Holy Spirit

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

I find it interesting that the Holy Spirit is given to us once we believe in Christ. This means that all believers have the Holy Spirit. In fact, the Holy Spirit is our passport to heaven! This is good news for us all!

I use to look up to powerful men and women of God and think "They really have the Spirit!"
I use to look up to pure men and women of God and think "They really have the Spirit!"
I use to look up to passionate men and women of God and think "They really have the Spirit!"
I use to look up to prophetic men and women of God and think "They really have the Spirit!"

And now I realise that yes, they have the Holy Spirit. They rely on the Spirit and acknowledge the Spirit. They are filled with the Holy Spirit. But so do I! What was the difference?

The last passage tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. How do we do this? By sinning, and it lists a whole bunch of sinful behaviors.Therefore, if we continue to sin, there is every opportunity that we will lose our Salvation. If we continue to sin the Holy Spirit will be forced out of us and or rendered to the sidelines unable to participate in our life.

Jesus came to give life in its fullness, but many Christians dont realise that to receive this we need to give Him our life. Sadly too many Christians have one foot in the world and one foot in the Spirit. They lose out on the best of fullness of life the world has to offer, (although it really is not life rather sin leading to death...) and we miss out on the fullness of life that God has to offer. They are trapped in this middle place. This place is called mediocrity, apathy and lukewarm. And we know if we are lukewarm we will be spat out!

So acknowledge the Holy Spirit today, cast off all sin. Rely on the Holy Spirit and give in totally to God and the plans He has for your life. Obey Him! Allow the Spirit to transform your life, and the lives of those around you!