How do I open up to let the Holy Spirit in my life?
If you read Acts 2:14-41, you will read the Apostle Peter's first sermon. After hearing his sermon, people who were listening asked Peter the same question you are asking. In verse 37 it says they were "cut to the heart" by Peter's message. They desperately wanted what Peter was talking about. So at the end of verse 37 the people ask, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter's answer to them is the same answer I give you today. In verse 38 Peter answered by saying, "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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” So according to God's Word spoken through Peter, in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit you must first repent, which means turning 180 degrees in the direction toward God and submitting yourself to the Lordship of Christ. It means making your life all about what He wants for your life rather than you being the leader of your life. Then Peter says to be baptized. We have a baptism service coming up August 28. I would highly encourage you to be a part of that. If you would like to, pick up a worksheet at the Welcome Center at church and turn it back into one of the pastors. Peter also mentions the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. Of course, recognizing that you have been forgiven of your past life through what Jesus did on the cross is the foundational key. When someone makes a real commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord of their life, they will have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. I hope this helps. If you need further counsel, feel free to contact one of us at the church. Thanks for the question!
2 comments:
I've been a believer since I can remember. But only a few years ago did I truly repent and started living for Jesus. Since then, my life has been both filled with joy and pain. Pain meaning the trials God has placed in my life.(not the consequences of my own actions) I understand this could be Him reshaping me into His end "product" if you will. This has been so hard and trying for me. I mean, nothing like I had before when I was calling the shots. Here's my questions.. why was the Holy Spirit so much stronger/focused with the apostles? (They were able to do so much more with the Holy Spirit dwelling in them then anyone living now. They seemed to be so focused on doing God's work and not letting the world slow them down.) Can there be more Holy Spirit in one person then the next believer? How do you handle "thorns in your side" without taking your eyes off of the big picture?
Hopefully you will read this comment posting in response to your questions. We have to remember that even the "spiritual giants" in the Bible experienced terrible turmoil in their lives. God never promised an easy life, but He did promise to be an "ever present help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46) He also tells us in James 1:2-3 to "Consider it pure jo whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the tsting of your faith developes perseverance." Unfortunately we live in a fellen world and will experience difficult times. But God promises to walk through those times with us and make us better as a result. In regards to the Holy Spirit and the Apostles, I do believe they received a special manifestation of the Spirit in order to get the early church off the ground. Is the Holy Spirit still capable of doing the same things He did then? Of course, and you see it from time to time. You also wondered if someone can have more of the Holy Spirit than someone else. I don't think it's a matter of more, it's a matter of who is allowing the Spirit to move in their lives more. If you read Colossians 3, you will get a better idea of how to live more by the Spirit than by the flesh. Thanks for the comment and questions.
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