Over the years, I have seen many examples of how living the Spirit-filled life changes people. I've seen it happen to Methodists, Wesleyn’s, Baptists and Fundamentalists and Liberals and people of every other imaginable faith tradition. When they experience a personal connection with the Holy Spirit, their life goes into overdrive. Their prayer life changes, they experience a new joy; they experience power over sin; and they feel a closeness to God that they've never felt before.
This is what Jesus said would happen. He told his disciples...
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16)
The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. (John 14:27) After the resurrection he told the disciples: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
The experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit is a life-changing experience. It's an experience that opens the door to power in your life, and peace in your life, and the presence of God in your life. The Spirit-filled life is not intended to be an option for believers, it's intended to be a given -- an essential part of living the Christian life.
There is so much more to the Christian life than just having your sins forgiven. We also receive the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit--and that changes everything. When we live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we have a deeper relationship with God than we could ever imagine. When we live the Spirit-filled life, He controls and directs our every step. And He gives us the power to live life day by day. So have you experienced the wonderful Spirit-filled life?
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