We Embrace the Holy Spirit

Jim Ehrman

We receive his presence, follow his immediate leading, and embrace his empowerment.

The Holy Spirit has a voice (Acts 13:2; Acts 10:19–20; Rev. 2:7,11, 17, 29; Rev. 3:6, 13, 22).

The Holy Spirit has a will and makes decisions about ministry (1 Cor. 12:11; Acts 15:28; Acts 16:6).

The Holy Spirit baptized Jesus for ministry (Matt. 3:16–17).

Jesus' baptism was not the beginning of his relationship with the Holy Spirit, but it marked a distinct anointing of the Spirit associated with the beginning of his ministry.

The sequence in Luke seems clear:

• Conceived by the Spirit (1:35)

• Spirit descends upon him (3:22)

• Full of the Spirit (4:1)

• Led by the Spirit (4:1)

• Power of the Spirit (4:14)

• Confesses being anointed by the Spirit (4:18)

• Ministers in the Spirit's power (Acts 10:38)

Jesus will baptize me in the Holy Spirit (John 1:32–34; Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; Acts 1:5, 8).