The gift of the Holy Spirit is one of the gifts the Lord has given us. Some other gifts of God include sending Jesus to die for our sins, grace, and Scripture. We don’t deserve any of these, nor can we earn them, they are gifts.
As you begin to think of all the gifts the Lord has given us they seem almost endless. He has given us the gift of life and the gift of His word to tell us about His great love and sacrifice for us. Jesus has given us the gift of forgiveness and each time we repent of our sins we are forgiven. As you think about these gifts it gives insight into the character of God. He loves to give gifts even when we don’t deserve them.
Jesus Tells About the Coming of the Holy Spirit
As Jesus went about His ministry, He told His disciples several times that His Father was going to send the Holy Spirit. God himself would dwell in every believer! John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.[1]
The Gentiles Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit
Cornelius had gathered his friends and relatives to meet the Apostle Peter who was coming to his home. Not only was Peter going to teach them more about Jesus, but the Lord would do something they did not expect. He would give them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47 “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” 48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.[2]
Every Believer in Jesus Receives the Gift of the Holy Spirit
As believers, we’ve been given the Holy Spirit as a Helper, Teacher, Friend, and seal for the promised inheritance of eternal life with God. His presence, guidance, and wisdom in our lives is an amazing gift while here on earth. Through Him we have access to a direct connection with our heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to empower us. And through Him we are able to bear the incredible fruit of abundant life.
Open your heart and mind to all that the Holy Spirit would give you, show you, and lead you to this week. To hear more about the gift of the Holy Spirit, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-cornelius
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.