In this message, we will learn about the gift of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, and when it is given to a person. What it does for us and how to continue to have the Spirit in our lives. In Acts 2, we learn that after baptism comes the gift of the Holy Ghost. Peter talked about it after the people were pricked in their hearts about the message he just spoke with them on, which was about Jesus and the cross. “Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) So first people need to repent of their sins and unbelief, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, that their sins may be forgiven. It is at this point that God’s gift to us, which is the Holy Spirit, comes into our lives like a fire through praying for that individual. A fire that lights up our path and brings the necessary guidance and direction to our lives in this darkened world. And we know even more about the Holy Spirit because of what Jesus told us in John 14. He said, “and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18) There is so much the Holy Spirit does for us, but the best part is that Jesus, our God, is with us when the Spirit is abiding with us.
We learn that another name for the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, even the Spirit of Truth. Jesus also said the following, in regards to the Holy Spirit. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26,27) So we know that Spirit will teach us all things that we need to know and do in this life. It will help us remember any one thing of the past that God desires to bring to our attention. When the Spirit is near, there is also peace, even the peace that is beyond our understanding. This is because Jesus is right there with us also, as He said. Now, we know that the gift comes after baptism, but only if people continue to obey God. It was Peter who taught us in Acts 5, that the Spirit comes through obedience to God. It is written, “and we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” (Acts 5:32) This is very important to understand. We can’t be doing our own things in life and believe the Holy Spirit will be with us, but only if we do what God says. And how do we know what to do? We read the Bible, and follow God’s teachings. We also pray and allow the Spirit to lead us. This is obeying God’s will for our lives, which allows the Spirit to be with us.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will come to the saving knowledge of You, Jesus. That they will come to You in faith and accept You as Lord of their lives. Then, will they be able to come to the waters of baptism and have all their sins be forgiven. I believe what the Bible says about being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. This makes what we do in baptism so important. We die to ourselves and rise up as a new person in You, Jesus, even Christ the Lord. I believe what has been written, for it is written in my heart also. Surely, each day that I read the Bible, I learn much more than the day before. My heart is always open to what You have to teach me, God. So continue to lead me in the things I need to learn and do in this life. May the Spirit abide with me every day and every hour. My desire is to follow You, Jesus, and do as You say. So I ask that the Spirit will open my mouth and lead me in what I need to say. I am here now, only to be Your hands and feet on this earth. If I cannot be an example for You, Jesus, on earth then I am failing You. Therefore, have Your way in my life now and in the future also. If I ever fall asleep to the things of God, slap me in the face and wake me up. Do not let the enemy take me down into paths that are full of darkness and destruction. I have tasted what it means to be filled up with lust and the pleasures of this world and it never ends well. I am always guilt-ridden and have a hard time knowing my way afterward. Therefore, I will rest in You, Jesus, today and forever. I love You, Lord. You are my God and I worship You. Amen.
