More of the Holy Spirit

Different churches have different doctrines about “when you receive the Holy Spirit”, “how you receive the Holy Spirit”, etc. I could write a book – and far more learned theologians than I have – about this. I do want to bring out this point: However or whenever you first receive the Holy Spirit, you can also receive more of Him.

The disciples received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, as Jesus had promised (Acts 1:8) that they would:

Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

About 4-5 years later in Acts 4, they’ve gathered together to pray after encountering persecution. I find it interesting that they prayed for more boldness and more miracles to happen in the face of these attacks. Let’s see what happened:

Acts 4:29-31 (NLT) And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

These ones – who already received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost – received more of the Holy Spirit a few years after that. That simply says to me, that no matter how much of the Holy Spirit I have working in my life, I can ask for more (Luke 11:9-13).

I spoke more on this topic in my sermon from Sunday 5/23 (Pentecost) on the “Recent Audio Sermons” page.

Doug