SERMON - HOLY SPIRIT AND YOU

Holy Spirit

And

YOU

(Hymn) Welcome Holy Spirit, we are in Your presence,

Fill us with Your powers, live inside of me.

You’re the living Waters, never drying fountain,

Comforter and Counselor take complete control.

This song I sing to God frequently and with the knowledge that it is by the Holy Spirit that everything in my Christian life is possible.

I have heard teachings that the Holy Spirit was not in man until the Pentecost. I have had Pastors tell me that in the times of the Old Testament that the Holy Spirit was upon man and within man at the Pentecost. Well, that is not true!

Numbers 11: 26 Two men, Eldad and Medad, were still in camp when the Spirit rested upon them.

An example of the Holy Spirit upon man. But, as early as

Genesis 41:38 …for he is a man obviously filled with the Spirit of God. (Pharaoh speaking of Moses)

Exodus 31:3 (Re: Bezalel, son of Un.) “I have filled him with the Spirit of God.”

Numbers 27:18 The Lord replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands upon him.”

A few of the man that the Old Testament says were filled with the Holy Spirit are Elisha, Azariah, Jahazeil, Samson, Job, Solomon, Gideon, Jephthah and many more.

Then, in the New Testament we learn that before the Pentecost John the Baptists mother was filled with the Holy Spirit as was Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah and others. It was at the Pentecost that the Holy Spirit, for the first time, was POURED to all mankind!

‘What is the difference?’ you may ask. Allow me to tell you what has been shown to me.

God placed His Holy Spirit upon and in men that He chose to grace with this blessing. His action was as an anointing for the select He deemed worthy of His notice. At the Pentecost God fulfilled the Words of Jesus and poured His Holy Spirit upon any that would welcome Him into their hearts

Acts 2:4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit

To clarify all that I am saying look at things this way. Although a man might be thirsty and you lead him to water, you cannot make him drink that water unless he chooses to. Similarly, you can teach a person everything there is to be taught of God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit but you cannot make that person accept this teaching!

Churches teach the doctrines of the Holy Spirit but many still do not know Him. Many say, “I received the Holy Spirit when Jesus saved me.” Others say, Yes, I have received the Holy Spirit because I spoke in tongues when He came into my life. Speaking in tongues is evidence I have received Him.”

Receiving the Holy Spirit is more than a one time experience. The word RECEIVE means to “Lay hold of that which is given.” To clarify, RECEIVING is to desire an expanding capacity for greater knowledge of who the Spirit is and what His ministry is all about. In fact, The Holy Spirit is not received by someone ‘until He is allowed to take full control of that person’s temple.’

The work of the Holy Spirit in each of us is very personal. Your body is His temple and it is His works in you that has causes you to turn from evil, to hunger and thirst for His righteousness, to continually yearn, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

When we truly accept the Holy Spirit and turn our temples over to Him we rise above all trials and fears and are allowed to look death in the face as we remain full of hope and joy!

Can you see how important the role of the Holy Spirit is in your life? There may be times when you feel spiritually weak, without direction and alone. In all reality with the Holy Spirit in you it is as having a life-force always at work within you. Trust in the Lord no matter how badly you may be judging yourself and condemn yourself for sinful actions as through the Holy Spirit Jesus is within your heart to constant remind you that, “You are going to Abba, your Heavenly Father.” 

Lastly,

It is in prayer that the Holy Spirit manifests the presence of Christ in us.

It is in prayer that the Holy Spirit seals God’s promises in our hearts.

It is in prayer that the Comforter speaks hope to us.

It is in prayer that the Holy Spirit releases His Rivers of comfort, peace, and rest upon our souls.  

(Closing prayer)

Heavenly Father we lift our hearts to You and praise You. We thank You for sending us Your Son as well as the Holy Spirit. In our worship of You we ask that the Holy Spirit keep us in close communion with Jesus Christ and that comfort be allowed to our weary souls. We are beset with so many untruths and attacks on our faith and belief in You that Your strength is all that can sustain us.

Please know that we are temples of the Holy Spirit and seek to live lives that are worthy of Your love. Father, we love and adore You, You are our reason for existing. Thank You God for everything You have given us and please stay in our hearts.

Father, we ask that You protect our military, both at home and abroad, our elected officials, our judiciary, and our country. We thank You for Your choice in having us live in freedom and with our hearts we pray for our continued safety.

We pray these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is One with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever,

Amen, amen and amen.

-- 

Pastor Lee S Gliddon Jr
God's Word Christian Ministry
Conservative Patriot http://conpats.blogspot.com