[Page 1] [Page 2] [Page 3] [Page 4] [Page 5]

THE HOLY SPIRIT

"The Spirit gives Life" II Cor. 3:6"

". . . Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind. . . and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:2,4). And the apostle Peter stood up among the crowd, and lifted up his voice with boldness and declared, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" (Acts 2:16-17, Joel 2:28). "And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41).

What a contrast the apostle is now to the "Peter" who cowered in fear before the faces of men, declaring with cursing, "I do not know the man!" (Matt. 26:72-74). Although he had seen Jesus work many miracles, he did not have the inward power to endure. Clearly the continuation and development of the faith must require divine guidance, direction, and power. For this reason, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself. . . He shall glorify me: for He shall receive of mine and shall show it to you" (John 16:7, 13-15). "You shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8).

(continued on next page)

the precept is: "YOU SHALL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY GHOST" Acts 1:5