And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. (Acts 19:1-7)
Today's Morsel: Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? Receiving the Holy Ghost is more than just speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is your initial evidence that you have received the Spirit of God. But when you receive that initial evidence, it carries with it a lifestyle. It is a lifestyle that sets you apart from others. It is a lifestyle that you choose to make right choices and decisions. It is a lifestyle of self-evaluation, care, and considerations not only for yourself, but also for others. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Christ in you; leading and guiding you. It is the hope of glory residing in you. Paul told the church at Rome, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Romans 8:9-11). Notice, this Spirit quickens you. It gives you new life and vitality. He also identified to them what the kingdom of God was so that they could enjoy it right here on earth. He said, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17). If you find that you are having trouble doing what is right,that you have a life of joylessness, or are always in a state of turmoil, there could be an avoidance of the Holy Ghost in your life. The Holy Ghost is power. It's power to stand against opposition. Power to stand when you feel like doing wrong. Power to walk away from sin. Power to make right choices and decisions. The Holy Ghost causes you to love when others are not lovable and don't act or look like you. The Holy Ghost causes you to love the Word of God and to worship Him. It creates a godly lifestyle. If you have not received the Holy Ghost, it's still a promise for you today.
Sing: I've got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said. I've got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said. Well, I've been to the water and I've been baptized in Jesus name, my soul got happy and I'm satisfied; I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now, just like the Bible, just like the Bible, just like the Bible said.
Thought for Today: The Holy Ghost is still for you today.
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