Carla Alvarez, Author at Raised to Walk

Discerning of Spirits Examples

Posted by Carla Alvarez | Sep 10, 2013 | The Walk |

While we should always test from the Bible first, I think it also helps to hear real life stories from the present day to help identify what we are experiencing. I’ve read several books on this, but I found James Goll’s book, The Seer, to be particularly helpful because he described how the developing of the gift of discerning of spirits started, not just what he experiences now.

As Paul says, we are to grow in the gifts, and that means that we have train up in them. For most of us, they aren’t going to descend in full force all at once.

One thing that I have noticed after being around people that operate in spiritual gifts, a gift does not manifest exactly the same way in every person that has that gift.

What is the Christian Walk?

Posted by Carla Alvarez | Aug 31, 2013 | The Walk |

What does it mean to be a Christian? When you say that you’re a Christian, what does that mean? What is it supposed to look like?

The theme of this blog is basically about that, walking through the Christian life and the cornerstone verse is Romans 6:4

. . . as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Being a Christian is not just thinking Jesus was a good guy and had some good ideas. It’s not even just about recognizing that he is the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world, who redeemed us through his blood of atonement.

The Christian walk, the Kingdom of Heaven, is about being so sold out that we see his face above all else.

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. ~ Psalm 27:8 KJV

We are to be all in.

Discerning the Presence of the Holy Spirit

Posted by Carla Alvarez | Aug 27, 2013 | The Walk |

As believers, our first step on the path to growing our gift is to be able to discern the presence of the Holy Spirit. He has a tangible presence and we should recognize him when he comes.

We should also invite his presence. One of my pastors, Pastor Quanidos, says, “The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He won’t come in if we don’t ask.”

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, and peace, and that is what he brings with his presence.

Developing the Gift of Discerning of Spirits

Posted by Carla Alvarez | Aug 20, 2013 | Podcasts, The Walk |

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Discerning of spirits is one of the “knowledge” spiritual gifts. It can be used to determine the source of what appears to be manifestations of the power and speech gifts versus false signs. It is also used in identifying situations that need intercession.

So how do you develop the gift of discerning of spirits?

First of all, every single experience should be tested against the Word of God. If you think that you have this gift or if you want to develop this gift (we are told to desire the gifts,) it is very important to make reading, studying, and memorizing the Word of God part of your daily lifestyle. You have to have a solid foundation to work from.
It is also important to be with a group of like-minded believers. First, to test what you are experiencing to see whether it is from God or not and to judge your assessment. Second, to learn from.

Purpose of Discerning of Spirits

Posted by Carla Alvarez | Aug 14, 2013 | Podcasts, The Walk |

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So what exactly is the “discerning of spirits?”

It is one of the Gifts of the Spirit. The King James Version translates it as “discerning of spirits.” The English Standard Version translates it as “distinguish between spirits.”

I think that both are true.

Purpose of Discerning of Spirits

As with all of the spiritual gifts, the purpose is to build up the body of Christ. Each person is given a gift that is meant to work in coordination of another. Because of that, Paul instructs the church:

Author: Carla Alvarez

Discerning of Spirits Examples

What is the Christian Walk?

Discerning the Presence of the Holy Spirit

Developing the Gift of Discerning of Spirits

Purpose of Discerning of Spirits

Purpose of Discerning of Spirits

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