Who is the Holy Spirit? Spirit of Power

Spirit of Power

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (NIV)

            Prior to Jesus leaving to go back to Heaven, Jesus told the disciples that He was going the send Comforter to give them what they needed to do the Great Commission. They would receive Power that could only be given through the Holy Spirit. But what was this power that would be given? The Power of the Holy Spirit is likened to a battery for an automobile. The vehicle may have all the things that it needs to operate such as tires, lights, gas, seats, and steering wheel. Nevertheless, if the vehicle does not have a battery that is fully charged, the other parts of the vehicle will remain useless. This is how it is without the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives the believer power to do the things of God. Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.

            The apostles could not have had the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, speak in other languages and the courage to stand strong for God on their own – knowing that they would face death. It was only through the power given to them from the Holy Spirit to operate in the fullness of what God had for them. Mark 16:15-16 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (NIV) The Holy Spirit did not come down fully on them until Jesus left, but then, they received the power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:2-4 ⁽²⁾Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ⁽³⁾They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁽⁴⁾All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (NIV)

          The apostles did not act on their own accord. They only acted as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance, through which, they were able to do many signs and wonders. Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will accompany those who believe in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Jesus had a work for the apostles to do and the Holy Spirit enabled them to be a light to all who were once in the dark. They were able to understand about God and receive healing in both the spiritual and the natural for all who believed. The same power of the Holy Spirit is still being given as a gift today. God has no respect of person and for all who ask and believe on Him, the same will be given and then received.