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The Test of The Holy Spirit

It often comes up in conversations at church, "How do you know someone is a Christian?" That is, how do you know whether they have really believed or not?

The Apostle Paul had to answer this same question when he was writing to the churches in Galatia. His answer is something like this, 'When did you receive the Spirit?' (Galatians 3:1-9) The identifying mark of someone who has believed (converted, been born again) is the presence of the Holy Spirit. No Holy Spirit, No Salvation.

But the Spirit is not something material that we can see with our eyes, so is this any help at all? Yes, because Paul goes on to say that if the Spirit is in you it will produce fruit. That is, visual works in your life that people can see and recognize.

The fruits of the Spirit are "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22)

Do these things identify your life? It's a good time to stop and reflect isn't it? If the Holy Spirit lives in you - over time - he WILL produce in you love...he WILL produce joy...he WILL produce patience...and so on. Not just one or two, but all of these.

If we don't see it in our lives or in the lives of others, don't give up - instead pursue Jesus: The Giver of The Holy Spirit. Ask of him; he has promised to give.

Seeking The Kingdom Alongside You,
Pastor Mitch

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