And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.
(Luke 24:44–49)
Christians, born in the Spirit of God are unique because they have the Holy Spirit, the presence of God in their bodies.
The first disciples saw how Jesus in a human body needed the leading and the empowerment of His Father and the Holy Spirit in His life, ministry, death and resurrection. They learned that loving and serving God is not possible through human effort.
Jesus said that they must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him. Taking up Christ’s Cross daily is to die to oneself. Denying our human nature to self-centeredness and self-glorification. God’s Glorious presence in the Holy Spirit within us enables us to become His Lights in a world overcome by Satan’s darkness.
The Holy Spirit teaches us, reminds us of God’s Word, gives us spiritual gifts. He also convicts us when we stray, and He strengthens and encourages us to love and do good works that would glorify God and be a light to our world.
The Holy Spirit shows us the deep thoughts of God, purifies us, and reminds us that we are God’s children.
Power in the Greek is dunamis. This is the root word for dynamite. This is the power to follow Jesus and obey His commands so that Christ’s Work continues through us here on earth today:
And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations
(Ezekiel 36:27)
Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike”
(Joel 2:28–29)
At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured into the disciples and they were filled with His presence and power to reach the world.
God has three primary purposes for our lives. The Holy Spirit living in us makes these goals possible.
Goal 1: Called to Holiness
The Spirit of God is called the Holy Spirit and God’s Spirit want to have a holy temple to live in.
But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy
(1 Peter 1:15–16)
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God
(2 Corinthians 7:1)
Goal 2: Called to Suffer
As believer in Jesus Christ, we can face persecution from others and suffer affliction along with everybody else.
We are meant to suffer in this world to be able to experience God’s help and comfort through the Holy Spirit that we may be able to help and comfort others.
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps
(1 Peter 2:21)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News
(2 Timothy 1:7–8)
In interviews with survivors of Christian persecution the common testimony is the presence of the Holy Spirit and that their faith through the fire burned away the impurities of trivial concerns.
Goal 3: Called to Fruitfulness
God has called every believer to be fruitful.
You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit…
(John 15:16)
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father
(John 15:7–8)
The fruit God wants to see in our lives concerns the following:
Mature Character
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law
(Galatians 5:22–23)
New Believers and Disciples
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles
(Romans 1:13)
May we live and move and have our being in the Holy Spirit in this world in crisis – that people may have hope and see that the answer to their questions is found in God in us and with us.
Jonathan Cortes