On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured onto the disciples who had gathered for prayer, filling them with the Holy Spirit. This profound event marks the beginning of a new era and the founding of the church, making Pentecost one of the three major festivals of the Christian faith. Pentecost gives meaning to the other two major festivals, Christmas and Easter. As Paul states, “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). The Holy Spirit convicts and helps us recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. Without the Spirit’s help, no one can truly acknowledge Jesus as Lord.
There are several misconceptions about the Holy Spirit. Some people think He is merely a force, but He is a person. Jesus refers to Him using personal pronouns, as in, “When he comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Others believe the Holy Spirit is given only if one prays earnestly, but the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is promised to all, as foretold by the prophet Joel. Paul reinforces this in Ephesians, saying, “You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13). Another misconception is that the Holy Spirit is only present when one feels certain physical sensations like goosebumps. While outward signs may or may not be present, we live in the age of the Holy Spirit, and He is always with us.
We do not lack the Holy Spirit; rather, the Bible speaks of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The important question to ask ourselves is, “Does the Holy Spirit fill us?” Has the Holy Spirit taken full control of our lives? Paul’s teachings in his letters offer guidance on being filled with the Holy Spirit:
- “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). We grieve the Holy Spirit through ungodliness, so we must train ourselves in godliness.
- “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). The Holy Spirit has plans to use us wherever we are, and we must be careful not to hinder His work.
May the dear Lord help us always to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God bless!