Lisa: And we start with our brother or sister in need. We start with the Christian in need. We start with the ones we can actually see, the ones we can actually touch, the ones whose voices we can actually hear—and we can’t shut our hearts. I find that every time we respond to what we see in the natural realm, God entrusts us with more of the spiritual realm, because He says, “I see you’ve been faithful with this. I can trust you with a little bit more of the faith realm.”

Additional Answers from John

Question: How do you blaspheme the Holy Spirit?

John: Jesus’ references to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit can be found in Matthew 12:22-32; Mark 3:22-30 and Luke 12:10. In Matthew’s and Mark’s accounts, the context is clearly brought out. The religious leaders accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. That was when Jesus said, “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men” (Matthew 12:31). Therefore, to blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to blatantly speak evil of Him, in particular to speak of the Holy Spirit’s manifestations as if they were the works of the devil.

Question: Is it biblical to pray and sing songs to the Holy Spirit the same way we do to the Father or the Son?

John: Yes, absolutely. The Holy Spirit is God, and He is to be worshiped as God. John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” I believe that you should worship and praise the Holy Spirit just like you praise God the Father and God the Son.

Question: How do you know which prayers and/or songs should be addressed to the Spirit?

John: Jesus told His disciples:

I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.…

A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.

…And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. (John 16:12-14, 16, 23)

We petition God the Father in the name (authority) of Jesus. Then we fellowship with (meaning communicate and converse with or ask questions of) the Holy Spirit—which is discussed throughout this book.

Question: Is it biblical to ask the Holy Spirit to “come” in a gathering or service when He is omnipresent?