God’s holy presence dwells and works in us, His people. No matter what circumstance we face, we can safely place all our hope in the faithfulness of the Lord. John the Baptist announced, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11 NKJV).
Jesus was crucified, He rose and then ascended. As He departed the earth, He promised to send the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The ministry of Jesus continued through the Holy Spirit.
“Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-15).
The Christians in Samaria had been baptized in water. God was lighting upon the congregation like a dove upon dark water. God’s blessings were flowing, and they were to receive a further baptism. The wonderful baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The Lord God is still at work in His people, and He plants a wellspring of Life within. That glorious Life is from the outpouring of the Spirit of God, who is with us forever. It may be persecution that scatters the church, or it is another cause. “The believers who had been scattered preached the word everywhere they went” (Acts 8:4). One way or another, God sends His people forth. Christians are His powerful witnesses wherever in the world they are placed in order to accomplish God’s holy work. We proclaim His Word in His power with signs following.
Be encouraged, Christian! God Has sent His Spirit, and His Spirit lives in you!