled with joy and often communed with the Lord. One time, a store clerk in his company made a mistake on an order form, causing the wrong goods to be shipped from Manila. This situation could have easily provoked him to anger and harsh rebuke over the employee. But instead, he went into his office to pray. As he prayed, he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and joy overflowed, dissolving all anger and judgmental thoughts. This is what it means to put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit. Praise the Lord! Prayer Romans chapter 8 continues the theme of how to live under the law of the Spirit. Verse 15 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” This means the Spirit we have received is the Spirit of sonship, and one of His functions is to move us to open our mouths in prayer, calling God our Father. Therefore, if we want to give the Holy Spirit more room within us and allow His functions to be more fully expressed, prayer is indispensable. The more we pray, the more the indwelling Spirit is released, and the more the law of the Spirit operates in us. For example, in a gathering, the more people pray, the more the Holy Spirit has an outlet. That meeting will feel fresh, free, and full of release—because the whole gathering has entered into the law of the Spirit. Yet man is fallen and often unwilling to pray. So God, out of necessity, raises up circumstances—allowing trials to come upon believers to drive them to draw near to the Lord and pray. Sadly, many people, even when faced with hardship, still do not understand the need to come before the Lord in prayer and look to Him for guidance. Instead, they struggle painfully, relying on their own strength. But once a person acts in their own strength, they are living in the flesh. Only when we fully surrender to the Lord, depend on Him, and pray to Him, can we live under the law of the Spirit. May the Lord be gracious to us, making us people of prayer, and may the church become a praying church. Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads us to pray in the spirit with tongues, expressing spiritual insights that cannot be conveyed through understanding alone. At times, we are filled with praise—praise that surpasses ordinary expressions. But there are also times when we are brought into the experience of Romans 8:26, where we feel a deep sorrow that cannot be grasped by the mind. Some brothers or sisters, when praying in tongues, enter into a sense of sorrow, causing those praying around them to be moved to tears. The tone of their prayer carries a sorrowful spirit, and one can deeply sense the groaning of the Holy Spirit. It is not loud shouting, but rather the groaning of the Spirit expressed through tongues. This kind of prayer in tongues also helps us live under the law of the Spirit. Submitting to the Full Governance of the Holy Spirit In principle, if a person fully obeys the Holy Spirit and gives Him full authority, they will naturally live under the law of the Spirit. However, the flesh and natural tendencies of man are often rebellious, stubborn, and self-centered. Therefore, the Holy Spirit works through all things to subdue us, using every circumstance to bring us into the law of the Spirit and conform us to the image of God's Son. This brings us to a crucial point: we must submit to the full governance of the Holy Spirit. Remember, the Holy Spirit not only dwells within us, but also orchestrates our surroundings to break our hardness and prune away selfishness, pride, self-confidence, self-righteousness, self-promotion, boasting, insistence, and personal preferences — leading us into the law of the Spirit. Brothers and sisters, the law of the Spirit described in Romans chapter 8 also calls us to submit to the Spirit’s full governance. Everything around us—people, events, circumstances—that we dislike, that frustrate us, that provoke anger or offense, we must fully surrender to the Lord. Whether in the home, society, or church, anything that touches our personal interests, soul-life preferences, or inclinations must be laid down before the Lord. In doing so, the Holy Spirit will clearly guide us to walk in the law of the Spirit and live out the image of God's Son. There was a sister who, after receiving the baptism of the Spirit in a certain fellowship, became fervent in spirit. She would attend meetings late into the night, often returning home past midnight. She could no longer prepare meals on time or attend to her children’s education. Her husband, who was not yet clear about salvation, became very displeased. The sister ignored his reasonable concerns, neglected her duties as a wife and mother, and even went so far as to blame her husband for not believing in the Lord. She loudly declared her intent to sell their old house and donate the proceeds to the church. This led to serious conflict between the couple, and the husband eventually brought the matter to our attention. This was a result of failing to submit to the full governance of the Holy Spirit, and it damaged her testimony. On the other hand, I’ve seen believers who, by submitting to the Spirit’s governance, lived out the glory of the Lord. A brother worked at a company with a meager salary that barely supported his family. His wife supplemented their income through sewing, but she was less spiritually mature and often expressed dissatisfaction, complaints, and criticism toward her husband. Yet he recognized that this was the environment the Lord had measured out for him, and he remained silent. He saw every hardship as part of the Spirit’s governance and submitted to the Lord’s will. Over the years, his spirit became tender. During the breaking of bread and prayer, his prayers flowed with anointing—free from condemnation, judgment, or hardness. Instead, they were full of gentleness, love, and the outpouring of life and spiritual supply. May we all learn to submit to the governance of the Holy Spirit and live out the glorious image of the Lord. Obeying the Living Word of God Beyond Romans chapter 8, we want to highlight two additional passages of Scripture that help us live under the law of the Spirit. The first is found in John 6:63, where the Lord Jesus Himself said: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” The Lord’s words are the Word of God—they are living (Hebrews 4:12). When His Word enters us, our spirit is strengthened and fully enlivened. To keep our spirit continually uplifted, vibrant, fresh, and walking in the law of the Spirit, we must obey the living Word of God. This is not about the dead letter of Scripture, nor human interpretations, but the Word revealed by the Holy Spirit through the Bible. Whether in early morning devotion, daytime reading, evening meditation, or during gatherings, when the Holy Spirit reveals the Word to us—sometimes by stirring our hearts with spiritual insight—that is the moment the living Word of God comes to us. And when it does, we must obey immediately. Whatever the Lord says, we follow. In doing so, our spirit remains lively and strong day by day, continually living under the law of the Spirit. Serving the Lord According to the Newness of the Spirit Another key passage is found in Romans 7:6, which says: “But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.” This means we are to serve the Lord according to the newness of the Spirit. To live under the law of the Spirit, this is an absolutely essential condition. Often in ministry, the Lord initiates a work, the Holy Spirit begins something good, and people quickly respond to co-labor with God. This is ideal. However, human tendencies inevitably mix in—people prefer to serve according to past traditions and habits. As a result, the work of the Spirit is pulled down to the level of the flesh and ministry is completed by human effort. The Holy Spirit then ceases to work, and we are no longer living under the law of the Spirit. Therefore, we must be especially careful in our service to the Lord—it must be according to the Spirit. Whether it’s visitation, preaching the gospel, leading people to Christ, or any activity in a gathering—prayer, fellowship, sharing messages—we must break free from tradition, habit, and old mindsets, and instead follow the fresh leading of the Spirit. For the Holy Spirit is like the wind—He does not conform to fixed patterns. For example, when helping someone receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it’s not simply a matter of laying hands and expecting the Spirit to fill them. If the Spirit moves us to lay hands on a certain brother, and we do so, he may indeed be filled with the Spirit. But if another sister requests the same, and we assume that laying hands will automatically result in her being filled—without sensing the Spirit’s leading—we are acting according to the oldness of the tradition, habit, and past experience. As a result, she may not be filled with the Spirit. May we all seriously serve the Lord according to the newness of the Spirit. In doing so, the work of the Holy Spirit will be sustained, and the church will continually be revived, manifesting freedom, victory, and glory. May the Lord be gracious to us, enabling us to live under the law of the Spirit and follow Him daily. <-- Back Next Chapter -->

Bible Reading: Luke 12:49 — “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! ” Acts 1:8 — “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 2:3 — “Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.” John 7:37-39 — “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” Acts 2:38 — “Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [a]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” Acts 5:32 — “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Isaiah 57:15 — “For thus says the High and Lofty One, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” John 3:34 — "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure." The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Brings Thorough Revival In Luke 12:49, the Lord Jesus Himself said: “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49) This fire was truly cast down at Pentecost. When the disciples gathered on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended like flames of fire. Thus, the fire of revival began to burn from Jerusalem, spreading throughout all Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. However, the challenge lies with man. After nearly two thousand years of history, the church has fallen from the heavenly realm back to the earthly. Due to the corruption of sin and the influence of the world, the church has changed in nature. Furthermore, human methods and organizational structures have replaced the position of the Holy Spirit, resulting in a desolate condition—an outward form without the actual power of the Spirit. Yet today, God is still calling a group of people to be vessels of the Holy Spirit to revive His church. Last night, we spoke of a crucial aspect of revival: the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Lord revives His church through the work of the Spirit. But the scope of the Spirit’s work is vast—He uses various means to bring revival to His church. For example, John 5:25 says: “Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.” (John 5:25) When God’s Word comes, revival happens—this is the work of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes the Spirit convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment, leading them to self-examination and renewal. Others are revived by the love of the Lord stirring their hearts. So in His work of revival, God uses many methods. But one essential and often neglected aspect—one that leads the church into the most fundamental and thorough revival—is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. When a person is baptized in the Spirit, their entire being is immersed—spirit, soul, and even body are revived. Not only is sin driven out, but even sickness may be healed. This is total revival—spirit, soul, and body—ushering the believer into a deep and transformative renewal, and setting them on the path of revival. This path of revival must be walked in the law of the Spirit. In doing so, our hearts burn with passion, we are empowered, we love the Lord, and our lives grow. Our gatherings become orderly, not chaotic, and we bear a glorious and full testimony of Christ. We will speak more about the law of the Spirit tomorrow night. Tonight, we continue to focus on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Believers Still Need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit After Pentecost Today, some people believe that since the disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the Gentiles in Cornelius’s household also received it, then both Jewish and Gentile churches were baptized in the Spirit at their inception. They argue that this baptism represents the body of Christ, and since we are saved into that body, there is no need for a separate baptism in the Spirit. However, this interpretation is completely inaccurate. If that were the case, then why—many years after Pentecost—does Acts chapter 8 record that the people in Samaria believed in Jesus and were baptized in water, yet Peter and John still had to come and lay hands on them so they could receive the Holy Spirit in a tangible way? (Acts 8:14–17) Furthermore, Acts chapter 19 tells us that when Paul was in Ephesus—more than twenty years after Pentecost—he asked the disciples, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (Acts 19:2). This meant: Has the Holy Spirit come upon you? Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? They replied, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” Paul realized they had believed incorrectly, so he preached the gospel to them again. They then believed in Jesus and were baptized. But even after baptism, the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon them. So Paul laid hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they were baptized in the Spirit (Acts 19:5–6). This shows that being born again and saved is one matter, and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is another. Clearly, those who are born again after Pentecost still need to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Last night, we also spoke about the tremendous blessings that come with receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit—it brings great benefit to individuals and to the church. Therefore, it is only natural that we hope each of you will receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. How to Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit So how can we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit? It is entirely the same as receiving salvation and being born again. It does not depend on studying methods—it simply requires a willing and simple acceptance. However, because there are many hindrances on our part, it’s helpful to highlight a few points that can assist us in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Desire To receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a person must have a deep desire from the heart. The Lord Jesus clearly said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). This refers to believers receiving the Holy Spirit. So before one can drink—that is, receive the Holy Spirit—there must first be thirst, which means desire. As long as you are someone who earnestly desires the baptism of the Spirit, the Lord will surely grant it to you in His time. A young sister once testified that she had longed for the baptism of the Holy Spirit for two years. When she came to Baguio, the Lord indeed gave it to her. She was filled with joy and peace, and confidently testified that she would now be able to overcome many pressures and difficulties. Praise the Lord! Brothers and sisters, if you and I have hearts that truly desire, the Lord will surely let us experience it. Isaiah 44:3 says, “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty.” This also shows that if we thirst, the Lord takes responsibility to pour out His Spirit upon us. May the Lord stir up within us a heart that longs for Him. Simple Faith The Lord Jesus first said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). If you’re not thirsty, how can you drink? If a cup of water is placed before me and I’m not thirsty, I’ll simply ignore it. Likewise, when the Holy Spirit comes to offer Himself to you, if you don’t want Him, you won’t receive Him. So first comes thirst—desire—and then comes drinking. How do we drink? Jesus continues, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). So drinking means believing. With simple faith, we can receive. As soon as you and I believe, the Spirit is given to us. The expression of faith is praise; when we praise, the Holy Spirit fills us. It’s that simple—no need to study further. When we preach the gospel, we often encounter people who say, “Let me study it first.” We respond, “You don’t need to study.” They might say, “I’ve only heard it once, I need to hear it for another year or two.” But in reality, even after years of studying, they still don’t understand and continue to study. After years of research, they still haven’t received salvation. Believing in Jesus isn’t about research—it’s about faith. Likewise, receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit isn’t about study. Believe, and you will receive. Believe, and you will be filled with the Holy Spirit. It’s that simple. When Jesus ascended to heaven, He poured out the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33). All we need is simple faith to receive. Galatians 3:14 says, “That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” . There was a sister who longed for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. During a Spirit-filled gathering, she praised the Lord in faith. When she cried out “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord,” the Holy Spirit was poured out abundantly upon her. She received the baptism of the Spirit and began to speak in tongues. Repentance, Confession, and Emptying Oneself When Peter stood up to testify on the day of Pentecost, those who heard the message were deeply convicted. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “ Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). This shows that once a person repents and confesses their sins, they are to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The “gift of the Holy Spirit” here refers to the Spirit being poured out. New believers, in particular, often receive the Holy Spirit easily after repentance. Over the years, when we’ve preached the gospel and baptized new believers, we’ve helped them receive the baptism of the Spirit. As they repented and prayed, they were quickly filled with the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, older believers—those saved for seven, eight, or even ten-plus years—often find it harder to be filled. That’s because after believing in Jesus, many let the world and sin creep back in. Unless they repent, confess, empty themselves, and fully turn to God, the Holy Spirit will not come in. Moreover, many seasoned Christians are blocked by inaccurate teachings, doctrines, and traditions, which prevent the Spirit from filling them. Therefore, we must empty ourselves of old mindsets, doctrines, teachings, and traditions, and turn wholeheartedly to the Lord. When we do, we are quickly filled with the Holy Spirit. One brother had attended a certain church for over ten years. He longed to be filled with the Holy Spirit and sought it everywhere, but never received it. Then he heard my testimony: that one must lay aside old ideas, past traditions, even teachings they thought were most correct, and fully empty themselves before the Lord. He began to pray in that way, and indeed, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. It was truly miraculous—not something learned, but simply believing and repenting according to the Lord’s word, and receiving the promised Spirit. Another sister had been spiritually cold and distant from the Lord for many years. But she encountered the Lord in a gathering. She confessed her sins and repented, asking the Lord to forgive her shortcomings. It was the Lord's Table, during worship and praise—as she repented and emptied herself from the heart, she was powerfully filled with the Holy Spirit while praying and began to speak in tongues. Her prayer was orderly, pleasant to hear, edifying, and deeply moving to everyone present. Consecration When we are willing to fully consecrate ourselves to the Lord, it becomes much easier to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament typology, the fire from heaven would often fall upon the altar of burnt offering. The altar represents the cross, and the initial experience is consecration. When you offer yourself to the Lord—holding nothing back—and pray with an open heart before Him, the Holy Spirit fills you. There are countless examples of this. Humility Isaiah 57:15 says, “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit’” . The Lord desires to dwell with the humble, so those who are humble are truly blessed. Both the apostles James and Peter also said, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Where there is humility, there the Holy Spirit can be poured out. Yet how foolish we often are—not only lacking humility, but being proud and self-exalting, always thinking we are right, the best, and spiritually superior to others. Such pride and arrogance often become major obstacles to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Only when we humbly bow before the Lord does His throne become present; and once His throne is established, rivers of living water—life from the Holy Spirit—begin to flow. Over the years, we’ve often witnessed powerful movements of the Holy Spirit in our gatherings. There would be prayer, singing, testimonies, fellowship, and messages. The hungry would come and leave satisfied. But sometimes, even in the midst of these gatherings, the Spirit seemed to stop moving. Though there were prayers, testimonies, and messages, there was no flow of living water. A few of us who were serving would kneel before the Lord and seek His light. We discovered that it was often due to our own pride—thinking we were capable, knowledgeable, or sufficient. Once we repented, confessed, asked for forgiveness, bowed down, and humbled ourselves, the flow of the Spirit returned in the next gathering. The Holy Spirit’s stream only flows downward—it cannot climb upward. Water flows into valleys, not mountaintops. Humility is truly a vital key to being filled with the Holy Spirit. Another essential factor in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is obedience. When Peter testified before the council, Scripture says, “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Here, the Holy Spirit is described as “given to those who obey.” This means the Spirit is granted to the obedient. Where there is obedience, there is the fullness of the Spirit. Even the smallest resistance between us and the Lord—any unwillingness to obey—will cause the Spirit’s outpouring to stop immediately, because He gives to those who obey. Therefore, before the Lord, we must walk in daily obedience, so that the Holy Spirit may continually fill us. Pray in One Accord To be baptized in the Holy Spirit, it is often easier to receive during gatherings than individually. However, it must be through prayer in one accord. Acts chapter 2 records that on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled the gathered disciples. This was the result of what was described in the previous chapter, where 120 disciples and women prayed together with one heart and mind for ten days (Acts 1:14). Later, when the disciples faced persecution, they again prayed earnestly, and once more, they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). Conversely, where there is conflict and lack of unity, the Holy Spirit withdraws. Therefore, the church must maintain a Spirit-filled life through prayer in one accord. Laying on of Hands The book of Acts records several instances where the disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands. Peter and John helped the believers in Samaria receive the Holy Spirit by laying hands on them. (Acts 8:17) Paul himself was filled with the Holy Spirit through Ananias’ laying on of hands. (Acts 9:17) Likewise, the disciples in Ephesus received the baptism of the Holy Spirit through Paul’s hands. (Acts 19:6) Therefore, the laying on of hands can help us receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Of course, this must be done under divine guidance. For example, during a recent gathering in Baguio, a sister testified that although we had not instructed her to do so, she laid hands on other sisters, and they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord! The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Is for Every Believer The baptism of the Holy Spirit brings abundant blessings to the church and is a simple and practical experience for individuals. So who is this baptism meant for? It is intended for everyone. Just as the redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ through His crucifixion was for all humanity, likewise, His ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit were also meant for all people to receive. On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood and testified to the crowd, saying: “It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…” (Acts 2:17) This means that anyone with flesh and blood can receive the Holy Spirit. He also declared that the Holy Spirit will pour out upon God's menservants and maidservants. (Acts 2:18) At the end of his message, Peter emphasized: “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39) This shows that the Holy Spirit is not only poured out on the Jews but also on those afar off whom God calls — the Gentiles. Therefore, the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all Christians. Three Responses to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Although the baptism of the Holy Spirit is meant for all Christians, many people are unwilling to humbly and simply receive it. As a result, there are different responses to the Spirit’s outpouring. From the experience of Pentecost, we can observe three distinct reactions: Amazed and Perplexed The first response is amazed and perplexed. Acts 2:12 says: “So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘Whatever could this mean?’” (Acts 2:12) When the Holy Spirit fills the church, those who haven’t received it may react with surprise, wondering, “What is going on?” They may doubt this or that, and some may even be frightened by the unusual manifestations—crying, laughing, trembling, shouting—and avoid future gatherings. Others may gossip or speak words of irreverence. Since such amazement and doubt occurred at Pentecost, it’s understandable that early experiences of Spirit baptism may include extraordinary expressions. But this is a normal part of the process. Therefore, we should allow those newly baptized in the Spirit to express themselves freely, without imposing restrictions. As they mature, their expressions will become more orderly and composed. This is evident in the apostles’ experiences. In Acts 4, the disciples were filled again with the Holy Spirit; later, Stephen (Acts 6), Philip, and Peter continued to be filled. By then, observers no longer responded with amazement or doubt, because the manifestations had become more mature and orderly. Mockery The second response is mockery. Acts 2:13 records: “Others mocking said, ‘They are full of new wine.’” (Acts 2:13) This is a more negative reaction. It shows contempt for God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit. The mockers compared the disciples’ Spirit-filled behavior to drunkenness, implying that their expressions were unusual. Just as someone drunk with wine might speak nonsense, sing or collapse, Spirit baptism may also appear chaotic at first. But may we be people who fear the Lord, refraining from doubt, mockery, slander, judgment, or criticism. Jesus warned: “Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32) Let those who have ears to hear, listen. Receiving The third response is receiving—which is the only proper response to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, despite some reacting with doubt or mockery, many received the message Peter preached and were baptized in the Spirit. Acts 2:41 says: “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:41) May we all be among those who receive, so that the fire of Pentecostal revival may burn brightly among us! Not a Charismatic Movement, But Receiving a Fullness of Blessing Finally, we would like to offer a word of reminder. After receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit by God’s grace, we must never become proud or arrogant, thinking ourselves superior to others. Instead, we should respond with reverent fear, humility, and a firm stance in gratitude for God's mercy. We believe in all the blessings promised throughout both the Old and New Testaments, and we stand together with all of God’s children as witnesses to His fullness. We should not deliberately try to appear different from others. Though we are baptized, we are not Baptists; though we pursue holiness, we are not part of the Holiness Church; though we are justified by faith, we are not Lutherans; though we have elders overseeing the church, we are not Presbyterians. Likewise, the Bible says we should receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit—so we have received it. But we are not a Charismatic or Pentecostal denomination. Our attitude is simply this: whatever blessings the Bible promises, we are willing to receive them all. We are part of God’s church, desiring to embrace every blessing promised in Scripture. May the Lord be gracious to us, and may the baptism of the Holy Spirit—so often neglected by God’s people—be restored in these days, bringing forth even greater revival! <--- Back Next Chapter -->

Bibile Reading: Matthew 3:11 — "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Act 1:5,8 — "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now....But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 8:14-17 — "Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 9:3, 4, 17 — "As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'... And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'” Acts 19:1-7 — "And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples, he said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' So they said to him, 'We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.' And he said to them, 'Into what then were you baptized?' So they said, 'Into John’s baptism.' Then Paul said, 'John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.' When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all." 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 — "Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea," Zeal for Your House Consumes Me When the Lord Jesus was twelve years old, He said, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). Though simple, this statement reveals the heart of heaven—that we, as children of God, should care deeply about the Church of the living God. If the Church is not revived, if the spiritual lives of brothers and sisters are stagnant, if God's work is not advancing, and yet you and I can go on eating, drinking, and living peacefully as if nothing is wrong, then our spiritual condition is seriously flawed! If our spiritual condition were normal, then upon seeing the Church in decline, our hearts would be troubled, filled with remorse, self-reproach, and a deep sense of guilt toward both people and the Lord. Brothers and sisters, if we have received mercy, we will have the heart of Jesus Christ. When the Lord was on earth, He saw the temple in desolation—people selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and exchanging money inside. He drove out all those who were buying and selling, overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Matthew 21:13). This fulfilled what was written in Psalm 69:9: “Because zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” Truly, the Lord Jesus was passionately devoted to God’s house throughout His life. Likewise, if our hearts do not burn with anguish when the Church is in ruin, we have already fallen! Let me ask: Can we remain unmoved by the great grace of the Lord Jesus, who saved us from sin and death, and by His immense love in shedding His blood and giving His life for us? When we are personally cold, our families lose their testimony, and the Church is desolate—can we still live as if nothing is wrong? Can we sit, drink, and play, ignoring the matters of the Church? No, no! We must rise up! Our hearts should be like the Lord Jesus—“zeal for Your house has eaten Me up”—until we see the Church revived, family testimonies restored, and individuals greatly blessed. Only then will we find true rest in the Lord, boldness before the Father, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Brings the Fire of Revival Since we ought to care about the revival of the Church, can we rely solely on fervent zeal, coupled with an indomitable and fearless spirit? Should we strive and labor for the work of revival, even to the point of sacrifice? No—revival is absolutely not something that human effort can accomplish. There is no one who can single-handedly revive the Church, and there is no method that can restore it. Only the mighty work of God, the outstretched arm of the Lord, and the limitless power of the Holy Spirit can bring true revival to the Church. Church history clearly shows us that every genuine revival has always been the result of the Holy Spirit’s work. Given this, does it mean we bear no responsibility? Certainly not. The fire of revival from heaven is meant to be given to us (to come upon us). God desires to use us so that, through us, the Church may be revived. That’s why, during this gathering on Mount Baguio, we’ve been speaking about the seven instances of fire in the Bible and how each brought revival to God’s people. Especially the final one—the fire of Pentecost—is the most concrete and evident. In the upcoming meetings, if the Lord wills, we will continue to speak on the fire of Pentecost. Acts chapter 1 records that when the disciples asked Jesus about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, He pointed them to a more important matter—the revival of His witness. He replied: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8). From this verse, we clearly see: the source of revival is from heaven, and the means of revival is the Holy Spirit. Apart from the Holy Spirit, there is no other way for the Church to be revived. In other words, the descent of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of revival in the Church. Therefore, the key to revival lies in the Holy Spirit coming upon us. When the Holy Spirit is poured out and we are baptized in the Spirit, we are immediately revived by the Lord. So as we speak again of the fire of revival, we must first speak of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, this topic has stirred much controversy and debate over the years—even leading to mutual attacks. Therefore, before we delve into the main subject, a word of caution is necessary. Let Go of Prejudices and Subjectivity; Set Aside Traditional Teachings and Old Mindsets Whenever the topic of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is touched upon, it often stirs up much controversy. The main reason is a lack of personal experience, coupled with having received too many inaccurate teachings and doctrines in the past. As a result, people hold deep-rooted prejudices and subjective views toward the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Living under the influence of outdated traditions and concepts becomes a major hindrance to receiving the baptism of the Spirit. For example, when we invite a non-believer to hear the gospel, not only do they resist, but they may also claim that their religious founder was born earlier than Jesus. They might believe their scriptures are more profound and not as simple as the Bible. This is because they already possess preconceived notions rooted in old religious traditions, which prevent the light of the gospel from penetrating their hearts—becoming a major obstacle to their salvation. In the same way, many people hold onto old ideas, doctrines, teachings, and inherited traditions regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These preconceived notions cloud their minds and thoughts, preventing the Word of God from entering clearly and justly to become their personal experience. Therefore, before we listen to this message, we must first ask God to show us mercy—to open the eyes of our hearts, to help us lay down our prejudices and subjectivity, and to set aside traditional teachings and concepts. We must return simply to the Word of God, adopting a posture of humility and grace. Whatever is found in the Bible, we must fully accept; whatever is not found in Scripture, we must resolutely reject. This is the basic attitude we ought to have. Now, let us return to the main topic: the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a Life Experience after Rebirth Today, many Christians, having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with a measure of faith, become content and assume they are already spiritual. Some even unknowingly grow proud, thinking they’ve reached a high level. But in reality, receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is merely the starting point on the path of revival—there is still a deeper journey of life ahead. On the other hand, there’s another group of Christians who hold the opposite view. They believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit has little to do with spiritual growth. Some even go so far as to say that it not only lacks relevance to life experience but may actually hinder it. This, of course, is another form of misunderstanding. In truth, if we humbly return to God’s Word and seek the Lord’s illumination, we will see that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a vital life experience that follows rebirth. Of course, there are believers like those in Cornelius’s household who experienced rebirth and the baptism of the Holy Spirit simultaneously. The Testimony of John the Baptist When John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord, came forth, he bore three distinct testimonies about Jesus. First, he said: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”  (John 1:29). This was a testimony that Jesus is our Savior, bearing our sins. Next, he testified: “I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”  (John 1:33–34). John not only testified that Jesus is the Savior—the Lamb of God—but also that He is the Son of God. Then he gave a third testimony: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  (Matthew 3:11). Therefore, from our own spiritual experience, we not only believe that Jesus is the Lamb of God who bore our sins on the cross; we also believe, by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, that He is the Son of God. But we must likewise accept John’s third testimony: that Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and fire. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He was crucified as the Lamb of God to bring about our regeneration. His resurrection and ascension resulted in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, so that we might receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit—this is a post-rebirth experience. Therefore, we must not only accept the first and second testimonies that John gave about the Lord; we must also accept the third. In other words, all three of John’s testimonies about Jesus are meant to be received. The Lord Jesus Promised the Baptism of the Holy Spirit to Born-Again Disciples After the Lord Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, He spent forty days speaking to His disciples about the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. During that time, He also breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  (John 20:22). From this, we understand that the disciples had already been born again and saved. This is why, later in life, Peter wrote in his epistle: “...has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  (1 Peter 1:3). Although the disciples had already been born again and received the Holy Spirit before Jesus’ ascension, He still told them: “but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  (Acts 1:5). And indeed, after the Lord Jesus ascended, the disciples gathered in Jerusalem and prayed for ten days. Then the Holy Spirit was poured out and filled the 120 who were present—they were all baptized with the Holy Spirit. This clearly shows that the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as promised by the Lord Jesus, is meant to be experienced by those who have already been born again. The Lord’s Disciples Received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit After Being Born Again Not only was the Lord Jesus’ promise fulfilled, but the disciples’ experience confirmed it as well. After being born again and saved, they witnessed Jesus’ ascension and His exaltation by God as the Christ. Then they returned to Jerusalem and prayed for ten days. On the Day of Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and experienced the baptism of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul had a similar experience. When he encountered the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, he fell to the ground and spent three days without eating or drinking, in sorrow and repentance. It was clear that he had been saved and born again. That’s why he later wrote in Galatians 1:`15-16, “ But when it pleased God ... to reveal His Son in me.”  When did Paul receive this revelation of the Son of God? It was on the road to Damascus, when Jesus appeared to him. At that moment, he received the vision of the ascended Christ—a vision he never disobeyed for the rest of his life. But Scripture doesn’t stop there. After Paul received the revelation of the Son of God and was born again, the Lord sent Ananias to lay hands on him so that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul was not only saved and born again—he also needed to receive the baptism (filling) of the Holy Spirit. This is clearly recorded in Scripture. Even though Paul had already encountered the Lord on the road to Damascus, had been born again, received a divine vision, had a clear spiritual goal, and had received a specific commission from the Lord—laying a solid spiritual foundation—the Lord still sent Ananias to lay hands on him so that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit and receive the baptism of the Spirit. The Apostles Helped Born-Again Disciples Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Let us now consider the work of Peter, John, and the other apostles. They not only led people to be born again and saved, but they also guided them further to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This truth is illustrated through several examples in the book of Acts, which records the history of the Church—its birth, development, expansion, and how the testimony of the Lord spread and grew from the very beginning. First, we see Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost. He not only preached about Jesus but also spoke of the Holy Spirit. He said: “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.”  (Acts 2:32–33). He then continued: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”   (Acts 2:38). That day, those who received his word were saved, baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. About three thousand souls were added to the Church. His message reached its climax with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—the baptism of the Spirit. Later, when persecution came upon the church in Jerusalem, the disciples were scattered and preached the gospel in various places. Philip went down to Samaria and preached Christ, and signs and wonders followed him. Because of the casting out of demons and healing of the sick, the whole city rejoiced greatly. The people believed the gospel and were born again; both men and women were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:1–8). When this news reached Jerusalem, the apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria to help these believers who had already been born again and baptized. The two apostles laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Brothers and sisters, the believers in Samaria were born again, baptized in water, and had signs and wonders following them—healings and deliverance from demons. Yet they still lacked one thing: they had not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. So Peter and John came and laid hands on them, and they received the Spirit. This is recorded in Scripture and clearly shows that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a post-rebirth experience. Let us also look at Paul. He himself was filled with the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by Ananias. Years later, while fulfilling his ministry, Paul was sent by the Lord to Ephesus, where he met some disciples. His first question to them was: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”   They replied: “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”  (Acts 19:2). It was then discovered that they had received John’s baptism. Paul preached the gospel to them, and they believed in Jesus. He then baptized them, but the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon them. So Paul laid hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them; they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all (Acts 19:5–6). Thus, the disciples in Ephesus were not only born again and baptized, but they also received the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a further step. This event occurred more than twenty years after Pentecost. Therefore, it is clear that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a life experience that follows rebirth. A person who is born again and transformed must still go further to receive the baptism of the Spirit. This is the biblical order and the normal leading of the Holy Spirit. The Israelites Were Baptized in the Cloud 1 Corinthians chapter 10 records the story of the Israelites coming out of Egypt and crossing the Red Sea. First, they observed the Passover, then crossed the Red Sea, journeyed through the wilderness, and finally entered the land of Canaan. This sequence serves as a spiritual typology of the Christian journey. The Passover represents receiving Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and be born again. Crossing the Red Sea represents water baptism. The wilderness journey represents the experience of the cross. Entering Canaan represents attaining the fullness of Christ. Among these typologies, there is one point often overlooked: when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Scripture says, “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.”   (1 Corinthians 10:1–2). Moses is a type of Christ. The Israelites were baptized through the sea and the cloud—into Christ. Today, most churches accept the typology of passing through the sea as representing water baptism, but they often neglect the typology of passing under the cloud, which represents the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In Scripture, the cloud symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the pillar of cloud also represents the Spirit. (The pillar of fire symbolizes the Word of God.) The Israelites left Egypt by passing through the sea—symbolizing our water baptism—and also passed under the cloud—symbolizing the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Afterward, they journeyed through the wilderness, which typifies the path of the cross. The Order of the New Testament Looking at the arrangement of the New Testament, it begins with the four Gospels, followed by the Acts of the Apostles, then the Epistles, and finally the Book of Revelation. This sequence also serves as a spiritual typology of the believer’s journey. The four Gospels reveal Jesus Christ to us, leading us to experience regeneration and salvation. The Book of Acts reveals the work of the Holy Spirit, bringing forth the testimony of Christ, the birth and development of the Church, and leading us into the fullness of the Spirit—beginning with the baptism of the Spirit, followed by obedience to the Spirit, and continuing with various experiences of the Spirit. Next come the Epistles, which guide us into experiencing Christ as life, and through the cross, allow Christ to be formed within us. Finally, the Book of Revelation represents the attainment of full spiritual maturity — the complete manifestation of Christ’s fullness and testimony. Thus, the order of the New Testament clearly shows us that the baptism and work of the Holy Spirit are life experiences that follow rebirth. Different Terms for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit In the Word of God, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is referred to by several different terms, all describing the same spiritual reality. From an experiential perspective, when we first encounter the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and are filled with Him, Scripture refers to it as “baptized with the Holy Spirit”  (Acts 1:5), or “baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire”  (Matthew 3:11), or “endued with power from on high”  (Luke 24:49), or “the Promise of the Father”  (Acts 1:4), or “the Holy Spirit has come upon you”  (Acts 1:8), or “pouring out of the Spirit”  (Acts 2:17, 33), or “filled with the Holy Spirit”  (Acts 2:4). These are all different expressions describing the same event. However, after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, when similar experiences continue to occur, Scripture no longer uses the term “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” Just as we are baptized in water only once—not daily—the baptism of the Spirit is also a one-time event. When the Holy Spirit comes upon a person again, Scripture often refers to it as being “filled with the Holy Spirit”  (Acts 4:8, 31). Throughout the book of Acts, we see multiple references to both the baptism and the filling of the Holy Spirit, underscoring His vital role in the life and ministry of the Church. The Blessings Brought by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit We already understand that God not only desires His people to be born again, but also to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so that they may partake of greater spiritual blessings. Therefore, we would like to briefly mention a few of the blessings that the baptism of the Holy Spirit brings to the saints. Receiving Power to Witness for the Lord When a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they are empowered, revived, and become a witness for the Lord. Acts 1:8 says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  This is revival. If a Christian never reads the Bible, doesn’t pray, dislikes fellowship, and is spiritually weak and lifeless, how can they be a witness for the Lord? But when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, they receive power, become a witness, and are revived. How wonderful! Once, I spoke with a brother about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He said that today’s Christians often become chaotic when they receive the Spirit—they can’t remain quiet or orderly—so he wasn’t very supportive of it. I replied: When Christians are baptized in the Spirit, they experience joy and release in their spirit, and their voices naturally become louder. Yes, it may seem chaotic at first, but it’s only a temporary expression. Soon it settles down, and there’s nothing to worry about. Even if we take a step back and admit there’s a bit of disorder, it’s still better than being spiritually dead. Ask yourself: is it better to be cold, lifeless, and dull—or to be lively, fervent, and perhaps a little messy? And the so-called disorder is only temporary. With a little patience, it passes. Is it better to have lifeless meetings all year long, where no friends come to gospel meetings, believers are backsliding, self-centered, and indifferent to souls, and even the ministry feels burdensome, joyless, and reluctant? Or is it better to be filled with the Holy Spirit, burning with passion, joyfully and willingly serving, leaping forward to serve with gladness—even if the order isn’t perfect, the spirit is vibrant and far better than dull routine! Moreover, when we walk in the law of the Spirit, there will be order and the rich presence of the Lord. Isn’t that the best of both worlds? The brother agreed with me after hearing this. Not long ago, I read a report in a Christian publication about the revival in Brazil. We know that around the world, some of the Lord’s servants are being greatly used. During evangelistic meetings, many people express a desire to receive salvation. On the surface, it looks like revival. But after the meetings, those who wanted to believe are scattered among various churches, and within a year or two—where are they? Most have returned to loving the world, and they’re nowhere to be found. Today, it’s not about how many hear the gospel, but how many truly love the Lord and walk in His way. In contrast, the report from Brazil deeply moved me. Over the past thirty years, more than one million people have been saved. And these weren’t people who believed and then disappeared—they continued attending meetings, pursuing the Lord, and leading others to salvation. They didn’t invite famous evangelists. So how did so many come to Christ? It was one person leading another. I came alive, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and led you to salvation. You were filled with the Spirit and led someone else. As a result, their gatherings—according to the report—have meeting halls that hold at least 4,000 people, and some up to 20,000, requiring multiple sessions. On Sundays and Wednesdays, police are dispatched to manage traffic due to the overwhelming number of people and vehicles. These are people walking in the way of the Spirit, experiencing revival through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and full of power to be witnesses for the Lord. Maintaining a Life Full of the Holy Spirit After receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it becomes easier to continue being filled with the Spirit and to maintain a life full of the Holy Spirit. In the Pentecostal church, thousands believed in Jesus, shared all things in common, and faced many practical responsibilities. So they appointed seven deacons to oversee the distribution of food. Scripture tells us that those chosen to serve as deacons were “men full of the Holy Spirit”  (Acts 6:3). Not apostles, but those managing meals and handling affairs had to be full of the Spirit—this reflects a church that meets God’s standard. The Church is not a social organization; it must be entirely spiritual, governed from heaven and led by the heavenly Christ. How does Christ, the Head, govern the Church? Through the Holy Spirit. Without receiving the baptism of the Spirit and maintaining a Spirit-filled life, one cannot easily discern the Spirit’s guidance or understand the will of the Head. That’s why even those serving food had to be full of the Holy Spirit. While managing meals, Stephen was full of the Spirit, and he remained so even to the point of martyrdom. To become a person full of the Holy Spirit, one must first receive the baptism of the Spirit. Once the inner person is opened, it becomes possible to maintain a Spirit-filled life. It’s like digging a well—once the spring is found, water begins to flow upward. Though stones, mud, or debris may later fall in and temporarily block the flow, once those obstructions are cleared, the water springs up again. Likewise, someone baptized in the Spirit may occasionally be hindered by sin or worldly distractions. But when they return to the Lord in repentance, the blood of Jesus cleanses them, and they immediately return to a Spirit-filled life. Brothers and sisters, a person full of the Holy Spirit not only fulfills their ministry, but in these last days, they can confidently and fearlessly welcome the return of Christ—like the five wise virgins in Matthew 25. In terms of enjoying complete salvation, a Spirit-filled person is not only filled in spirit, but their soul and body are also possessed by the Holy Spirit. All sin, sickness, and corruption in spirit, soul, and body are removed, and the whole person becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Living Out the Reality of the Body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:13 says: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”   This clearly states that we are baptized by one Spirit into one body and have all drunk of one Spirit. When we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit immerses us into Himself and joins us into the body of Christ, enabling us to live out the reality of the body. To drink of one Spirit means the Holy Spirit dwells within us. The result of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is that we become one body, and thus the reality of Christ’s body is expressed. Through the baptism of the Spirit, we are made one body—no longer divided by “you” and “me,” but loving one another and living in unity before the Lord as a testimony of the body. Brothers and sisters, after receiving the baptism of the Spirit, when we love one another, the bond we experience is not something human hands can produce. It is the reality of the body of Christ, where the richness of Christ is experienced within His body. The Growth of Faith After a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit, something remarkable happens—their faith begins to grow, and it increases significantly. The book of Acts connects great faith with being filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 6:5 says, “Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.”   Acts 11:24 says , “Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”  Wherever the Holy Spirit fills, great faith follows. I am naturally a person prone to doubt and lacking in faith. When I see someone behaving a certain way, I start imagining things; when I see someone else, I begin to suspect something else. Because of this constant guessing and doubting, I often sleep poorly. If I get sick, I rush to the doctor; if my child gets sick, I hurry to find medical help. But over the past six or seven years, as I’ve frequently been filled with the Holy Spirit, faith has come to me in a mysterious way. Not only do I no longer rush to the doctor for myself, but when I see brothers and sisters fall ill, I help them pray—and even lay hands on them in the name of the Lord, praying for healing. It’s not that seeking medical help is wrong, but rather that faith in the Lord has come, and my dependence on Him has grown greatly. Brothers and sisters, this kind of faith is hard to have before receiving the baptism of the Spirit, but it becomes much easier afterward. Being filled with the Holy Spirit results in a great increase in faith. Bringing in the Authority of the Holy Spirit We must highlight an even more important point: after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it becomes easier to maintain spiritual authority—that is, to bring in the authority of the Holy Spirit. The most precious reality in the Church today is Christ as the Head and the Holy Spirit in authority. This is the normal condition of a revived Church. Wherever Christ loses His place as Head and the Holy Spirit loses His authority, the result is inevitable desolation. Only when Christ is truly Lord and Head—sending the Holy Spirit to govern the Church—will the Church be filled with spiritual authority. That is the Church that is revived, strong, and victorious. But for the authority of the Holy Spirit to be established, He must use the baptism of the Spirit to break through all the blockages in the Church. Our flesh is full of personal opinions, methods, ideas, cleverness, pride, arrogance, narrowness, and self-centeredness. We are full of hindrances—how can Christ be Lord in such a condition? On the other hand, wherever the Holy Spirit has His rightful place, that is where Christ reigns. And wherever Christ reigns, His measure is greatest—that is the most spiritual Church. So the key to whether a Church is spiritual lies in whether the Holy Spirit is in authority. If we want to be filled with the Spirit and see His authority established, we must first be broken. Our flesh, natural life, and self must fall—then the Holy Spirit can fill us and take charge. Whether in personal life, church gatherings, ministry, administration, or decision-making, the Holy Spirit must be in authority. When we receive the baptism of the Spirit, it is the breaking of self that brings forth the authority of the Spirit. At Pentecost, about 120 disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, and then 3,000 more were filled. They shared all things in common, signs and wonders followed, and the Church was full of the authority of the Spirit. At that time, Ananias and Sapphira tried to deceive the Holy Spirit, and Peter immediately discerned it. Because he was a man governed by the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and walking in spiritual authority. A spiritual person discerns all things, so Peter rebuked Ananias, who fell down and died on the spot. When his wife Sapphira came in, Peter rebuked her as well, and she also fell at his feet and died. That was a Church full of the authority of the Holy Spirit. Today, we may not see such dramatic events, but in a Spirit-governed Church, any believer who enters with sin will face God’s judgment. Those who serve, if they carry hidden sin in their hearts and enter such a Church, may experience spiritual death—and even physical illness. That is a Church where the Holy Spirit reigns. But the entry point is still the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Only then can the Spirit move freely and rule within the Church. May we all receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and bring the authority of the Spirit into the Church. Ushering in Spiritual Revival Isaiah 32:15 says, “Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest.”   The wilderness, originally a barren land incapable of producing anything to meet human needs, is transformed into a fertile field through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The mention of a fruitful field easily reminds us of what the Lord Jesus said about good soil—yielding fruit thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold—representing the abundant harvest of spiritual life. As for the phrase “the fruitful field is counted as a forest,”  it speaks not of a few scattered trees, but of a flourishing forest. This points to a thriving spiritual life—the fullness of Christ’s life—brought about by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Verse 16 continues: “Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.”  Both justice and righteousness refer to Christ, describing the scene of His reigning authority. Every time the Holy Spirit is poured out, it ushers in the kingship of Christ. This is the unchanging principle of spiritual revival in the Church. Verse 17 adds: “ The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.”  This reveals that when Christ reigns, He brings peace and stability—unshaken, secure, and victorious. These are all depictions of spiritual revival, brought forth through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. May the ascended Christ pour out His Spirit abundantly upon God’s people, that the Church may experience an unprecedented revival. <-- Back Next Chapter -->