But when the Holy Spirit comes upon
you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in
Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
(Goodnews Translation)
The
Purpose and Power of the Holy Spirit
Jesus
Christ knew that the believers needed the power of God in order to establish
the kingdom. He didn’t mince words and He was so frank when He told them to
tarry to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. The need of today’s
Church is a genuine reception of this power and a genuine manifestation. The
Holy Ghost power helps disciples to fulfil the Great Commission. The power
comes when we are immersed in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps our
infirmity, especially in the place of prayer. He strengthens us when we are
fainting and comforts us in tribulation. He grants us deep insight into God’s
word and deepens our communion with God. He enables our evangelistic and
ministerial efforts to be fruitful. He helps us to have a holy walk with God, too. He offers us constant direction as we journey to heaven.
Personality
and Prerequisites for Receiving the Holy Spirit
The
Holy Spirit is the Third Person in the Godhead, and He is coequal with the
Father and the Son. He is God and those who can receive Him are those who are
genuinely saved. Jesus said the people who are still of the world cannot
receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit also comes upon sanctified vessels.
These are believers who have purged themselves from all filthiness of flesh
and spirit and are perfecting holiness in the fear of God. They are living the
crucified life. Such believers need to set apart time to seek the infilling of
the Spirit and be attentive to His leading and they are sure to receive Him as
they pray with faith. The Spirit announces His arrival by giving the believer a
new language (speaking in tongues).
Proper understanding of the gifts of the Holy Spirit
After receiving the Holy Spirit in a
baptismal measure, there is a need to press forward to possessing spiritual
gifts. They help us in the practical demonstration and manifestation of the power
of God.
Read: 1 Cor 12
Word of
wisdom – Divine insight/revelation
given to one on how to go about a specific situation or solve a complex
challenge or answer a difficult question.
Word of
knowledge – Divine insight/revelation as
to what has been or what is currently occurring and God’s message concerning
it. It involves receiving spiritual information about people/things or events
etc.
Discerning spirits – Ability to perceive the truth
about a thing/a person beyond what the physical eyes/intellect can see/observe.
Gift of
faith – Supernatural faith implanted
in the heart that believes God for the seemingly impossible
Gifts of
healing – Supernatural ability to
wrought healing of the body, soul (mind) and spirit.
Working
of miracles – Supernatural ability to
wrought miracles – things that defy human laws and are incomprehensible to
human understanding, to the glory of God alone.
Prophecy
- Holy Spirit – inspired message speaking forth the mind of God for
edification, comfort or correction
Diverse
kinds of tongues – Ability to speak
different kinds of tongues/languages as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Interpretation
of tongues – Ability to interpret tongues
as inspired by the Spirit.
Have you received the Holy Spirit since you
believed? Seek the face of God till you receive. Then go forth in the Spirit’s
Power!
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