On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit poured out in great measure and the disciples who were gathered in a room were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:1, 4). In Joel 2:28-29 kJV, “God tells us that on the last days, he will pour out his spirit upon all flesh, and the young ones will prophesy, the old ones will have dreams and the young men will see visions .”
The way to receive an outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit is by summoning the Lord’s name with faith. Notwithstanding what color or race we are, God is so rich to all those who call upon his name (Romans 10:12-13). When we summon the name of God, it prompts the outpouring of the spirit throughout our Christian life.
What Is the Outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit?
The outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit is the pouring out of God’s spirit to dwell in us; this prophecy was made in the Old Testament and fulfilled at Pentecost. In Isaiah 44:3 NIV, “God said to Israel, I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants .”
The outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit upon humanity was the commencement of the New Covenant, which the blood of Jesus has sanctioned (Luke 22:20). Following the Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has baptized all the believers in Christ at the time of salvation as he came to dwell in them (1 Corinthians 12:13). There are three outpourings of the Holy Spirit to three different groups at different times in the Book of Acts. The first was to the proselytes and Jews (Acts 2). The second to a group of Samaritans (Acts 8). And lastly, to a group of the Gentile believers (Acts 10).
How Can I Receive an Outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit
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Prayer and Bible reading
Prayer is a precious gift from God that allows us to communicate directly with him. Having our prayers is a unique opportunity to bring us closer to God by reflecting on the events of our lives. This is a sacred time to express our gratitude for his blessings and share our struggles with him.
The Bible is the word of God, and it encompasses a great ability to teach us, direct our paths and bring comfort to us. By doing this, we receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit influenced the books the prophet wrote, so studying the bible brings him near. However, never underrate the power of studying the Bible to draw us closer to God.
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Summon/ Calling the Holy Spirit
God never forces himself on anyone. Although God knows what’s in our minds, we need to request his presence and interference particularly. Only then, by his doctrines, does he have the permission to engage with us.
This is all part of our sacred covenant to take up Christ’s name in our lives, act like him, and perform all that he wants us to do. When we do all of these, we are sure that whenever we summon the holy spirit by faith, we will receive the outpouring of his Spirit.
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Pondering
One of the best ways to receive the outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit is through pondering. To ponder is to devote time to meditating about spiritual things. It is a process of trying to comprehend how one teaching of Christ is connected to another.
Through pondering, we tend to understand the doctrines of salvation. Reading the Bible and praying is not just enough. Although there’s so much power in both, but most of that power will remain undiscovered if we don’t spend time trying to obtain understanding through pondering.
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Practice Kindness
All that comes from God leads people back to God. However, everything good comes from God, so when we practice kindness of any type, we receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. During our intercessory prayer, we pledge to take upon the name of Christ and always perform Christ-like duties. Therefore, kindness is an act we can perform to fulfill the commandments of God.
When we intentionally do good and bless the lives of others, we are exhibiting gratitude and appreciation for all Christ does for us. We are standing in for Christ and doing what he wants us to do. This is a covenant that we need to keep up to receive the outpouring of the spirit continually.
Recognizing the Outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit
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It Exalts Jesus and Changes Our Lives
All the works of the Lord exalt Christ Jesus. It refers to who he is, all he did on the cross, and all that he’s still doing. John 3:14-15 says, “If it does not exalt Jesus, then it is not God.
The manifestation of God can quickly change the hearts of a sinner and bring believers closer to God. The outpour of his spirit will cause us to want Jesus and will settle in our hearts a love so great that it will make us love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-45).
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God Is Revealed, and People Are Saved
With a heart so pure and full of knowledge, we will come to know who God truly is. We will experience him in complete form. God will manifest himself and fill us with laughter and joy. Miracles and baptism in the Holy Spirit will start to take place.
People will get saved through his people. People will be set free from the devil and diseases. The preaching of God will influence the whole city, and they’ll be great joy amongst all. Crime and chaos will come to an end (Acts 8:5-8).
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Alignment to God’s Word and Operation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
All the works of God are in accordance with his word. The book of Acts is a perfect example that tells us how God moved in the early church. The scripture serves as a guide that’ll make us gain more understanding of God’s works.
Through the gifts of the holy spirit, God’s work will be portrayed. They’ll be revelation through prophecies and words of wisdom. Supernatural utterances will be made through tongues and interpretation of tongues. Demon spirits will be cast away. The sick will receive their healing, and they’ll be working miracles through faith in Christ.
Conclusion
In the New Covenant in Christ’s blood, God provided many privileges for his children. One of which is the outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit. It is God’s will that only believers be filled with the Spirit and witness the empowering transformation work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
This empowering work of the spirit makes us become faithful to God. It enables us to conquer our weaknesses and hostility from the powers of darkness and difficulties we might face in our pursuit of the kingdom of God. It also helps us exhibit the character of God and the fruits of the Lord’s Spirit in our lives.
