Who is the Holy Spirit?

Wednesday night with the junior high we briefly reviewed the Trinity and then dove in depth on the Holy Spirit.

We looked at 4 main things the Holy Spirit does here on earth.

1. The Holy Spirit is with Christians until they reach heaven.
Once ours sins are forgiven we are promised heaven after we die. But what about until then? Does God leave us out to dry? No way! Ephesians 1:13 tells us that the Holy Spirit comes to be with us until we reach heaven. God, himself, lives 'inside' Christians. What an awesome thought that is! So then, what does the Holy Spirit do for us? See 2 thru 4.

2. The Holy Spirit teaches us.
God doesn't send the Holy Spirit to spy on us while we live our lives. The Holy Spirit helps to remind us of what God has told us. When you read something in the Bible, the Holy Spirit will bring those words back to you at important times in your life. Luke 12:11-12 even tells us that we will be given the words to say when we are questioned about our faith.

3. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
Have you ever wanted to pray but not known what to say? Well, that excuse is no longer valid because the Holy Spirit promises to help us in our prayers (see Romans 8:26). When we pray we come before God. Even if the words don't come out right, the Holy Spirit knows our hearts and brings our requests before God in such a way that can't be described by words! So, don't worry if no one else understands your prayer...God does!

4. The Holy Spirit leads & guides us.
There are times in our lives when we face crossroads. Those decisions are not meant to be made alone. The Holy Spirit will help us to know which direction God desires for us to walk. Now, there are times in the Bible when this is made known to a person and it's almost like they were hit in the head by a ton of bricks. But more common, is a person earnestly seeking God's will and listening for his response. While God can make the decision plain as day...often he wants us grow closer to him as we seek his face and wait on him. When the time comes for the decision to be known, the Holy Spirit will make it clear.

To sum it up...the Holy Spirit is God. He is also something like a best friend, only a million times better. He never leaves us, always knows what we are thinking and feeling, helps us understand what's going us around us, gives us solid advice, and so much more!

The Holy Spirit will not force his way into your life. Have you allowed God to take the penalty for your sins? Have you given your life completely to him? Do you not only hear the Holy Spirit speaking to you, but do you follow him?