Jesus Christ- type imagery has been well established pretty much all over the world. The Roman Catholic Church and those that were the first to spread the gospel West, made sure to create a lot of Christian inspired symbolism throughout churches and schools. Especially seen in places like Latin America, I think it is impossible to travel through a town without seeing a cross, a church at the center of the town, and images of what is believed to look like Jesus. Travel to Europe and you will see the same thing. Although many historians may argue that this cultural phenomenon was a result of wanting leader wanting. Political power and to colonialize these states (which may hold a level of truth be) they fail to mention the genuine impact and change that inspired the spread- spiritual
Even though most people You might notice more young women talking about self-care and in that same vein mention the importance of taking care of their body, mind, and soul. Talks about spirituality is intertwined with the modern self-care movement and it’s clearly affective. Essentially, there is no denying that we not only live in a physical world but that we also have a spiritual counterpart to our existence.
Whether we can see it or not, our spirit has a direct impact on the way that we physically react and interact with the world. All the consequences to our sin, or the way that someone else treats you is led by their spirt, the good and bad. The bible confirms this in Ephesians, “For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6: 12). Of course, if these are dark and evil spirits in this world that cause harm, the bible also tells us that there is a holy and pure spirit.
The holy spirit – the spirit of God
The most amazing part about being in line with God is that there is an actual spiritual change that happens when we put our faith in him. As we mentioned in our last post, “what is holy week, and why is everyone talking about Jesus,” after Jesus resurrected and was raised from the dead, he promised his people that he would send the holy spirit to be with us. The ascension (Luke 24:50) was the last event that sealed his promise to us, and it allows us to experience him on a personal level. I think it was some Christian influencer like Maddie Prewett that said, we all have a “God shaped hole,” and the only one that can fill it is Jesus Christ through his holy spirit.
The moment that you accept Jesus into your life, you will begin to experience a level of sanctification. Some people will experience this gradually, where they will begin to experience convictions over how they live their lives, and others might experience a radical change- it all depends on how God wants to work in our lives, and how we choose to follow him. Either way, his holy spirit enters us, and the convictions occur because we can’t peacefully live with two masters (the enemy’s spirit and the holy spirit). So, what happens is we change.
How can the Holy spirit change you?
It’s not some made up spirit or some type of idol that you mediate too, like in new age religions. You don’t have to take some kind of crazy drug to experience God when you turn to him. Instead, you feel at peace right where you are in your life. God will meet you right where you are. It doesn’t matter how many sins you have committed, or what your past looks like, the moment that you decide that you accept Jesus as your Lord in savior there are several things that can change.
Ultimately, our walks with God are different, because we all have different experiences and have different personal relationships with him- or at least that’s what we should strive to do- but the one thing that is the same is that we are made new creations. John 3:6 talks about the holy spirit giving birth to spiritual life that is made new while we grow closer to God. As you do this, your old life is behind us and behaviors that led us into spiritual death, will convict us.
You might find that listening to certain music is draining. Or maybe you won’t enjoy going out to clubs and getting drunk with friends. As you start to listen to the will of God for your life, you’ll most definitely start to hear that little voice in your head that is pulling you away from those spaces that are filled with evil and spiritual death. You’ll probably find yourself wanting to go on hikes, or do things that glorify God, like going to volunteer at a foodbank, for example. God will plant a new heart and new desires in your heart the closer you walk with him.
This is a change that only God make in a person’s heart.
The fruits of the spirit
In the gospels, Jesus warns about many false prophets coming to the earth to talk and preach in his name. These are the wolves that are dressed in sheep clothing, that publicly proclaim the name of Jesus, while steering their followers into darkness because of false teachings. However, Jesus tells us that those that are truly his followers we can spot because of the good fruit that we produce. Of course, he’s not talking about actual fruit, like an apple or a peach, but instead he is referring to the fruit of the spirit.
In the book of Galatians, Paul talks about the fruit of the holy spirit as he addresses the apostles. “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22). When we walk under the grace of Jesus Christ, and we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, these are the characteristics that we will start to see change.
Instead of feeling anxious, you will find peace.
Instead of anger towards others you will be kind
Instead of hate towards your neighbor, you will love
Instead of desperation, you will find patience
Instead of being harsh, you will be gentle
Instead of sadness, you will find joy
Instead of infidelity, you will find faithfulness
Instead of not having discipline, you will have self control
Instead of experiencing the bad, you will have good in all aspects of your heart.
When you have these characteristics and you experience a heart change, it is undeniable how much you’ll want to love others and share the good news found in Jesus Christ. Of course, this is what God wants us to do! He wants us to go to all the nations and spread the good news so that all those that are his chosen children will be saved and experience eternal life. We are not all going to be missionaries, but the principle of sharing the gospel stays the same.
Many historians and anti-Christian people will complain about how missionaries travel to other nations to preach the good news or “colonize” a country, but they are missing the reasons why. When you have such a remedy that can change a person’s life through the depth of their soul, you won’t want to keep it to yourself. You want to share it with as many people as possible for the sake of goodness, so that those living in darkness can also experience the power of the Holy Spirit.
Have you experienced the powerful change of the holy Spirit?
I would love to hear about your experience while walking with the lord and how that has changed your heart. Or maybe you have never experienced something this profound and would like to learn more. Feel free to leave me a comment down below.
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