The Holy Spirit is how we experience God. Have you ever wondered if it would be easier to be a Christian, to believe in God, if you could see Jesus face to face? Jesus promised that we would not be left alone, without access to God. He promised that God would send the Holy Spirit to be with us and comfort us. "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate...The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name." (John 14:15, 16, 26) What Do Nazarenes Believe? We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Triune Godhead, that He is ever present and efficiently active in and with the Church of Christ, convincing the world of sin, regenerating those who repent and believe, sanctifying believers, and guiding into all truth as it is in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the Third Person in the Trinity God the Holy Spirit is not a separate or third God. He is an eternally existent part of God, part of the mystery we know as the Trinity. We see this Trinity named in the often quoted words of Jesus as He was preparing to leave this world. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) (Christianity 101, WordAction, 2008) The Work of the Holy Spirit The work of the Holy Spirit was not limited to Bible times. The Spirit is still alive and working through Christians every day. In fact, the Holy Spirit does some very important work in us today. It is through the Holy Spirit that God awakens in us our need for Him. The Holy Spirit deals with us even before we come to God by making us aware that something is lacking in our lives. When we feel that twinkle of guilt for doing something wrong, that is the Holy Spirit at work. When we feel the need to offer a prayer, that is the Holy Spirit. When we finally realize our need to come to Christ and be cleansed of our sins, that is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is a vital connective we have to God, and through whom God communicates with us. It is by the work of the Holy Spirit that God makes us into new creations when we accept Christ as our Savior. The Holy Spirit enables us to repent of our sins and find salvation. After we become Christians, God's Holy Spirit assures us that we are indeed children of God. "It is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God" [Romans 8:16]. The Spirit of God is also the power that sanctifies us entirely. The Holy Spirit enables us to grow and become mature Christians. And last, but by no means least, it is the Holy Spirit of God that will raise us up from our graves at the end of time. As the Bible says, "If Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you" (Romans 8:11) (Christianity 101, Word Action, 2008) Recap and Application to Life As we wrap up this discussion on the Holy Spirit, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’ve explored. The Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept or a distant part of God’s nature. He is the very presence of God with us, actively working in our lives. From awakening our need for God, to guiding us in truth, to sanctifying and empowering us, the Holy Spirit is central to our journey of faith. He is our Advocate, Comforter, and the One who assures us of our identity as children of God. So, how does this apply to our daily lives? First, recognize that you are never alone. The Holy Spirit is with you, guiding, comforting, and empowering you in every moment. When you feel lost, uncertain, or overwhelmed, lean into His presence. Pray for His guidance and trust that He is working in ways you may not yet see. Second, listen for His voice. The Holy Spirit often speaks in quiet nudges—a sense of conviction, a prompting to act, or a moment of clarity. Be attentive to these moments and respond in faith. Finally, allow the Holy Spirit to transform you. Growth in your faith isn’t something you do on your own; it’s the Spirit’s work in you. Surrender your heart, your habits, and your plans to Him, and watch as He shapes you into the person God created you to be. As you go about your week, remember this: the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Let that truth fill you with hope, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to you—embrace Him, rely on Him, and let Him lead you into the fullness of life in Christ.