Words Have Meaning

2024 – A Year of Holy Spirit Empowerment

In my previous post I realize that I left much to be discussed regarding the ignition point of the Holy Spirit coming to the first century church. However, I am not ignorant of the discussion in various theological circles. I do want to focus more upon what God did and not so much on detailed grammatical arguments.

Let’s remind ourselves that Christ was preparing to leave the Disciples and reiterated John the Baptist’s words that he baptized with water, but one is coming that will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire. Step number one is to see God’s very presence came to indwell the church corporately and Christians individually. His presence is what draws us into the very life of the triune God.

What was promised was not merely spiritual gifts and spiritual fruit, he came at Pentecost to dwell within us. John 14:23(ESV), “Jesus answered him, ‘if anyone love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Do not miss that fact, God’s presence trumps all discussion.

Now turn your attention to Acts 2 where we read Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost that resulted in 3,000 converts. While there are many points of theology proper that Peter addressed, we have to return to the ultimate reason for the Spirit’s indwelling – God’s very presence by means of the Holy Spirit indwells the church and individuals. Notice the question of the audience at the end of Peter’s sermon; “…Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37ESV). Answer: Repent, Be Baptized, Receive The Holy Spirit.” This process opens the gateway for God’s abiding presence to begin in the actual lives of people. RECONCILED INTIMACY takes the place of Temple worship. The church is now the “Living Temple”, a spiritual house that testifies of God’s presence.

Take your study deeper. Is God’s presence needed among the churches and worshippers today? Do we realize that His presence among us now is to equip and facility the Second  Coming of the Messiah?