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After Jesus’ ascension to heaven, the Bible records that his disciples came together for the Jewish traditional “Feast of Weeks” (First mentioned in Exodus 23). This day is known to Christians as the day of “Pentecost”. This was 50 days after the sabbath week when Jesus was crucified. Jews celebrated this day as part of the first harvest of each year. It was at this event that the disciples who remained were “filled with the Holy Spirit”. This initial filling experience is recorded in Acts chapter 2 and it was no ordinary experience. So, what does being filled with the Holy Spirit mean to us?
The Holy Spirit will convict us of sin. This is not always easy, but as believers, it is beneficial. (John 16)
The Holy Spirit will comfort us when we are hurting. (John 14, 16)
The Holy Spirit will teach us and cause us to remember Jesus and his teachings. (John 14)
The Holy Spirit will bring us peace, calm us and assure us. (John 14, 16, Romans 8, Galatians 5)
The Holy Spirit will help us pray. (Romans 8)
The Holy Spirit will bring gifts (spiritual gifts) such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, etc. (1 Corinthians 12)
The Holy Spirit will enable us to bear much fruit for Christ. (Galatians 5)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24