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Holy Spirit

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When you pray, you’re instantly in touch with God through His Spirit. God does His work in your life through His Spirit. God’s Spirit is powerful yet gentle, invisible but real, hidden yet inescapable. He is as close to you as your breath.

 IS HE SCARY?

Some Christians are afraid of the Holy Spirit, and who can blame them? Perhaps they’ve been mauled by fanatics who sat them in a circle, “laid hands” on them, then shouted gibberish in their ears. Or we’re apprehensive because of the way radio preachers refer to the “Holy Ghost.”

There’s no need to fear God’s Spirit. He’s neither a ghost nor a cosmic force. The Holy Spirit is a person.

 WHAT’S HE LIKE?

The Holy Spirit is like Jesus, Jesus promised His disciples “another Counselor,” the Spirit (John 14:16-17). The Greek word translated “another” means “another of the same kind.” Jesus promised us a supernatural Counselor who is just like Himself!

We know we can trust Jesus. He is loving and kind. The Spirit is like Jesus, and is, in fact, called “the Spirit of Jesus” (Acts 16:7).

 THE SPIRIT “WITH” US

Jesus told the disciples the Holy Spirit “lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). The Spirit is with us before we turn to God. He works on our hearts, stirring up thoughts and feelings, so we’ll want God. He also “convinces” us of our need for Jesus (John 16:8-11).

 THE SPIRIT “IN” US

When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit moves inside of us (1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14). This is how Jesus “indwells” Christians, and it would be correct to say “Jesus lives in us by His Spirit” (Romans 8:10-11).

The Spirit works within us to promote Christian growth, new life (regeneration), enlightenment, changes in our nature, and help in prayer.

THE SPIRIT “UPON” US

Jesus told the disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” The Holy Spirit lives in us to help us become strong Christians, but He comes on us to do God’s work in God’s power. This is also referred to as being “filled” with the Spirit (Acts 4:8).

The “filling” is supernatural and enables Christians to work beyond their own capacities. This experience was known in the Old Testament as well, but the main feature of the New Testament is that it applies to all Christians and not just a select class of prophets, priests, and kings (Acts 2:16-33).

 FRUIT AND GIFTS

The Holy Spirit living in us promotes the formation of Christian character. Qualities He produces are called “the fruit of the Spirit” and include love, joy, peace, and patience (Galatians 5:22-23).

When we’re ready to serve God, whether to people inside or outside the church, the Spirit comes on us to give us power to succeed. The Spirit gives every Christian “spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). Whenever the need arises, the Spirit enables us to use these gifts to serve others.

If you would like to learn more about the Holy Spirit, please give us a call.

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