God’s Spirit Poured Out
Peter stood to address the crowd in Acts 2, to explain the phenomenon of the saints speaking in unknown tongues. “both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11). Some of the people mocked them saying that they were drunken with wine. Peter corrected their saying and explained that this was the promise spoken of by the prophet Joel. Jesus also reminded his disciples before his departure of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:16). Jesus also spoke of the power that would come on the disciples when they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). This power represents boldness and strength to advance the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit is the inner witness who speaks to us and gives us direction. In the Old Testament the Lord sent an angel to lead his people. “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared” (Exodus 23:20).
The warning from God to his people was to listen to the angel, to pay careful attention to him and not to rebel against him as he would not pardon them (Exodus 23:21). I believe that similar to the angels who led God’s people in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit acts as our guide after the death of Christ. Paul also warned the church not to grieve the Holy Spirit and we are cautioned to be led by the spirit.
God is not subject to people’s status or consider earthly ranking. Anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is manifested through speaking in tongues which is our heavenly language to God in prayer. The spirit also manifests through the different spiritual gifts such as word of wisdom, preaching, teaching, prophecy, visions and dreams. We should desire the gifts of the spirit and sanctify ourselves so that the Holy Spirit can dwell and work through us.
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
November 3, 2022
