“you know the things that have taken place throughout Judea, starting in Galilee after the baptism preached by John– 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with great power; and He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.” Acts 10:37-38

This verse is from the discourse that the Apostle Peter gave to the first group of gentiles. Before this, the gentiles were excluded from hearing the message, but God is not a respecter of persons! Notice that the message said that Jesus was “anointed” with the Holy Spirit and power. We see that before Jesus was baptized He did not demonstrate any miracles. Once He came up out of the water the Scripture records,

“After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), 17and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!” Matthew 3:16-17 AMP

We then read that immediately Jesus was led to the wilderness where He was tempted by the enemy. How did Jesus deal with Satan during that time? Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God! It seems that the church has lost the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believer. I am not talking about a discussion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, I am talking about a daily reliance on the person of the Holy Spirit to maintain our godly walk! Jesus made it very clear that we would need the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another [c]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor–Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever– 17the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 AMP

Seems clear to me that Jesus meant what He said! Look at those words, “Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor–Counselor, Strengthener, Standby). Who in this world doesn’t need all of that! Jesus told the disciples to go to Jerusalem and “wait” for the promise of the Father! They didn’t go out and immediately start preaching but waited in the upper room for the Holy Spirit to empower them. Jesus said,

“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.” Acts 1:8 AMP

If Jesus needed the support of the Holy Spirit, and the disciples needed to support of the Holy Spirit why wouldn’t we? You see, the Word of God is the fuel, and the Holy Spirit is the fire. When the two are combined they produce results! If we are to overcome our weaknesses and addictions, we must learn how to utilize the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Apostle Paul put it this way.

“In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God].” Ephesians 1:13 AMP

Take time to learn to hear the voice of the one who can set you free! We have not been left to fend for ourselves and struggle though of battles. If we would buy believe and receive, the Holy Spirit could accomplish great things! Have a blessed day. Pastor Ken