The Holy Spirit Encounter

Scripture

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, ² until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, ³ to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
⁴ And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; ⁵ for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ⁶ Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. ⁸ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:1-8

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. The two other parties are the Father and the Son (Jesus). We need the Holy Spirit more than anyone on earth. Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit will be sent and this happened on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit has been here ever since as our comforter, teacher and guide. Every Christian has the Holy Spirit residing in their hearts. At new birth, we have the “inside” experience. However if we are open we can also have the Holy Spirit “upon” experience such that we have power to serve in a very distinct way and also begin to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit as He wills (see Hebrews 2:4). Many Christians today on our continent still do not know the Holy Spirit in an intimate way as the Father intended. For those who have had indelible encounters with the Holy Spirit it is always fresh.

Sample Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the Baptizer,

Thank you for your promise to fill your people who believe with the Holy Spirit. No one can fully understand your way or your will for your ways are past finding out. Today Lord I pray that your will be done in my life. Fill me with Your Spirit as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that if we being evil know how to give good gifts to our children, how will You not give the Holy Spirit to them who ask You.

Lord Jesus, John pointed you out that first century day by the Jordan River as the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. Lord, I believe that you have more for your church and for me. Let your Spirit fill us your people that we may work in Your power alone. Holy Spirit fill me and use me for God’s glory. Lord Jesus, let it be evident that your Spirit is at work in me.

I ask these things and receive them even now in Jesus’ name. Amen