In John 14:26, Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit who would teach us all things—that is ‘The Counselor,’ ‘The Spirit of Truth,’ whom the Father would send in His name. The Holy Spirit quickens our souls and makes us spiritually alive on our confession, belief, and baptism that Jesus Christ is the son of God. This is an anointing we receive which reconciles us back into the family of God.

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, not for the remission of sins, but that scripture might be fulfilled, i.e., ‘Righteousness’ (Matthew 3:15). At that moment, the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God descending like a dove, lighting on Him and a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.” After the baptism and being anointed by the Spirit of God, Jesus began His ministry of becoming the High Priest to be the Holy Sacrifice for sin.

Anointing occurs for a purpose in our lives, for witnessing, worship, sacrifice, healing and teaching the good news of the Gospel. It is this anointing that opens our minds, guides us, calls us to pray, empowers us, and enables us to be stronger Christians. The anointing is not only in us, it is upon us—to be used for the Christian ministry while we are in this world. The manifestation is to bear spiritual fruit for the common good of all the people (Galatians 5:22-23).

God wants us to be strong in Him because we are in a spiritual battle against the powerful forces of darkness. The Christian’s key to the Kingdom is prayer. Will you pray, will you be faithful? Will you trust in God and rest in His victory in Christ? You must decide.

My weekly prayer is that the reader of this commentary becomes spiritually inspired of God. Contact Expressions of Faith at: P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203 or e-mail <w310watson@aol.com>. God bless.