By Pastora Monique Lopez Ong
Many people have heard of the Pentecost but they do not really know what it is all about. This event is found in the book of Acts. During this time, Jesus has already risen from the dead and was with his apostles for 40 days and nights. He had already appeared to Mary Magdalene and to the 2 disciples walking in the road of Emmaus, presented Himself to the 12 apostles, after which He mad Himself present to the hundreds. Many people saw Him alive after He was nailed on the cross. Jesus was leaving instructions and kept on telling them that when He finally ascends into heaven, the Holy Spirit will come. The disciples were scared because they did not know what was going to happen. When Jesus died on the cross, he already said He will send a helper. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
What power does the Holy Spirit give you? Many people stand and worship but they are weak because they have not tapped in to the power of the Holy Spirit. When you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you also receive the Holy Spirit, who will never ever leave. You always look for Jesus when problems come. What you do not understand is that He has never left.
During the Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was felt. Literally. There were violent winds, tongues of fire on their heads, and they spoke in different languages. The manifest presence of the Holy Spirit was felt and it empowered them.
The Holy Spirit gives you the power not to sin. Galatians 5;16 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” When you surrender your life to the Holy Spirit, you will not want things that are not good for you. Wrong relationships, unhealthy food, drugs, and everything else that is not good for you. You become free from all of those. The Holy Spirit teaches you how to be set apart and helps you to turn your back away from sin.
The Holy Spirit gives you the power to bear fruit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is extraordinary. Love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You are changed because of that. Everybody has a chance once you surrender your life to the Holy Spirit. You can sleep amidst problems and smile amidst the pain. God will fight your battles for you and every one who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus will be saved.
The Holy Spirit gives you the power to prophesy. God gives you words of encouragement. Words from the Bible to build you and other people up. Words that will speak life to you and to others. God said He will pour out His spirit upon all people. Accept it.
The Holy Spirit gives you power to dream and have visions. Acts 2: 17 says, ““ In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Pay attention to your dreams. It is a way for the Holy Spirit to communicate with you. It may be signs, warnings or directions for the present or for the future. You will know if it is a God dream because it is vivid and you will not easily forget about it.
The Holy Spirit gives you the power to move in signs, wonders and miracles. Acts 5:12 says, “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.” Do not be surprised when such things occur. It might be strange and weird but the Holy Spirit works in such ways.
The Holy Spirit gives you the power to preach the gospel. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 says, “because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” On that days of Pentecost 2000 years ago, Peter was so filled and preached fully. 3000 people accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Words cannot change peoples’ hearts. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.
The Holy Spirit gives you the power to heal the sick. Mark 16:18 says, “they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” You have the power to heal the sick; you only need to believe and receive. Everything is possible with God.
The Holy Spirit gives you the power to cast out demons. Why do you run when such things occur? Why are you scared? Stand your ground. Mark 16:17 says, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” Cast them out in Jesus’ name. If you are a believer, they will get arrested. But, if you yourself are scared or are in agreement with the enemy, beware. Make sure you are strong in the Spirit before you do such things.
The Holy Spirit gives you the power to raise the dead. Matthew 10:8 says, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy and drive out demons.” It sounds impossible because you are in the world. But in the kingdom of God, you have resurrection power through the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives you the power to be radically generous. Acts 2:44-45 says, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” The Acts 2 church was so different. All the believers met in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with everyone in need. They loved giving. When you give more, you will never run out. What will you reap when you do not sow? It is a cycle. When you reap, you sow. Be a blessing to many. Give the little you have and it will come back to you a hundredfold.
Are you ready to receive the power of the Holy Spirit? You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes. Ask for it. And receive. God gives very generously. Ask for the more.
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