And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Sparkling Advent #5: The Gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 6:19)
Have you ever been reading the Bible and thought, “I wish I could have been there to see that!” I have several places in the Bible where I feel that way. One of them is in the second chapter of Acts. Jesus had told the disciples to wait for something that the Father would send. In fact, He said that it would be better for the disciples for Him to leave them so that they could receive this incredibly valuable gift.
Suddenly!
So, his disciples are waiting, all gathered together in one place. They are hanging out together, just waiting, when BAM!
“And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4 ESV
Can you imagine?
I mean, can you imagine? Tongues of fire showing up on their heads as the Holy Spirit descends as this incredible gift from the Father! Fire! It had to be a sight to see! That fire is a symbol even today of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised would come arrives with an unforgettable entrance to fill the disciples. However, the Holy Spirit is not just all flash and no substance. He helps us remember the word of God, teaches us all things, empowers us to do God’s will, prays for us, and more…
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 ESV
Temple of the Holy Spirit
It says that the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. Just like the temple was the earthly dwelling place of God for the children of Israel, each believer’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit – He dwells in and through us.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
The Dove
Fire is not the only symbol of the Holy Spirit. He is also represented by the dove.
“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”” Luke 3:21-22
What an amazing endorsement! Jesus comes out of the baptism waters and the Holy Spirit lands on Him like a dove, then the voice of God the Father from heaven assures that He is the Son of God! That would have been so cool to see!
The Gift
This Holy Spirit – the fire and the dove – the teacher of all things – the power – the indwelling presence of God – is a gift to us!
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
He is a gift to those who believe in Jesus. We can have the assurance of His presence in us, his power and wisdom guiding and directing us.
Action Step:
Let’s ask ourselves a few questions:
-Do I live like the Holy Spirit of the Living God is inside me?
-Do I ask for the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit when I don’t know what to do?
-Am I relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will?
-Does the Holy Spirit sparkle through me to everyone around me?
I know I can do better at these things. I forget sometimes that I have a Helper with me all the time. I try to do everything on my own and feel weighted down by the burden of it all. I need to rely on Him for my strength and sparkle on a daily basis. Maybe you do too!
Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent
Prayer:
Dear God, Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to rely more and more on Him. I want to love and speak wisdom and sparkle through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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