Back
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 3: THE HOLY SPIRIT AND YOU

‘To be born again, is to born of the Spirit of God’ (1 Corinthians 12:13, John 3:5-8). The Holy Spirit becomes an integral part of your life, so you need to understand who He is, and recognise His work in your life. You must understand what He has to offer, so that you can enjoy the abundant life that is available in Christ and receive the gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) and power (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8) available to you through Him.

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

The Holy Spirit is the third Person in the Trinity—the Godhead. There are proofs from the Bible to validate that the Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead.

  1. During the Account of Creation (Genesis 1:2; Genesis 1:26).
    “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)
    “And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea…’” (Genesis 1:26)
    Notice the use of the plural pronoun “us” in Genesis 1:26, thereby validating the fact that the Godhead is not a singular entity.

  2. During the Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17).
    “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:16-17)

THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is not a dove, He is not oil, He is not a candlestick, He is not wind, He is not fire—these are all similitudes of His expression on earth.

The Holy Spirit has a personality and He is real like any other person you can think about. These are some of the personalities of the Holy Spirit:

  1. The Holy Spirit have a will – 1 Corinthians 12:11
    But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:11 KJV)

  2. He have a mind – Romans 8:27
    And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27)

  3. He has emotions – Ephesians 4:30
    And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30 KJV)

  4. He have understanding – 1 Corinthians 2:11
    For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:11 AMP)

  5. The Holy Spirit cries – Galatians 4:6
    And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6 KJV)

  6. The Holy Spirit have power – Romans 15:13
    Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13 KJV)

  7. The Holy Spirit gives gifts
    “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” (1 Corinthians 12:1 KJV)

  8. The Holy Ghost speaks – Acts 13:2
    “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, ‘Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.’” (Acts 13:2)
    “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, ‘Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.’” (Acts 8:29)

HOW TO HAVE INTIMACY WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

I have explained to you that the Holy Spirit has a personality; suffice it to say that you can have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit just like you can have an intimate relationship with your family members or your friends.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and the majority of the New Testament was written in Greek, so for us to understand certain scriptures we need to know the Hebrew/Greek rendition of key words. In the above scripture, the Greek word for “Communion” is koinōnia, which means fellowship, intimacy, communication, and partnership. The Message Bible version renders the verse:

“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” (2 Corinthians 13:14 MSB)

These are some of the ways we can have intimacy with the Holy Spirit:

  1. Engaging the ministry of the Word – The Word is the manifestation of Jesus. The Word of God will always precede the Spirit of God; as Scripture shows, the Word of God attracts the presence of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 2:1-2).

    “And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.”
    (Ezekiel 2:1-2 KJV)

    Notice that the Spirit entered into him when the Word of the Lord came. It is imperative to note that the Word of God is to our spirit what physical food is to our body. If we eat physical food daily for sustenance, we should also feed on the Word of God daily for spiritual sustenance (Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 4:4).

    “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”
    (Jeremiah 15:16 KJV)

    “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
    (Matthew 4:4 KJV)

  2. The Ministry of Prayer – Acts 2:1-4; Acts 4:31.
    “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

    “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
    (Acts 4:31 KJV)

  3. Worship in Songs – 2 Chronicles 5:13–14; Acts 16:25–26
    It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, “For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever”: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. (2 Chronicles 5:13–14 KJV)

    And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. (Acts 16:25–26 KJV)

  4. Spiritual Retreats – Luke 24:49; Isaiah 40:31
    And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49 KJV)

    But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

  5. Obedience to the nudging and leading of the Holy Spirit per time and season – 1 Thessalonians 5:19
    Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NLT)

    To stifle or quench the Holy Spirit means to disobey the nudging He is giving us per time and per season, so the Holy Spirit will become more intimate with a believer who is prompt in obeying His instructions than with one who disobeys.

  6. Fasting – This is also a very potent way to have intimacy with the Holy Spirit and to be continually filled with the Holy Ghost.

    As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” (Acts 13:2 KJV)

    In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness. (2 Corinthians 11:27)

    Fasting is one of the spiritual strategies that Apostle Paul used, and that is why God could use him to wield terrible things in righteousness. Luke 4:14 also tells us that Jesus returned into Galilee full of the power after He fasted for forty days.

    And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. (Luke 4:14)

    If you want to take your spiritual life very seriously, you must give yourself to prayer, fasting, and the study of the Word. You should not wait for the church to announce a fast before you fast; you can set a day aside every week as your day of fasting for a start.

  7. Meditation – Genesis 24:63; Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:2; Psalms 119:148; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 119:97
    Meditation is an act that is becoming extinct, and most people really don’t know about the power in meditation. One of the ways to crystalize Scripture until it becomes part of your subconscious mind is through meditation: meditate on God’s Word until it becomes crystalized in your mind and in your life. You’re usually calm while meditating, and your thoughts are not wandering about here and there; it makes it easy for the Holy Spirit to speak with you in this state. One of the ways to also crystalize what God has told you concerning your life and destiny is through meditation.

  8. Death to self – 1 Corinthians 15:31; Galatians 5:24; Matthew 16:24; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:7–10
    Death to self is one of the powerful ways to have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. Most people lack that intimacy because their flesh is much more alive. It is possible to pray for hours, fast for a whole year in the flesh, or study your Bible from cover to cover within one week in the flesh to the end that people will applaud you, see you as being spiritual, etc.

    There are even people that are doing all these things for financial gain, they have imagined how people will sow cars, money, houses etc. into their lives if only the prophetic gift or the healing anointing will land upon them. Like Simon the Sorcerer in the book of Acts chapter 8, they are after spiritual things for what they can gain and not to the intent that God will be glorified, and this is one of the reasons we see many so called men of God that thinks they can merchandise God.

  9. Consciousness – Psalms 82:4-7

    You will be able to live a victorious Christian life as a believer when you are conscious of the Person of the Holy Spirit. God will wrought mighty things in and through you if you are conscious of the Holy Spirit.

    St. Patrick of blessed memory had a daily confession that made him conscious of the Person of the Holy Spirit. Here is an excerpt from his confession:

    Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
    Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
    Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
    Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
    Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
    Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
    Christ in the eye that sees me,
    Christ in the ear that hears me.
    I arise today,
    Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
    Through a belief in the Threeness,
    Through a confession of the Oneness
    Of the Creator of creation.

HOW TO RECEIVE THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

There are four prerequisites that must be met for one to be baptized with the Holy Spirit with an evidence of speaking in tongues:

    1. You must be born again – Mark 16:16–18; Acts 19:1–2.
      “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:16–18 KJV)

      “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” (Acts 19:1–2 KJV)

    2. You must desire and ask – Luke 11:9–13; John 7:37–39

      And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:9–13 KJV)

      In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:37–39 KJV)

    3. You receive by Faith – Everything in Christianity is received by faith: we are redeemed by faith; we are justified by faith; we are made righteous by faith; we received the baptism of the Holy Spirit by faith.

      “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.”
      (Romans 1:17 KJV)

    4. You speak by Faith – Most people are scared to speak in tongues by faith when they’re being filled by the Holy Spirit. Some will say they don’t want to sin by speaking “anything,” so they wait for the Holy Spirit to forcefully open their mouth. This happens sometimes when the Holy Spirit fully takes charge and the person speaks uncontrollably—but that’s not always the case. Others want it to be dramatic, like falling on the ground, etc. The things of the Spirit are not always spectacular, but they are supernatural. In 1 Corinthians 14, notice that Paul uses personal pronouns (I and he) while addressing the issue of speaking in tongues. Suffice it to say that it is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to do the filling and to give you the utterance, while it is your responsibility to speak in tongues by faith.

      “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.”
      (1 Corinthians 14:2–5, 13–15, 18 KJV)

THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT A ONE-TIME EVENT

Various Greek scholars and Bible commentators point out that the Greek present‐imperative tense is used in Ephesians 5:18. It has the connotation of a continuous replenishment—an ongoing state of being filled. It has been suggested by some that an awkward but appropriate translation would be something like “go on being filled…,” or “keep on being filled with the Spirit,” or “continue to be being filled with the Spirit…”

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
(Ephesians 5:18 KJV)

The Disciples of Jesus were filled thrice:

First Filling – John 20:22

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost.’”
(John 20:22 KJV)

Second Filling – Acts 2:1–4

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
(Acts 2:1–4 KJV)

Third Filling – Acts 4:31

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
(Acts 4:31 KJV)

The move of the Holy Spirit during our Revival campaign in the University of Benin

CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 4

Dr. Mary Grimes McGreer

An educational administrator, educator and innovator, Dr. Grimes-McGreer is a native of Los Angeles, California. Dr. Mary Grimes-McGreer, a 20-year veteran in education, has served as a University faculty member and academic administrator at minority serving colleges in the United States. Her most recent University post was Associate Provost and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. Currently, she is the CEO and Chief Consultant for Shepard Educational Corporation as Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Expert.

Dr. Grimes received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Professional Theatre at North Carolina A& T State University; Master of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre at Alliant University in San Diego, CA; and Ph.D. in Education Administration with a concentration in Higher Education from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. She has served on numerous state-wide and national committees such as the South Carolina Institute on Poverty and Deprivation Influential Sectors Program, Arts in Basic Curriculum Steering Committee, The Consortia for Women in Education, and Executive Council Member of the American Educational Studies Association. She is a graduate of the prestigious American Council on Education Fellows Program in 2011.

A enthusiast and purveyor of the light of revival coming from Nigeria, she is an active member of a ministry in The Redeemed Christian Church of God North America. A student of Classicism and Western Theological thought, her research interests include the intersection of race, class, and gender studies in education. A qualitative researcher, her teaching experience includes graduate level educational research, leadership, culturally relevant pedagogy, inclusive instructional strategies, and curriculum design.

This will close in 0 seconds

Evangelist Ruby Chika Matthew

Evangelist Ruby Chika Matthew is an ordained Evangelist in The Rock Foundation Evangelical Mission. She is a graduate of Abia State Polytechnic where she obtained a Higher National Diploma in Statistics. She runs a sucessful outreach program for the Bethsaida Intercessors Ministry. Her passion is to win souls and conquer territories for Christ, train and raise godly children and youth, and help the needy.

This will close in 0 seconds

Minister Daniel Mordi Ehima

Daniel has dedicated himself to helping young people find purpose and gain skills for successful living. While he gives special attention to helping educate young people in methods of financial intelligence, he also provides counseling services to help individuals understand themselves and offer solutions to life's problems.

Daniel is a professional importer with over 3 years of experience. He also is an affiliate marketer and life coach. He has trained over 500 students on ways to generate income as well as sustain it.

He received his education at the University of Jos Nigeria, with a degree in Guidance and Counseling. Additionally, he has engaged in over a dozen certified international courses. He is a passionate lover of God and participates fully in leadership roles in various campus fellowships.

This will close in 0 seconds

Pastor Joshua Godwin Ikpe

Lead Pastor Joshua Godwin Ikpe is the President of Trails of Fire Network International in Kaduna State Nigeria. He is a graduate from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University with a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. He is also a graduate of Koinonia School of Ministry under the leadership of Apostle Joshua Selman in 2017.

Pastor Joshua Ikpe is a young man with an unquenchable passion to salvage many young men from the preying claws of the Devil and to set them on fire for God. By the Grace and help of God, he has been able to help youths be delivered and set free from Internet fraud, cultism, drugs and many types of substance abuse.

During his Mandatory National Youth service in Lagos State Nigeria, he was the president of 'Drug Free CDS Group' in Oshodi-Isolo Local government. His team organized several drug free campaigns in secondary schools, markets and in the streets of Oshodi.

His ministry also organizes evangelical outreaches for Secondary/High School Students to the intent that they will be set ablaze for God, as well as engaging in academic success programming leading to expanded academic and economic achievement. His Ministry, by God's Grace, has recorded testimonies of healing, breakthrough, restoration and impartations.

This will close in 0 seconds

Pastor Uchenna John Chukwuka

International inter-Faith Ministerial Alliance has been of tremendous help to me both spiritually and inspirationally since inception,

Firstly, the prayer mountain is always refreshing and revitalizing each time we meet and pray for several issues of concern with answers.

Secondly, the lectures and the discussions which boarders mostly on evangelism and apologetics are highly insightful and impactful and it has led me to take a extra class on apologetics,

May God who brought about this platform make His grace abound for us in order to widen the scope and broadened the horizon for the actualization of its purpose.

Great blessing to us all,

Pastor Uchenna John Chukwuka

Enugu State, Nigeria.

This will close in 0 seconds

Apostle James Lopkinaan Koosyaa

I appreciate God for giving me the opportunity to join this great family that love evangelism. I saw a lot of program's being advertised on Facebook for Evangelism, because I am a pastor with a passion for Evangelism. I would register with them and all with no communication at all. But I was surprised when I joined this group through Facebook they responded to me fast. In fact I love this great family.
All though I am a new student here, I am blessed. I remember that day that pastor Joshua gave us a lecture, he made mention of a place in Kaduna that was mostly dominated by Christians. But they have converted to another Religion. That day I learn that laxcity in Evangelism is a problem in the body of Christ, and I vowed all the Muslim states in Nigeria must be Evangelized. Through my journey, I was encouraged and blessed by this group and waiting to have more.
Apostle James Lopkinaan Koosyaa.

This will close in 0 seconds

Ms. Agule Vivian

My heart overflows with gratitude as I reflect on my journey with the International Interfaith Ministerial Alliance. It all began with a simple Facebook advert, a spark that ignited a fire within me. I enrolled in their basic Bible course on soul winning, eager to deepen my faith and understanding.

Little did I know, this decision would lead me not just to knowledge, but to a loving family. The course was more than just informative; it was transformative. The instructors, filled with warmth and wisdom, guided me on a path of spiritual growth. They patiently answered my questions, challenged my perspectives, and instilled in me a deeper love for God and His word.

But the impact went beyond the classroom. The Alliance fostered a sense of community, a haven where I found acceptance and belonging. My fellow students, from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, became a source of strength and encouragement. We shared our experiences, prayed for each other, and celebrated each other's victories.

The Alliance didn't just equip me with knowledge; they equipped me with love. They showed me the true meaning of compassion, understanding, and acceptance. They saw beyond my flaws and embraced me for who I am. In their midst, I found not just fellow learners, but a family bound by faith and love.

Today, I stand taller, my faith firmer, my heart overflowing with gratitude. The International Interfaith Ministerial Alliance has been more than just a ministry; they have been a beacon of hope, a guiding light on my spiritual journey. And what's even more remarkable is that they have ignited a burning passion within me – a burden for soul winning that grows stronger with each passing day. I am now more determined than ever to share the love and knowledge I've received, to reach out to others, and guide them on their own path to spiritual fulfillment.

For this incredible gift, I offer my sincerest appreciation to Dr. Marry, Coach Daniel, and Pastor Joshua. Their unwavering dedication, profound wisdom, and genuine care have played a pivotal role in shaping my faith and equipping me to serve others. Their vision to foster a loving community and empower individuals like myself to share the Gospel is truly inspiring, and I am forever grateful  to Dr. Mary Grimes-McGreer, Pastor Joshua Ikpe, and Coach Mordi Daniel for their guidance and support.

This will close in 0 seconds

IIMA Newsletter - May 2024

Open newsletter in browser PDF viewer

IIMA NEWSLETTER MAY

This will close in 0 seconds

Minister Valarie Welch

Minister Valerie Welch is a native of Daytona Beach, Florida by way of Knoxville Tennessee. After obtaining her high school diploma from Mainland High School, she pursued her Higher Education at North Carolina A& T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina and graduated Cum Laude (with honors), with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre.

In 2013, Minister Valerie accepted her call to the ministry and was ordained by Bishop John Pace of Destin, Florida and has been on fire for the Lord henceforth. She has a no-nonsense style of preaching and has travelled throughout the southeastern United States teaching and preaching the word of God. She is a minister and lead intercessor at her home church and has a true heart for worshipping God in spirit and in truth. Valerie is unwavering in her mission to set the captives free through prophetic intercession, teaching and preaching the word of God.

This will close in 0 seconds

IIMA Newsletter - December 2024

Open newsletter in browser PDF viewer

IIMA NEWSLETTER MAY

This will close in 0 seconds