Kalon Mitchell

Can We Feel God’s Holy Spirit?

Is it physically possible to experience the Holy Spirit? If so, how does this affect us in our daily lives?

Let us start this Q&A with John 3:5-7. Here, Christ is laying out in detail how people actually receive the Holy Spirit. He shows that the Holy Spirit will be given to us by becoming baptized and through the laying on of hands by the ministry and prayer (Please read our free booklet, “Baptism – A Requirement for Salvation.”). In verse 8, Christ shows that the Holy Spirit is not a Personage or a Person, but rather the power of God the Father and of the glorified Christ. He compares it with a mighty powerful wind which can be heard and felt. The conclusion is that the Holy Spirit is the very power of God and of Christ. We do not become Spirit beings at the moment of our baptism. We still bleed, we are still visible and we still make wrong choices and sin. We are still human at this point. But we now have the power of God in us helping us to make right decisions; helping us to become more like the Father and Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 that we can understand godly truth, because the power of God’s Spirit helps us to open our minds to the truth.

We frequently read that we are to be growing in the knowledge of Christ and the Father (compare 2 Peter 3:17-18). In verse 17 we find the warning not to fall away because of lawlessness, but rather, to continue using and receiving the knowledge and power from God.

Christ is our perfect example. In all things He relied upon and leaned on the Father. He never said or did anything that wasn’t perfect and righteous. He was able to do this because God’s Holy Spirit flowed without limit from the Father into Him. Christ was constantly in contact with God. This constant contact is also necessary for us, in order to have a close relationship with God and to experience the power of His Spirit in our lives. So, can we feel the Holy Spirit in a physical way?

In Luke 6:19, we find that people were healed when they touched Christ. The power of the Father’s Holy Spirit was emanating from Him. In Matthew 9:20-24 and in Luke 8:42-48, we read that Christ very physically felt power leaving His body, so much so that He asked who had touched Him. Christ brought people back from the dead and He healed sick people, but it was not Christ who performed these types of miracles. It was God the Father, who, through the power of His Spirit, did those miracles through Christ. In Acts 5:15, God used Peter’s shadow to heal people from their illnesses. God would not have done this if Peter would not have had a very close relationship with Him. The amount of closeness to God needed to achieve these things is something that many people do not have. It must be our goal to stay closely in tune with God.

When Saul became king of Israel, he was given God’s Holy Spirit. In 1 Samuel 10:6-13 we find that Samuel told Saul that when the Spirit of God would come upon him, he would be turned into another man—a different type of man; one that would be able to be in close contact with God. This may have been how Saul started out, but once he rebelled against God, he lost his relationship with God. Saul started to be plagued by a demon, and his “old man” ruled his life again. If we contrast Saul’s life with the life of David, we see a complete difference. When Saul fell into a rage, the only thing that could soothe him was David’s playing on the harp. We know that David wrote many psalms in worship of God, and he loved playing music. This very physical habit was a strong cornerstone in David’s life, and he used it to help himself and others, and many of his psalms endure to this day as the hymns which we sing each Sabbath in worship services. David was given the Holy Spirit as well, and, for the most part, he used it to grow.

As David grew, we too should be growing. Jeremiah 2:13 states: “They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters.” These living waters should be flowing through us. They should flow into us and out of us. These living waters are not static at all. John 7:38 clearly points out that living waters are symbolic for the Holy Spirit, and that we receive this stream of the Holy Spirit, if we believe in God the Father and in Jesus Christ. Those who have been called today to the truth and who are responding to the calling are those who understand that they need God. They are going out of their way to constantly seek Him, to try to be close to Him. They are thirsty; they are realizing that there is more to this life than physical things. They understand what God is telling them in Isaiah 55:1: “… Come to the waters.” They are continually seeking out this source of true water.

In many Scriptures God points out that if He calls us in this day and age and if we are willing to draw close to Him, He will pour out His Holy Spirit into us to provide us with the strength and courage that we need to overcome and make it as God beings into His Family.

In Joel 2:28-29, a promise is made that God’s Holy Spirit will be poured out, especially during the time of the end. As we continue on in verses 31-32, the beginning of the great and terrible Day of the LORD is described, but we also see that there are those who will be “called” and who will escape that time. In his first address to those gathered on the day of Pentecost, Peter was inspired to quote this very Scripture. Quoting from our free booklet, “The Meaning of God’s Spring Holy Days”: “… consider, also, what Peter was inspired to say by way of explanation. He quoted from the prophet Joel (compare Acts 2:17–21; Joel 2:28–32). Note, in particular, the broadly inclusive statement found in Acts 2:21: ‘And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.’ As we continue to read this account in Acts 2, Peter preaches about repentance, baptism and the promise of God’s Holy Spirit. Verse 39 again opens up the scope of the opportunity that God is presenting: ‘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.’”

Titus 3:4-9 shows Christ’s utmost care and concern for us. Even though we had lived in sin, Christ’s righteous deeds, death and resurrection have given us the opportunity to obtain mercy—to be washed and transformed through the Holy Spirit. In verse 6 Paul says that God will pour out His Spirit on us ABUNDANTLY. We are explicitly told in verse 8 that those who believe these things will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. In Ephesians 1:2, Paul describes how God and Christ are active in giving us both grace and peace. Without grace (including forgiveness and other gifts from God), we could never have peace in our lives. Godly peace is a product of having God’s Holy Spirit living and working in and through us.

When God gave Jesus Christ extra powers at the time of His baptism through John, the Holy Spirit manifested itself “as a dove.” When God poured out the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, a very physical thing happened, as described in Acts 2:1-12, 33. Those in attendance witnessed God’s very real presence through the power of the Holy Spirit, first as a mighty rushing wind, then as divided tongues of fire upon each person, and then the ability to speak in different languages and to understand them as well. These were very physical manifestations. A unique balance to this was when God spoke to Elijah at Horeb. We read in 1 Kings 19:9-14 about the physical manifestations of God’s power to Elijah when he was feeling scared. These stories show how God can manifest His power and they show how He chooses to do so at times. God’s deeds are always calculated and have purpose. In every case, they gave the people who witnessed these miracles the strength and courage to continue on.

Let us also consider the many miracles Christ performed that are recorded in the Bible and the countless others which were not recorded. We should also reflect on the early apostles and how they were casting out demons, left unhurt by poisonous things and snakes, and Peter’s momentary ability to walk on water. In John 14:11-13, Christ makes the most powerful statement that greater works than these will be done by us because of our belief in and obedience to Christ. The works that Christ performed were never for self-glorification; but rather, to help others physically and spiritually; to believe and to help spread the Word of God; to proclaim the good news of the gospel and what it represents. John 5:20 echoes this.

In Romans 14:17, we are told the importance of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, we are introduced to the fruit of the Spirit. In all of these applications, the power is not physical, but it has a very physical outward manifestation of our attitudes—how we treat others and how close we are to God.

While we may not physically feel the Holy Spirit, we can see the physical and spiritual effects of it’s power working through us. As we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, we can continue to use this power in greater ways as God allows and directs. Remember, Christ said that everything He did was what the Father wanted. This must be our approach as well. God wants us to become God beings. We are learning now how to use His power in small ways so that we can one day, as immortal members of the God Family, use the full and unrestricted might of God’s power. Keeping God’s laws and commandments demonstrates the physical and outward manifestation of God’s power and His Holy Spirit flowing through us. God has called us and He indeed has a plan for us. We must be willing to trust in that plan, trust in Him, and continue in faith work towards that end.

Lead Writer: Kalon Mitchell

Where is God?

by Kalon Mitchell

As we continue to see disastrous and saddening events unfolding in our Nation and around the world, have we ever had the thoughts, “Where is God?” and “Why is He letting these things happen?” Many don’t believe in God, and yet still wonder why these tragedies and worldwide issues are happening. Even those who believe in God have trouble understanding and explaining just how and why these issues plague all of mankind today. The Bible clearly explains why there are so many problems and it prescribes that it will continue to get much worse before it can get better. We need to understand where God is and why He refuses to step in and help man today.

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Press Release

Church of the Eternal God Announces Booklet, “Punishment for Our Sins”

San Diego, CA. — July 12, 2016 — The Church of the Eternal God announces the availability of its free booklet, “Punishment for Our Sins”. This booklet provides many answers to the questions surrounding life after death, and ultimate punishment for our sins.

Many believe that if they’ve lived a good life, they will go to heaven when they die. Others worry that because they sinned much in their life, they will end up in hell to be tormented forever. But, do we have an immortal soul that keeps living that will ultimately end up in such places? How do we receive punishment for our sins – what exactly happens at the end of our physical existence?

The Bible clearly shows that the concept of an immortal soul is erroneous. Death is simply a sleep without consciousness until a resurrection from the dead. So how will punishment for sins take place then? We read in John 5:28–29 that all who are in their graves will come forward when they hear the voice of the Son of Man – those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be judged.

The author of the booklet, Evangelist Norbert Link explained: “God is merciful and has great compassion. Upon sincere repentance, He will forgive sins and undoubtedly reduce any punishment for a repentant sinner to the absolute minimum. However, we should not think that there will be no accounting for sins, even after true repentance. But it is only those who rebelliously and irrevocably refuse to submit to God that will be destroyed permanently in the lake of fire.”

Order a free copy of our booklet at www.EternalGod.org to find out more.

About Church of the Eternal God
The Church of the Eternal God in the United States—with its operations around the world, including Die Kirche des Ewigen Gottes (in German-speaking areas), the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (Canada) and the Global Church of God (United Kingdom)—exist to fulfill the Work which Jesus Christ has given to His Church. It is through the fruit of unity in God’s Holy Spirit that we strive to be of one mind in doctrine, purpose and practice.

We conduct weekly Sabbath services with an emphasis on live transmissions over the internet and in local congregations where possible. We also observe biblical Holy Days as commanded by God.

We maintain websites for access to our published materials; to present church messages in English and German (both recorded and live); to publicly proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of God through the StandingWatch programs (including the German language program, AufPostenStehen); to make available our weekly Update; and to provide spiritual assistance and guidance to both Church members and any whom God may call to salvation at this time. For more information, please visit www.EternalGod.org.

Church of the Eternal God
1-760-658-6407
contact@eternalgod.org
www.EternalGod.org
Copyright ©2016 EternalGod.org. All Rights Reserved.

Consistency

by Kalon Mitchell

What happens when your life is repeatedly moving into a different direction than where you want it to be—when you expect to find answers and more questions appear? Have you ever wished you could see into the future and be able to navigate through life’s ups and downs?

As human beings, we constantly make plans and try to affect the outcome of our lives for the best. We are always trying to come up with the right solutions for our problems and seeking answers. As long as humans have been here, this has been the case. It is easy to become distracted by our own wants, desires and ambitions. It is easy to get caught up in concentrating on ourselves while missing the fact that our lives hold such importance for all of us.

Do we believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ have seen us before time began? Do we accept that the words we read in our Bibles are true? If so, then we need to read and come to fully understand and put into practice what we claim to believe. First we read in Ephesians 2:10 that we are “created in Jesus Christ…” We have been given a new hold on life (also note 2 Corinthians 5:17-18). But this verse doesn’t just stop there. It continues: “… for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” The primary object here is that we should be living our lives in a holy way. This is explained so many times. Romans 6:4 tells us that we are called to “newness of life.” Ephesians 1:4 says that we have been chosen “before the foundation of the world” to be “holy and without blame.” God prepares beforehand for each of us particular good works, and the time and way which He sees best. By His providence, God brings about opportunities for good works, and makes us ready for their performance (John 15:16; 2 Timothy 2:21). He wants us to walk in them—not to “be saved” by them. Works do not justify, but a just man works (Galatians 5:22-25).

So how do we accomplish this goal, when life is throwing rocks at us left and right—when everything seems stacked against us? Does it seem then that God really cares? Does He answer us at all?

There can only be one answer!

God dares us to do something in Malachi 3:10. This passage involves the aspect of tithing. Also think about other areas of our lives. The principle of this Scripture applies in so many ways. God says: “… try Me NOW in this.” Don’t wait until it is convenient. Try it out and see if it works, if I won’t bless you for tithing. What if we took this challenge and applied it to bible study; prayer; meditation; helping out at Church services; volunteering time and effort to help promote the Word of God; in any situation, really.

These are ALL areas where we can apply this challenge. God wants to see the character that develops in us as we go through trials, while applying and being obedient to His rules and laws. If we do this, then God tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:8 that if we have good works then He can and will bless us. But if we think that we will be blessed at all times without having to grow spiritually, then there is still much to learn.

James 4:17 equates the good or evil that we do with the life that we choose to live. Notice, it says that everyone should seek the Lord’s Will. However, this is not just a one-time occurrence. Rather, it applies consistently, as it does with tithing or any of the above-mentioned activities. We don’t pray just one time for something and when nothing happens decide that we stop praying because God didn’t answer. Instead, it is just the opposite. We are commanded to pray “always” (Ephesians 6:18) and “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). If we fail to study God’s Word and pray for His help, how can He answer? Do we see the waterfall effect if we start failing in one area?

Consistency has to be our key—consistency in doing the right thing. We must have consistency in faith that God knows what is best for our individual situations; knowing that He will allow tests and trials to see where we stand in respect to our desire to have a relationship with Him. How can we expect God to answer if we half-heartedly go through the steps and motions of bible study and prayer? Psalm 23 lays out David’s deep respect and love for God and his relationship with God. Notice in this chapter the day-to-day reliance David had on God. He equated EVERYTHING as coming from God. He constantly was evaluating his life and seeking God’s Will in everything he did. He did this so he could come to the point where he would be able to see more clearly God’s point of view on things. And for this, God loved David dearly.

This is the type of reliance we need to establish in our relationship with God if we want to understand our lives better and where we are headed. Without this type of reliance and consistency on our part, we will be lost as to where we are on a daily basis. We will lose sight of what it is that God is trying to accomplish with each of us.

Try God! Put Him first in everything—in prayer, in thought, in deed and in action. If we start developing this mindset in our lives, dramatic changes in our thoughts and attitudes will occur, and God will be able to use us more easily because we seek His Will.

Gold, Cloth & Eye Salve

by Kalon Mitchell

In a world that is filled with an attitude of what is best for self, it is easy for Christians to get entangled in this type of thinking and lose sight on God’s providence and strength in their lives. In the church we understand that the age we are living in now is called in scripture the Laodicean era. God gives very serious warnings to this end time church. What can we do to ensure that we are not in this category?

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Desire to Win

by Kalon Mitchell

How do we accomplish our day to day tasks? Do we do so with joy and happiness, or do we become resentful and angry? The desire to win is put within all of us. It’s what drives us forward. As Christians, we have to take this opportunity and use the potential that God has given to us. Whatever pain and struggle that we have, it will be worth it in the end.

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Forgive and Forget

by Kalon Mitchell

The ability to forgive and forget is a key principal that is laid out in the Bible. Christ taught a lot about how we should forgive others. There are three aspects I want to cover: God’s forgiveness, our forgiveness for others and the ability to forgive yourself and move forward.

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Contempt for God’s Commands

by Kalon Mitchell

It is easy to do something so many times that it becomes commonplace. If we are not careful we can actually come to the point where we start to treat God’s commands and Holy Days with contempt. But to do so possesses some very serious threats to our eternal salvation.

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Fulfillment In All Things

by Kalon Mitchell

In a world full of distractions and endless ways to spend our time and energy, how do we use the time that we have each day? And even more importantly, how do we feel at the end of a day? Do we find ourselves fulfilled from ALL of our engagements? We touch so many people throughout a single day that we don’t always realize how we are impacting others. Colossians 3:23-24 points out that whatever we are doing, we are to do it “heartily” or with our entire heart. We are to be pouring out ourselves into what we do. And the amazing thing is that if we are doing this, God gives us the knowledge and understanding that we need to accomplish our tasks. But the important caveat is that we do it with our entire heart. If we half-heartedly approach every day, our jobs, people, anything really, how can we be fulfilled? How can we fill up others if we are half-hearted? How can we serve joyfully? Ephesians 6:6-8 admonishes us to serve “from the heart”—with good will. There is no room for back-biting, hate, ill-will, or anything negative.

How hard is it though to not complain when things go wrong? When we think that things should be different than what they are? When we think we are being treated unfairly or unkindly? How do we react? We would do better to keep in mind the words Solomon wrote down for us in Ecclesiastes 7:20-22. We must be careful with the attitudes and the thoughts that we allow ourselves to have. We must come to rely on God more and more for wisdom and understanding in ALL matters.

James 4:7-9 gives us the right ideas in this regard. We need to be submitting ourselves to God to fully understand how we can fulfill our days in the right ways. In verses 13-17, James goes on to admonish us that in the scheme of things, our lives are over so quickly. All our strivings and goals are in vain if they are not rightly ordained by God. He indeed sets our courses. When we go wrong and need adjustment, He makes corrections, as long as we are willing to accept them and get back on the right track.

So let us ask ourselves these questions:

How fulfilled do we find ourselves at the end of each day?

How willing are we to seek God and allow Him to lead?

As we approach the Passover, what can we take away from this short time we have left in examining ourselves? Ephesians 5:16 tells us that we should be “redeeming the time” by making the BEST use of our time, “because the days are evil.”

David had the right approach in Psalm 127:2. Even though our work may be heavy and burdensome, when we do it with God’s Will in mind, seeking what He wants, then we can go to bed at the end of the day and feel fulfilled because God will give us good rest. And He will recharge us for our continual fight each and every day. Psalm 90:12 says: “So teach us to number our days That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Let us allow Godly wisdom and understanding fill us up each day so that we may feel fulfilled and others may see that and be encouraged to follow our example.

How Do We Love God?

by Kalon Mitchell

As we come up to the spring Holy days, Satan will do everything he can to destroy us and make us doubt and lose interest in staying too close to God.  Do we ever think about giving up because of what we go through? What keeps us coming back to God? What keeps us grounded?  It comes down to our love for God, His commandments and our Faith in His promises.

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