I got to thinking after Resurrection Sunday (Easter), how many hear the Easter story but not as many hear about the things that come after that in the biblical timeline.
One of the first things that happens is the Holy Spirit comes to dwell with man. After receiving the Holy Spirit, it is crazy to think that for so much of history, most of it in fact, people did not have the Spirit. This is not an absolute statement as there are repeated instances in the Old Testament that seem to indicate the spirit would come to dwell with named people for a period of time. These individuals and events were important enough to make it in the Bible though.
It was only after Jesus was resurrected that this became available to born again believers and followers of Jesus Christ. As Jesus told us in John.
John 15: 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, The Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
NOTE: for context Jesus is talking with the disciples. This is just before his arrest and crucifixion, and he is trying to explain all the things that are quickly going to come to pass and provide them some comfort. See John Chapters 13-18.
Now who is the “Helper”? Jesus explains this in John 14:26 But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Now what does Jesus explain that the Holy Spirit will do? John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak’ and He will tell you things to come. 14 “He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 “All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
Now after Jesus had resurrected and appeared to the disciples and said: John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 And when He said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
In the book of Acts, which is chronologically what happens after the resurrection of Jesus, Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
This is just one of many things that happened after Jesus’ resurrection. You will know if you receive the Holy Spirit, he comes in and changes a lot of things in you and in your life. They are for the better, everyone who has had this happen to them will testify to it.
You just must believe upon Jesus Christ and submit to his authority. It’s hard I know, the world teaches us that power and authority is in us and is our own power, but it never works out that way. His way is better, I promise you.
Go read your Bible, that is better than anything I have.
-Joseph
NOTE: all verses are from the NKJV.
Outpost 95 