In our journey as Christians, God invites us into a new way of life through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Accepting Him as our Lord and Savior introduces us to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. In this blog, we will embark on a quest to understand the significance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let's explore the three distinct baptisms experienced by believers and delve into the promised, powerful, and personal ways of the Holy Spirit.
The Three Baptisms
In an earlier teaching about the Holy Spirit by City of Life’s senior pastor, Jeffrey Smith, he shared about three significant baptisms experienced by believers:
Baptism into Relationship with Christ
The first baptism occurs when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This act initiates our relationship with Christ and marks the beginning of our faith journey.
Water Baptism
The second baptism involves baptism in water, symbolizing our public declaration of faith in Christ. As believers, we outwardly testify to our commitment to follow Jesus.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The third and often overlooked baptism is when Jesus baptizes us into the Holy Spirit. This baptism allows us to walk in the fullness of our relationship with Christ, experiencing the transformative power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Going Into the Deep With the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a lot like the ocean. Statistically, many of us fear the ocean. I love to go to the beach and sit along the shore, but I don’t want to get in the ocean. There’s no way to know what lurks under the surface as I wade - was that a shark, or just seaweed? My husband is a certified scuba diver, and I have learned much about the ocean from him. He has taught me that the ocean is scarier above the water than beneath the surface. He says that deep down, you can see clearly for hundreds of feet around when you are below the surface. There is a sense of peace that overwhelms you. This is why people get addicted to scuba diving!
The Holy Spirit is inviting us into the deep end with Him. It can be scary to contemplate going deep with the Holy Spirit. But once we embrace the invitation, similar to going into the ocean's depths, we can experience new levels of clarity and spiritual maturity in our walk with the Lord.
So who is the Holy Spirit, and how does He function in a believer’s life? The Holy Spirit is a promised way, a powerful way, and a personal way.
The Holy Spirit is a Promised Way
To fully embrace the way of the Holy Spirit, we must first accept the promises of God concerning His Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not reserved for a select few or an elite group of believers; He is available to every person who believes in Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on the promise of the Holy Spirit, we must open our hearts to receive Him. It is not enough to merely know about the Holy Spirit; we must actively seek His presence and desire to walk in His power and guidance. The Holy Spirit longs to be our constant companion, our source of strength and wisdom, and our guide in every aspect of life. He is a promise.
The Holy Spirit is a Powerful Way
The power of the Holy Spirit is not a theoretical concept; He is a practical reality that transforms lives. To fully experience the power of the Holy Spirit, we must surrender to His leading and submit to His work in our hearts.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and walk in righteousness. He enables us to live according to God's Word and empowers us to resist temptation. In moments of weakness, the Holy Spirit is there to uplift and strengthen us, reminding us of our identity in Christ and the victory we have in Him.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to pray with confidence and boldness. He enables us to communicate with God on a deeper level and intercedes for us when we lack the words to express our hearts. The Holy Spirit infuses our prayers with power and aligns them with God's will, bringing about transformation and breakthrough.
Additionally, the Holy Spirit empowers us to be effective witnesses of Christ's love and truth. As we step out in faith and share our faith with others, the Holy Spirit gives us the right words to speak and opens the hearts of those who hear. He works through us to touch lives and bring people into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit is a Personal Way
The Holy Spirit desires a personal relationship with each believer, one that goes beyond mere theological knowledge. He wants to be known intimately, as a friend who walks with us through the ups and downs of life.
To cultivate a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, we must make time for Him in our daily lives. This includes spending time in prayer, worship, and meditation on God's Word. As we seek His presence, the Holy Spirit reveals the heart of the Father to us and brings us into a deeper understanding of God's love and grace.
Our relationship with the Holy Spirit teaches us to discern His leading and follow His guidance. He speaks to us in various ways, including through Scripture, promptings in our hearts, and the counsel of other believers. As we listen and obey, we experience the joy and peace that come from walking in alignment with God's plans for our lives.
The Holy Spirit also brings comfort and encouragement in times of difficulty and sorrow. He is the ultimate source of comfort, drawing near to us in our pain and grief. As we lean into His presence, we find solace and strength to persevere through life's challenges.
Conclusion
Embracing the way of the Holy Spirit is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of intimacy, empowerment, and transformation. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the promised gift of God's presence, the power to live victoriously, and the personal fellowship with our Creator.
As we walk in the way of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace. We become effective witnesses of Christ's love, impacting the world around us for His kingdom. The fruits of the Spirit mark our lives, and we bear witness to the transformative work of God in our hearts.
Let us not shy away from the Holy Spirit or treat Him as a distant concept. Instead, let us embrace His presence, power, and friendship, allowing Him to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. May we be bold in seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives and fully surrender to His guidance and direction. In doing so, we will walk in the abundant life and purpose that God has prepared for us.
