Gospel Essentials What is the Holy Ghost

What is the Holy Ghost?

3 Nephi 5:53 And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.

1 Nephi 3:26 I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men;

DC 10:6 And now, verily, verily I say unto thee, Put thy trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good; yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

Genesis 6:64 Therefore it is given to abide in you, the record of heaven, the Comforter, the peaceable things of immortal glory, the truth of all things, that which quickeneth all things which maketh alive all things, that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice and judgment.

Water Baptism and Spiritual Baptism (receiving the Holy Ghost) essential for Salvation

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Genesis 6:62 Even so ye must be born again, into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye may be sanctified from all sin; and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come; even immortal glory.

Why desire it?

Mormon 3:33 And if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen.

Genesis 8:11 And it came to pass, that Noah continued his preaching unto the people, saying, Hearken and give heed unto my words, believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, even as our fathers did, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, that ye may have all things made manifest;

Genesis 6:53 And he also said unto him, If thou wilt, turn unto me and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask it shall be given you.

2 Nephi 11:78 And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also, that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God; and that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; (in other words, the Holy Ghost is the means by which God reveals himself to us)

3 Nephi 9:10 And when they had ministered those same words which Jesus had spoken-nothing varying from the words which Jesus had spoken--behold, they knelt again, and prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus, and they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them.

Moroni 10:5 And if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost; and by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things.

Moroni 10:9 And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.

It is a Gift

Alma 7:31 And having the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and also many gifts; the gift of speaking with tongues, and the gift of preaching, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of translation:

Mormon 1:15 And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief.

DC 49:2h and whoso doeth this, shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of this church.

DC 32:3c and whoso having faith you shall confirm in my church, by the laying on of the hands, and I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them.

Moroni 8:29 And the first--fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith, unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins; and the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart, cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.

It was Christ's utmost desire for us to receive

3 Nephi 9:20 And it came to pass that Jesus departed out of the midst of them, and went a little way off from them and bowed himself to the earth, and he said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast given the Holy Ghost unto these whom I have chosen; and it is because of their belief in me, that I have chosen them out of the world.

3 Nephi 9:21 Father, I pray thee that thou wilt give the Holy Ghost unto all them that shall believe in their words.

3 Nephi 9:22 Father, thou hast given them the Holy Ghost, because they believe in me, and thou seest that they believe in me, because thou hearest them, and they pray unto me; and they pray unto me because I am with them.

3 Nephi 13:23 And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and the Father giveth the Holy Ghost unto the children of men, because of me.

Apostles in Jerusalem Receive Holy Ghost by Christ, Others at Day of Pentecost

(Jesus made it absolutely clear to his disciples that he had to depart so that the Comforter would come)

John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was promised unto them who believe, after that Jesus was glorified.)

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (18) I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.

John 20:22 (When Jesus appeared in upper room) And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost;

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2)And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it rested upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Was receiving the Holy Ghost unique to events in the New Testament Only?

Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. (David, father of Solomon, prophesied of Christ's betrayal by Judas through the power of the Holy Ghost)

Acts 28:25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, (Paul is referring to the Isaiah speaking over 700 years B.C. through the power of the Holy Ghost)

Genesis 4:9 And in that day, the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying, I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever; that, as thou hast fallen, thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.

Genesis 5:1 And the Lord God called upon men, by the Holy Ghost, everywhere, and commanded them that they should repent;

Genesis 5:44 And thus the gospel began to be preached from the beginning, being declared by holy angels, sent forth from the presence of God; and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Genesis 6:8 Now this prophecy Adam spake, as he was moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

Genesis 6:53 And he also said unto him, If thou wilt, turn unto me and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask it shall be given you.

Genesis 6:69 And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying, Thou art baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost; this is the record of the Father and the Son, from henceforth and forever;

Genesis 7:13 And he gave unto me a commandment, that I should baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, who is full of grace and truth, and the Holy Ghost which beareth record of the Father and the Son.

Genesis 7:34 And the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion.

Genesis 8:11 And it came to pass, that Noah continued his preaching unto the people, saying, Hearken and give heed unto my words, believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, even as our fathers did, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, that ye may have all things made manifest;

1 Nephi 3:30 And the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in this time as in times of old;

DC 49:2d wherefore I say unto you, that I have sent unto you mine everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning, and that which I have promised I have so fulfilled, and the nations of the earth shall bow to it; (2e) and, if not of themselves, they shall come down, for that which is now exalted of itself, shall be laid low of power; (2f) wherefore I give unto you a commandment that ye go among this people and say unto them, like unto mine apostle of old, whose name was Peter: (2g) Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, who was on the earth, and is to come, the beginning and the end; repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the remission of sins; (2h) and whoso doeth this, shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of this church.

How is it bestowed? (Laying on of Hands)

· 3 Nephi 4:50 And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost,

· Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost.

· DC 32:2g yea, repent and be baptized every one of you, for the remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.

· DC 39:6 And again, it shall come to pass, that on as many as ye shall baptize with water, ye shall lay your hands, and they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,…

· DC 83:10c therefore, as I said unto mine apostles, I say unto you again, that every soul who believeth on your words, and is baptized by water for the remission of sins, shall receive the Holy Ghost;

· Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (18) And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Through whom (on earth) is the gift given?

· 3 Nephi 8:71 And the multitude heard not the words which he spake, therefore they did not bear record; but the disciples bear record that he gave them power to give the Holy Ghost.

· DC 17:8b An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize, and to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, and to administer bread and wine--the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ-- (8c) and to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the Scriptures; (8d) and to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church; (8e) and to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost,

· Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (13) Then Simon himself believed also; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (14) Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John; (15) Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (16) (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them; only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) (17) Then laid they their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost. (18) And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given he offered them money, (19) Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. (20) But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

· Acts 19:2 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 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Does any clergyman of any church have the authority to bestow the Holy Ghost?

· DC 34:2c (said of Sidney Rigdon, a minister in a former church) Thou didst baptize by water unto repentance, but they received not the Holy Ghost; but now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and they shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, even as the apostles of old.

What are some things the Holy Ghost does? (Once we have the gift)?

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost , whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Luke 12:14 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

2 Nephi 15:1 And now I, Nephi, can not write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking: for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost, the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.

Alma 10:4 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin, save it were with abhorrence;

DC 35:1b and I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom;

DC 39:2b And this is my gospel: repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.

DC 42:5d And as ye shall lift up your voices by the Comforter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good; for, behold, the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son.

DC 47:2b Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen.

DC 50:5a Verily I say unto you, He that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the spirit of truth, or some other way? and if it be by some other way, it be not of God.

DC 97:2b And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this, the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say.

DC 30:4b Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do, and whither you shall go.

DC 34:5a Wherefore watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things; and a commandment I give unto thee, that thou shalt write for him;

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

What are some Characteristics of the Presence of the Spirit of the Lord

II Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

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.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Teaches all things, Bears record of the truth

DC 97:2b And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this, the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say.

2 Nephi 14:6 For behold, again I say unto you, that if ye will enter in by the way and receive the Holy Ghost, it will shew unto you all things what ye should do.

Moroni 10:5 And if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost; and by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things.

Bears record of things from the Spiritual realm

I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one.

3 Nephi 5:38 And thus will the Father bear record of me; and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost, are one.

II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

I Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (i.e. things about God and the Spirit, are discerned by the Spirit)

Knows All Things

· Alma 5:23 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh, that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions,

Power to speak in the name of the Lord given through the Holy Ghost

Ether 5:24 For thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them; and thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands.

DC 68:1b And, behold and lo, this is an example unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth; and this is the example unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost; (1c) and whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be Scripture; shall be the will of the Lord; shall be the mind of the Lord; shall be the word of the Lord; shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation:

Spiritual gifts are given through the Holy Spirit

· Luke 11:14 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give good gifts, through the Holy Spirit, to them who ask him.

· DC 46:5d to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world;

· DC 46:6a And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.

· DC 46:6b And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether it be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.

Our Bodies become the temple for the Holy Ghost

· I Corinthians 6:19 What! know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Leads when we don't know the way

DC 8:1b even so sure shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which have been spoken, by the manifestation of my Spirit;

DC 75:4d whether to the east, or to the west, or to the north, or to the south; let them ask and they shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto them, and made known from on high, even by the Comforter, whither they shall go.

1 Nephi 1:106 And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.

Bears the promise of Salvation

DC 85:1c Wherefore I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you, my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise, which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.

DC 85:2a This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom; which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ, his Son;

DC 87:4 For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fullness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them, for the revelation of Jesus Christ.

What are people like that truly have the Holy Spirit guiding them?

Alma 10:28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long suffering; having faith on the Lord;
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

DC 76:5d and who overcome by faith, and are sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true;

1 Nephi 3:187 And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost;

How and Why are we to use the gift of the Holy Ghost to 'Judge' ?

I John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God; Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God; (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God; and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now it is already in the world.
Moroni 7:13 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

Moroni 7:14 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that they may know good from evil; wherefore I shew unto you the way to judge: for everything which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; (i.e. all mankind has been given an innate capacity to learn riight from wrong)

In what other ways are we to be directed by the Holy Spirit?

DC 42:5b and they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit; and the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith, and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.

Why don't we 'feel the spirit' sometimes?

DC 70:3d nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld.
DC 63:16a Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit, and in this there is no condemnation; and ye receive the Spirit through prayer;

Warnings

2 Nephi 12:31 Wo be unto him that crieth, All is well; yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Will I, or should I, feel the overwhelming sensation of the Holy Spirit confirming my every daily decision?

DC 58:6c for, behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things, for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
DC 58:6d Verily I say, Men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves.
DC 58:6e And inasmuch as men do good, they shall in nowise lose their reward.
DC 58:6f But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.

Why is all this important?

· D&C 90:1a "every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my [Jesus Christ's] face, and know that I am..."

Scriptural/ Historical Examples of Using the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and some people in famous situations when lead by the Holy Ghost

Luke 1:15 For he (John the Baptist) shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

Judges 14:5 Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath; and, behold, a young lion roared against him. (6) And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand…(strength, courage)

Judges 14:19 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Samson), and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil,

Judges 15:14 And when he (Samson) came into Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands. (super-human strength, courage)

Nephi has power over wicked brothers: 1 Nephi 5:152 Behold, I am full of the Spirit of God, insomuch that my frame has no strength…(163) And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me, Stretch forth thine hand again unto thy brethren, and they shall not wither before thee, but I will shock them, said the Lord; and this will I do that they may know that I am the Lord their God.

John the revelator (was in the spirit on the Lord's Day) Revelations 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Alma 5:30 Behold, I say unto you, Yea, I know that ye believe them; and the way that I know that ye believe them, is by the manifestation of the Spirit which is in me. (Discernment)

Mosiah 3:4 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things (Discernment)

Alma 3:82 Even so according to the spirit of prophecy, which is in me, which is also by the manifestation of the Spirit of God, I say unto you, that I know of myself that whatsoever I shall say unto you concerning that which is to come, is true, (Speak the Word of God)

Ether 1:105 But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit; and he shall know and bear record. (Have Testimony)

Moroni 10:9 And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.

Genesis 6:5 And then began these men to call upon the name of the Lord; and the Lord blessed them; and a book of remembrance was kept in the which was recorded in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God, to write by the Spirit of inspiration;
Jacob 3:26 And now I, Jacob, am led on by the Spirit unto prophesying: for I perceive by the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that by the stumbling of the Jews, they will reject the stone upon which they might build, and have safe foundation. (Discernment & Perception of scripture & Prophecy)

Alma 8:25 But it came to pass as they began to question him, he perceived their thoughts, and he said unto them, O ye wicked and perverse generation; ye lawyers and hypocrites; for ye are laying the foundations of the devil; (Discernment)
Alma 12:88 And it came to pass that Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God, therefore he perceived the thoughts of the king. (Discernment)

Judges 3:10 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war; and the Lord delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan- rishathaim. (true judgement)

Judges 6:34 But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abi-ezer was gathered after him. (strength, faith in miracles)

II Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. (power to speak the Word of God, prophesy)

I Kings 18:12 And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the Lord shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me; but I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; (power to speak the Word of God, prophesy)

Micah 3:8 But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken- hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and the recovering of sight to the blind; to set at liberty them that are bruised;

Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. (Spirit whispers directions for purposes of good, salvation, etc..)

Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. (body physically transported)

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Genesis 7:34 And the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion. (body physically transported)

I Samuel 10:6 And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

I Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward

4 Nephi 1:57 And it came to pass that when three hundred and twenty years had passed away, Ammoron, being constrained by the Holy Ghost, did hide up the records which were sacred;

How do I use the Holy Ghost's gift, and know that I am being guided by it?

If I do not have a direct testimony by way of the Holy Ghost (not meet that the Lord should command in all things):

Weigh issue out in your mind (glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth. Intelligence as much His gift, as is the Holy Ghost. Using it glorifies him).
Pray to the Lord, specifically presenting to the Lord your feelings, reasonings, motives and choice, based on the intelligence you have used. (DC 63:16 …you receive the Spirit through Prayer)
Pray that the Lord will, by his Holy Spirit, guide you in the correct path, or make apparent the correct choice, if another path is His will.
The Holy Spirit can and will bear witness of the truth of any and all things if we sincerely seek the Lord in prayer.

My Thoughts:

1. The Holy Ghost appears to be God's chosen means to communicating with His people, to lead and direct every aspect of their lives

2. How sad if the gift we're given is never developed to the potential designed.

3. Communion prayers offer 3 important requirements in having the Holy Spirit lead and guide you in all things: Always remember Him, be willing to take His name upon you, keep His commandments.

4. Those who build Zion, those who receive 'the Endowment', those who do miracles, etc., and different applications of the same thing: Those people who have and respond to the Holy Ghost. (1 Nephi 3:183, Joel 2:26-29,

5. The Holy Ghost will always be the confirmation of 'mountain top experiences' for Latter Day Saints, but when it is the confirmation of our everyday decisions, and choices, and thoughts will be the day we will be prepared to receive the Endowment, Zion, and Christ himself. (DC 45:10b)

Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1) revealed in D& C 45 is that the oil they had is the Holy Ghost. Time is the most perishable of all Goods. This parable is fulfilled when Christ returns in his glory. It will be too late then.

DC 45:10b And at that day when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins; for they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived, verily I say unto you,

1. Understandings to pray for:

God, Help me understand how to discern your spirit from other "feelings"……
Father, give me wisdom in how to use the Gift of the Holy Ghost…
Father, teach me how to remember you in all things, spiritually 'take Your name upon myself,' and keep all of your commandments, so I may have Your Spirit to be with me……
Father, by the power of the Holy Ghost, reveal unto me knowledge that I may know that Jesus is the Christ, the very eternal God and creator of this earth….. (this is the foremost testimony we can gain from having the gift of the Holy Ghost)…..

1 Nephi 3:183 I will be merciful unto the Gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring forth unto them in mine own power, much of my gospel, which shall be plain and precious, saith the Lamb; 184 For behold, saith the Lamb, I will manifest myself unto thy seed, that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious; 185 And after thy seed shall be destroyed and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren; behold, these things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles by the gift and power of the Lamb; 186 And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb, and my rock and my salvation; 187 And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost;

Culmination of this topic

Joseph Smith said it best when asked what difference existed between our church and all other Christianity: response "We have the Holy Ghost."

With the Holy Ghost, one has everything, all truth available. Without it, one has nothing.

Worship with the Holy Ghost is significant, life-changing, worship without it is nothing; The difference between lay priesthood and endowed priesthood, is having the Holy Ghost occasionally vs. daily; Miracles happen only by the Holy Ghost, without it they are acts of men; The Holy Ghost is the power by which Zion will be built; it is the oil of the 5 wise virgins preparing for the bridegroom