FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Mark 16:1-16; [Acts 1:5]; Mark 16:17,18; [Acts 28:3]; Mark 16:19, 20; [John 15:5; I Kings 18:19-38]; Luke 24:32-53; Acts 1:1; [Romans 8:39]; Acts 1:1-12; 2:1-4

The gift of holy spirit is rather like a bag of tools. A person may get a bag of tools but if he or she leaves them at home, they are no help. If the person does not open them, they are no help either. If he or she has the bag of tools and does not know how to use them correctly, they are also of no use. If the person knows how to use them, but chooses not to, the tools are still useless.

It is the same with the gift of holy spirit. We have many abilities within that gift, but they must be used according to their purpose. When we apply these abilities properly, there is great benefit to our lives.

The scriptures record the teachings of Jesus Christ to his disciples prior to his ascension regarding the coming of the holy spirit. He instructed them to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Preaching does not require a degree in theology. “Preach” means to herald forth.

John said he baptized in water, but he who was greater would baptize in spirit and fire. Jesus confirmed this later when he spoke with the apostles just prior to his ascension. He would be sending forth a spiritual baptism. Signs would accompany the spiritual baptism, including speaking with new tongues. These signs were evidences of God’s working with His people. When we take the Word of God and couple it with demonstration of the power of holy spirit, that is a witness to people!

Jesus Christ, during the 40 days after his resurrection and prior to his ascension, taught the disciples about receiving the holy spirit. He told them he would send the promise of His Father to them and they were to tarry in the city of Jerusalem. They would be clothed with power from on high.

We go to the Word to see what is available and receive the instruction on how to apply it. We also learn the benefits from doing so. We read of certain individuals who God calls upon at different times and in different ways. The potential of the holy spirit is within each of us to do anything God may call upon us to do.

On the day of Pentecost, the apostles received the gift of holy spirit, the promise of the Father. They were endued with power from on high. They could do so because they had been given all the information they needed to understand what they were to do. This was the beginning. There is coming a time when the Lord will return, and there will be a new heaven and earth. On the day of Pentecost, God marked man’s redemption and the giving of holy spirit by having them speak with tongues.