'Receive the Holy Spirit'

"And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit".                                John 20:22.   NKJV

There has been some speculation about this verse. Was Jesus breathing the fullness of the Holy Spirit on the disciples? If so, what is Acts 1&2 and the Pentecost about, when the Holy Spirit turned up with tongues of fire? 

There have been a few suggestions about this by theologians. One was that Jesus was preparing them  for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Another was that Jesus gave them the Holy Spirit there and then. However, if this was the case, why didn't the disciples act with power just after Jesus was raised to life? I think the most popular theory was that Jesus gave them a limited amount of the Spirit prior to His departure; just enough to keep them believing and stirring within. It is similar to new believers today. They come to know Jesus and the Holy Spirit enters them and yet, the fullness of the Spirit doesn't come until a little later on - the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is the fire. Jesus actually mentioned this in Acts 1:5 'for John truly baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  '

Not everyone believes in the Baptism of the Spirit and speaking in tongues, and that is ok. Perhaps this was why Jesus breathed the spirit upon the disciples earlier. It is a thought. However, even though some may disagree with the baptism of the spirit, something happens to the new believer a short while after being born again. One doesn't have to pray in tongues to qualify for this. It is a gift of this action. But many Christians don't accept this, and yet go on to become great men and women of God. Don't get hooked up with tradition, go with what your heart is telling you.

Having said all this, each individual has the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. If they didn't have, there would be no great miracles and anointing that come on each of us. You may not have had the experience with this 'Fire'; but if you are a Christian you have still been ignited by the spirit. Don't get bogged down with church stuff, stick with God's Word.

Do you hear God? Do you feel Him in your spirit? Do you feel comfort from Him at times?Be rest assured, the power of God is within you and you are destined for great things that Jesus has planned for you.

Enjoy the simple things of life - reading your bible, praying, enjoying Jesus' company and much more. This is all you need to change the world in your area.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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