The Holy Spirit
August 22, 2016 – Lately, I have been uncertain. Have I truly received the Holy Spirit? Is it possible to receive the Holy Spirit and yet be unable to hear or feel his influence in my life? It seems like there is so much false teaching and fake expression regarding the Holy Spirit that I have been led to experience no outward expression nor inward understanding. Lord, help me!
_____________________________
All my life as a Jesus follower, I have believed that the Holy Spirit is bestowed on individuals by God at the moment of salvation. I remember hearing people teach that, all at once, you receive all the Holy Spirit you will ever get. This is a good example of how we can allow a lack of confidence or experience to produce inadequate teaching.
Why is this important to get this right? Because scripture clearly teaches that the presence of the Holy Spirit is evidence of our relationship with Jesus. Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit fulfills one of the most significant promises of Jesus.
So, here is what I believe scripture teaches, and I hope this helps. Receiving the Holy Spirit: There is a moment, when we believe in Jesus and we receive the Holy Spirit. He cleanses us and sets us free from our bondage to sin. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: He comes to dwell in us, making our heart, our true self, his home. From there he comforts, guides, speaks, and enhances particular gifts and talents in our lives. Being filled with the Holy Spirit: There are moments when a person is “filled” to accomplish a task. It often accompanied preaching and moments of crisis. The Baptism of the Holy Spirt: And finally, there are times when the Spirit came upon someone who then either had something miraculous happen to them or through them such as salvation or prophecy or some other manifestation of a gift.
Why is this important to get this right? Because scripture clearly teaches that the presence of the Holy Spirit is evidence of our relationship with Jesus. Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit fulfills one of the most significant promises of Jesus.
So, here is what I believe scripture teaches, and I hope this helps. Receiving the Holy Spirit: There is a moment, when we believe in Jesus and we receive the Holy Spirit. He cleanses us and sets us free from our bondage to sin. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: He comes to dwell in us, making our heart, our true self, his home. From there he comforts, guides, speaks, and enhances particular gifts and talents in our lives. Being filled with the Holy Spirit: There are moments when a person is “filled” to accomplish a task. It often accompanied preaching and moments of crisis. The Baptism of the Holy Spirt: And finally, there are times when the Spirit came upon someone who then either had something miraculous happen to them or through them such as salvation or prophecy or some other manifestation of a gift.
_____________________________
Feel free to see this a little differently. That's okay. The bottom line is that God's word speaks of his Spirit coming to dwell in our hearts, enabling us to understand and accomplish the will of God. He strengthens us, counsels us, and speaks through us today, just as has done since he came upon the believers who were gathered together on the day of Pentecost. I would have you read specific chapters like John 14-16 and the entire book of Acts. Honestly, as you read through the New Testament, take notes on every verse or story that mentions interaction with or teachings about the Holy Spirit. You will have a lot to absorb and study!
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