THE HOLY SPIRIT – OUR COMFORTER
What is a Comforter? – An advocate, intercessor, a consoler, comforter, helper. The Greek original is Paraklétos – pará, “from close-beside” and /kaléō, “make a call” – Example, a legal advocate who makes the right judgment-call because they are close enough to the situation. It also means an advisor-helper. One called to one’s aid. It is a picture of one who comes alongside. In its most basic form it means helper. Help is something practical. If I am drowning and someone comes and helps me, they step into my situation and help me out of it.
LET THE HOLY SPIRIT COME!
The result of the touch of the Holy Spirit led to blessing. We see the blessing of concern for one another in the above point but there was more.
THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES AND WE CAN GRASP WHO GOD REALLY IS
This was a reverential fear and wonder for God. It was an understanding of just how great God was and is. When the Holy Spirit comes on us, we too will have a revelation of who God is. As a result we will not ‘play the fool’ with God. We will take Him seriously and give Him the glory and honour that is due to Him.
Notice it says that this effect touched everyone and every soul.
THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES AND BRINGS INFLUENCE
The influence they enjoyed was supernatural and profound. They had no sound system, lights and no camera’s. They did not even have a beautiful building facility where they could ‘create’ an ideal worship experience in which people could be moved. The Holy Spirit moved the people. The scripture tells us that as a result of the effect of the Holy Spirit that many gladly received the word and many were gladly baptized. It goes on to say that in one day 3000 people came to salvation in Christ.
THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES AND GIVES US THE GUIDANCE WE NEED
Just prior to this people had been cynical and accused the Apostles of being drunk and now they were changed. Gone was the joking and gone were the opinions. Suddenly they were asking the really important question: ‘What shall we do?’ When the Holy Spirit comes upon us and our hearts are touched, a shift takes place within us and we realise just how desperately we need God. The conversation suddenly shifts. Now they are serious.
THE WONDERFUL CHANGE THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS
In response to the teaching about Christ, the Holy Spirit brings deep conviction on the people. It says that they were ‘cut to the heart’! In the original Greek it literally means ‘severely troubled and made sorrowful.’ It was as if their hearts were pierced. They were struck to their very core.
GOD’S PLAN IS FOR AN INTER-GENERATIONAL GODLY HERITAGE
As you allow Jesus Christ to be the authority in your home, there is no greater blessing you can give your family. When you operate according to Biblical principles you set your family up for success. When you encourage a Spirit filled lifestyle in your home it will show your offspring how to live a life that honours God.
HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY HERITAGE?
By the way we live our lives. By the way we handle things, especially the little things. By the example we set. By the influence we exert. By the effect our lives have on those around us. By recounting your own experiences with the goodness of God to your family. Be concerned about the spiritual well-being of those around you. Tell them of God’s great salvation. Tell them about God’s great mercy and His amazing grace. Tell them about the hope for the future we have in God. By making wise Godly decisions during the course of life. By watching what we say and how we say things.
A GODLY HERITAGE
It is an inheritance. It is a gift. It is part of the history that has been passed down from one generation to the next. It is those unique things that descend from one generation to another. It can include a legacy or characteristics passed down to heirs. At a root level the word means to inherit. In this scripture we see it spoken of as a cup. That which has been passed to you. A man’s “cup” is, in scripture, his lot or condition in life – that which is given him to drink.
MOVED TO ACTION
The rebuilding of the wall is a miracle. An impossible task was completed in 52 days. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and examined the damage. He shared God’s plan with the leaders. He gained the support of the people and he organised the building effort with wisdom and care. Each person was required to build the portion of the wall in front of their own home. Whole families got involved, even the ladies. Nehemiah also rallied key leaders to build other sections of the wall and to repair the various gates.