In Touch - Aug. 15, 2006

Tuesday August 15, 2006

The Holy Spirit’s True Identity

John 14:15-27

 

As the hour of His death drew near, Jesus prepared the disciples for His departure by sharing key truths of the faith. He spoke about heaven while assuring them He’d one day return (John 14:1-4); He explained that He was the only way to the Father (v. 6); and He indicated that prayer and a relationship with the Holy Spirit were powerful and necessary components of the believer’s life. (vv. 13-14)

 

Jesus described the Spirit as the promise of the Father, a gift each of them would receive when Jesus’ days on earth were ended. The Spirit’s presence was so vital that they were instructed to wait in Jerusalem until He came. (Luke 24:49) Upon the Spirit’s arrival, each of them would be clothed with divine power, marking them as belonging to God and enabling them to fulfill Jesus’ commission to them. (Matthew 28:19-20)

 

To train, equip, and empower us to follow His plan, God sends every believer the same gift—the divine person of the Holy Spirit. His presence is essential if we are to live a victorious Christian life. Through His work, we become conscious of sin, receive the power to set it aside, discover the work divinely prepared for us to do, and gain the strength and courage to carry out God’s will. (Ephesians 2:10; 3:16)

 

Understanding the Holy Spirit’s true identity is imperative for all Christians. He is a person, co-equal to God the Father and God the Son, and the promised gift who brings great power with Him. Ask yourself, How well do I know Him as a person? . . . perceive His divine qualities? . . . experience His power in my life and work?

 

FEATURED RESOURCE

Summer Renewal Kit

Have you found yourself so busy with life that you are missing the little moments when God would like to meet with you? Let the Summer Renewal Kit  help you slow down... You will be surprised how these little moments with God can renew, recharge, and refresh your spirit! Order your Summer Renewal Kit here.

 

FEATURED RESOURCE

Facing Life’s Obstacles:

Learn that you can tackle any obstacle when relying on God’s power to give you courage and strengthen your faith. Order your copy here.

FEATURED RESOURCE

How strong is your faith? 

Your faith is often measured in how you handle adversity. Visit www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com and enroll in the free Faith Foundations course “Measuring Your Spiritual Growth.”

To see more resources from In Touch Ministries, please visit us at www.intouch.org  or go directly to our bookstore at In Touch Ministries.