Hello from Europe - and desire the Holy Spirit!

So once again, his followers press Jesus to know if this would be the time he would set things straight in Israel--topple Rome's tyranny of the Jews, and set up his kingdom.  Jesus replies, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (in bold)  I suppose this verse is one you could read right over and not give too much thought; perhaps many of you have.  Not so fast  . . . Luke starts with the word "but"--kinda' like Jesus is saying, 'you guys are wanting a shift in power, but I am here to give you power you know nothing about yet. The power I'm talking about will change your lives forever. . . it is spiritual power.' 

in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Summary: Holy Spirit power will enable the followers of Jesus to be witnesses -> these witnesses were eye witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and before that, his teachings and miracles and how he lived and loved . . . The effect of their witness through the power of the Holy Spirit led to the formation of the church.  Through Acts we will see that all the church achieves is through the work, impartation, and power of the Holy Spirit.  

I have found that there is a lot of confusion around the whole notion of the Holy Spirit, so I think it would be wise to talk about that a little (okay, maybe a lot) here--after all, the Holy Spirit plays a huge role in the book of Acts which continues to this day.  Here are some questions I've been asked:  WHO or WHAT is the Holy Spirit?  The Holy Spirit is a Person, the third Person of the Trinity:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  He is not some vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force.  He is a Person, equal in every way with the Father and the Son.  Jesus had a lot to say about the coming of the Holy Spirit:

John 14:16 – He [God] will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.

17 - the world cannot accept Him because it neither sees him or knows him, but you know him for he lives with you and will be in you

26 – The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you of all things and will remind you of everything

I have said to you.

John 16:13 – 16 But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.   He will not speak on his own.  He will speak only what

he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

He will bring glory to me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you.  All that belongs to the Father is Mine.

That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you.  The Holy Spirit is a WHO.

~takes up residence in us/believers at the time of our conversion

~prior to this point recorded in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit only empowered specific individuals for specific purposes--

~Jesus is telling them here in Acts 1.8 that each of them will receive the gift of the Spirit. . . amazing.

~breathes new life in us

~initiates power for change in character->behavior - the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22-23)

~brings conviction and also comfort

~unites the Christian community -> creates the bond between 'brothers'

~equips believers with gifts (check out the lists in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12.6-8, 1 Peter 4.10-11, Ephesians 4.11-13)

~gives guidance and direction through promptings

~helps us to be effective witnesses

~intercedes for us - that is to say, he goes to the Father on our account.

'Need some encouragement today? Look up Romans 8.26 Who is praying for you?______________________________