God's Companion To Man

We hear a lot of talk about the Holy Ghost in some churches. Is it really necessary that we become knowledgeable in regards to the Holy Ghost, or is it just an extreme doctrine? Should Christians actually seek to benefit from being "filled" with the Holy Ghost?

But ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you, And ye shall be witnesses unto me both on Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the world Acts 1:8.

At the birth of the Christian church age, Jesus commanded the disciples to receive the Holy Ghost. They received an evangelistic commission from Christ that would be impossible to fulfill without the power (supernatural ability) of the Holy Ghost.

The love, fellowship and peace that existed among the disciples would not have been possible without a common element that was greater than them. They had something greater on the inside of them, which helped to bind them together. Therefore, when they were beaten or thrown in prison for their preaching, they were encouraged instead of discouraged.

We, as Christians, have the tremendous responsibility of doing the work of God. While ministering in a hostile, hateful and uncaring world, we have need of a helper.

Since Pentecost, believers have that help available to them through the power of the Holy Ghost. The power of the Holy Ghost did not first arrive at Pentecost. We see that power working as early as Genesis 1:2 when the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Notice in Exodus 31: 1-3: I have called by name Bezareel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the spirit of God in wisdom and understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. We don't typically think of the Holy Ghost involved in building projects, but that's exactly what God is telling Moses in this scripture.

When we want something built, we just call a builder. But if we want it built the way God says, it will take someone anointed with the spirit of wisdom and understandmg; someone anointed with the Holy Ghost.

The manifestation of the Holy Ghost was present throughout the Old Testament, but is more personal in the New Testament after Jesus' ascension. In the book of Acts, the emphasis is on believers receiving the Holy Ghost. But afterwards, the emphasis is on the results the Holy Ghost has on our personal life and character. This is obvious in many of the letters written by the Apostle Paul.

All Christians need the power of the Holy Ghost operating in their lives. It takes time to learn how to give our wills over to the power of the Spirit, but the Holy Ghost is a very patient teacher. The final results are love and compassion for others.

Mature and wholesome fruit began to express itself in our life when the Holy Ghost has His way with us.

Jesus recognized the weaknesses of human nature, the covetousness of the world as well as the need to have God's work done. Therefore, He sent a Comforter to strengthen and encourage us. Without it we would grow frustrated and give up, especially when we fall short or fail.

Christians are commanded to be filled with the Holy Ghost (Ephesians 5:18). He gives us power to witness (Acts 1:8); helps us to love (Romans 5:5); helps us to pray (Romans 8:26-27); directs our lives (Romans 8: 14 ); produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22, 23); is received by faith (1 John 5: 14-15). The Holy Ghost provides victory over sins, strength over weakness, and helps us determine right from wrong.

To successfully complete God's work, one must be filled with the Holy Ghost. Walking in the Spirit filled life is not without struggles, but as we learn to trust and depend upon God's Word, He works out patience and long-suffering in us.

If you do not have the power of the Holy Ghost working in your life, do not go another day without it. Surrender to the perfect will of God today, and receive this Witness into your heart.