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. ...
Stages of Backsliding According to the Bible Backsliding is a gradual spiritual decline in a believer’s walk with God. It doesn't usually happen overnight but through a series of small steps and compromises. The Bible is full of examples and teachings that reveal how individuals can drift from God — not always through deliberate rebellion, but often by neglect, distraction, and spiritual apathy. Understanding the stages of backsliding can help believers stay alert and return to God quickly when they begin to fall. 1. Loss of Passion for God The first stage of backsliding often begins subtly: a diminishing desire for God's presence. The fire that once burned for prayer, worship, and intimacy with God starts to fade. This is what Jesus warned the church at Ephesus about in Revelation 2:4: “ Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. ” A believer may still go through the motions—attending church, serving, or even pray...