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Submitted By: Elder Ascott McCormack
The Holy Ghost, which is called
the “Comforter” was promised and was fulfilled. Jesus, knowing of His
pending departure after His crucifixion, comforted His disciples and
told them… “I will pray the Father and He shall give you another
Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.” (John 14:16). Jesus
being with them brought comfort but he would have ended on His leaving.
The disciples believed this assurance and obeyed the instruction to
tarry in Jerusalem “until they be endued with power from on high”, for
the “Comforter”, which was the Holy Ghost.
The bible shows us that the Holy
Ghost first came on the 120 believers, including the disciples, in the
Upper Room in Jerusalem. “Cloven tongues of fire… sat upon each of them”
after they heard “a sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind,
which filled all the house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:2-3).
This experience was awesome as… “they were all filled (young and old)
with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit
gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4). This was the initial evidence that the
promised Holy Ghost had come. Other evidences can be seen in Joel 2:28…
“And it shall come to pass afterwards, that I will pour out of my spirit
upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your
old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions”.
Additionally, empowerment for
service is evidence of the Holy Ghost in our lives (Acts 1:8); the
Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
(Romans 8:16); the Spirit brings miracles with signs
and wonders through faith. Paul also speaks to nine gifts which are
seen when the Holy Ghost indwells our lives, these are: - The word of
wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miracles,
prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers tongues, and interpretation of
tongues. (1Corinthians 12:8-10).
The above represent only some
evidences of the Holy Ghost, not only in receiving Him, but also, as He
continues to operate in the spirit-filled life of a believer. These lead
to power to overcome the evil one and to live a life of victory.
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