Stepping Forward: Part 5: Faith and The Holy Spirit: Embracing Pentecost

Text: Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV) “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

This passage captures the miraculous and supernatural nature of Pentecost, emphasizing unity and the fulfillment of God’s promise. It sets a significant context for understanding how the Holy Spirit empowers and unites believers in their faith and daily relationships.

Embracing Pentecost

Pentecost is not just a historical event but the birthing of the Church and the empowerment of each believer through the Holy Spirit. Stepping forward in faith means inviting the Holy Spirit to actively engage in every aspect of our lives, transforming us into the image of Christ and enabling us to fulfill His mission.

The Person of the Holy Spirit

John 14:26 (NKJV) tells us, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or an abstract power; He is a person who teaches, guides, and comforts us.

Understanding the Holy Spirit as a person is fundamental to grasping God’s interaction with humanity. Unlike an impersonal force, the Holy Spirit possesses intellect, emotions, and will. He teaches us, reminding us of Jesus’ words and guiding us into all truth. This relationship with the Holy Spirit is intimate and personal, akin to a trusted companion and guide.

The Purpose and Function of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives

Acts 1:8 (NKJV) states, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to empower us for witness and service. He equips us with spiritual gifts, fosters fruitfulness in our character, and enables us to fulfill Christ’s mission in the world.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers for service, equipping us with the necessary gifts to fulfill God’s mission on earth. His empowerment extends to everyday acts of love, kindness, and witness. Spiritual gifts, given by the Holy Spirit, enable us to serve the body of Christ effectively. Beyond empowerment, the Holy Spirit cultivates the fruit of the Spirit within us, transforming our character to reflect Christ more fully. This transformation allows us to be credible witnesses, living testimonies of God’s love and power. Our calling is to be Christ’s ambassadors, carrying His message of salvation to the ends of the earth, starting within our communities.

Living Daily in the Power of the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) advises, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Daily life in the Spirit is marked by a walk of faith and reliance on His guidance. It involves recognizing His voice, yielding to His promptings, and displaying the fruits of the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit involves a daily commitment to follow His guidance and yield to His influence. This walk of faith requires us to attune our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s voice, discerning His leadings in our lives. It means allowing Him to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes, producing the fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By walking in the Spirit, we overcome the desires of the flesh, living a life that is pleasing to God and impactful to those around us. This daily dependence on the Holy Spirit transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for divine encounters and spiritual growth.

As Basil the Great once said, “The Holy Spirit raises our hearts to heaven, guides the steps of the weak, and brings to perfection those who are making progress.”

Close

Including the Holy Spirit in our daily lives begins each morning with a prayer of surrender, inviting the Holy Spirit to fill us anew. It continues by listening for His voice throughout our day, in decisions both big and small.

Imagine living every day with the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwelling in you. Picture a life where your weaknesses are made perfect in His strength. This is not just a dream—it’s the promise of Pentecost, available to you through faith in Jesus Christ.

“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39, NKJV)

Let us step forward in faith, cultivate our relationship with the Holy Spirit, and embrace the fullness of life He offers. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Amen.

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