Holy Spirit Part 1: His Presence

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise. (Ephesians 1:13 NASB)

God’s presence on earth within the Old Testament was seen in the pillar of fire and cloud, in the thunder and lightning on Mount Sinai, in the burning bush. Jesus was God’s presence on earth during His lifetime. Since the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has dwelt in those who have been born of the Spirit, those who have entered the kingdom of God through acceptance of Jesus as their Savior. God’s Spirit dwelling in believers has been the main manifestation of God’s presence on earth since the time of Jesus’ ascension to heaven.

The Holy Spirit is present in believers and influences our lives in a number of ways. Our telling others about Jesus and God’s gift of salvation is empowered by the Spirit. Our interaction with other Christians in fellowship, worship, and working together in outreach, church, or ministry, is enhanced through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit plays an important role in our personal walk with the Lord, our spiritual growth, and the manner in which we live our lives in conjunction with God’s will and ways. God’s Spirit guides, directs, and leads us as individuals. The Spirit teaches us and gives us understanding. Through the Spirit we receive assurance that we are God’s children, that we abide in Him and He abides in us. —Peter Amsterdam [1]

The word of God is our only standard, and the Holy Spirit our only teacher. —George Muller

[1] Anchor The Holy Spirit at Work in Our Lives