Midweek Message from the Archive

Posted on February 28, 2023 7:13 am by janjoybell@yahoo.com

The Holy Spirit: Part One

Theologians teach us that God is three separate and distinct persons, not people, not personalities … but persons. God, who is One, has personal relationships with each other and with us and even though they exist co-equally, the Holy Spirit is often neglected. That’s tragic because scripture continually emphasizes the role and fullness of the Spirit in our lives.

The Spirit (pneuma) is also translated breath, wind, spirit, or air; the words pneumonia and pneumatic are derived from pneuma. Sounds mysterious, and it is, but Jesus explained:

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:8

Believers have experienced two births: one physical and one spiritual. We’re given the gift of life both times but the second birth is essential for kingdom living.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. John 6:63

The Holy Spirit is not some random force, but equally God with the Father and the Son. He lives within us, in our hearts so to speak, unlike the Father and the Son who dwell in heaven. The whole family of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John the baptizer experienced the filling of the Spirit in their lives:

… he (John) will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. Luke 1:15b

… Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41b

And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied … Luke 1:67

And let’s not forget Jesus’ mother and Himself:

The Holy Spirit will come upon you (Mary), and the power of the Most High will overshadow you … Luke 1:35a

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, … Luke 4:1a

Well, you may be thinking, that was different; they had unique purposes, destinies, for their lives … my friends, so do you. After Jesus left this earth He released the Spirit to empower those who would follow Him in the future, that includes you.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit … Acts 2:4a

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit … Acts 4:8a

… they were all filled with the Holy Spirit … Acts 4:31b

… (Paul) be filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:17b

“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

God’s plan is for us to be filled with His Spirit, just like those listed above, in order to lead a victorious life, without it, we find ourselves unable to turn from sin, confused, and defeated. My prayer is that these messages will be a reminder that you can live the higher life, walk in victory, and experience His peace and joy every day. May you, today,