9/23/19

How the Holy Spirit arrives and transforms our lives making us ready for heaven (Acts 2)

Earlier this year I began the study of Acts with my wife as she was preparing to teach the evening women class in Burnsville. In the study of Acts 2 I recognized that The Holy Spirit brings new communication and community. Now in reading the BSF notes for Acts 2, I rediscovered these wonderful verses in the "going deeper" section and added my own thoughts having read the verses.

When the Holy Spirit arrives our lives are forever, noticeably changed.  
Calls: John 3; Ephesians 2:4-5, 8
 - Jesus tells us about the coming Holy Spirit and his impact being like wind, being like birth. We don't choose it but it's unmistakable.
 - Even our faith, it a free gift of God - not something we do. What we do is receive the gift.
Indwells: Philippians 2:1
 - United with Christ, sharing the Spirit gives us encouragement, compassion, tenderness, and love for one another.
Deposits: Romans 5:5
 - God's love is poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

The Holy Spirit brings continual change and guidance to us every day.
Counsels: John 16:13; Acts13:2; 16:7
 - As a guide, the Holy Spirit gives us a clear "yes" and "no"
Renews: John 14:26;1 Corinthians 2:11-13
 - God knows our thoughts and teaches us everything we need to know about Jesus and how to follow him.
Transforms: Galatians 5:22-23
 - He produces the best in us, love patience, gentleness, self-control. People know we are Jesus disciple by our love (John 13:34-35)
Empowers: Philippians 2:13;1 Corinthians 2:4
 - It's God at work in our lives, giving us the life-changing good news for others.
Comforts and convicts: John 16:7,8-11
 - Thank God that He accepts us where we are but doesn't leave us there.

The Holy Spirit prepares us for eternity with God
Holy: 2 Thessalonians 2:13;1 Peter 1:2
 - By the Holy Spirit at work within us we understand the truth and are obedient to God.
Grieves: Ephesians 4:30;1 Thessalonians 5:19
 - Yet we fall short and grieve the Holy Spirit. obedience comes from our desire to please God, not appease Him.
Seals: Ephesians 1:13-14
 - And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

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