Paul the Apostle came upon some disciples while in the city of Ephesus. These disciples were not known to Paul but he could discern by their conversation their commitment and determination to serve Christ. Paul must have discerned something else; a lack of spiritual power perhaps?
You might wonder what makes me say that, but his question is a certain giveaway, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?”
There is a certain characteristic consequent to the presence of the Holy Ghost: it is God’s Glorious Power. These disciples were obviously men of God, people committed to the Word as they understood it.
Their response was very telling, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” See Acts 19:1-2. The implications here are enormous.
How did Paul so quickly recognize the absence of the Holy Ghost?
There are so many Christians that could just as well ask that question today and even give the same answer! Some preachers might well be included in this group.
In the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verses 16 & 17 and verse 26, we get a glimpse of Him.
Wait a minute! Is the Holy Ghost a “what”? or a “who”? How do we recognize His presence?
The Holy Spirit can well be called the Executive Agent of the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is so necessary for our daily living. Our Lord Jesus promised and sent this Comforter who is to “be in us.”
My prayer is this short bulletin will encourage you to learn more about “receiving the Holy Ghost” and His consequent empowerment. This is done in various ways, i.e., through His gifts, fruits and teachings.
