The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Gift of the Holy Spirit was available to believers when Jesus was Glorified. (John 7:37-39) Jesus is now at the right hand of the Father in heaven with all authority given to Him. (1 Peter 3:22) Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to believers as our Helper, who testifies of Him. (John 15:26) Every believer can be filled and led by His Spirit to do the work of Jesus. (John 16:7) The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (John 16:8-11)For believers, Holy Spirit will convict us of the world (John 16:12-15) and also the following-

The Holy Spirit Given as God's Promise

The Holy Spirit is the Promise of the Father. (Acts 1:4-5) His Holy Spirit gives us power to witness to Jesus. (Acts 1:8) Baptism of the Holy Spirit began in Jerusalem on Pentecost about 2,000 years ago. (Acts 2:1-8)

The Last Days Began 2,000 Years Ago at Pentecost

Prophet Joel spoke of the Spirit being poured out on all flesh in the last days. (Acts 2:14-18) We are in the last days, which started about 2,000 years ago. (Acts 2:19-21)

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Continues Today

Jesus, now Glorified, pours out the Holy Spirit to all believers. (Acts 2:33) Jesus commands us as disciples to baptize in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matt 28:19-20) Different baptisms are shown with disciples, after Pentecost, in Ephesus. (Acts 19:1-7) The Cross involves baptism into Jesus' death, then walking in the life of His Spirit. (Rom 6:3-4)

The Holy Spirit is Guarantee of Our Inheritance

God's eternal inheritance is reserved in heaven for believers. (1 Pet 1:3-5) Our physical body is returning to the dust, but our glorified bodies are in heaven. (2 Cor 5:1) The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee of our inheritance in God. (Eph 1:13-14) It is the same Holy Spirit in us that was in Jesus to give us the resurrected life in our bodies. (Rom 8:11) Believers, who are baptized in the Spirit, become physical temples of Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 3:16-18) We were bought with the price of Jesus' Cross, now we should glorify God. (1 Cor 6:19-20) Don't be deceived, those who live unrighteously will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (1 Cor 6:9-11) Those who practice the works of the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21)

The Holy Spirit Reveals Things of God

Before the Cross, we were blinded by Satan to the things of God. (2 Cor 4:3-4) Believers can choose to be mindful of the things of man or the things of God. (Matt 16:21-23) Worldly wisdom cannot reveal God, but the Holy Spirit reveals deep things of God. (1 Cor 2:4-11) Believers who are fleshly minded are babes in Christ and not mature. (1 Cor 3:1-3) We should have the mind of Christ, not be natural minded, and learn from Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 2:12-16) Believers should set our minds on Christ, where our life is hidden. (Col 3:1-4)

The Holy Spirit Helps Believers to Discern Between Spirits

Jesus is our Example and believers must overcome Satan and this world. (Matt 3:16-4:11) The Holy Spirit expresses to us that in the last days, some will follow evil spirits. (1 Tim 4:1-3) Believers must learn to test the spirits, whether of God or error. (1 John 4:1) The Spirit of God confesses that Jesus came in the flesh to complete the Cross. (1 John 4:2) Jesus came into this world in the likeness of sinful flesh, because of sin. (Rom 8:3) The spirit of error does not confess that Jesus came in the flesh to go to the Cross. (1 John 4:3-6) There are false teachers and false prophets among us, who teach contrary to the Spirit. (2 Pet 2:1-3) There are false apostles and deceitful workers, ministers of Satan. (2 Cor 11:13-15) We will know and discern between the false and true prophets by their fruits. (Matt 7:15-20) The fruit of the Spirit can be manifest in believers when our flesh is crucified. (Gal 5:22-24)

Principle of the Cross—Death Brings Forth Life

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. (John 12:24) But if it dies, it produces much grain. His death at the Cross brought forth the Glorification of Christ. (John 12:23) Jesus, our Example, chose to die to His Soul ("psuche") in Gethsemane (oil press). (Matt 26:36-45) Jesus prepares us for the same choice, to die to our "psuche", so He may be Glorified. (John 12:25-28) Only by the Holy Spirit can our deeds of flesh die, so that we will live abundantly. (Rom 8:13) Communion with Jesus is remembrance & proclamation of His death until He returns. (1 Cor 11:23-26)

Our Share of Christ's Suffering

The Spirit draws us near to God, to suffer with Christ, so we may be glorified with Him. (Rom 8:15-18) We are called to suffer with Him, as Jesus is our Example. (1 Pet 2:19-23) Believers can be in Him, know Him, know the power of His resurrection, fellowship with His sufferings; being conformed to His death, IF we may attain the resurrection. (Phil 3:8-12) As we suffer with Him, we can be an example of Christ for others to walk by the Spirit. (Phil 3:13-17)

Paul's Life—Example of the Cross

Paul was an example for us because he suffered in Christ, so Christ was Glorified. (2 Cor 4:6-9) Paul always carried the dying of Lord Jesus, so that we and others may live in Christ. (2 Cor 4:10-12) The ministry of Paul manifested Blessings & Glory of Christ through suffering with Him. (2 Cor 6:3-10) Paul died daily and suffered greatly with Christ, but the Love of Christ prevails. (2 Cor 11:23-28) No suffering or any created thing will separate us from the Love of Christ. (Rom 8:35-39)