By Al Collins

The Holy Spirit, also called the Holy Ghost, isn’t discussed much in the traditional denominations. I grew up in Lutheranism (left when I was 16), attending “Church services”, Sunday School, confirmation classes, annual summer Bible school, and youth retreats, yet God, The Holy Spirit was never discussed. If pressed for a definition back then, I would have said the Holy Spirit was a mystery or a dove that rested on Jesus when He was baptized (Matthew 3:16/ Luke 3:22/John 1:32) or like the wind, because of His entrance at Pentecost.

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2: 1-4

Yet the Bible is clear on many aspects of the Holy Spirit… for those who are true seekers of God.
My first known experience with Him was in the mid-1960’s, when He first rocked me with His presence (see Introduction in my book “Xtreme Big Game Hunting”.

There are over 40 facts about the Holy Spirit in God’s Word. The main point to remember is that He is one with the Father and the Son (Jesus).

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7

Among many aspects of the Holy Spirit, He fills people (Luke 4:1; Acts 6:3-5; 7:55; 11:24); comes upon people (Luke 1:35; 2:25; Acts 1:8; 19:6); teaches (Luke 12:12; 1 Cor. 2:13); gives gifts (1 Cor. 12; Heb. 2:4); gives peace and joy (Rom. 14:17; 1 Th. 1:6); gives anointing and power (Acts 10:38; Rom. 15:13).

God places such a huge importance on the Holy Spirit that anyone who blasphemes (disrespect/mockery) Him, commits the unpardonable sin!

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:31, “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.”

Too many professed Christians today, mock, ignore or suppress the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit operating through others. Without the Holy Spirit in supernatural operation in a person’s life, they are operating in the flesh (their own mind or in religious doctrine). They are disrespecting (blaspheming) the Holy Spirit! Such people are acting as their own god!

I’ve witnessed and experienced many leaders suppressing and controlling others, from allowing the Holy Spirit to operate in their presence (deliberately blocking healing, prophecy, words of knowledge, tongues, deliverance, miracles, signs and wonders). Such false leaders are guided by their own minds, as the Holy Spirit desires to work according to His will, through whomever He chooses, whenever He chooses.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit (Holy Spirit), the things of the Spirit (Holy Spirit). For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit (Holy Spirit) you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the (Holy) Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14

God says, those who live their lives without the Holy Spirit do not please God! God says, those who live according to the flesh will die!

Don’t live according to the flesh. Don’t allow false leaders to suppress the Holy Spirit through you.

Ask the Holy Spirit to live in you and upon you. Allow Him to demonstrate the power of God through you. Ask Him to help you and be your teacher (John 14:26). Associate with like-minded people so you can encourage and uplift each other.

Spend time with Him so that you will hear and know His promptings and directions and corrections in your mind. This is God speaking to you, giving you His loving direction for your life and destiny with Him!

Step out in faith as He directs and in situations, ask for His counsel. Wait for it. You will get it.

“Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. Matthew 28:19