Our theme at church camp this summer was “got Spirit?” The reason I put this in question form is simply to remind our campers that it really is their choice as to whether the Holy Spirit dwells in them.

The indwelling or seal of God’s Holy Spirit is a gift we receive when we are baptized. Being marked or sealed with the Holy Spirit guarantees our inheritance until God brings us home to Heaven (ref: Ephesians 1:13-14).

Another job of the Holy Spirit is to guide and comfort us. The apostle Paul told Christians in Galatia that “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).” He was referring to the qualities or fruit of the Holy Spirit that we should allow to show in our lives such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).”

Paul told Christians in Corinth, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).”

In the New Testament book of Acts 2, the apostle Peter preached the first Gospel sermon. Thousands of people were there. They had traveled in for the Jewish “Feast of Weeks,” also known by the Greek term, Pentecost, which became known as the day that the Holy Spirit began working in the apostles to spread the early church. When people came to an understanding that the One they crucified really was the promised Messiah, the Son of God, their reaction was astounding.

“37. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day (Acts 2:37-41).”

A few verses later, Peter reiterates that it is God who does the saving work, not us. “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).” Paul also spoke to the fact that it is God who does the work in saving us (ref: Colossians 2:12).”

Finally, for those times we don’t know how to approach God, or what to say to God, the Bible says the Spirit intercedes for us since the Spirit knows the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:11), and God knows the mind of the Spirit (Rom. 8:26-27) .

So, back to the original question. “got Spirit?”

By Barrett Vanlandingham – Special contributor

If you have not received the gift of the Holy Spirit from God and you want it, join us in this simple prayer;

Dear God,
Thank you for this article. I ask that you bless me with the gift of your Holy Spirit, and bless WIN International Ministries for sharing the availability of this Gift that you have made available to me, I do want this gift. I humbly ask if you will create in me a clean heart, renew in me a right spirit, and replace any sadness, brokenness, and apathy that I may be going through with Your love, laughter and light, in Jesus name I ask and pray. Amen!