The Significance Of The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit In The Life Of The Believer

The word “baptised” means to be completely immersed or submerge in something.  Baptism of the Holy Spirit therefore means to dip, cover, immerse or cloth in or with the presence and the power of God through the Holy Spirit. (Ac. 2:1-4; 10:44-46). Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the ability to speak to God in an unknown language because God has made it possible. (1 Cor. 14:2)

The baptism of the Holy Spirit brings the believer into the body of Christ. It establishes an identity between Christ, who baptises, with the believer, who is being baptised. (Ac. 10:47)

Since the one who baptises is the Lord Jesus Christ, the baptism of the Holy with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues is not an event but an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

This initial evidence of a common language being spoken by various individuals and groups of believers who were not Jewish, but Greeks and now including all those that the Lord has brought from the uttermost part of the world shows their inclusion into the family of God.[1]

Property developers buy properties that have lost its beauty and value.  Yet, they know what to keep, what to get rid of, what parts need renovation, refurbishing, or complete rebuilding.

So, it is with the believer.  God has purchased the “property” of our lives to become His Temple, indwelling us by His Holy Spirit who powerfully and skilfully works to renovate, develop, transform, and give value to the Lord’s property. (Ac. 10:47)

For most other Christians the presence of the Spirit is just that, presence, for Pentecostals the presence of the Spirit in their midst implies empowerment. This empowerment often manifests itself in spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophesy, or healings[2] (Ac. 19:6)

The baptism in the Holy Spirit comes with an enabling power which empowers the believer with an extra ordinary strength to do all that God will require of us, which our natural ability is unable to accomplish (Zech. 4:6).

The Holy Spirit baptism opens the door for us to enter the realm for the operation of the gifts of the Spirit. It also blesses our lives with a mighty deposit of divine ability.[3] (Ac. 19:6)

Praying in tongues is not just a means of demonstrating that one has been baptized in the Spirit. It is one of the most powerful weapons against all attacks both physical and spiritual.[4] It fills our souls with the love of God for lost humanity, and makes us much more willing to leave our homes, friends and to work in his vineyard’[5]

Speaking in tongues is the passionate heartfelt seeking after God, instilled by the Holy Spirit. It is the kind of prayer that can leap over oceans, speed across burning deserts, spring over mountains, bound through jungles and carry the healing power of God.[6]     

Paul regarded speaking in tongues in highest esteem as a means of communicating with God. So, his reference to ‘inarticulate groaning too deep for words’ in Romans 8:26-27 is understood as referring to the necessity of speaking in tongues.[7] 

When I got born again and baptised in the Holy Spirit, the common life style and experience among newly persons baptised in the Holy Spirit was an extra ordinary deeper love for the Lord, a new freedom and love to worship and praise God which often overflows in spontaneous prayers and speaking in the new language; a concern love for lost souls and immediately we went out to share our faith. This did not come by our own ability, but through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Like the early church, ordinary man were transformed into a bold and fearless witness of the Lord (Ac. 2:15-40). Thus, the Baptism gives the believer access to the power of God for us to share our faith in Christ.

In most congregations, revivals, outreaches and prayer meetings, I witness Spirit-baptized believers exhibited their love for the Lord with all their hearts in their dedicated services, singing, worship and expressing their joy in the public assembly. The manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit was common, the Word of God was proclaimed with boldness and power and the altar call brought many who were hungry for God. We did not waste time but moved from one place to another sharing our faith and new experience.

CONCLUSION

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is only the beginning of a greater and richer encounter of the believer into the operations of the Spirit and an extra ordinary relationship with the Godhead.

Written by Pastor Charles Boadi, National Head, Eswatini (Swaziland)


Chieftaincy Is Integral To The Development Of The Nation – Apostle Nyamekye Asserts

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has asserted that the chieftaincy institution is integral to the socio-economic development of the nation.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, the chieftaincy institution has become a channel for community development since traditional leaders have gained a reputation as spokespersons for their people and other stakeholders in state-building.

Apostle Nyamekye said this on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the 3rd Royals’ Conference being organised by the Chieftaincy Ministry of the church in collaboration with the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh, near Kasoa.

The Chairman, in an opening address, read on his behalf by the General Secretary of the church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, said that the chieftaincy institution, which is one of the most respected institutions in Ghanaian communities, remains the expression of social, cultural, political, religious, traditional, and economic authority in most communities in Ghana.

“I have always held the view that our chieftaincy institution is the soul of our nation. The reason is that the culture, tradition and the governance system of the community revolve around this institution, and I believe the church’s ability to influence this all-important institution will give us some inroads into bringing transformation to our communities,” Apostle Nyamekye stated.

He revealed that The Church of Pentecost through its five-year strategic plan (Vision 2023) dubbed “Possessing the Nations” has gone beyond organising triennial royals conferences and has now created a special ministry to the palaces, known as the ‘Chieftaincy Ministry.’

The Chairman iterated that the theme for the conference which is, “Equipping Royals as Gatekeepers to Possess the Nations,” is an affirmation of the role that traditional leaders play in society.

“The conference shall seek to empower our chiefs and all other royals with the needed skills and competencies based on godly values and principles to transform their spheres of influence,” he emphasised.

He added: “In addition to this, the conference shall serve as a platform where the mandate of the chieftaincy institution in serving as the medium of expression for the social, political, religious, traditional and economic authority in our communities would be enhanced.”

The Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost was inaugurated on September 23, 2021, by the Chairman of the Church. It consists of a 13-member national committee chaired by the Paramount Chief of the Yeji Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Look Out For God’s Interest – Pastor Hagan Tells Christian Youth

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Ebenezer Hagan, has advised Christian youth to prioritise God’s interest over their personal interest. 

Pastor Hagan said this during the dedication ceremony for the church building of the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) branch of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

In his sermon, which had 1 Chronicles 17:1-2 and Philippians 2:19-21 as his key Bible texts, the Youth Director expressed the concern that individualism, where people seek their own interest and not that of others or God, has become prevalent in the contemporary world.

He noted that David was not just satisfied with having a luxurious palace, but chose to pursue the interest of God by conceiving the idea to put up a suitable house for the Lord. 

According to Pastor Hagan, to look out for the interest of God is to think about the things of God, show concern about the things of God, and defend the cause of God.

He added that David is one of the kings of Israel who continually looked for the interest of God. He said David did this by bringing back the ark of God after it was captured, always desiring to please God, deciding to build a house of God and giving huge offering to build the house of God even after he was told that he was not the one to build the temple. 

Quoting Philippians 2:21, the Youth Director further noted that although Apostle Paul had so many people around him whom he worked with, it was only Timothy who demonstrated a genuine concern for the things of Christ.

“Unlike Timothy, many people look for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ,” he said.

Pastor Hagan revealed that those who seek the interest of God obtain favour from Him.

“While David was after the interest of God, God was also after the interest of David. So God sent the Prophet Nathan back to David to tell him that God has promised to make his name famous and give him a lasting dynasty,” he said.

The Youth Director ended his message by urging Christian youth to commit themselves to the things of God like David and Timothy. He advised them to always bear in mind that they serve a Good God and He is moved and touched whenever His children seek His interest.

Pastor Hagan also urged them to be creative and innovative in promoting the interest of God, and to see to it that every asset (property) of the Lord, including the new PENSA-TTU church building, is taken good care of.

Report by Pastor Emmanuel Opoku Mensah (PENSA Travelling Secretary for Takoradi Sector)

The Church of Pentecost Royals’ Conference Underway

The Pentecost Convention Centre, a multi-purpose Christian retreat centre, located at Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana, is this week hosting chiefs and queens from Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso in the 3rd Royals’ Conference being organised by the Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.

Over 1,500 royals, made up of Paramount Chiefs, Paramount Queenmothers, Divisional Chiefs, and other royals are attending the conference which was officially opened by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.

The three-day event, which is expected to end on Friday June 3, 2022, is under the theme, “Equipping Royals As Gatekeepers To Possess The Nations” (1 Samuel 18:24-28; Isaiah 21:11; Matthew 13:25-30; Ephesians 5:27).

Distinguished personalities billed to address the conference are Nana Dr Susubribi Krobea Asante (Omanhene of Asante Asokore Traditional Area and accomplished legal luminary), Rt. Rev Prof. Osei Safo-Kantanka (Former Bishop of the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana), Rev Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong (Former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana), Mr James Ebenezer Kobina Dadson (Acting Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission) and Mr Ebenezer Acheampong (Procurement Consultant).

Others are Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman of The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director of The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Kumi-Woode (Acting Director, Air Force Religious Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces), and Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (National Co-ordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry and Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry).

The Royals Conference, an initiative of The Church of Pentecost, is held every three years. The maiden one was held in 2014, followed by the second edition which took place in 2017. However, the third edition which was supposed to have taken place in 2020 could not come on due to the outbreak of COVID-19.  

The gains made from the previous conferences led to the establishment and the inauguration of the Chieftaincy Ministry of the church in 2019. The initiative of the church was designed to serve as a vehicle to bridge the gap that exists between the chieftaincy institution i.e. the palace and the Church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church of Pentecost Relaunches Ministry to Teens

In the advent of repackaging the activities of teenagers in The Church of Pentecost, the Youth Ministry, on Sunday, May 28, 2022, relaunched teen ministry. This was necessitated to help transition teens from the Children’s Ministry of the Church into the mainstream church through the Youth Ministry.

The ceremony, held at the Sophia McKeown Temple (SMT), near the Church’s Head Office, at La, in Accra, was chaired by Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang-Bekoe, International Missions Director of the Church.

The Patron of the Youth Ministry of the Church, who doubles as the Koforidua Area Head of the Church, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, thanked and commended the efforts of the various predecessors of the leadership of the Ministry, who stood in to ensure a strong foothold in the Church.

“When it comes to focusing on the ministry to the teens in the Church, we cannot forget the great work done by Apostle Peter Ayerakwa (Rtd.), during the times of Pentecost Youth and Evangelistic Movement (PENTYEM); Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah (Rtd.), when he was a District Pastor in Tema, in his book which highlighted and drew the attention of the Church, to the importance of ministering to the teens,” he stated.

He recalled the Church’s current statistics released through the State-of-the-Church address delivered by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church, at the recently held 17th Extraordinary Council Meetings. He noted that the youth membership of the Church, as at 2021, stood at, 1,438,507, making up 43% of the membership of the Church.

“Together with children under 13 years, the percentage of young people in the Church is 75%. Out of the Youth Ministry’s membership, teenagers make up 45% whilst 55% are young adults,” he pointed out.

Stressing on the role of the church in possessing the nations, Apostle Asante said that there was the need to equip the teens and young adults who make up a large portion of the Church.

The Koforidua Area Head of the Church, further urged the leadership of the youth ministry to revitalize and develop strategies that reaches out to the teens in the church, since major decisions in their lives are made during this period.

“I use this opening to appeal to Area Heads, District Ministers, Presiding Elders and parents, to give maximum support to the ministry to teens,” he said, stressing on the fact that the stability of the relaunch, greatly relied on them.

The Executive Council Member of the Church, used the occasion to also officially launch the Church’s Skills Training Program. This, he asserted falls in line with the five-year strategic vision of the Church, which seeks to encourage and intensify career advisory and counselling services in the youth. 

On his part, the Youth Director of the Ministry, Pastor Ebenezer Hagan, revealed that the rational for the relaunch, was as a result of early teenagers encountering difficulties adjusting to the context of what is preached, during their transition from the Children’s Ministry into the adult church and into the Youth Ministry.

“Owing to the major transition teens are going through (the transition from childhood to adulthood, which is the first major transition in life), teenagers need a lot of support and help,” he further reiterated.

Pastor Hagan also, admonished that, teenagers are most vulnerable to societal pressure, including peer pressure, which they are often ill-equipped to handle; adding: “to assist the teens through this period, we should do all that is possible through the union of divine and human agencies to meet their unmet needs which includes equipping them to overcome such pressures.

Notably, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, International Missions Director of the Church, re-launching the ministry to teens, stated that irrespective of the age of Samuel, he was employed in the temple of the Lord; working with a piety of mind. Therefore, it is imperative for teens in the Church, to be fully employed in the services of the Lord, regardless of their age.

“Young people who serve God, as well as they can, the Lord will enable them to improve that they may serve Him better,” he reemphasized, and led the participants in an intensive time of prayers.

Present were Prophet David Kankam Beditor, (RCC, Coordinator for Greater Accra, and Patron of the Children’s Ministry), Apostle John Amaniampong, (La Area Head), Apostle Daniel K. Noble-Atsu (Rtd.), (a former Director of the Youth Ministry), Apostle Peter Ayerakwa (Rtd.), (a former Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry) and his wife, current and former members of the National Executive Committee of the Youth Ministry.

Also, gracing the occasion were Mrs. Philomena Mireku (Women’s Ministry Director), Elder Lawyer Alfred Aidoo (Deputy Director of the Children’s Ministry), Rev. Dr. Silasi Agyin-Asare (Youth Director of Perez Chapel), representative of One Hope Ghana, AWANA, International Sports Academy (USA), and Compassion Ghana, Youth workers and youth members, especially teenagers from all over the region flooded the auditorium to witness the occasion.

PENTECOST NEWS

Kwahu Kotoso Church Building Dedicated

The Kotoso Assembly in the Kwahu Tafo District of The Church of Pentecost on Sunday, May 29, 2022, dedicated its church building to the glory of God.

A short dedication service was conducted by Prophet Foster Kwasi Aniakwaa, Nkawkaw Area Head of the Church, assisted by Overseer Francis Cobbinah, District Minister of Kwahu Tafo.

In attendance was Hon. Isaac Agyarpong, District Chief Executive (DCE) of Kwahu East District, who doubles as Kwahu Tafo District Finance Committee Chairman of the church.

Also present were Mrs. Grace Aniakwaa, wife of Nkawkaw Area Head of the Church and the Area Pastorate, among others.

PENSA Gets First Church Building After 42 Years

Forty-two years after its inception, the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) has recorded its first permanent place of worship following the dedication of the PENSA-Takoradi Technical University (TTU) church auditorium by the Takoradi Area Head, Apostle Joseph Assabil,

The historic event, which took place on Sunday, May 15, 2022, had in attendance Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku (Takoradi District Minister), Pastor Ebenezer Hagan (Youth Ministry Director), the Takoradi Area pastorate and their wives, as well as the PENSA-TTU Patron, Deaconess Dr. Gladys Quartey, who is also the National Secretary for the Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.

PENSA Takoradi Technical University (PENSA-TTU), formerly PENSA T-Poly, started in 1985 with six members. The group had the then Brother Opoku Woode (now a minister) as its first president.

As the years went by and the group membership increased, one of the classrooms on campus was given to association as a temporary place of worship. Through the commitment and tireless efforts of the members, the association won more souls to add to their numbers. At a point, the classroom allocated to them could not contain their teeming members; therefore, with the permission of school authorities they began to use large lecture halls for meetings. Later, school authorities directed the leadership of the group to relocate off-campus, partly because their services were hampering evening and weekend lectures, which usually took place at the lecture halls allocated to the group.

The association gained favour in the sight of the leadership of the then Effiakuma New Site Assembly, who accepted to share their place of worship with them in 2004. At the time, the group had a total membership of 530. 

The group relocated to the Tanokrom Assembly six years later due to a clash in activities between the association and the New Site Assembly. This intervention was short-lived, and they had to return to the EffiaKuma New Site Assembly even though the earlier challenge persisted.

To navigate the clash in activities, the group resorted to erecting canopies on the premises of the Pentecost Preparatory School for services. Although it served the purpose, it still came with some inconveniences as services were called off whenever it rained.

In 2011, during the tenure of the then Takoradi Area Head, Apostle F. E. Antwi (of blessed memory), the idea for a permanent place of worship was mooted. He, thus, gave the group a plot of land for the project. In 2014, the then Takoradi Travelling Secretary, Pastor Ben Noye, in consultation with the leadership of the group made a proposition to the New Site Assembly to assist them in constructing their building project on the condition that they would be allowed to occupy the top floor upon completion. This was a temporary arrangement even as the association continued work on their building project. 

To raise adequate funds, the association sold its bus and received donations from members to support the New Site Assembly church building project. Unfortunately, the project came to a halt later due to unforeseen challenges.

After careful consideration, the new PENSA-TTU leadership headed by Elder J. Ohene-Acquah officially initiated the PENSA-TTU church building project to commemorate the association’s 30th anniversary.

The then Area Head, Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah (now retired). cut the sod for the commencement of the project on November 4, 2014. The project continued steadily under Elder Benjamin Bruce as PENSA-TTU president and Pastor Emmanuel Opoku Mensah who took over as Travelling Secretary.

The foundation stone for the building was laid by the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi Larbi, with assistance from Apostle Dr. Koduah and Pastor Opoku Mensah on November 19, 2017. 

All presidents who took over the leadership mantle of PENSA-TTU in the last four years, namely Deacon Samuel Nimako Darkwa, Elder Paul Teye, Elder Samuel Mensah, and Elder Edmond Acheampong, continued with the project at various stages such as plastering, floor casting, doors and windows fixing, plumbing and electrical works, ceiling, floor tiling, and painting, until its completion.

In a short speech, the Dean of Students Affairs at TTU, Dr. Eric Bruce-Amartey Jnr., who represented the Vice-Chancellor at the event, thanked God for the sterling leaders He continues to give The Church of Pentecost. He also applauded the Church for the great impact it has been making in Ghana and for having the youth at heart. This, he said, the Church has once again demonstrated by helping to put up a suitable place of worship for its members on campus.

Apostle Assabil, in his remarks, advised the students to honour their leaders, saying: “honouring your leaders is equivalent to giving reverence to God.”

One of the challenges of the campus ministry, especially at the tertiary level, has been getting a suitable place of worship, and PENSA has been no exemption.  

Since its inception in 1980, PENSA has struggled to put up a permanent place of worship for its members on the various campuses in Ghana. As a result, students have to oscillate between worshipping under canopies, lecture halls and rented apartments. Others also have to move from campus to nearby churches to fellowship in their buildings, which, as earlier indicated, is fraught with many inconveniences.

The dedication of the PENSA-TTU church auditorium, therefore, comes as a breath of fresh air and has brought about a new sense of optimism that soon all PENSA branches would have suitable places of worship.

Report by Pastor Emmanuel Opoku Mensah (PENSA Travelling Secretary for Takoradi Sector)

Yennyawoso District Embarks On Hospital Evangelism

The Yennyawoso District Evangelism Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, on Saturday May 28, 2022, embarked on a hospital evangelism to the Boakye Dankwah Memorial Hospital, in Kumasi.

According to Elder Ernest Amoah, the District Evangelism Leader, the gesture was made in pursuit of the five-year strategic plan of the Church, to “possess the nations,” as well as the various spheres of life for Christ.

“We came to pray and share the gospel of Christ, with both patients and staff of the hospital,” he said.

As part of the visit, the delegation used the opportunity to donate some items such as fruits, five packs of bottled water, toilet rolls, and an amount of money to the hospital.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Hospital, the Superintendent Nurse of the facility, Mr. Edmond Awere, expressed his profound gratitude to the Church for the kind gesture made to them.

He further urged them to frequently visit the facility and keep praying for the patients and the staff.

Present were Deacon Prince Owusu, District Evangelism Assistant Leader, and Deacon Anthony Asamoah, Yennyawoso Central Assembly Evangelism Leader.

Report by Yennyawoso District Media Team

Odorkor Area Celebrates Pentecost Week In Grand-Style

About 3,000 officers and members of The Church of Pentecost in the Odorkor Area yesterday, gathered at Sampson Okyere Memorial Temple at Mallam Junction in Accra to begin the celebration of the Global Pentecost Week in a grand-style.

The global event which was launched in Accra on Sunday May 29, 2022 by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, is expected to be climaxed on June 5, 2022 at all the local assemblies of The Church of Pentecost worldwide.

The Day of Pentecost marks fifty (50) days after Easter Celebration, and it is a major feast of the Church when Christians recall how the Holy Spirit descended onto the disciples after Jesus’ ascension, empowering them to be disciples of all nations.

In his sermon, the Area Head of Odorkor, Apostle Patrick Aseyero, said pentecost is not about joining a church, but it is about experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Pentecost involves the demonstrations of the Holy Spirit,” he stressed, while urging Christians to eschew all forms of sins and yearn for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The spirit-filled event was also used to ordain Overseer Alex Nyame, the National Coordinator for the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost, who was called into the pastorate during the just-ended extraordinary council meeting.

The reviewed Odorkor Area Deacon, Elder Bossman Yabre, together with other reviewed Area Ministries’ Executives were also appreciated and prayed for during the event.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Symbols Of The Holy Spirit Used In The Bible

The Holy Spirit is a person and so to help us understand His nature and character the Bible is filled with symbols of the Spirit. These are some of the symbols for the Holy Spirit in the Bible.

DOVE
When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. This symbol of the Holy Spirit is especially important because it is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 3:13–17Mark 1:9–11Luke 3:21–22John 1:29–34). Matthew says, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased'” (Matthew 3:16–17). A dove is associated with the pleasure of God and His blessing. The Holy spirit is pure, patient, and gentle. Jesus told His followers, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

OIL
Oil was used frequently in the Old Testament for anointing people to the roles that God had chosen for them. Anointing was often followed by the Holy Spirit resting upon that person, like He did with King David (1 Samuel 16:13). The anointing oil represents God’s favor, choice, and blessing, especially for the calling He has placed upon the individual (Isaiah 61:1Luke 4:18Acts 10:38). In the New Testament, oil is still used to represent God’s blessing: “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge” (1 John 2:20).

FIRE
Fire represents the Holy Spirit’s power and presence, as well as purification. John the Baptist preached that Jesus would come, baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11Luke 3:16–17). The Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire when He came upon the disciples and God’s power was displayed as thousands of people were saved on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3–4). Other places in the Bible use the metaphor of fire for the Spirit and for judgment (Exodus 3:2Isaiah 4:41 Thessalonians 5:19).

WIND/BREATH
Jesus uses wind as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. The same Greek word is used for both “wind” and “Spirit” in John 3:8 when Jesus told Nicodemus, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). The wind and breath reveal that the Holy Spirit is the outbreathing of God that brings life. Like the motion of the air, His nature and moving are not foreseeable, but the effects are unmistakable (Acts 2:2John 20:22).

WATER
“But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). The Holy Spirit is the satisfying spring of life that Jesus promises to those who seek Him (John 7:37–39). Like water, the Holy Spirit washes over us, refreshing thirsty souls (Isaiah 12:344:3), and like water, the Holy Spirit cleanses us from impurity (Ezekiel 36:25–27). As water is essential for life, so, too, is the cleansing and filling of the Holy Spirit essential for salvation: “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God'” (John 3:5).

RAIN
Rain and running water represent the refreshing of the Holy Spirit: “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'” (John 7:37–38). Like rain, the Holy Spirit brings abundance and fertility: “Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth” (Hosea 6:3; see also Isaiah 18:4). When we abide in Christ, our lives bear the fruit that the Holy Spirit works in our lives (Psalm 1:3Galatians 5:22–23).

SEAL/PLEDGE
The seal or pledge is a symbol for the believer’s security of salvation. The Holy Spirit indwelling the Christian is the seal or pledge that guarantees eternal life: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13–14; see also Ephesians 4:302 Corinthians 1:22).

WINE
New wine is the symbol of the new covenant that Jesus speaks of, and the indwelling Holy Spirit is part of the new covenant (Matthew 9:17). The apostles, when they were filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time, seem to some others as though they are filled with new wine: “For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last days It shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams'” (Acts 2:15–17). Ephesians 5:18 says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

CLOTHING
Jesus said to His disciples before His ascension, “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). The Holy Spirit, like clothing, covers us in the power and grace of God.

Source: Compellingtruth.org