The Holy Spirit is not merely a mystical presence but the very breath, wisdom, and power of God working in and through believers. Isaiah 11:2 offers one of the clearest biblical outlines of the Holy Spirit's attributes, describing seven distinct manifestations—often called the seven powers or spirits of the Holy Spirit. These powers were fully embodied in Jesus Christ and are given to believers to live godly and victorious lives. Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) " And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. " Let’s look at each power in detail: 1. The Spirit of the Lord This is the foundational presence of the Holy Spirit—the sovereign power of God that rests upon a person for divine assignment. It represents God’s anointing, approval, and presence. ...
Poverty is a complex and deeply human issue that appears throughout the pages of the Bible. But is it considered a sin? The clear answer from Scripture is no—poverty itself is not a sin. Rather, the Bible treats poverty as a condition that can result from various causes, and it addresses it with compassion, wisdom, and moral responsibility. 1. Poverty as a Human Reality, Not a Moral Failure In both the Old and New Testaments, poverty is seen as a part of human existence. Many of the Bible’s most faithful characters were poor or lived in humble circumstances. For instance: ● Jesus Himself was born into a poor family. Luke 2:24 mentions His family offering two doves as a sacrifice, which was the offering allowed for the poor (Leviticus 12:8). ● In Matthew 8:20, Jesus says, “ Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. ” ● Many of the early Christians lived in poverty and shared their possessions in the co...