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The Holy Spirit, a member of the "trinity," is often a topic of conversation and study within Christian circles. But sometimes Christians can forget how important He is in our lives. Let us take another look at what the Bible tells us about the Holy Spirit.The Holy Spirit creates and gives life (Job 33:4). He lives with and in Christians (John 14:17; Ephesians 3:16). We are certainly blessed through Him, for He encourages (Acts 9:31), glorifies (John 16:14) and testifies of Christ (John 15:26). The Holy Spirit helps in our weakness and intercedes in prayer for us (Romans 8:26).
Because He knows the thoughts of God (1 Corinthians 12:11), He appoints and commissions us (Acts 13:2; Acts 20:28), and He directs where we should and should not preach (Acts 8:29; Acts 10:19-20; Acts 16:6-7). The Word of God (the Bible) is the instrument of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).
The Holy Spirit searches all things (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). He can be grieved (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30), can be resisted (Acts 7:51), can be "tested" (Acts 5:9), and can convict (John 16:8).
Because He gives understanding (1 Corinthians 2:12), the Holy Spirit speaks through God's followers (Acts 1:16; 1 Peter 1:11-12; 2 Peter 1:21) and enables Christians to speak wisdom (Acts 6:5-10). Through the preaching of Christians, He demonstrates God's power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). He teaches and reminds (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 12:3), expresses spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:13), and guides (John 16:13).
The Holy Spirit gives power (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:16), including the power of hope (Romans 15:13), the power of love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7), and the power of signs and miracles (Romans 15:19). He also gives the power to drive out demons (Matthew 12:28).
But best of all, this glorious Holy Spirit washes, justifies, and sanctifies us (Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11), sustains us (Psalm 51:12), and has the power to resurrect (1 Peter 3:18).
Christians should always remember that the Holy Spirit is the part of God which always remains within us. He is always "up close and personal."
Copyright © 1998 Kimberly B. Southall. All rights reserved.
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