So, despite my apprehensions, how could I refuse my father’s request? I was compelled to agree. What then transpired can only be described as a life-transforming journey. I began to see the Scriptures in a new light as God opened my eyes to many wonders of His Spirit. I soon discovered that the Holy Spirit is the most misunderstood Person in the Church. Countless labels and stereotypes have been assigned to Him, but too few of us know Him as He really is.

The purpose of this book is to facilitate an introduction to the Person of the Holy Spirit by taking you on a journey through the Scriptures. Aspects of this book may be challenging, but I promise you that the journey is worth your time and energy.

As you read the words on these pages, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. He will remove any beliefs that are not grounded in His Word. You will discover that He does not “belong” to a denomination or a movement—and that He cannot be confined to a generation or an age. He has been sent to reveal Jesus and empower the entire Body of Christ. He has made our hearts His home, and He has promised to make good out of our lives. All we have to do is give Him control.

A better friend and companion cannot be found. The Holy Spirit will faithfully accompany you through all of life’s struggles and joys. He has promised to never leave or forsake you because you are His passion and delight. Get ready to discover the One who is the definition of awesome!

—Addison Bevere, COO, Messenger International

Now all of us can come to the Father through the same
Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
(Ephesians 2:18 NLT)

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

—John 14:26 AMP

Day 1

It was the eve of a new year. An urge to fast and pray stirred within. I asked the Lord, “What book of the Bible should I read?” To my surprise I heard, “The book of Acts.”

Why was I surprised? Because my previous time of extended fasting and prayer had also been met with this exact directive: “Read the book of Acts.” During my previous fast, what stood out in Acts was a conflict of purpose and direction in the life of the apostle Paul, and its resulting consequences of hardship. Allow me to explain.

Paul was chosen by God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He said, “I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles” (2 Timothy 1:11). This is a specific and focused directive. He repeated this mandate several times throughout the course of his life. Early in his first apostolic journey he stated to the Jews, “We turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles’” (Acts 13:46-47). During his second journey, he boldly stated, “From now on I will go to the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6). To the Romans he wrote, “I am an apostle to the Gentiles” (11:13). These statements continue throughout his writings.