The Holy Spirit
Read Mark 1:4-8
Hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
-Romans 5:5 (NRSV)
AS I listened to the pastor's message, her words caught my attention. She was saying that she wished everyone to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I thought, I am a Christian. I have already been baptized. Why does she talk about being baptized again? I was confused.
Then our church held a special evangelistic meeting. We invited a guest preacher for the meeting, and I wondered if he would help me with my doubt and questions. During the meeting, the preacher invited people to come forward; but I didn't go because I was disappointed in his preaching. My questions about the Holy Spirit had not been answered.
The next evening, I attended church again. The pastor asked people to pray longer than usual. All the people prayed together. To my great surprise, the pastor came to me while I was praying and put her hand on my shoulder. As she prayed for me, I felt the love of God deeply. In that moment, I realized that the Holy Spirit was already within me. My eyes filled with tears of joy.
Kazumi Munehiro (Fukuoka, Japan)
Loving God, help us to know you more fully. By the power of the Holy Spirit, fill us with your love. Amen.
How do I recognize the Holy Spirit within me? |
Someone struggling with questions of faith
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