TEXT: John 14:26 (NKJV) 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.
John 14:16-17 (NASB) “16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
Last week we quoted Jesus said that the Holy Spirit is the spirit of God. This is the same Spirit which led, guided, and empowered his life and ministry. And as He rounded up his work of Redemption, He promised He will give us the Holy spirit, who will be “in” us forever.
Today the topic is, “Receive the Holy Spirit” How do you receive this everlasting gift? – the holy Spirit. The gift of Holy Spirit and the gift of redemption are connected. As Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:5-7 (NASB) The connection between the Redeemer (Jesus Christ) and the Redeemed (you and me) is the Holy Spirit. Both are promised and given by God to be received by faith. 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:14 (NASB) No one has anything unless it is given to Him by God and no one receives anything from God except by Faith. 8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)
How the disciples of Jesus received the Holy Spirit: The twelve disciples of Jesus, who were physically with Him also had to believe that He is the Christ. (John 16:28-31 -Do you now believe) It was after their confession of faith, that Jesus finished the work of redemption for them and those who will believe in Jesus through them. (While praying to God Jesus said)20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:20-21 (NASB) It is the Holy Spirit who connects us with God through Jesus Christ. You should also note that the apostles did not receive or experience the Holy Spirit, until Jesus Christ has died, resurrected, and ascended to Heaven. John 20:22, Acts 1:8 Because the work of Redemption is incomplete if Christ did not rise from dead. Neither will the Holy spirit be receivable if He did not ascend to heaven. 7 But I tell you the truth, He said, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. John 16:7 (NASB) He is here with us.
Some Example of How people received the Holy Spirit through the Apostles: Paul who persecuted the church received the Holy Spirit only after He met Jesus. Peter said to the people “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 (NASB) This is the gold standard to receive the Holy Spirit. The gift of redemption always precedes the Holy Spirit in any instance. One man tried to buy the gift of Holy Spirit with money, to him Peter said “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! “Acts 8:20 (NASB) Unfortunately, even today people and preachers are still trying to exchange money for the gift of God. But all you can get without repentance and faith in Jesus, are familiar spirits, demons, and doctrines of the devil. (I will talk more about that later in this series) Everywhere you look in the acts of the Apostles, you are led to receive Jesus Christ (the gift of redemption) then the door opens to the Holy Spirit. It is by faith in Jesus Christ not your works, money, or influence. 38 He that believes on me, Jesus proclaimed, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water- The Holy Spirit. John 7:38 (KJV) Miracles without salvation is magic or ministry of the devils. And deliverance which does not save you from sin puts you in satanic bondage. “Take heed that ye be not deceived: …” The Lord said. Luke 21:8 (KJV). And as Apostle John wrote, “The anointing which is in you teaches you all things” Now we can ask a ton of questions: how do you know you have received the Holy Spirit; how do you relate with the anointing? How do you experience Him like when the Apostles where physically with Jesus? How does He teach you all things, comforts, helps, give you revelation and speak to you from the Father? And is the anointing which is in you different from that of your pastor or prophets? We shall begin to address these concerns henceforth. Please stay connected. Thank you and God bless you.