Empowered By The Holy Spirit
Today's lesson was on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost [Acts 2]. Jesus, right before He ascended into heaven, had told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem to receive the promised gift. He said, "...in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit? Jesus tells the disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. [ Acts 1: 8]" The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to empower us to be witnesses for Jesus. What does this truly mean?
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:7, states that we have this treasure [the Holy Spirit] in earthen vessels. The goal of this is to show that the all-surpassing glory is from God and not from us.
I am a believer in Jesus. I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me to empower me to follow God and live in service to Him. I have the power to understand His Word. I have the fruit of His Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness and self-control. I am not controlled by my sinful nature. I am controlled by the Spirit because I have the Spirit living in me [Romans 8:9 NLT]. All of this is not for my benefit but for others as well. As people see my life [I will admit I am not perfect and sometimes I react to situations that do not bring glory to God], hopefully they will see Christ in me, the hope of glory [Colossians 1:27].
I declare the above not for myself, but for all who read this blog. If you have repented and put your trust in Jesus for salvation, then you, too, can say the same thing about yourself. Beth Moore states, "Our assignments may differ but we have the same Spirit that Christ promised to the first disciples." That same Spirit empowers you to do what God has called you to do.
Come Holy Spirit! Fall fresh on me!!
What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit? Jesus tells the disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. [ Acts 1: 8]" The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to empower us to be witnesses for Jesus. What does this truly mean?
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:7, states that we have this treasure [the Holy Spirit] in earthen vessels. The goal of this is to show that the all-surpassing glory is from God and not from us.
I am a believer in Jesus. I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me to empower me to follow God and live in service to Him. I have the power to understand His Word. I have the fruit of His Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness and self-control. I am not controlled by my sinful nature. I am controlled by the Spirit because I have the Spirit living in me [Romans 8:9 NLT]. All of this is not for my benefit but for others as well. As people see my life [I will admit I am not perfect and sometimes I react to situations that do not bring glory to God], hopefully they will see Christ in me, the hope of glory [Colossians 1:27].
I declare the above not for myself, but for all who read this blog. If you have repented and put your trust in Jesus for salvation, then you, too, can say the same thing about yourself. Beth Moore states, "Our assignments may differ but we have the same Spirit that Christ promised to the first disciples." That same Spirit empowers you to do what God has called you to do.
Come Holy Spirit! Fall fresh on me!!
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