The Baptism And Gifts Of The Holy Spirit

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< > Preface (To the third edition) It is about ten years since I wrote my duplicated booklet on “The Baptism and Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” This edition is greatly enlarged by condensed material from some of my other books and material from other sources, and so it gives a far more comprehensive and detailed study of the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. I realise that some things in this book will be strong meat even for mature, godly Christians, never mind Christian babes; I trust and pray that Divine grace will preserve all readers of this book from spiritual indigestion! My qualifications for writing this book are a love for God and His Word, and over twenty years experience of His great grace and gracious gifts. Both my mother and I have had local, national, and international events revealed to us by the Lord, days, weeks, and even years before they have happened, and in my later years, I have experienced an almost daily revelation of the needs and secrets of people’s hearts. I am not trying to give the impression that I have arrived, I have still a great deal to learn and experience, and I still feel that I am a very poor reflection of our Lord's great grace and love. I am merely pointing out that this book is written out of a personal experience of spiritual gifts, as well as by observation of others who manifest spiritual gifts, and through examination of the Scriptures. I have only quoted a few personal experiences of spiritual gifts, as my aim has been to show the Scriptural authority for spiritual gifts, and the ways to receive them. I would also like to state that I am not a Greek scholar, though I wish that I were. I have used the comments of Greek scholars where I have felt that they are helpful and necessary. I hope that this will hinder no one and help many. I wish to acknowledge here, my gratitude and debt to my tutors at Kenley Bible College, some of whom are now with the Lord; George Newsholme, Elisha Thompson, Donald Gee, and particularly C.L. Parker. I also recommend the fine books upon spiritual gifts by H. Horton, H. Carter, Ivor Rossor, Dennis and Rita Bennet, and A Linford's fine scholarly work, all of which are extremely helpful. I hope that this book will be just as helpful and inspiring. I have not the least desire to be arrogant, dogmatic, or contentious; indeed, I welcome any criticism, comment, and correction. I have included a very liberal amount of Scripture references to confirm and illustrate what I have said; a study of these will give a good knowledge of the various subjects, to those who desire to look them up. I pray that our heavenly Father will use this book to enlighten and inspire His children, and that through it many Christians will experience the rivers of living water promised in Jn.7v37-39., by their Saviour. W.H. Turner. Jan. 8th. 1975. PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION. More than twenty years have passed since I wrote the third edition of my book on the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through the grace of God, I have learned many lessons during those years, some of which will be profitable to the readers of this book, and so I have written this new edition of my book with the hope that God may bless it to hungry seeking hearts. There is still considerable controversy over the gift of tongues in the Church, and many Christians still feel that they do not need the gift that Paul valued so much in his private prayer life, when he wrote in 1Cor.14v18., “I thank my God, I speak in tongues more than you all.” Many Christian leaders still preach against, oppose, and forbid the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their churches. These leaders should remember our Lord's words in Lk.11v51,52., to the Jewish theologians of His day, when they opposed Jesus and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and hindered other people from experiencing them; “Woe unto you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge: you entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in you hindered.” Our Lord pronounced a woe upon these opponents, and warned them that such hindrances and opposition would be meticulously searched out (“ekzeteo”) on judgement day. See Acts.7v51-60. The wilful refusal of many Christian leaders and theologians to accept the testimonies of the outstanding saints, martyrs and Christian leaders of Church History, to the continuance of spiritual gifts after apostolic times, is astonishing, and fills us with concern for their spiritual state. To the honest mind, the facts these outstanding saints and martyrs give are indisputable; and prove beyond doubt that spiritual gifts were experienced throughout Church History, and were not just confined to apostolic times. John Wesley gives irrefutable proof that spiritual gifts occurred throughout Church History in his 79 page treatise, “A Letter To The Reverend Dr. Conyers Middleton.” J Sidlow Baxter, in his fine book, “Divine Healing Of The Body,” proves, on pages 29 to 105, that Divine healing occurred throughout the centuries. Anyone who reads “The Scots Worthies: Their Lives and Testimonies,” is impressed by the many miraculous manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that occurred in the lives of these Christians. History proves that spiritual gifts continued after apostolic times. There is still a great deal of ignorance about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church, just as there was in Paul's day. The Corinthians “came behind in no spiritual gift,” “charismata,” but they were still ignorant about the proper use of them, and the immense blessing that they can be, particularly when they are manifested at the higher levels of power and revelation. 1Cor.1v7. 12v1. I hope and pray that this book will help to dispel some of that ignorance. I do not write as one who feels that they have arrived concerning the subject of spiritual gifts, I feel, like Paul, that we have never finished with the learning process. Paul writes in 1Cor.13v11,12., that in this life we are like babes in our knowledge and comprehension of spiritual realities, compared with the full knowledge and experience that we will enjoy in heaven. However, God has said that until we reach our home in heaven, His spiritual gifts are essential equipment for His Church. There is a great need for us to earnestly desire, seek, and find again the love, life, power and spiritual gifts that were manifested in the early Church. Let us follow after that same love, and desire those same spiritual gifts. 1Cor.14v1. The yoke of Jesus is kind, and the ministries and gifts that He gives to us take into account all we are, our talents, personality, circumstances and desires. Jesus does not painfully squeeze us into another person’s yoke, He fits His gentle yoke to us, and the Holy Spirit personally adapts His gifts to us, and His manifestations through us in the way best suited to us. Let us never forget that Jesus also said that His burden is light; He will never drive, overburden, and overtax us, He is always kind, gentle and considerate. Let Jesus fit the kind and gentle yoke of His spiritual gifts to you. I finish this preface with the inspiring account of Charles G. Finney's baptism in the Holy Spirit: - “As I went in and shut the door after me, it seemed I met the Lord Jesus Christ face to face... it seemed to me a reality, that He stood before me, and I fell down at His feet and poured out my soul to Him... I returned to the front office, and found that the fire that I had made of large wood was nearly burned out. But as I turned and was about to take a seat by the fire, I received a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost. Without any expectation of it, without ever having the thought in my mind that there was any such thing for me, without any recollection that I had ever heard the thing mentioned by any person in the world, the Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through and through me. Indeed, it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love; for I could not express it in any other way. It seemed like the very breath of God. I can recollect distinctly that it seemed to fan me like immense wings. No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart. I wept aloud with joy and love; and I do not know but I should say, I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart. (This could well be speaking with tongues.) These waves came over me, and over me, one after the other, until I recollect I cried out 'I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me.' I said, 'Lord, I cannot bear any more;' yet I had no fear of death....When I awoke in the morning the sun had risen, and was pouring a clear light into my room. Words cannot express the impression that this sunlight made upon me. Instantly the baptism I had received the night before, returned upon me in the same manner. I arose upon my knees in the bed and wept aloud with joy, and remained for sometime, too much overwhelmed with the baptism of the Spirit to do anything but pour out my soul to God.” May we all seek and receive a similar experience of God's wonderful love and power. W. H. Turner. October 10th. 2000. PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. I have improved some of the format, content and grammar of these studies in this edition. I have changed the fonts used in the book from Arial Narrow 10 to Arial Narrow 11, in order to make it easier for people to read. As I am now in my 74th. year I appreciate the need of this for older people, and apologise for not doing this sooner. The world situation has become noticeably much darker, however, the ministry of Jesus through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, is a complete answer to the gross evil that is in the world today. Gifts of healing and other mercy gifts, have a mighty and powerful evangelistic appeal, and today are bringing millions of people to accept the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. The protective and judgement gifts of God that were manifested in the lives of Moses, Elijah, and other prophets, and the New Testament apostles, are going to be indispensable in the last days of this age. The Two Witnesses of Rev.11v1-13., the last great prophets of this age, will manifest these gifts in their ministries, and stand resolute and invincible against the Antichrist and his armies for 1,260 days. They manifest the ultimate in gifts of judgement. The Christian group which is represented by the woman of Rev,12v1,2,6,14-17., experiences mighty gifts of supernatural transport, provision and protection, an army that tries to attack them suffers the same fate as the sons of Korah, the ground opens, and swallows them up. Numb.16v1-35. It is good to know that God has given to His Church the necessary Divine equipment to restrain and bring judgement upon militant godless religious groups, and unbelieving implacable secular authorities. We read in Acts.12v1-25., that after the apostle James was executed by Herod, the earnest prayers of the Christians brought about the miraculous release of Peter, and the death of Herod, God smote Herod, and he was eaten up by worms. We also read in Acts.13v6-12., that the judgement of God on Elymas the sorcerer brought a sense of awe on the people who saw it, and caused many to accept and believe in Jesus. Acts.13v6-12. The God of Moses and Elijah will manifest Himself in great acts of judgement on the irreconcilable wicked, and mighty acts of delivering and defensive power for His Christian Church in the last days of this age. We read in Is.28v21., that God’s acts of judgement are His “strange work” and His “alien task,” a God of love desires to give mercy gifts of love, blessing and healing, but in the last days, the great evil in the world and the oppression of humankind will make God’s judgement gifts both necessary and indispensable. The last days will culminate with the awesome judgement of the great day of God Almighty, when in one day God cleans up, and wipes out evil from the world. Ps.2v1-12. Is.24v19-24. 42v13-21. 63v1-6. Zech.12v8-10.13v8,9. 14v1-15. 2Thes.1v5-11. Rev.6v12-17. 16v20,21. 19v11-21. 20v7-15. 21v1-8. We read in the New King James Version of Isa.26v9. “With my soul I have desired You in the night, yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; for when Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” The Revised Standard Version translates Isa.26v9., “My soul yearns for thee in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks thee. For when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” Those who earnestly seek God can find that God’s justice and judgements are dispensed in the world through their prayers, and the gifts that He has given them. We rejoice that when our Lord Jesus returns His judgements will make the world a happy place to live in. This blissful state is recorded in Isa.32v1,16-18. “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. v16. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. v17. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. v18. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” (KJV) In Rev .22v20. Jesus states, "Surely I am coming quickly.” “Surely,” is the strong affirmative “nai,” “Yes indeed! verily. Jesus promises that He will return quickly, “tachu,” 5035, without delay, soon, suddenly, speedily. Let us earnestly pray for that day and cry with all our hearts, like the apostle John, “Come Lord Jesus.” Until that day comes, let us seek our dear Lord Jesus for His precious gifts of both mercy and judgement, for they have been purchased for us through the shedding of His precious blood, and they have a vital part to play in the life of Christ’s Church in these last days. W. H. Turner. April 27th. 2005. Rev.22v7. “And behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book.” (ASV) Rev.22v12-14. “ Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is. v13. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. v14. Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.” (ASV) See. Titus. 2v13. < >
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Preface

(To the third edition)

It is about ten years since I wrote my duplicated booklet on “The Baptism and Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” This edition is greatly enlarged by condensed material from some of my other books and material from other sources, and so it gives a far more comprehensive and detailed study of the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. I realise that some things in this book will be strong meat even for mature, godly Christians, never mind Christian babes; I trust and pray that Divine grace will preserve all readers of this book from spiritual indigestion!

My qualifications for writing this book are a love for God and His Word, and over twenty years experience of His great grace and gracious gifts. Both my mother and I have had local, national, and international events revealed to us by the Lord, days, weeks, and even years before they have happened, and in my later years, I have experienced an almost daily revelation of the needs and secrets of people’s hearts. I am not trying to give the impression that I have arrived, I have still a great deal to learn and experience, and I still feel that I am a very poor reflection of our Lord's great grace and love. I am merely pointing out that this book is written out of a personal experience of spiritual gifts, as well as by observation of others who manifest spiritual gifts, and through examination of the Scriptures. I have only quoted a few personal experiences of spiritual gifts, as my aim has been to show the Scriptural authority for spiritual gifts, and the ways to receive them.

I would also like to state that I am not a Greek scholar, though I wish that I were. I have used the comments of Greek scholars where I have felt that they are helpful and necessary. I hope that this will hinder no one and help many. I wish to acknowledge here, my gratitude and debt to my tutors at Kenley Bible College, some of whom are now with the Lord; George Newsholme, Elisha Thompson, Donald Gee, and particularly C.L. Parker. I also recommend the fine books upon spiritual gifts by H. Horton, H. Carter, Ivor Rossor, Dennis and Rita Bennet, and A Linford's fine scholarly work, all of which are extremely helpful. I hope that this book will be just as helpful and inspiring. I have not the least desire to be arrogant, dogmatic, or contentious; indeed, I welcome any criticism, comment, and correction. I have included a very liberal amount of Scripture references to confirm and illustrate what I have said; a study of these will give a good knowledge of the various subjects, to those who desire to look them up. I pray that our heavenly Father will use this book to enlighten and inspire His children, and that through it many Christians will experience the rivers of living water promised in Jn.7v37-39., by their Saviour. W.H. Turner. Jan. 8th. 1975.

PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION.
More than twenty years have passed since I wrote the third edition of my book on the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through the grace of God, I have learned many lessons during those years, some of which will be profitable to the readers of this book, and so I have written this new edition of my book with the hope that God may bless it to hungry seeking hearts.

There is still considerable controversy over the gift of tongues in the Church, and many Christians still feel that they do not need the gift that Paul valued so much in his private prayer life, when he wrote in 1Cor.14v18., “I thank my God, I speak in tongues more than you all.” Many Christian leaders still preach against, oppose, and forbid the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their churches. These leaders should remember our Lord's words in Lk.11v51,52., to the Jewish theologians of His day, when they opposed Jesus and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and hindered other people from experiencing them; “Woe unto you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge: you entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in you hindered.” Our Lord pronounced a woe upon these opponents, and warned them that such hindrances and opposition would be meticulously searched out (“ekzeteo”) on judgement day. See Acts.7v51-60.

The wilful refusal of many Christian leaders and theologians to accept the testimonies of the outstanding saints, martyrs and Christian leaders of Church History, to the continuance of spiritual gifts after apostolic times, is astonishing, and fills us with concern for their spiritual state. To the honest mind, the facts these outstanding saints and martyrs give are indisputable; and prove beyond doubt that spiritual gifts were experienced throughout Church History, and were not just confined to apostolic times. John Wesley gives irrefutable proof that spiritual gifts occurred throughout Church History in his 79 page treatise, “A Letter To The Reverend Dr. Conyers Middleton.” J Sidlow Baxter, in his fine book, “Divine Healing Of The Body,” proves, on pages 29 to 105, that Divine healing occurred throughout the centuries. Anyone who reads “The Scots Worthies: Their Lives and Testimonies,” is impressed by the many miraculous manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that occurred in the lives of these Christians. History proves that spiritual gifts continued after apostolic times.

There is still a great deal of ignorance about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church, just as there was in Paul's day. The Corinthians “came behind in no spiritual gift,” “charismata,” but they were still ignorant about the proper use of them, and the immense blessing that they can be, particularly when they are manifested at the higher levels of power and revelation. 1Cor.1v7. 12v1. I hope and pray that this book will help to dispel some of that ignorance. I do not write as one who feels that they have arrived concerning the subject of spiritual gifts, I feel, like Paul, that we have never finished with the learning process. Paul writes in 1Cor.13v11,12., that in this life we are like babes in our knowledge and comprehension of spiritual realities, compared with the full knowledge and experience that we will enjoy in heaven. However, God has said that until we reach our home in heaven, His spiritual gifts are essential equipment for His Church. There is a great need for us to earnestly desire, seek, and find again the love, life, power and spiritual gifts that were manifested in the early Church. Let us follow after that same love, and desire those same spiritual gifts. 1Cor.14v1. The yoke of Jesus is kind, and the ministries and gifts that He gives to us take into account all we are, our talents, personality, circumstances and desires. Jesus does not painfully squeeze us into another person’s yoke, He fits His gentle yoke to us, and the Holy Spirit personally adapts His gifts to us, and His manifestations through us in the way best suited to us. Let us never forget that Jesus also said that His burden is light; He will never drive, overburden, and overtax us, He is always kind, gentle and considerate. Let Jesus fit the kind and gentle yoke of His spiritual gifts to you.

I finish this preface with the inspiring account of Charles G. Finney's baptism in the Holy Spirit: -
“As I went in and shut the door after me, it seemed I met the Lord Jesus Christ face to face... it seemed to me a reality, that He stood before me, and I fell down at His feet and poured out my soul to Him... I returned to the front office, and found that the fire that I had made of large wood was nearly burned out. But as I turned and was about to take a seat by the fire, I received a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost. Without any expectation of it, without ever having the thought in my mind that there was any such thing for me, without any recollection that I had ever heard the thing mentioned by any person in the world, the Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through and through me. Indeed, it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love; for I could not express it in any other way. It seemed like the very breath of God. I can recollect distinctly that it seemed to fan me like immense wings. No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart. I wept aloud with joy and love; and I do not know but I should say, I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart. (This could well be speaking with tongues.) These waves came over me, and over me, one after the other, until I recollect I cried out 'I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me.' I said, 'Lord, I cannot bear any more;' yet I had no fear of death....When I awoke in the morning the sun had risen, and was pouring a clear light into my room. Words cannot express the impression that this sunlight made upon me. Instantly the baptism I had received the night before, returned upon me in the same manner. I arose upon my knees in the bed and wept aloud with joy, and remained for sometime, too much overwhelmed with the baptism of the Spirit to do anything but pour out my soul to God.”

May we all seek and receive a similar experience of God's wonderful love and power. W. H. Turner. October 10th. 2000.

PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION.
I have improved some of the format, content and grammar of these studies in this edition. I have changed the fonts used in the book from Arial Narrow 10 to Arial Narrow 11, in order to make it easier for people to read. As I am now in my 74th. year I appreciate the need of this for older people, and apologise for not doing this sooner.

The world situation has become noticeably much darker, however, the ministry of Jesus through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, is a complete answer to the gross evil that is in the world today. Gifts of healing and other mercy gifts, have a mighty and powerful evangelistic appeal, and today are bringing millions of people to accept the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.

The protective and judgement gifts of God that were manifested in the lives of Moses, Elijah, and other prophets, and the New Testament apostles, are going to be indispensable in the last days of this age. The Two Witnesses of Rev.11v1-13., the last great prophets of this age, will manifest these gifts in their ministries, and stand resolute and invincible against the Antichrist and his armies for 1,260 days. They manifest the ultimate in gifts of judgement. The Christian group which is represented by the woman of Rev,12v1,2,6,14-17., experiences mighty gifts of supernatural transport, provision and protection, an army that tries to attack them suffers the same fate as the sons of Korah, the ground opens, and swallows them up. Numb.16v1-35.

It is good to know that God has given to His Church the necessary Divine equipment to restrain and bring judgement upon militant godless religious groups, and unbelieving implacable secular authorities. We read in Acts.12v1-25., that after the apostle James was executed by Herod, the earnest prayers of the Christians brought about the miraculous release of Peter, and the death of Herod, God smote Herod, and he was eaten up by worms. We also read in Acts.13v6-12., that the judgement of God on Elymas the sorcerer brought a sense of awe on the people who saw it, and caused many to accept and believe in Jesus. Acts.13v6-12. The God of Moses and Elijah will manifest Himself in great acts of judgement on the irreconcilable wicked, and mighty acts of delivering and defensive power for His Christian Church in the last days of this age.

We read in Is.28v21., that God’s acts of judgement are His “strange work” and His “alien task,” a God of love desires to give mercy gifts of love, blessing and healing, but in the last days, the great evil in the world and the oppression of humankind will make God’s judgement gifts both necessary and indispensable. The last days will culminate with the awesome judgement of the great day of God Almighty, when in one day God cleans up, and wipes out evil from the world. Ps.2v1-12. Is.24v19-24. 42v13-21. 63v1-6. Zech.12v8-10.13v8,9. 14v1-15. 2Thes.1v5-11. Rev.6v12-17. 16v20,21. 19v11-21. 20v7-15. 21v1-8.

We read in the New King James Version of Isa.26v9. “With my soul I have desired You in the night, yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; for when Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” The Revised Standard Version translates Isa.26v9., “My soul yearns for thee in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks thee. For when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” Those who earnestly seek God can find that God’s justice and judgements are dispensed in the world through their prayers, and the gifts that He has given them.

We rejoice that when our Lord Jesus returns His judgements will make the world a happy place to live in. This blissful state is recorded in Isa.32v1,16-18. “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. v16. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. v17. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. v18. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” (KJV)

In Rev .22v20. Jesus states, "Surely I am coming quickly.” “Surely,” is the strong affirmative “nai,” “Yes indeed! verily. Jesus promises that He will return quickly, “tachu,” 5035, without delay, soon, suddenly, speedily. Let us earnestly pray for that day and cry with all our hearts, like the apostle John, “Come Lord Jesus.” Until that day comes, let us seek our dear Lord Jesus for His precious gifts of both mercy and judgement, for they have been purchased for us through the shedding of His precious blood, and they have a vital part to play in the life of Christ’s Church in these last days. W. H. Turner. April 27th. 2005.

Rev.22v7. “And behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book.” (ASV)
Rev.22v12-14. “ Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is. v13. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. v14. Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.” (ASV) See. Titus. 2v13.

< >