Introducing the Holy Spirit

First, let's clarify who the Holy Spirit is. 

Here is my summary of this weeks study of the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit is:

...God

Like water has three forms (frozen as ice, heated as steam and liquid in a glass), God has three forms (Father , Son, and Holy Spirit).  So by that example, even though the Holy Spirit is a different form, the Holy Spirit is still God.  Your homework this week will take you through scripture to demonstrate that the Holy Spirit does what only God can do, see Luke 1:35, Hebrews 9:14. (Day 1)

...Active

In creation, the birth of Christ, the resurrection of Christ, and the life of every believer, the Holy Spirit is actively working all around us.  On Day 2 you will study "The Ministries of the Holy Spirit": to convict and reprove, regeneration, baptism, sealing, filling, and holding back.  The fact that the Holy Spirit is HOLDING BACK evil from being unleashed in the world confirms God's grace and mercy.  What do you think? (Day 2)

...Real

More than Jesus Christ or God the Father, the Holy Spirit evokes the intangible essence of God.  I think we are so quick to overly mystify the Holy Spirit, that we miss the tangible reality of His work in our lives.  As we study this week, I want you to dig in to Day 3 and challenge yourself to see the Holy Spirit as a tangible force in your life.  Beth Moore lists "6 ways the Holy Spirit reveals Himself to us in an ongoing fashion."  He is teacher, leader, giver of gifts, fruit bearer, witness and he prays.  All of this for YOU!  Please be mindful that hyperspirituality can rob you of a practical balanced Christian experience.  Not enough Holy Ghost and we miss the "deep things of God".   Not enough "meaty" Word and we miss God's truth.  (Day 3)

...Waiting

The Holy Spirit has been with you since the moment you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior.  Isn't that fabulous.  Why, then, have you experienced so little of His Power?  I'm glad you asked.  In a nut shell, the Holy Spirit is waiting for you to engage Him.  He will not force you to grow your relationship with Him.  He is waiting for you to Pour Out, Pour In and Pour Forth!  Accept that your flesh and your spirit are not "coworkers" and in fact are opposites.  Accept that the world system, Satan and your sin nature are your enemies and can only be overcome by the power of God.  Accept responsibility for making the CHOICE to be lead by the Spirit rather than seduced by the Enemy, failing to mature in Christ. (Day 4 & 5)