HOLY SPIRIT MUST INFLUENCE US

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[The Holy Spirit, which is the grand promise of the New Testament, as Jesus Christ was of the Old.] “Do not leave…wait for the gift my Father promised…in a few days YOU WILL BE BAPTIZED [to overwhelm] WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (Acts 1:4-5) [It seems that Holy Spirit designed all these similarities, to show that, through all preceding ages, God had the release of the Gospel frequently in view; and that the old law and its ordinances were only designed as preparation for the new. “All” here mentioned means the one hundred and twenty, this signifies that all their minds, affections, desires, and wishes, were concentrated in one object, every man having the same end in view; and, having but one desire, they had but one prayer to God, and every heart uttered it!] “When the day of Pentecost came, they were ALL TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE. SUDDENLY a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:1-2) [In the KJV it says” “…as the Spirit gave them utterance” (words to “utter” or speak). What language? Why, the Holy Spirit language of course!] “ALL OF THEM were filled with the Holy Spirit and BEGAN TO SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES AS THE SPIRIT ENABLED [aided] THEM.” (Acts 2:4) [So, was this outpouring special or was it more typical of what happens when we are filled with the Holy Spirit? I feel that this was a dramatic example of what happens when we are filled! Look what happened when Peter went to a gentile’s home (Cornelius)] “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For THEY HEARD THEM SPEAKING IN TONGUES and praising God…” (Acts 10:44-46) [Speaking in tongues follows our being filled with the Holy Spirit!] “For anyone who speaks in a tongue DOES NOT SPEAK TO PEOPLE BUT TO GOD. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit…Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies [enlightens improves] themselves…” (1 Corin. 14:2, 4) [All by the Holy Spirit!] “Tongues, then, are a sign, [indication of a supernatural miracle] not for believers but for unbelievers…” (1 Corin. 14:22) [Then as we learn to yield to the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit can work in our lives TO GLORIFY GOD!]

Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that IF WE HAVE NOT AS YET, WE CAN BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!
-Bill Stockham