14. Growing in Prayer – The Learning Tree – (1) Prayer and the Holy Spirit

²⁶ “But when the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, He will testify and bear witness about Me.  –John 15:26 (AMP)

We have just had a weekend of celebration!  The celebration of our risen Lord.  Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit to bring the Spirit of Truth to us who believe in the risen Christ.  Prayer is essential, but effective prayer is all important to bring the promises of God to fruition (Matthew 18:18).  We cannot have effective prayer without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

I begin this Blog with the quoted words of author John Bevere with Addison Bevere; “I began to see the Scriptures in a new light as God opened my eyes to many wonders of His Spirit.”  “I soon discovered that the Holy Spirit is the most misunderstood Person in the Church.”   Truer words have never been spoken.  I do not believe the average person really understands the power we can have in our prayer life, the power of the Holy Spirit.

This is what I understand about the Holy Spirit!  When we repent and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (Romans10:9-10), we receive God’s Spirit of Grace, the Holy Spirit, goodness beyond what we deserve.  God’s character is mercy/grace. 

When Christ ascended to His Father, He promised the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts1:8) in order for those of us to do the mission (Matthew 28:19-20) Jesus gave to us. 

Is there a difference between the saving Grace of the Holy Spirit and the Power of the Holy Spirit?  Are they one and the same?  Are there two Spirits of Grace or one?  These are questions that I asked myself.  Ephesians 2:8 speaks to us regarding God’s saving grace (the Holy Spirit), “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”  Goodness beyond what we deserve. 

When we accept Jesus Christ as the Lord of our life, we receive the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Grace), “Goodness beyond what we deserve.”  We receive our salvation, justification.  Salvation is threefold.  We are saved, justified, when we first trust Christ; we are being saved sanctification as the Holy Spirit continues to work in us; and we will yet be saved, glorification as we share in the Lord’s final triumph.[3]  This is God’s saving grace which is the Holy Spirit in us . . . New Birth.

Christ gave new birth to the disciples before his ascension in (John 20:21-22). The Disciples received new birth, New Life, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Grace.

Join us next week as we continue with the Holy Spirit!

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[1] Spirit Filled Bible, Note, p. 1647

[2] Spirit Filled Bible, Note, p.1444

[3] Spirit Filled Bible, Note, P.1688