Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

Joshua and Caleb, expressed faith and not unbelief— for they had “a different spirit” (Num. 14:24). In Christ’s day, the Samaritans despised the Jews and the Jews despised the Samaritans. On one occasion Christ was going to pass though the city, and the people did not want him there. James and John requested Christ to “command fire to come down from heaven and consume” the Samaritans (Luke 9:54). Jesus rebuked these two “sons of thunder” and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of” (v. 55). Their motive was wrong, and their request was refused. Scholars note that the Old Testament law had what was termed the letter of the law and the spirit of the law .

Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. —2 C ORINTHIANS 3:6

In Christ’s time, the Pharisees were followers of the letter of the law . These religious men actually made serving God a burden, and when Christ taught contrary to their man-made opinions and traditions, they publicly announced that He was not from God and His miracles were performed through the power of an evil spirit (Matt. 9:33–34). Christ was healing on the Sabbath and telling people to take up their beds and carry them back home