The Holy Spirit… Indisputable Fact
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:36-49)
Salvation occurs when we trust Jesus as our Savior…
He forgives us.
He transforms us.
He sees us as righteous.
In that very moment, we are redeemed, and though we continue to struggle with sin, sin is a defeated foe.
Then as time goes on, our service, our gifts, and our love for Him should naturally become greater.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians sit in church week after week, going through the motions yet lacking passion and failing to grow.
So…
How is such a thing possible?
Tragically, many believers are unaware of the essential ministry of God’s Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity and co-equal with God the Father and God the Son.
The opening chapter of Scripture tells us that He existed before the formation of the earth and in fact participated in creation;
“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Gen. 1:2) and “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” (Gen. 1:26)
Today, the Holy Spirit has the critical role of helping and counseling all believers.
The Holy Spirit is a gift to every child of God.
Yep, even you.
His presence within us isn’t something we have to earn or acquire.
Rather, it is a marvelous privilege… by indwelling our hearts, He can guide and strengthen, steering each believer away from danger and into truth; “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:7-8).
Scripture tells us that Jesus came so we could experience a full life; “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10).
Hear this clearly, this is possible only when we listen to His Spirit and obey.
So…
Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised?
Understand that He wasn’t talking about happy circumstances but rather the joy and contentment possible through a relationship with Him.
If you’re lacking in this area, consider your understanding of the Holy Spirit, and pray to be in tune with His promptings.
And…
Press in…
Build an intimate relationship with Him…
For, He is So Near.
Do not tarry.