Christians have been keep Pentecost since the start of the New Testament church.
The Holy Spirit was given to the disciples on the first Pentecost since Jesus was resurrected.
Most groups that profess Christ agree with that.
But why would God give His Holy Spirit?
What are some of the purposes He did so?
Let's look at various scriptures to try to better understand that.
In Acts chapter 2, the Bible teaches:
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place (Acts 2:1, (NKJV throughout, unless otherwise noted).
Notice that the emphasis is on the fact that the Day of Pentecost had fully come. The Bible is making it clear that the events that follow were directly related to the fact that the Day of Pentecost had fully come. And, it happened to the disciples because they were all observing it together.
Here is what happened next:
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2-4)
Getting God's Holy Spirit changed them. And not just because of their speaking, though speaking was part of it.
Related to the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter wrote:
20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21)
So, part of the the reason for people to receive God's Holy Spirit has been to assist those who are called to do so, to write scripture--the Bible.
Receiving God's Holy Spirit on Pentecost fulfilled a promise from Jesus, who said:
7 But I am telling you the truth. It is profitable for you that I go away because if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you. However, if I go, I will send it to you. 8 And when that one has come, it will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment: 9 Concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 Concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you no longer will see Me; 11 And concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. 12 I have yet many things to tell you, but you are not able to bear them now. 13 However, when that one has come, even the Spirit of the truth, it will lead you into all truth because it shall not speak from itself, but whatever it shall hear, it shall speak. And it shall disclose to you the things to come. 14 That one shall glorify Me because it shall disclose to you the things that it receives from Me. 15 Everything that the Father has is Mine; for this reason, I said that it shall receive from Me and shall disclose these things to you. (John 16:7-14, AFV)
So, Jesus taught that after He would depart, the Holy Spirit, would come to His disciples.
It would convict the world of sin.
How so?
Well, three ways come to mind.
The first is that the New Testament was not written until after the Holy Spirit was given. It explains many things including sin.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
For example, it teaches:
4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4, NKJV)
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4, KJV)
So, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we see that clearly sin is a violation of God's law.
The second is that it shows that the originator of sin and against truth (e.g. John 8:44), Satan, will be judged (cf. Revelation 20:10). As that is revealed in the Bible.
The third is that the Holy Spirit is to lead Christians into all truth and away from sin. Not only by inspiring the writing of the New Testament, but also by working with us so that we will live to grow to our potential in this age and then for the age to come.
The disciples, not too long after receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, faced opposition:
27 And they brought them in and set them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, "Did we not order you by a direct command not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, with the purpose of bringing this man's blood upon us." 29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We are obligated to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31 Him has God exalted by His right hand to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. 32 And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him." (Acts 5:27-32, AFV)
Notice that, contrary to the position of some Protestants, the Apostles declared that God gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. Not, just those who may call Jesus Lord.
And actually, that is consistent with something that Jesus, Himself, taught:
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." (Matthew 7:21-27)
So, yes, one has to obey God to be a true Christian. It is not simply enough to say, "Jesus is Lord."
Furthermore, without the Holy Spirit, the Book of Acts shows that one is NOT a Christian, a true follower of Jesus:
9 ... Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (Romans 8:9)
Now, back to Acts 2, we see how one can become a Christian:
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
38 Then Peter said to them, "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. 39 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."
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." (Acts 2:37-40)
And those instructions were given on Pentecost.
That said, we seem to be in an even more perverse generation now than when Peter spoke. And we are still to reach people now as God is calling people in this age. See also the free online booklet: Is God Calling You?
To learn more about baptism, check out the the free online booklet: About Baptism.
Regarding the Holy Spirit, here is information from Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God:
TRUE CHRISTIANS
Having the “Spirit of God” (also called the “Spirit of Christ”) differentiates Christians from non-Christians (Romans 8:9). That Spirit is only given to those who “obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Many who think that they are Christian, but practice lawlessness, are not Christ’s and do not abide in His love (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 13:24-28; John 15:9-10; 1 John 2:6). ...
GOD IS SPIRIT, GOD IS LOVE
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NKJV used throughout unless otherwise noted). God’s ways are “higher” than those of humankind (Isaiah 55:9).
“God is love” (1 John 4:8,18) (The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil). The Holy Spirit is inherent in the Father and the Son, and emanates from Them throughout the entire universe (1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:7; Jeremiah 23:24). God’s entire plan for humankind is based upon love.
God made all that He did out of love so eternity would be better (see also the book: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?).
THE GODHEAD
Christians believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus (the Word and the Son of God) and the Father are both God. The Father and the Son comprise the “Godhead” (Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). Scripture shows that there is one God (Mark 12:29; John 17:11; 1 Corinthians 8:4). That one God is an eternal divine Family originally consisting of two, God the Father and the Word (Jesus) (Genesis 1:26; Ephesians 2:19; 3:14-15; John 1:1,14), with faithful children to be added through begettal by the Holy Spirit (John 17:10-11; Hebrews 2:10-11, 1 John 3:1-2; Ephesians 3:14-15) to become as Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29), who is God (John 1:1-3,14, 20:28-29; Colossians 2:2,9).
The Holy Spirit emanates from God (1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:7; Jeremiah 23:24) and is given to all who repent of their sins and are baptized (Acts 2:38-39). The Father and Son work through the Holy Spirit. Though not a separate person in the theological sense, the Holy Spirit is the power (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:6-7) which helps all believers overcome evil (Romans 12:21; Revelation 2:26-27) and will be led to attain eternal life (Philippians 3:12; Romans 6:23). The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey (Acts 5:32) after they have properly repented and been baptized (Acts 2:38-39). The early original Christians had what has been called a “binitarian” view of the Godhead (see Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning).
We in the CCOG hold to the original beliefs about the Godhead and the Holy Spirit.
Here is something from the old Radio Church of God:
The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, unites with our minds and we are BEGOTTEN AGAIN -- this time spiritually.
Read it in your own Bible. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath BEGOTTEN US AGAIN unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (I Pet. 1:3).
In Verse 23, it says, "Being BEGOTTEN AGAIN, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (Ivan Panin Translation).
The Holy Spirit impregnates us with the God nature. That spiritual begettal imbues us with the nature and mind of God. Throughout our Christian lives we continue to grow and develop in the understanding and mind of God until we are finally born INTO the God family and made immortal at the return of Jesus Christ to this earth (I Cor. 15:49-52). We will then rule this earth as God's sons. (McCullough L. Just What Is THE HOLY SPIRIT? Good News, April 1964)
For those interested in a more recent translation, here is what the Literal Standard Version:
3 Blessed [is] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to the abundance of His kindness begot us again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ out of the dead, 4 to an incorruptible inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4a, LSV)
23 being begotten again, not out of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through a word of God—living and remaining—throughout the age; 24 because all flesh [is] as grass, and all glory of man as flower of grass; the grass withered, and the flower of it fell away, 25 but the saying of the LORD remains—throughout the age; and this is the saying of good news that was proclaimed to you. (1 Peter 1:23-25, LSV)
God's Spirit in us begets us so that we can attain eternal life at the resurrection. That is good news.
The Apostle Paul confirmed that the Holy Spirit is working with us so that we will live to grow to our potential in this age and then for the age to come in several of his writings.
Let's start with Romans 8:
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 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. 5 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. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:3-8)
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors — not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 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 8:12-14)
Romans 5:5 states :
5 And the hope of God never makes us ashamed because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us. (AFV)
It is through the gift of the Holy Spirit that the love of God is received so that we can give that type of love. We are able to do this as we become a type firstfruits when we receive the Spirit of God.
The Bible, in the Hebrew scriptures, refers to Pentecost as the Feast of Weeks and ties it in with firstfruits:
16 and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; (Exodus 23:16)
22 "And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, (Exodus 34:22)
Let's now look at something from Leviticus:
9 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 10 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. 11 He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12 And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of the first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the Lord. 13 Its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the Lord, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin. 14 You shall eat neither bread nor parched grain nor fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your God; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
15 'And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 16 Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. 17 You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the Lord. 18 And you shall offer with the bread seven lambs of the first year, without blemish, one young bull, and two rams. They shall be as a burnt offering to the Lord, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma to the Lord. 19 Then you shall sacrifice one kid of the goats as a sin offering, and two male lambs of the first year as a sacrifice of a peace offering. 20 The priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the Lord, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the Lord for the priest. 21 And you shall proclaim on the same day that it is a holy convocation to you. You shall do no customary work on it. It shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations. (Leviticus 23:9-21)
So we see a single sheaf of the firstfruits being offered, and then there is another Holy Day 50 days later. It became known as Pentecost, meaning 50th or counting 50.
Sometimes, because of the scriptural association with firstfruits, Pentecost is referred to as the Feast of Firstfruits. So, what do firstfruits picture in the plan of God?
Let's look at something the Apostle Paul wrote:
20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
Christ, HImself, was the fulfillment of the wave sheaf offering in Leviticus 23:10-11. He is the sheaf of firstfruits. He also fulfilled that role when He ascended into heaven on the Sunday (the wave sheaf offering was on a Sunday) after He was resurrected (John 20:1,17). But perhaps it should be pointed out that neither He nor His true followers observed what is now called Easter. But Christians will follow Him in the first resurrection.
Also, James notes that Jesus brought us forth to also be a type of firstfruit:
18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures (James 1:18).
So while Jesus was the original firstfruit to represent the wave sheaf offering, true Christians are a kind of firstfruits, represented by the Day of Pentecost. “Firstfruits” mean that only a few will be part of the harvest in this age (cf. Luke 12:32; Romans 9:27; 11:5)–but they also imply that there will be a greater harvest–a time where all who never had an opportunity for salvation will later have a true and real opportunity.
Jesus was not only the first of the firstfruits, He was also the firstborn among many brethren:
29 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 (Romans 8:29).
5 Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead (Revelation 1:5).
Since Jesus is the firstborn, this certainly implies that there will become others who are to be like Him. Thus, becoming like Jesus Christ is also part of the message of Pentecost. Of course the idea of becoming like Christ is taught throughout the Bible and is not limited to Pentecost. Notice what John wrote:
2 …we shall be like Him (1 John 3:2).
Because it is a holy convocation, it is observed similar to a weekly Sabbath, but with offerings (Deuteronomy 16:16). In the Old Testament, the Feast of Weeks, involving firstfruits, was kept 50 days after the Sabbath after Passover.
Pentecost portrays this present New Testament Church age in which God is only calling out the "firstfruits" — a comparatively few in number. The vast majority of humans are still "blinded" — still deceived by Satan into following his way of deceit, hypocrisy, sin and death.
And so it was that on the Day of Pentecost (c. A.D. 31) the "firstfruits of the Spirit" came to dwell within the believers, transforming their lives from within so they could become the divinely begotten sons of God.
The period of time from Pentecost in c. A.D. 31 until the second coming of Jesus will constitute the "harvest of the firstfruits" unto God.
This is clearly taught throughout the entire New Testament. The Apostle Paul revealed that Christians have received "the firstfruits of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:23).
When Christ returns to this earth, the living and revived dead are to be caught up to meet Jesus in the air (I Thess. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:51-54). When will this occur? At the seventh or "last trump":
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:50-54, NKJV)
The "we" are the Christians firstfruits of this age! This same momentous event is described in Revelation 11:15-18.
When the "seventh angel" sounds, God will give "reward [eternal life) unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great..." (verse 18).
These saints, given immortality at the second coming of Jesus Christ, are the very first to receive glorification as sons of God. They will comprise the "firstfruits" — the very first to be glorified with eternal life in God's everlasting Kingdom.
Among those who will comprise the firstfruits are the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation: "These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb" (Rev. 14:4).
But who was to be the "first" of the "firstfruits" of all humans -- the first to be raised from the dead to receive immortality?
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. (1 Corinthians 15:22-24, NKJV)
Christ is called the "firstfruits" because He was the very first human to be "reaped" -- to be changed from mortal to immortal, from human to divine.
We have seen, that the 144,000 are also referred to as "the firstfruits unto God." During this Church age Christians receive freely of the "first fruits of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:23).
Notice James' confirmation of this important truth: "Of his [the Father's) own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (James 1:18).
All converted believers during this New Testament Church age comprise the "firstfruits unto God." Jesus Christ is called "the firstfruits of them that slept" (I Cor. 15:20). He is also called "the firstborn from the dead" (Col. 1:18), "the firstborn of every creature" (verse 15), and "the firstborn among MANY BRETHREN" (Rom. 8:29). This shows that others are to be born later. God's Church is called the "church of the firstborn" (Heb. 12:23).
If today's churches properly observed Pentecost and the other annual holy days (just as did Christ and the apostles), they would understand God's plan of salvation. They would realize that God is not now trying to save the world. He is merely calling out the "firstfruits" so they can be used by Him to rule this earth during the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ.
The old WCG taught:
Notice the words of Jesus Himself shortly after His resurrection, when the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem prior to the day of Pentecost: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
The gift of the Holy Spirit would provide them with dynamic power by which to carry out the great commission of preaching the gospel. The word "power" is from the Greek dunamis which means "power, might, strength or force" (Arndt-Gingrich lexicon). In this case it involved the power to work miracles — to heal the sick, to cast out (exorcise) demons, and even raise the dead! As a result of the influence of the Holy Spirit, they would learn to think more and more like Christ Himself.
Paul later told the church at Philippi: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5). But how does the mind of Christ develop in a Christian? "And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us" (I John 3:24). Christ actually lives His life over again in a converted Christian by means of the Holy Spirit! The Apostle Paul wrote: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..." (Gal. 2:20). It is Christ in us by means of the Holy Spirit which provides the Christian with the hope of eternal salvation and glory.
As Paul said to the Colossians: "... Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). Developing the mind and attitude of Christ is sometimes a painful process. It is not accomplished in an instant. Rather, it requires a constant exercising of the Holy Spirit until that mind is formed within you. Paul said to the Galatians: "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you" (Gal. 4:19). ...
God's Spirit Not Contentious
God's Spirit manifests itself in good works and faithful words in those who preach the gospel. It is the Spirit of truth and righteousness. It is not a contentious, striving and bitter spirit (see James 3:14-16); rather it is conciliatory, loving, compassionate, forgiving. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are peacemakers. They strive to cover sins and heal wounds, rather than rubbing salt in them.
James says: "But the wisdom that is from above [through God's Holy Spirit] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" (verses 17-18). The Holy Spirit will give you that elusive peace of mind so rare in this restless, fearful age. When you begin to imbibe of God's very mind, you will be more sound-minded — much less fearful.
The Apostle Paul reminded the young evangelist Timothy: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (II Tim. 1:7). The Apostle John tells us that "There is no fear in love; but perfect love [by and through the Holy Spirit] casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love" (I John 4:18). This is a time of mismanaged and misdirected minds. Many are fearful of a wide variety of persons, places and things. Many rob themselves of peace and contentment by constantly dwelling on needless, unreasoned fears — most of which never come to pass.
The first fruit of God's Spirit — love — is the only permanent solution to fear and needless mental strain. This spirit of a sound mind will gradually replace all the fears and phobias that tend to spill over into our minds from this hectic, confused, mind-jangling society.
If you are one that is abnormally fearful, or even occasionally fearful, you need the indwelling presence of God's Spirit in your mind. (Knowles B, Schroeder J. You Need God's Holy Spirit. Good News, September 1974)
Notice the following from the Book of Galatians:
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Through God's Holy Spirit, Jesus begins to live His life in us.
Notice something else from Galatians:
6 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. (Galatians 4:6-7)
Yes, Jesus is to live His life through us and we, with His Spirit, become an heir of God. The Apostle Paul showed that the ministry helps one get to the point that they will be born again at the resurrections, which is when Jesus will be fully formed in us:
19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, (Galatians 4:19)
We need the Holy Spirit for Christ to be fully formed in us.
HWA taught in a Bible Study on Galatians 3 & 4:
Galatians 4:16-20 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (17) They zealously affect you, but not well [Now, the "they" are someone that are misleading them into wrong errors that are not the truth. "They zealously affect you. "You" are the Gentiles, "we" are the Israelites, "they" are the false preachers.] but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. (18) But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. (19) My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, (20) I desire... You see, Christ has to be formed in us. When we're first converted, when we accept Christ, when we first receive the Holy Spirit, Christ hasn't been {fully} formed in us yet. It's just the start. It takes time to grow to development. He said, "until Christ be formed in you."
Paul also wrote:
27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
So, we see that the formation has begun.
The Apostle John wrote:
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Because we have the Spirit of Jesus, which is in us, we can overcome. And Jesus is greater than the entire world.
The world is opposed to us and God's ways. Notice something that happened on Pentecost after people experienced the miracle of hearing the preaching of the Apostles in their native languages:
13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:14-18)
Yet, in the 21st century, many who claim to be Christian (like most of the Laodiceans) do not believe in God's miracles related to dreams or prophecies. They mock through disbelief or not accepting that is how God works.
They also often listen to talebearers and other mockers. That is what Satan wants them to do.
The Apostle James wrote:
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:7-10)
Don't be double-minded or half-hearted! Fully submit to God. Don't think you can tolerate drugs, drunkeness, smoking, soft pornography (which is often even in what is called "family entertainment," or inaction. As far as inaction goes, remember the parable of the talents, where Jesus said:
26 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. (Matthew 25:26-28)
Yes, inaction from a Christian can be wicked.
The Apostle Paul also wrote:
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
So can YOU if you heed scripture! Paul was not inactive.
Until the time Jesus is fully formed in us, as the Apostle Paul wrote:
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5)
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; (Philippians 3:14-15)
We should be moving towards this more and more.
God's Spirit enables us to be able to do this. We also need to study the Bible, fast, and meditate (more on meditation can be found in the free online book: Meditation for Faithful Christians). This will help you move closer to the mind of Christ.
Now, in case there is any confusion, the Apostle Paul also specifically said he wanted women to have the same mind as well:
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2)
Male or female, we are to strive to have the mind of Christ.
This is possible with God's Holy Spirit and submission to God's ways.
UCG, Is God a Trinity, 2011, booklet:
And at His resurrection, following His death, Christ returned to His former glory with the Father, having prayed shortly before He died, as earlier quoted, “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (John 17:5). While other human beings are not physically conceived the supernatural way Christ was, they can follow Him in being spiritually fathered by God—though later in their physical existence. Converted Christians are also referred to as “begotten” of God (1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 5:1, 18, KJV), as children of God (John 1:12; Romans 8:16, 21; 1 John 3:1-2), as sons of God (Matthew 5:9; Romans 8:14, 19; Galatians 3:26) and, as earlier stated, as God’s “sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:18). Indeed, they are described in 1 Peter 1:23 as “having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed [Greek sperma—that is, not of a male sperm cell fertilizing a female egg to produce only mortal, perishable life], but of incorruptible [seed], through the word of God, which liveth and abideth” (American Standard Version). This incorruptible, imperishable life to which they are led by Scripture comes by God implanting His Holy Spirit within them, for “the Spirit alone gives eternal life” (John 6:63, New Living Translation). Indeed, the Holy Spirit, as the power of God, is the agency of spiritual conception. Note again Paul’s words in Romans 8:16: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (KJV). And through that Spirit it becomes possible for us to be “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4), the very nature of God. Returning to the book of Hebrews, we should understand that the language of being begotten by God, while not applicable to the angels, is applicable not just to Jesus Christ but also to His followers. “Angels,” we are told, “are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit iStockphoto salvation” (1:14, NLT).
These converted human beings are God’s children, Christ’s brothers who, like Him, are begotten of God. Christ, we are further told, is “bringing many sons to glory . . . For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one [that is, of the same Father or the same family, other translations note], for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (2:10-11). Jesus is to be the “firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). These must be “born of the Spirit” (John 3:6) to become like Him, who now, as a “life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45), sits “at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). Indeed, they will yet join Him in glory as fellow “sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:36)—Christ being the “firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5). Thus it should be plain that Spirit-converted Christians truly and literally become God’s children through spiritual regeneration—being begotten again through the Holy Spirit to new life. So God really is producing us according to His “kind,” as Genesis 1 implies—not just as physical models in the flesh but as spiritual entities like Himself (John 4:24). A few verses have been read to say that Christians are adopted sons of God rather than His actual begotten sons, but this is based on a misunderstanding (see our free booklet What Is Your Destiny? to learn more). We will be like Jesus Christ Recognizing that we’re made in God’s image and to follow in Christ’s footsteps into future glory, let’s give further thought to what this entails. When all is said and done, how completely can we be like God? God’s purpose is to make us fully like Jesus Christ! In Ephesians 4 Paul makes this clear. He explains that members of God’s Church are to “come . . . to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (verse 13). Paul’s comment in Galatians 4:19, “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,” expresses the same concept in different words. Do you glimpse the significance of what Paul is saying in explaining that we will have the fullness of Christ? We can become fully and completely like Jesus Christ, with His character formed in us. But that’s not all! As we’ve seen, Jesus, the Son of God, is also God the Son. He is God along with God the Father—two divine Beings united in profound oneness. As Jesus is God’s Son, our destiny is also to be the immortal children of God. Of course, Jesus is God’s Son in a unique way, as we’ve seen. Unlike us, He was the divine Word of God from eternity with the Father
Christians need to have the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
What are some of them? Well, the Apostle Paul wrote:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Love is what life is all about.
Consider the following related to the gift of self-control:
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. (Proverbs 16:32)
God's Spirit helps us be able to overcome our own problems and lusts.
And if you fail, keep trying. Remember that he or she, "who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).
Don't give up if you sin--Jesus came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Remember that the Apostle John wrote:
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)
Even those with God's Spirit sin, but we are to confess our sins and not give up--God's Spirit helps us overcome.
The old WCG wrote about the gifts of the Spirit:
The Gifts of God's Spirit
In addition to giving the overall gift of the Holy Spirit to every true Christian, God also imparts special spiritual gifts or tools to the members of the body of Christ in order to perform the Work of God on earth. Paul described these different gifts in detail to the Corinthian Church. All these spiritual tools or abilities, though they are different, are given by the same Spirit (I Cor. 12:4).
Among these special gifts are wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, discerning of spirits, etc. (verses 8-10). These differing gifts of the Spirit are not given to divide the body of Christ, but to unite it in an attitude and spirit of teamwork (verses 12-27). Each member has his important part in performing the overall Work of God in this Church age. Today God is using the Worldwide Church of God to bring the good news of the Kingdom to this chaotic, sick and troubled world.
Each member performs a vital function. Even if your part can only be daily prayer for God's Work and its leaders, you are performing a critical and very responsible function — perhaps the most important activity. (Knowles B, Schroeder J. You Need God's Holy Spirit. Good News, September 1974)
The Apostle Paul also wrote:
12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 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. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:1-31)
Related to prophecy, Peter defended the disciples against criticism. Peter then said:
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.
Peter said that on Pentecost. Yet, many mock the fact that God's word says that dreams and prophets would be here in the last days. That seems to be prophesied as well, as later in the Book of Acts we read something that the Apostle Paul told religious people:
40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:
41 'Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.'" (Acts 13:40-41)
We in the CCOG have told people about dreams and prophets as part of the work, but most despise, or at least discount, that.
An odd thing about many despising them is that is the view of many who were in the old Worldwide Church of God, even though it taught it (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
For example, the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG), Herbert W. Armstrong, taught it in a 1981 sermon (scripture is from the KJV):
All right, now there’s another prophecy for the people …
Joel 2:28-29 And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
So there is a time coming when God will start pouring out His spirit on human beings. … Day of Pentecost, 3000 were baptized. Peter preached a sermon. They were pricked in their hearts. God began to draw them. God was now… Remember He said, “I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh.” All right, there’s a duality of that. (Armstrong HW. Building The Temple. Sermon, February 14, 1981)
Herbert W. Armstrong was correct about the time coming when God would pour out His Spirit as well as the duality. There was a duality to what Peter preached in Acts 2–and that duality is for our current time!
Therefore, dreams and prophesy were expected for our day!
Many seem to discount the fact that there were dreams (Matthew 1:20, 2:13-22; 27:9; Acts 16:9) AND prophets (e.g. Acts 15:32, 21:10; 1 Corinthians 13:9) in the New Testament (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).
This is a prophecy, according to the Bible, for the last days.
We are in the last days (see also Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).
Therefore, dreams and prophesy were expected for our day!
Has this happened in the 21st century?
Yes.
While Herbert W. Armstrong was alive, the Personal Correspondence Department in the old WCG sent out a letter on dreams and stated the Bible showed that future dreams from God to His people were expected.
It then had a date change added to it and here is a quote from that one:
Thank you for your question concerning visions or dreams. The Bible reveals that in times past servants of God were given visions and dreams for specific reasons and/or to convey special messages. …God has used this means of communication in the past and will do so again (Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28) (L052 Worldwide Church of God, 1989)
As the WCG did not publicly acknowledge any such dreams after that letter was sent, the interpretation must be that God would later use dreams (it should be mentioned that the original date of L052 was prior to 1986–hence it was not a change by the Tkach Administration).
In his booklet, The Tongues Question (1970), Herbert Armstrong wrote:
While correcting the Corinthian church, Paul said, “I would that ye ALL spake with tongues” (I Cor. 14:5), and “forbid not to speak with tongues,” in the church (verse 39). We should banish all prejudice against the true manifestation of tongues which is the ability to speak in real languages.
But we should get the tongues into the proper SCRIPTURAL place of importance.
Yet, many also have prejudice against God’s use of dreams.
Despite what the Acts 2:17-18 supports, most Church of God groups (and scattered ‘independents’) do not seemingly accept that there are any prophets today, nor do they seem to accept that God actually sometimes speaks in dreams in the 21st century.
The Bible records that God often has used dreams to give messages, mainly to men (Genesis 20:3-7, 28:10-17, 31:10-13, 31:24, 37:5-10, 40:5-18, 41:1-32; Numbers 12:6; Judges 7:13-15; 1 Kings 3:5-15; Daniel 2:3-45, 4:4-27, 7:1-28; Matthew 1:20-25, 2:12, 2:13, 2:19, 2:22; Acts 16:9), and possibly at least one or more times to a woman (cf. Numbers 12:6; Judges 4:4-16; see also Matthew 27:19).
Yes, most dreams are not from God (Deuteronomy 18:22), but consider that confirmed dreams related to the Christian church would be in a different (and biblically prophesied) category (Matthew 10:41; Acts 2:17-18).
Acts 2:17-18 prophesied dreams and prophets and God has restored both in this 21st century!
Most end-time Christians seemingly despise prophecies, despite the warning not to:
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)
Most Christians are not properly testing all things and holding fast what is good. Although they think they do, however, they actually seem to discount parts of the Bible, while telling themselves that they really believe all of it–that was the expected condition of the Laodiceans according to Jesus (Revelation 3:14-18). Failure to proper test all things and not accept biblical prophecies, like Acts 2:17-18, is evil. Every form of evil includes laxness and disregard of God’s word on matters including God’s use of dreams and prophets.
Notice the following:
27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. (Acts 11:27-28)
Among other things, I warned about the coronavirus before it hit as well as that Russia would end up with land that Ukraine claimed. Those have happened (see also Church of God Leaders on Prophets).
Many in various COGs appear indignant/dismissive of the very idea that God would use dreams or prophets. Many do not understand what the Bible or what certain leaders have taught about prophets (for some details, see Church of God Leaders on Prophets). Part of the reason for this is pride, but also that the self-proclaimed ‘prophets’ outside of the Continuing Church of God have tended to have proven to be false (see also Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders?).
But that does not mean God doesn’t ever use dreams or have any in the office of prophet or ever pour out a ‘double-portion’ of His Spirit (cf. 2 Kings 2:9-15) as happened when an ordained minister so prayed and anointed me (Bob Thiel) on December 15, 2011.
In the Old Testament, God gave a sign people could see that showed the mantle of leadership passed to Elisha (2 Kings 2:14-15). And for the last days, the Philadelphian Christians are those who kept God’s word (“kept My word” Revelation 3:7-8), and hence are willing to believe the confirmation signs that were at least partially prophesied in the New Testament in Acts 2:17-18. This was not said of the non-Philadelphians and the mantle does not pass to any of them (for more on the mantle, check out the article: Herbert W. Armstrong, the Philadelphia Church, & the Mantle).
The Apostle Peter (Acts 2:17-18) and the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-29) taught that there would be some with prophetic dreams in the end times.
Since a dream from a woman (Loma Armstrong) preceded the start of the Philadelphian era of the Church of God (for details, see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God), does it not make sense that God would give a dream to another woman (in this case Fesilafai Fiso Leaana) prior to the formation of what became the most faithful Philadelphian continuation (cf. Hebrews 13:1, literal), which is the Continuing Church of God?
Yet, many non-Philadelphians have concluded that there are not, cannot be, and/or that no stock should be placed on dreams.
But since Peter said that was a last days prophecy, then THE WORD OF GOD IS CLEAR THAT SOME OF GOD’S MOST FAITHFUL WOULD HAVE TO HAVE DIVINELY-INSPIRED DREAMS and/or prophetic abilities at this time. WILL YOU NOT BELIEVE THAT GOD WOULD BE DOING WHAT HIS WORD SAID HE WOULD BE DOING IN THE LAST DAYS?
At least seven people associated with the Continuing Church of God have had confirmed prophetic dreams (for details, see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God). Is this happening anywhere else in the COGs?
Notice what happened with the apostles:
20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. (Mark 16:20)
We in the CCOG have made the Gospel available in more languages than any COG group has ever done (see Preaching the Gospel in Over 1000 Languages). Please we have Divine confirmation of the work through the confirmed dreams and prophecies.
Many seem to overlook the fact that the Bible shows that God most often works with prophets through a dream:
5 Then the Lord came down in the pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam. And they both went forward. 6 Then He said,
“Hear now My words:
If there is a prophet among you,
I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision;
I speak to him in a dream. (Numbers 12:5-6)
Notice that the above says that God’s plan is that He will speak to His prophets in a dream.
As the Apostle Peter was inspired to speak in Acts 2:17-18, dreams and prophets were prophesied in the New Testament for the last days!
For more on Acts 2:17-18, check out the article: Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
Getting back to Peter on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, he continued with:
19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.' (Acts 2:19-21)
Peter put in the time period that there would be dreams and prophecies just before the coming Day of the Lord--that is for our time now.
Those who love God love His word.
The Apostle John wrote:
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. (1 John 2:3-7)
Both the Old and Testaments told of God using dreams and prophets. We need to keep and heed the word of God on that topic as well as love.
Related to love among the spiritual gifts, the Apostle Paul also wrote:
13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
God's Spirit, if we will truly submit to it, helps us love God and neighbor.
Consider that God's Spirit helps us keep His commandments--and remember that, "the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5).
Back to Pentecost in Acts 2 we see that major growth occurred back then:
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:41-42)
Are we still supposed to be continuing "steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine" now?
Certainly!
As the Apostle Jude wrote:
3 ... contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)
That is something we in the Continuing Church of God are also doing.
With God's Holy Spirit, you can become more and more like Jesus.
We want His mind in us and to live as He did.
We will be as He is if we obey and endure, once we arise in the resurrection.
We need God's Holy Spirit to succeed. We should be thankful we have it--and that God started to pour it out on His church on the Day of Pentecost.
Thiel B. Pentecost and the Need for the Holy Spirit. COGwriter (c) 2024 https://www.cogwriter.com/pentecost-holy-spirit.htm