At our Pentecost service yesterday, I had four people introduce the Holy Spirit to the congregation as they have experienced Him. I asked them to tell what life was like before they met the Holy Spirit, how they met Him, and what life has been like now in relating with Him.
The Bible says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”- 2 Corinthians 13:14
The disciples had walked with Jesus for three years; they heard his teaching; they saw his miracles; they could give the correct theological answers. They had met Him following the resurrection and were convinced that he was the son of God who had come to bring salvation to all people.
Yet, despite all this knowledge and experience, Jesus knew they were not ready to face the world with the glorious gospel. He told them clearly, “I am going away. But do not leave home base till you have received the Holy Spirit. I repeat, wait till you receive the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus knew that if they tried to minister, they would be destroyed in a minute by Satan, who came to kill, steal, and destroy. Like Peter, despite their best intentions, they would buckle under pressure and give way to fear and unbelief.
Jesus knew that the boldness, the power, the words, the faith, and the love all come from the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Living the Christian life requires more than knowledge, experience, and determination; it requires fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
Growing up in a good Christian home and going to a Bible-believing church does not give one the power to live the Christian life. This came as a surprise to me. I grew up in a good home, and I knew the Sermon on the Mount by heart. But what I was not aware of in growing up was that I could not turn the other cheek or bless those that cursed me without the miracle of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
I tried to be the very best father I knew how to be, but while my children appreciated and honored us as parents, each had issues that were ultimately addressed when they entered into fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
I asked my daughter Sonya, wife of Horeb and mother of four children ages 14, 11, 9 and 6 and expecting the fifth child, to introduce us to the Holy Spirit as she has experienced him.
Her testimony highlights the significance of a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit in living a joyful and productive life.
