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197 God Never Changes; You Can Put Your Trust in Him!
Over the years, one truth has become an anchor for my faith: God never changes. The longer I have walked with the Lord, the more I have come to appreciate the comfort and confidence that truth brings. We live in a world where almost everything changes. Circumstances change. People change. Our health changes. Even our emotions can fluctuate from one day to the next. Yet through all of life’s uncertainties, God remains exactly who He has always been.
The Bible is the only trustworthy source of our knowledge about God, and one of the first things it teaches us is that both God and His Word are unchanging. Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Every time I read that verse, I am reminded that the God who called Abraham, delivered Israel, strengthened David, and raised Jesus from the dead is the very same God who is at work in our lives today.
It’s all about Covenants
One of the greatest assurances I have found as a believer is knowing that God always keeps His promises. When I finally began to understand the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, many passages of Scripture that had once seemed difficult suddenly became much clearer… Grace has become one of the most beautiful words in my Christian Walk. The more I understand God’s grace, the more I realize that righteousness is not something I earn but something I receive by faith.
Before we go further, let me point out something important here: the Old Testament is all about the Old Covenant; the New Testament is all about the New Covenant. So, I will use the terms “Testament” and “Covenant” interchangeably.
In both the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, God declares that He cannot lie and will not change. Faith is built upon the confidence that God is faithful to His Word. Imagine trying to build a house on shifting sand. Every storm would threaten the structure’s stability (Matthew 7:24-26). In the same way, human promises often fail because people change. God, however, is the unshakable foundation upon which believers can confidently build their lives (1 Corinthians 10:4,” … Jesus is the Rock!”).
Many people struggle with the idea that God appears harsh in the Old Testament and compassionate in the New Testament. At first glance, it may seem as though God changed. However, Scripture teaches that the Lord never changes. The difference is not because God changed; the difference is because the Bible reveals two different covenants.
The Old Covenant was established between God and the nation of Israel, with Moses serving as mediator. Under that covenant, blessings followed obedience, while judgment followed disobedience. It was a conditional covenant. In other words, blessings or judgment depended upon performance.
The New Covenant, however, was established through Jesus Christ. Jesus became the mediator and intercessor for all who believe in Him. The New Covenant was prophesied during the Old Covenant times in the book of Jeremiah 31:31-34.
The book of Hebrews describes this New Covenant as a “better covenant established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). Consider the difference between earning wages at a job and receiving an inheritance from a loving father. Under the Law, blessings were like a job tied to performance and obedience. Under Grace, which is a gift, believers receive salvation as an undeserved gift because of what Jesus accomplished on the Cross. What Jesus did is what “grace” is all about.
Grace is one of the most beautiful truths in the New Covenant. The Greek word for grace is “Charis,” and it refers to favor, gift, kindness, and blessing. Grace means that righteousness is not earned through human effort but is received as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
This is why the New Covenant is unconditional. Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law once and for all through His sacrifice. In the Old Covenant, God dwelt in the Tabernacle and Temple. In the New Covenant, believers themselves become the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19) In the Old Testament, people traveled to a physical location to encounter the presence of God. Today, through the Holy Spirit, believers carry the presence of God wherever they go. A believer can pray in a hospital room, in a car, at work, or at home because God now dwells within His people.
God is unchanging
The unchanging nature of God is essential to our faith. What God declares in His Word, He will accomplish. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please.” Both the Old and New Testaments repeatedly affirm that God does not change.
- Numbers 23:19 states: “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.”
- James 1:17 declares: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above… with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
Human emotions change daily. People may be loving one moment and angry the next. But God is never unstable or unpredictable. His love, truth, mercy, and holiness remain constant. Because God does not change, the promises and power revealed through Jesus Christ are still available today.
- Acts 1:8 declares: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”
- Jesus also said in John 14:12: “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also.” Jesus healed and delivered; in the same way, we can be healed and delivered today.
Healing: Scripture teaches that Jesus bore our sickness and pain. Isaiah 53:5 says, “By His stripes we are healed.” Just as medicine must be received and applied to benefit the body, believers must receive God’s promises by faith and stand upon them consistently.
Deliverance: Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Many believers continue living like prisoners even after the prison door has been opened. Jesus has already unlocked the door through His sacrifice. Believers must now walk in the freedom He has provided. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds believers that they are “new creations in Christ.” The old life has passed away. When a person enters a witness protection program, they receive a new identity and leave their old life behind. In a far greater way, salvation gives believers a completely new identity in Christ. Every time believers allow Jesus to heal, restore, deliver, and transform their lives, their testimony points others toward God.
One of the clearest demonstrations of Christ’s divinity is found in Mark chapter 2 when Jesus healed the paralytic man.The paralytic’s friends carried him to Jesus, climbed onto the roof, opened it, and lowered him into the crowded house because they believed Jesus could help him. Instead of immediately healing the man physically, Jesus first declared, “Your sins are forgiven.” The religious leaders were shocked because only God has the authority to forgive sin. Jesus then healed the paralytic publicly to demonstrate that He possessed divine authority.
If someone damages your property, another person cannot forgive the debt on your behalf because the offense was committed against you. In the same way, all sin is ultimately against God; therefore, only God has the authority to forgive sin completely. Jesus alone possesses the authority to forgive the sins of the past, present, and future. On the Cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” (John 19:30). Through His sacrifice, believers are forgiven, redeemed, and made new through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:1 reminds us once again: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” As believers, we can stand confidently upon the truth that God does not change. His promises remain true, His power remains available, and His love remains constant forever.
You may ask, ” Why does the unchanging nature of God matter?”
The unchanging nature of God is not merely a theological concept reserved for Bible scholars or pastors. It is deeply personal and practical for every believer. If God could change, then His promises could change. If His character could shift, then believers would never know whether they could truly trust Him. But because God is eternally faithful, believers can stand firmly upon His Word in every season of life. Imagine boarding an airplane with a pilot who changes his mind every few minutes about where he wants to go. No passenger would feel safe. Stability produces confidence. In the same way, believers can trust God because His character never wavers. He is always holy, always loving, always merciful, and always truthful.
Even when people fail, God remains faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13 says: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” This does not mean that sin is unimportant. Rather, it reveals that God’s character remains steady even when humanity struggles with weakness and failure. A loving parent does not stop being a parent simply because a child stumbles or makes mistakes. In the same way, God remains faithful to His covenant promises even as He lovingly corrects and restores His children.
The Cross Reveals God’s Unchanging Love
One of the clearest demonstrations of God’s unchanging nature is found at the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross reveals both the justice and mercy of God working together perfectly.
God’s holiness required that sin be judged; that’s justice. God’s love desired that humanity be saved; that’s mercy. At the Cross, Jesus satisfied both.
The same God who judged sin in the Old Testament is the same God who poured out mercy through Jesus Christ in the New Testament. God did not become more loving in the New Testament; rather, His plan of redemption was fully revealed through Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:8 declares: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” A judge who ignores crime entirely would not be just. But imagine a judge who steps down from the bench and pays the penalty himself for the guilty person standing before him. This helps illustrate what Jesus accomplished on the Cross. God’s justice was satisfied while His mercy was extended.
God’s Word Still Has Authority Today
Because God does not change, His Word still carries authority today. Cultural opinions change constantly. Moral standards in society rise and fall. Human philosophies come and go. But the Word of God remains eternal. Jesus declared in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Believers, therefore, must build their lives upon Scripture rather than upon changing cultural trends. For example, acompass continues pointing north regardless of storms, darkness, or changing landscapes. In the same way, the Word of God continually points believers toward truth, no matter how confusing the world becomes. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Living With Confidence in God
When believers truly understand that God does not change, fear begins to lose its grip. The believer can trust God in times of sickness, uncertainty, financial struggle, grief, or spiritual warfare because God remains the same. The God who delivered Daniel from the lions’ den, protected David before Goliath, healed the sick through Jesus, and empowered the early church through the Holy Spirit is still at work today. This truth produces boldness in prayer, confidence in worship, and perseverance during hardship. Hebrews 10:23 says: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
A lighthouse remains fixed during violent storms. Ships rely upon its steady light for direction and safety. Likewise, God’s unchanging character becomes the believer’s anchor during life’s storms.
The Invitation to Trust Him Fully
Ultimately, the message of God’s unchanging nature calls every believer into deeper trust and surrender. God is not unstable. He is not unpredictable. He is not distant or unreliable. He remains the faithful Father, Savior, Redeemer, Healer, Deliverer, and King. Because He does not change, you can trust Him completely with your future, your family, your struggles, and your eternal destiny.
Malachi 3:6 declares: “For I am the LORD, I do not change.” That truth remains one of the greatest sources of hope, peace, and assurance available to the people of God today.
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196 More than a Message: Jesus is the Gospel!
The Gospel Is a Person: Jesus Christ!
One of the most important words in the Bible is the word, Gospel. The word gospel means “Good News.” Jesus came preaching the Good News, and the central point of this teaching is that Jesus is the Gospel. He is the Good News. Sometimes our focus is on what the good news of Jesus brings; He indeed brings health, healing, wholeness, prosperity, and sound relationships; all these things are important. However, if we miss the provider of all these things, Jesus, then we are pursuing what Jesus can provide rather than Jesus himself. You see, if you have Jesus, you have it all!
Even the Pharisees and Scribes of Jesus’ day missed who Jesus was. Because they were so focused on the promises of Abraham and Moses, they missed the one who would fulfill all of the scriptures. Jesus said to the Jewish leaders in John 5: 39, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of, Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” While it is the “hand of God” that attracts us to Him, it is the “face of God” that produces the eternal relationship.
Jesus makes it clear that we are to pursue Him and Him alone in John 14, Philip the Disciple asked Jesus to show Him the way, and Jesus replied in John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Then look at John 6:44, Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise Him up at the last day.” Nothing could be clearer: Jesus is the instrument God has used to bring salvation, healing, and hope to a lost and dying world.
The word Gospel is used about 124 times in the New Testament. The first time we see the word Gospel is in Matthew 4:23 and is repeated in Mark 1:35–39; Luke 4:44; 6:17–19, “23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” You see, Jesus came preaching the Kingdom, the Kingdom assumes that there is a king, and that king is Jesus! Jesus is described as the King of kings and the Lord of lords in several places in the Bible, and one place is Revelation 17:14, … for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”(Also, in 1 Timothy 6:15).
So here is the dilemma: Do we hunger and thirst for the promises of God, or do we pursue the one whom God has sent, Jesus Christ, who is also God in the flesh, or God incarnate?
Have faith in God!
Now here is a thought: When you believe the TRUTH about God, the windows of heaven will be open to you! An important truth is that we must embrace all that God has provided in Jesus, who is our salvation, and His Holy Spirit, which is the seal of our salvation and enables us to be more than conquerors in this life.
The Trinity
While the word trinity does not appear in the Bible, theologians coined the term to explain that the Godhead exists in three persons. God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit; three persons in one. The Trinity is a concept that is difficult to comprehend as human beings because as humans, we are limited in our ability to understand the awesome power and nature of our Father in heaven.
Think about it, can you really understand or even imagine how God created the universe by simply speaking it into existence? When we encounter a truth we cannot fully comprehend, the Bible teaches that we must accept it by faith! I’m reminded of the verse in Isaiah chapter 55 that states that God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways and thoughts or sometimes beyond our comprehension; therefore, we must receive them by faith. That means we don’t walk by our understanding; we walk in what God has revealed as true in His word, the Bible. This is what faith is built upon! Think about it, if you can comprehend it then you don’t need faith, it is logical, and you are able to grasp it. However, when God makes a promise that is so glorious and magnificent, yet you don’t know how it will be possible… that’s when faith kicks in. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We walk by faith and not by sight.”
For example, every day we trust things we cannot fully explain. Most people do not understand how electricity works, yet they confidently flip a switch expecting the light to come on. In a similar way, faith means trusting what God has revealed even when our human understanding is limited.
Another example a pilot flying through thick clouds cannot rely solely on what he sees outside the window. He must trust the instruments guiding the aircraft. Likewise, believers must trust God’s Word, which is our instrument, even when circumstances appear confusing or uncertain.
There are three attributes that belong to God alone:
- God is omnipotent. He is all-powerful; nothing or no one is equal to Him in power and authority. He created the universe by simply speaking it into existence.
- God is omniscient. He is all-knowing. There is nothing that He does not know. God does not learn, as humans learn. He simply knows! He is not limited by time and space. He knows the past, the present, and the future.
Practical Illustration: Human knowledge constantly changes. Doctors revise treatments, technology becomes outdated, and people forget important details. God, however, never learns new information or discovers something He did not previously know. His wisdom is perfect and eternal.
- God is omnipresent. This means again that He is not limited by time and space, therefore, can be anywhere anytime, everywhere at the same time, and no place is hidden from him.
As we study the Bible, we find that these three characteristics, His omnipotent power, His omniscient knowledge, and His omnipresence, can be attributed to God the Father or Yahweh, to Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Since as Christians, we believe in only one God, the God of the Bible, the one God exists eternally in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because God is infinite and we are finite, this concept of the Trinity is impossible to understand, and so by faith we must accept it as true.
Three in One
God the Father; in the Old Testament He was called Yahweh or Jehovah. Now, God, the Father is Spirit, John 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Exodus 33:20, “and no one has seen His Face because God said that no man shall see my face and live.” So, no one can see God the Father.
God the Son is not some lesser person in the Godhead. Jesus is God incarnate who came to the earth with “skin on.” The term incarnate means in the flesh. Jesus is not simply a good man or a prophet of God; He is all of that, and more He is God.
Theologians use the term co-equal to describe the relationship between the three parts of the Trinity. Earlier I used the word incarnate to describe Jesus, God in the flesh. Now, listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:6-8, “who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (ESV). Jesus laid aside His deity to be an example to us as a human being. That doesn’t mean that He was not God; what it does mean is that for 33 ½ years He functioned as a human being. No different from you or me, Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, pain, and the rejection of many. He never resorted to His divine authority even while on the cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do!” Luke 23:24. He fulfilled His mission on earth and now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven.
For example, when believers go through seasons of loneliness, rejection, grief, or physical suffering, they can take comfort in knowing that Jesus personally understands human pain. He is not distant from our struggles; He walked through them Himself.
Even His disciples didn’t realize who He was until after the resurrection. Listen to this exchange between Jesus and Philip in John 14:7-11, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.”
Jesus’ statement is obvious. If you see me, you see the Father! Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus then says, if you can’t believe that we are one, then believe that I am from the Father because only God can promise salvation, heal the sick, and raise the dead, and I have done all these things.
God, the Holy Spirit, the third part of the Trinity.
The Holy Spirit was in the beginning, Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” The Holy Spirit is found in many places in the Old Testament, but it is not until we read the New Testament that we see the fullness of the character and the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.
Recall from scripture that Jesus promised to send us a “Paraclete”, which is Greek for comforter, helper, advocate, and teacher. He promised that after He was resurrected, He would send us the Holy Spirit. He would not leave us as orphans! John 16:7, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Paracletos) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” The Holy Spirit is mentioned about 119 times in the New Testament alone.
For example, a loving parent does not abandon a child to face life alone. In the same way, Jesus did not save believers and then leave them helpless. Through the Holy Spirit, God continually guides, comforts, convicts, and strengthens His people daily.
Personally, as for me, I like to think of the Trinity in this way:
- I am a son to my parents. As such, my parents see me as a son.
- I am a husband to my wife. Therefore, my wife sees me as a husband and not a son.
- I am a father to my children. My children don’t see me as a son or a husband but as a father.
In each of these three roles, I function differently and have authority depending on how each of these three groups sees me, yet I am still just one person. In a similar way, God is one; however, He functions and is seen in three different ways, depending on the relationship.
I know that some Christians have a hard time accepting the truth of the Trinity, and if you are one of them, then I would urge you to search the scriptures for yourself. Don’t just accept what I say or rely on traditions or practices for the truth. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Remember, it is the truth that will set you free.
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195 The Person of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit Is a Person!
Many people think of the Holy Spirit as a vague force—something like energy, influence, or power. But Scripture consistently presents the Holy Spirit not as a “thing,” but as a Person—one who thinks, feels, speaks, and relates. Understanding this truth changes everything. It transforms the Christian life from a mechanical religious experience into a living relationship.
Recognizing the Spirit as a person deepens our relationship with Him and allows us to respond not just with obedience, but with fellowship and worship. You see, the key to obedience is a relationship and fellowship of mutual love. You love Him. He loves you. Therefore, you want to be pleasing to Him.
A Confusing Question
Before we go further with understanding that the Holy Spirit is a person, let’s look at a common and sometimes confusing question: “Do I develop a relationship with Jesus or the Holy Spirit?” The short answer is you are called to a relationship with God as a whole, the Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit—not one instead of the other.
The Christian faith teaches that God is one yet revealed in three Persons: The Father is the source and originator of all things. The Son (Jesus Christ), who is the one who provides salvation and reveals God the Father to us. The Holy Spirit is the one who dwells in you and makes God real in your daily life. These are not three separate gods, and you’re not choosing between them. You’re relating to one God experienced in three distinct ways.
One helpful way to understand the Trinity is this: I am a father to my children, a son to my parents, and a husband to my wife. I have three separate roles, each with a distinct function or purpose. My children, my parents, and my wife see me differently and relate to me differently. I am just one person. I know this is an imperfect picture of the Trinity, but I hope it helps you see that we have only one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.
Now, let’s look at each relationship we have with God.
First, your Relationship with Jesus is foundational. You are saved through Jesus. You are forgiven and reconciled to God through Him, and you follow Him as Lord. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” So, your relationship with God begins with faith in Jesus.
Next is your Relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is what makes that relationship alive and active every day. The Holy Spirit lives inside you. He guides, teaches, and convicts. He helps you understand Jesus and grow spiritually. In fact, Jesus said in John 16:7 that it was better for Him to go away so that the Holy Spirit could come. This great truth is because instead of God being beside you, He would now be within you.
Here is a simple way to understand the relationship between the two. You come to God through Jesus. You walk with God by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will never draw attention away from Jesus—He always leads you toward Him, reminds you of His words, and helps you become more like Him.
So, we come back to the question of who do you talk to? Let’s keep it simple. You can pray to Jesus, you can talk to the Holy Spirit, and you can pray to the Father. A common biblical pattern is to pray to the Father, in the name of Jesus, by the help of the Holy Spirit!
You see, Jesus is the One who brings you into a relationship, and the Holy Spirit is the One who walks with you in that relationship every day. You don’t replace one with the other; you experience both. So, you are not choosing between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. You belong to Jesus; you are filled with the Holy Spirit, and you are brought to the Father. That’s one unified relationship with God.
Let’s Examine the Scriptural Evidence That the Holy Spirit Is a Divine Person, Not Just a Power.
The Bible attributes personal characteristics to the Holy Spirit. He speaks (Acts 13:2), teaches (John 14:26), guides (Romans 8:14), and can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). These are not qualities of a force; they are qualities of a person.
Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as “He,” not “it.” In John 16:13, Jesus says, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” This language is deliberate. Jesus wanted His followers to understand that the Holy Spirit would relate to them personally.
1. The Holy Spirit has a mind, will, and emotions, which are characteristics of a person.
- Mind – The Spirit thinks and knows: “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10)
- Will – The Spirit makes decisions: “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11)
- Emotions – The Spirit can be grieved: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30). You can’t grieve a force!
2. The Holy Spirit Speaks, Teaches, leads, and intercedes
- The Spirit speaks to people: “Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot.’” (Acts 8:29)
- The Spirit teaches and reminds: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)
- The Spirit leads “…as many as are led by the Spirit of God…” (Romans 8:14)
- The Spirit intercedes, “…the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us…” (Romans 8:26)
3. The Holy Spirit Can Be Lied to and Resisted
In Acts 5:3-4, Peter says Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit and then equates lying to the Spirit with lying to God—demonstrating both personality and divinity. “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…?” (Acts 5:3)
Stephen rebukes the Sanhedrin for resisting the Holy Spirit “You always resist the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 7:51), again pointing to the Spirit as someone who can be opposed—not something passive or abstract.
The Holy Spirit can be insulted, “…insulted the Spirit of grace…” (Hebrews 10:29)
4. The Holy Spirit Has Relationships
The Spirit relates to the Father and the Son within the Trinity. Jesus spoke of sending the Spirit (John 15:26), showing relationship and mutual interaction. The Spirit also relates to believers—He comforts, guides, convicts, and intercedes for them (Romans 8:26).
5. The Holy Spirit Is Addressed as “He.”
Jesus consistently referred to the Spirit using personal pronouns: “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13)
If the Holy Spirit were merely a power, then the goal would be to “use” Him—to access His strength for personal benefit. But because He is a Person, the goal is relationship. We are not meant to use the Holy Spirit; we are meant to walk with Him. This difference is important. Many believers seek God’s power but neglect intimacy with God. Yet true spiritual strength flows out of a relationship. Just as a friendship deepens through time, communication, and trust, so too does our relationship with the Holy Spirit grow through prayer, obedience, and attentiveness.
The Role of The Holy Spirit in Daily Life
Seeing the Holy Spirit as a Person opens the door to daily interaction. He is not distant; He is present and active.
- He comforts in times of trouble (John 14:16)
- He convicts of sin and leads to truth (John 16:8)
- He empowers for righteous living (Galatians 5:16)
- He intercedes in prayer (Romans 8:26)
These scriptural examples show deeply relational roles. A force cannot comfort or intercede—but a Person can.
How To Cultivate a Relationship with The Holy Spirit
Cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit begins with awareness. Many believers live as though God is distant, yet Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit dwells within them. 1 Corinthians 6:19 states, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” This means that His presence is constant, not occasional.
Awareness of the Holy Spirit transforms daily life. It turns routine moments into opportunities for fellowship. Whether in prayer, work, or quiet reflection, you can acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence and invite His involvement in your everyday life.
Communication: Speaking and Listening
Like any relationship, communication is essential. Cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit involves both speaking to Him and listening for His voice. Prayer becomes more than a one-sided request; it becomes a conversation. The believer speaks honestly, shares burdens, expresses gratitude, and seeks guidance. At the same time, listening is equally important. The Holy Spirit often speaks through Scripture, inner conviction, and gentle promptings.
Developing sensitivity to His voice requires patience and consistency. Over time, you learn to discern His leading more clearly, recognizing the difference between His guidance and one’s own personal thoughts.
Obedience: Responding to His Leading
A relationship with the Holy Spirit deepens through obedience. When He convicts, guides, or prompts action, your response matters. Obedience strengthens trust and increases spiritual sensitivity. Ignoring or resisting His prompting can dull spiritual awareness. Scripture warns believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). This implies that the relationship is dynamic and responsive. Just as in human relationships, responsiveness produces closeness.
Obedience is not about perfection but about willingness. Each step of faith builds a stronger connection and a deeper reliance on Him.
Fellowship Through Scripture
The Holy Spirit works closely with the Word of God. He illuminates Scripture, bringing understanding and application to your life. Reading the Bible is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a relational encounter. As believers engage with Scripture, the Holy Spirit reveals truth, convicts of sin, and encourages growth. This interaction strengthens the relationship, as you learn to recognize His voice and align with His will.
Dependence and Surrender
Cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit requires surrender. Rather than striving in personal strength, believers are called to depend on Him. This dependence is expressed in daily choices—seeking His guidance, trusting His wisdom, and yielding control. Surrender does not weaken you; it empowers them. The Holy Spirit provides strength, wisdom, and direction beyond human ability. As dependence grows, so does the depth of the relationship.
A genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit produces visible fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities are not achieved through effort alone but are the natural result of walking in close relationship with the Holy Spirit. As you abide in Him, transformation occurs from the inside out.
Conclusion
The only conclusion one can draw is that the Holy Spirit is not merely a divine power or mystical energy. He is a divine person—the third Person of the Trinity—who loves, speaks, teaches, feels, and relates.
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force to be harnessed but a divine Person to be known. When believers shift from viewing Him as a power to embracing Him as a Person, their spiritual lives deepen significantly. Prayer becomes conversation. Obedience becomes cooperation. Faith becomes fellowship.
Recognizing the Spirit as a person deepens our relationship with Him and allows us to respond not just with obedience, but with fellowship and worship. You see, that is the key to obedience: a relationship and fellowship of mutual love. You love Him. He loves you. Therefore, you want to be pleasing to Him.
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194 Holy Spirit Boldness!
How the Holy Spirit Produces Spiritual Boldness in the Believer
Boldness in the Christian life is not something we work up; it is something God works in. When the Holy Spirit fills a believer, courage replaces fear, clarity replaces confusion, and obedience replaces hesitation. Jesus says in 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.”
Like electricity in a house, power may be available, but unless the switch is turned on, the room remains dark. The Holy Spirit is God’s power within us—boldness flows when we yield to Him. Obedience is the switch that releases the Holy Spirit. You can tell if you are trusting in the Lord or not by asking yourself the following question: Am I trying to be bold in my own strength, or am I relying on the Spirit’s power? Biblical boldness is not loudness, arrogance, or natural confidence. It is supernatural courage produced by the Holy Spirit…
1. HOW DOES SPIRITUAL BOLDNESS COME?
The book of Acts describes the birth and testimony of the Christian church. In Acts chapter 1, we see Jesus ascending to the Father, and at the same time, the Holy Spirit descends into the heart of every Believer.
We understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ opens the door for the Holy Spirit to transform the heart from a heart of stone to a heart receptive to the love of God. While every genuine believer has the Holy Spirit living in them, that Holy Spirit needs to be “turned on”, just like the light switch in a dark house. That turning on of the Holy Spirit occurs in what is known as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit described in the book of Acts. Through yielding to the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are enabled to become more like Jesus and to use the power and authority that He made available to us.
Spiritual boldness can only come from being filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31, “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” The term “filled” means to be inspired or permeated with the Holy Spirit and therefore led by the Spirit.
Notice that prayer preceded boldness. Before their mouths were opened publicly, their hearts were opened privately before God. Boldness grows when prayer becomes a sign of our relationship with the Lord.
Many times, when faced with an opportunity to be bold in our faith, we don’t know how to start or even what to pray. These opportunities are a perfect time to pray in the Spirit, and I mean in “tongues” to acknowledge our dependence upon the Holy Spirit to help us. The Spirit knows how to intercede for you perfectly before the Father. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:26-27, “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. 27 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.”
I hope that you can see that when we don’t know what to say or do, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to release boldness to speak or do what the Lord wants us to.
Some will say that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was an event that happened to those while the Apostles were still alive, and is no longer available today. However, the Bible says in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I do not change.” The promises made to Abraham that He will not abandon the Jews even when they are unfaithful to Him illustrate God’s unchanging nature. Then look at Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” which emphasizes Christ’s unchanging, eternal nature as a divine anchor for believers in shifting circumstances and false, “strange” teachings. It follows a command to remember that Christ’s authority, character, and grace remain constant.
So, what will you believe, personal experience or the Word of God?
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT REMOVES FEAR AND REPLACES IT WITH POWER
Very simply, fear paralyzes, but the Holy Spirit activates. The apostle Paul’s advice to the young Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Fear is an emotion we all experience at times, but we must remember that it undermines faith, for it causes us to doubt God.
Before the Spirit, Peter denied Jesus three times out of fear (Luke 22:54–62). Then, after being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter stood publicly and proclaimed Christ. Acts 2:14, “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them…” What changed Peter was not education or experience—it was the filling of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit allows us to see the spirit realm with spiritual eyes. A beautiful illustration is found in 2 Kings 6, the king of Syria sent an army to capture Elisha, the prophet, and when Elisha’s servant awoke in the morning to see this army arrayed against them, he was terrified. Elisha says in 1 Kings 6:16-17, “… ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” The Lord sent a greater army to protect Elisha. Like the servant of Elisha, the Spirit allowed him to see the spiritual realm, and his confidence was restored.
Pray in the Spirit and build yourself up with boldness, Jude 1:20, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit”
3. BOLDNESS FLOWS FROM ASSURANCE OF SONSHIP
Sonship in this context refers to position as an heir and does not mean male only; it also applies to females, as Galatians 3:28 clearly states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse speaks to our relationship with our Lord.
Speaking of father-child relationships, there are two types: loving and obedient or harsh and obedient. For example, in the natural there is a relationship that comes from knowing your father, which is close and cherished. A relationship born out of communication and love. The other type of relationship results from a strict and unsympathetic father, often driven by fear of punishment.
Religion, very simply, is defined as worshipping God. The question is, do we see God as harsh and unsympathetic or loving and caring? How we see Him shapes how we come to the Lord. Do we come with fear or rejoicing in our relationship with the Father? That is the difference between religious exercises and religious relationships.
I would encourage you to read Galatians 3:26 – 4:7 about how God sees you, here is an excerpt, Galatians 4:6-7, “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
Romans 8:15–16, “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.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
When we know who our Father is, we no longer fear who or what stands against us.
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS BOLD WITNESS
Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…”
The Holy Spirit does not just send us—He strengthens us, and we have one simple message, and that is the Gospel that saved us and set us free. That is our testimony, witnessing how Jesus came into our lives.
When you are a witness in a courtroom, you are testifying to what you have seen, heard, or experienced. Anything else is called hearsay and generally not admissible. Being a witness to Jesus means the same; it is testifying to what you have seen, heard, or experienced Jesus do in your life. Every believer has a testimony.
God never assigns a task without supplying the power to complete it.
5. BOLDNESS STANDS EVEN UNDER OPPOSITION
Many Believers live in places where there is hostility to Christianity, and it is in those places where Holy Spirit-directed boldness is so important. Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
Yet when we must be bold, let it be because we have been with Jesus. Acts 4:13, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John… they realized that they had been with Jesus.” We spend time with Jesus when we pray, read the Bible, and spend time in our relationship with the Lord. 1 Corinthians chapter 2 clearly shows that the Lord wants a relationship with us.
Paul consistently preached Christ in environments filled with opposition. Acts 9:27–28, “He preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” Paul did not rely on intellect alone; he depended on the Spirit to give courage and clarity. Spirit-filled boldness is confidence in God, not self.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
Remember we have the same Spirit, the Same Power. 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
6. BOLDNESS IS ROOTED IN LOVE
In Revelation 2:4, the Lord says to the church in Ephesus, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” It is a challenge for Christians to keep the love focus when acting or speaking boldly for the Lord. Our goal is to become like Jesus, and He always operated from love. This doesn’t mean that we must agree with our adversaries, but our hope is to reveal the goodness of Jesus Christ.
Another truth is that love conquers fear, 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…”
Boldness without love becomes harshness; love produces courage with compassion. Love gives courage to confront, forgive, and stand firm. Let love motivate your boldness.
CONCLUSION:
Boldness is the fruit of a Spirit-filled life. Yield to the Holy Spirit, and He will empower you to live courageously for Christ. Boldness does not always remove the storm, but it anchors the soul in the storm. When the Spirit fills us, courage replaces self-preservation.
The Holy Spirit who empowered the early church is the same Spirit at work today. When believers are filled with the Spirit, boldness becomes a natural overflow. A lamp does not strain to shine—it simply stays connected to the power source. When we stay filled with the Holy Spirit, boldness flows naturally.
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193 God’s Perfect Will or His Permissive Will?
I want to talk about an important aspect of God’s will for us, and that is the difference between God’s perfect will and His permissive will. However, before we can really understand the difference between God’s perfect will and His permissive will for us, we need to understand the Biblical concept of free-will.
In Scripture, free-will refers to the God-given ability of human beings to make real, meaningful choices for which they are morally responsible. Every individual has the ability to make their own choice to either obey wholeheartedly, obey reluctantly, or disobey God.
We see free-will in creation. Humanity was created in the image of God with the ability to obey or disobey Him. Genesis 2:16–17, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Notice the commands, warnings, and consequences indicate that a real choice is an option.
While free-will is available, God repeatedly calls people to choose obedience through faith. Look at the following two scriptures and see that choice is ours to make:
- Moses said to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;”
- Joshua states in Joshua 14:15, “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
As I have said, choice was available even before sin entered the world through Adam and Eve; remember, they chose to disobey God and took of the forbidden fruit. Human-will became corrupted but not eliminated. People still choose, but tend toward sin apart from God’s grace
- Jesus points out in John 8:34 that before being born-again, we are slaves to sin: “Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” Only faith in Jesus can break the bondage of sin.
- The Apostle Paul teaches in Romans 7:18-19, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” Paul acknowledged that, apart from the grace of God and His Holy Spirit, he could not stop sinning.
Scripture teaches that humans plan and choose, yet God ultimately directs outcomes. Look at Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” The Bible teaches that both truths can exist together: man’s plans and God’s will. The issue is God’s perfect will or His permissive will. Do we choose the Lord’s way or the hard way, either way, God’s plans will be fulfilled.
WHAT IS GOD’S WILL? Let us begin withRomans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”God’s will is always good and righteous, yet Scripture reveals that it is experienced in two distinct ways: God’s perfect will and God’s permissive will.
GOD’S PERFECT WILL, what God desires and delights in, is accomplished through obedience. God’s perfect will brings peace, fruitfulness, and fulfillment with His purposes. I would encourage you to search out the scriptures mentioned below:
Jesus Christ is the greatest example of complete obedience and surrender to the Father’s will. Jesus fully submitted to the Father’s will, even when it involved suffering and death. Jesus said in Luke 22:42, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus understood that He was to be the “once and for all” sacrifice for sin and death, and that no one else could accomplish that mission. For Jesus it was all joy to yield and obey the Father, Hebrews 12:2, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Joseph (Son of Jacob), Scripture: Genesis 39–50. Joseph consistently chose righteousness—resisting temptation and trusting God, even through injustice. God’s plan unfolded without moral compromise, resulting in blessing and reconciliation.Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” All the hardship Joseph endured was for God’s purpose to deliver His chosen people, and Joseph was ultimately glorified in it.
Daniel, Scripture: Daniel 6, Daniel refused to abandon prayer and obedience, even under threat of death. God honored his faithfulness with divine protection and public testimony.Listen to what Daniel said to King Darius after his encounter in the lion’s den. Daniel 6:22, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Having integrity before the Lord in fulfilling His purpose means that God will intervene in our circumstances.
Mary (Mother of Jesus), Scripture: Luke 1:38, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”When the angel of the Lord revealed God’s incredible plan, Mary accepted God’s calling without resistance, giving us an example of humble submission to God’s perfect will.
GOD’S PERMISSIVE WILL is what God allows due to human choice or partial obedience, and the consequences. God’s permissive will allows human choice but often results in correction, delay, or loss. Here are some very brief examples. I would encourage you to search out the scriptures mentioned below:
The Exodus, the forty-year journey, best describes God’s permissive will. The Journey from Egypt to Canaan should have taken weeks, but God led them in an extended exodus that took forty years. This extended journey was necessary because of the Israelites’ lack of faith in God. Time and time again, they complained and demonstrated their lack of trust in God, even when God supplied them with Manna to eat, water to drink, and preserved them from their enemies. As you can read in the Book of Exodus, God’s purpose was fulfilled in the end, but at a great price for those who walked by sight instead of faith! Such is God’s permissive will; there is always a price to pay.
Samson, Scripture: Judges 13–16.Samson repeatedly ignored God’s moral boundaries. Though God used him to deliver Israel, Samson’s compromises led to loss of freedom, strength, and life.
Jonah, Scripture: Jonah 1–4.Jonah fled from God’s command to preach to Nineveh. God allowed Jonah’s resistance but corrected him through chastisement, having him swallowed by a whale. God’s purpose was fulfilled, but Jonah endured unnecessary hardship.
Israel’s Demand for a King, the people of Israel wanted to be like their neighboring countries and have a king, thereby, rejecting their King who is God. 1 Samuel 8:7, “And the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.’”
King Saul, Scripture: 1 Samuel 13 & 15.Saul partially obeyed God and feared people more than God. Though allowed to reign, his disobedience resulted in the loss of his kingdom.1 Samuel 15:22, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.”
GOD ALLOWS HIS PERMISSIVE WILL so that we can make a choice. The Lord’s blessings come with obedience and trust.
Choose to Live in God’s Perfect Will Today
- Ephesians 5:17, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Believers are encouraged to seek God’s perfect will through the Holy Spirit as we read the Bible, obey, pray, and renew our minds.
Scripture consistently calls believers to seek and walk in His perfect will. Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
THE LOVE MOTIVATION FOR OBEDIENCE. Before closing, I want to take a moment to clarify our motivation, or why we should obey the Lord. It is not simply about fear, avoiding pain, or even receiving blessings; it should be an expression of our love for Jesus. 1 John 4:19. “We love Him because He first loved us.”
The motivation for our choices in the Lord should always be love. Obviously, even natural love requires the freedom to choose; in the same way, biblical love is not forced. God desires willing obedience rooted in love. As Believers, Jesus makes it clear that we must be motivated by love in all we do in His name. Matthew 22:37–39, “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
The kind of love Jesus is talking about is “agape” love, which is based on a decision to love, not necessarily an emotionally driven love. In other words, God doesn’t love us because we are lovable, but because He decided to love us! This kind of love requires a decision to love regardless of the circumstances; this is the essence of agape love; it is undeserved and unearned. It is this agape love, developed through our relationship with Jesus, that enables the Holy Spirit to help us love the Lord and others. In John 13:34, Jesus gave His disciples a “new commandment”: to love one another as He has loved them, establishing a pattern of sacrificial, divine love.
As people, we struggle to keep the commandment to love, but through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to live lives of love for God and others.
IN CONCLUSION, the prophet Jeremiah, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, spoke a word of encouragement to a nation confused and aimless. Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This statement remains true for us today, but we must make the right choices. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
