William H. Smith February 12, 2002

1204 Christmas Tree Lane about 700 words

Pearce, Az. 85625

303-36-7671

(520) 826-1029

The Holy Spirit

By

William H. Smith

The third personality of God was sent to earth so that man could save himself and receive everlasting life through Christ, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is mentioned five times in Matthew, four times in Mark, Luke mentions him twelve times, John tells of him four times, and in Acts, which was written by Luke, you will find him spoken of forty-one times, for a total of sixty-six times. Luke seemed concerned about man knowing the importance of the Holy Spirit.

After Mary was found to be of child, the angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and told him not to fear to take Mary as his wife. That she would give birth to a son and he was to be named Jesus, and Joseph did what the angel of the Lord asked him to do.

John the Baptist was baptizing for the repentance of sin and told of Jesus who was to come, that he would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus came to John to be baptized by him, and John questioned him saying, “I have need to be baptized of thee.” Jesus answered John saying, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness,” John then baptized Jesus. When Jesus came up out of the water the Holy Spirit descended upon him in a bodily shape like that of a dove, and a voice came from heaven and said, “Thou art my beloved son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3: 14-17) Mary and Joseph believed that Jesus was the Son of God, but when he was baptized and received the Holy Spirit, and then God made his announcement that confirmed it.

“And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that speaketh against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.” (Matthew 12:32) Even Judas who had betrayed Jesus was probably saved, after he repented of his evil deed. The ones that had Jesus put to death could also have been able to find forgiveness. This could happen only if they had spoken against Jesus and not the Holy Spirit.

The “Acts” of the apostles sum up the works of the Holy Spirit who is still working today in every soul. Some have received the Holy Spirit while others are holding out on him. The gospels make it quite clear that you must be baptized to received the Holy Spirit. Not being baptized doesn’t keep him from working in you, but you must be baptized in order to see or enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3: 3&5)

In the first chapter of “Acts” we find that the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, gave commandments to the apostles whom Jesus had chosen. Jesus being assembled with the apostles commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but “wait for the promise of the Father, which ye have heard of me.” “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” After Jesus spoke these words he was taken up and a cloud received him.

After this time the apostles received the Holy Spirit, and went amid the people teaching of Jesus Christ and winning many to God. Being filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke the word boldly. The Holy Spirit cannot be purchased with money, promises, or good deeds. The Spirit can only be purchased by repenting of your sins, believing and accepting Jesus Christ, and then be baptized to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. All people will not receive the Holy Spirit when baptized, because their belief won’t be strong enough. Jesus Christ would have us either hot or cold; if we are only lukewarm he will spew us out of his mouth.

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