Jesus talked about the Spirit often with the Disciples. In John 6:63 Jesus taught that the Spirit gives life and that his words are full of the Spirit and life.

Before Jesus crucifixion he told his Disciples that he was going away, but that he would send the Holy Spirit to help them in many ways. John 14:15-21 describes the Holy Spirit as an advocate–the Spirit of Truth. John 14:26 calls the Holy Spirit our Advocate who will teach us and remind us of what Jesus has said.

After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection he instructed the Disciples to wait in the city for the Holy Spirit to give them power from on high before beginning their ministry. See Luke 24:49. In Acts 1:4-8 Jesus tells the Disciples they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit and given power.

On Pentecost the Holy Spirit came down upon the Disciples in tongues of fire enabling them to speak boldly about Christ in many languages foreign to the Disciples, but the God-fearing Jews from every nation were there to hear the message in their own languages. About three thousand heard their message and were baptized that day. See Acts 2.

Romans 8 teaches that the Holy Spirit gives us life and enables us to live for Christ from day to day.

Galatians 5:16-25 teaches about the fruit of the Spirit. If we are walking in the Spirit these fruit will be observed in our lives. Verses 23 & 23 elaborate, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (NIV)

It is appropriate to recall that Mary became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. There are also many references to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, but it could be given and taken away. It wasn’t available to all in the same way then as it is now in the new covenant. People who believe in Jesus, and put their faith in him, are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to live in them, empowering and guiding them day by day, provided we don’t squelch the Spirit.

Sing along with this beautiful rendition of “Spirit Song.”