1 Bakorinta 1 - KBTP & CEVUS06

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.

The Holy Spirit is a vital part of the Christian faith, yet many believers struggle to understand who He truly is and what role He plays in their lives. In this article, we will explore the identity of the Holy Spirit using seven powerful Bible verses to help deepen our understanding.

1. The Holy Spirit as Comforter and Advocate

John 14:16-17 (RSV) – “And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you.”

Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come as an Advocate—someone who stands by us, guiding and comforting. The Holy Spirit is not just a distant force but a constant presence who supports and defends believers.

2. The Spirit of Truth

John 16:13 (RSV) – “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

The Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of Truth because He leads us into a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His will. This guiding role helps believers discern right from wrong and stay aligned with God’s purposes.

3. The Giver of Power

Acts 1:8 (RSV) – “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

One of the most significant roles of the Holy Spirit is empowering believers to be witnesses for Christ. Through His power, we are not only transformed internally but also equipped to spread the message of the Gospel with boldness.

4. The Divine Teacher

John 14:26 (RSV) – “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher, helping us understand and remember the teachings of Jesus. This guidance is essential as we grow in faith and navigate life’s challenges.

5. The Spirit Who Gives Life

Romans 8:11 (RSV) – “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit which dwells in you.”

The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in believers, breathing life into our mortal bodies. This resurrection power not only brings physical renewal but also spiritual vitality.

6. The Seal of Belonging

Ephesians 1:13 (RSV) – “In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit marks us as belonging to God. This seal is a guarantee of our inheritance in Christ and serves as a constant reminder that we are His.

7. The Spirit Who Unites

1 Corinthians 12:13 (RSV) – “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit unites believers into one body, transcending racial, social, and cultural differences. Through the Spirit, we become one in Christ, fostering unity within the church.

Embracing the Holy Spirit

Understanding who the Holy Spirit is transforms how we live out our faith. He is not just a divine presence but a Comforter, Advocate, Teacher, and Source of power and unity. As we walk with Him daily, we experience His guidance and embrace the life He offers.

May we continually seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, allowing His influence to shape every aspect of our lives.

Addictions come in many shapes and forms, whether it’s lust, alcohol, substances, gambling, gaming, or even excessive use of your mobile phone and social media. There is professional help to get as well as counselling from your priest or pastor.

Also, read the Bible and lay your addiction before God in prayer. Here are some passages from the Word of God to reflect upon.

James 1:14-15 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

We all have weaknesses within us that can make us fall and lead to an addiction. Acknowledging this, and admitting that you struggle with addiction is an important step to be free from it.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Addictions don’t come from God, but from the world and our desires, lusts and pride. We can rely on God wanting us to be free from any addiction.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

You may feel that you can’t break your addiction. But the Bible tells us that God can. God will provide the way of escape. Turn to God, turn from your addiction. Let God fill you with his presence.

1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

Addiction is many times when something takes control over you. Those things that are not helpful in your life and dominate your thoughts and desires you may need to cut out of your life.

1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

Addictions come from this world and not from God. In the end, addictions replace God as the number one in our lives. It’s not just about addictions, but also about our souls.

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Lay your struggles before God. Ask for God’s protection and deliverance.

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

This is the promise of Jesus Christ, that when he sets us free, it is real freedom.

This article is not intended as a replacement for medical or therapeutic help or treatment for addiction, but a complement and inspiration to those who battle addiction.

1 Ndimi Paulo, iye wakadang'wa nge kuda kwe Ndzimu kube ntumwa wa Kirisiti Jesu, ndina ikamu tjedu Sositenesi.

2 Ku gubungano le Ndzimu limu Korinta, kuna ibabo bakayengemadziwa muna Kirisiti Jesu, bakadang'wa kube bayengemali, naibo bose kumwe ne kumwe banodana zina la She wedu Jesu Kirisiti, iye She wabo ne wedu nditi: 3 Ngoni ne kunyalala kunodwa ku Ndzimu Tate bedu na She Jesu Kirisiti ngakube namwi.

Makombolelo anodwa kuna Kirisiti

4 Ndoboka Ndzimu misi yose nge kwenyu ngekwe ngoni dze Ndzimu dzamakapiwa muna Kirisiti Jesu, 5 mu tjimwe ne tjimwe mu kufumisiwa mu nli mu zwithu zose, mu ndebeleko yenyu yose ne luzibo gwenyu gose. 6 Koga se butendeki gwedu ngekwa Kirisiti gwakazhadzisika mu muli, 7 kuti musishete kene tjili tjipi tjipo tje meya, ha mutjakalindila nge nyota ne moyo unopisa kuboneka kwa She wedu Jesu Kirisiti. 8 Ndiye unowomusimisa kunoti ku bupelo, kuti musibe ne nlandu mu zhuba la She wedu Jesu Kirisiti. 9 Ndzimu unogalikabgwe ndiwo wakamudana kube ne shangano ne Nkololo wawo Jesu Kirisiti, She wedu.

Kuthubukana mu gubungano

7 Bible Verses About The Importance of Unity

Here are seven powerful Bible verses that highlight the importance of unity and the divine blessings that flow from it.

10 Nge zina la She wedu Jesu Kirisiti ndomukumbila mose zwikamu, kuti mube ne kudumana muna tjamunoleba kuti kusibe ne kuthubukana, mushangane mu nkumbulo mube ne moyo nng'ompela. 11 Ngobe ndakabikigwa ne bensha waka Kilowe kuti kuna zhoba pakati kwenyu. 12 Ndodwa kuti, mmwe ne mmwe unoti “Imi ndiwa Paulo,” kene “Imi ndiwa Apolosi,” kene “Imi ndiwa Kefasi,” kene “Imi ndiwa Kirisiti.” 13 Apa Kirisiti wakathubukana kene? Apa Paulo ndiye wakabambuligwa imwi kene? Kene makadubikiwa mu zina la Paulo?

14 Ndoboka kuti akuna wenyu wandakadubika kuzhe kwa Kirisipo na Gayo. 15 Ndizo akuna ungati makadubikiwa mu zina langu, 16 bamwe kakale bandakadubika nge be nsha wa Sitifani. Kuzhe kwabo, anditoziba kuti kene kuna wandakadubika. 17 Ngobe Kirisiti aazondituma kudubika, koga wakandituma kusumikila ndebo mbuya. Anditolebeleka se ntjenjedu, ngobe tjileyanyo tja Kirisiti tjingadwa tjishayisiwa masimba atjo.

Kirisiti simba kakale butjenjedu gwe Ndzimu

18 Ndebo ye tjileyanyo bulengwe kuna ibabo banoloba, koga ku tili iswi banotjidziwa i simba le Ndzimu. 19 Ngobe kwakakwagwa kukayi,

“Ndowolobesa butjenjedu gwe bakatjenjela,

ne luzibo gwe banoziba ndowogulasha.”

20 Apa ungayi ntjenjedu kene? Apa ungayi n'diyi we nlayo? Apa ungayi nyanyayidzi we misi ino kene? Apa Ndzimu auzothama kuti butjenjedu gwe shango ino gube bulengwe kene?

21 Ngobe mu butjenjedu gwe Ndzimu, shango aizoziba Ndzimu nge butjenjedu gwayo, ndizo Ndzimu wakada kuti utjidze ibabo banogalamoyo nge bulengwe gwe tjatinosumikila. 22 Bajuta banoshaka zwilakidzo, Bagiriki ibo banoshaka butjenjedu. 23 Koga iswi tosumikila Kirisiti wakabambugwa, tjikuthi ku Bajuta kakale bulengwe kuna Bezwitjaba, 24 Koga kuna ibabo bakadang'wa, Bajuta kene Bagiriki, Kirisiti ndiye simba le Ndzimu ne butjenjedu gwe Ndzimu. 25 Ngobe bulengwe gwe Ndzimu gopinda butjenjedu gwe nthu ne kushaya masimba kwe Ndzimu kopinda matatabuko e nthu.

26 Zwikamu, kumbulani tjamakabe muli itjo ha mudang'wa, ate bali banjinji benyu bakabe bebong'wa nge shango bali bathu bakatjenjela, ate banjinji bakabe bana masimba, ate banjinji bakabe bazwaligwa mu misha ipezhugwi. 27 Koga Ndzimu wakashalula tjinotogwa kuti bulengwe mu shango kubhatisa batjenjedu shoni nditjo, Ndzimu wakashalula zwisakasima kubhatisa shoni bana matatabuko. 28 Ndzimu wakashalula zwithu zwipasi, zwinolingigwa pasi nge shango ne zwithu zwinoyi ate zwe tjimwe kutobosa zwithu zwiyapo. 29 Oku kwakathamigwa kuti kushete nthu unozwiloba ifuba mbeli kwe Ndzimu. 30 Ndzimu wakamuthama bang'ompela na Kirisiti Jesu, iye Ndzimu wawakathama kube butjenjedu gwedu, ukanthama kube ndulamo yedu ne buyengemali gwedu ne sununguko yedu. 31 Ndizo wali kwakakwagwa kuyi,

“Iye unozwiloba ifuba

ngaazwilobe ifuba ngekwa She.”

1 From Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from Sosthenes, who is also a follower.

2 To God's church in Corinth. Christ Jesus chose you to be his very own people, and you worship in his name, as we and all others do who call him Lord.

3 My prayer is that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!

4 I never stop thanking my God for treating you with undeserved grace by giving you Christ Jesus, 5 who helps you speak and understand so well. 6 Now you are certain that everything we told you about our Lord Christ Jesus is true. 7 You are not missing out on any blessings, as you wait for him to return. 8 And until the day Christ does return, he will keep you completely innocent. 9 God can be trusted, and he chose you to be partners with his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Taking Sides

10 My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. 11 Several people from Chloe's family have already reported to me that you keep arguing with each other. 12 They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ.

13 Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name? 14 I thank God that I didn't baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius. 15 Not one of you can say that you were baptized in my name. 16 I did baptize the family of Stephanas, but I don't remember if I baptized anyone else. 17 Christ did not send me to baptize. He sent me to tell the good news without using words that sound wise and would make the cross of Christ lose its power.

Christ Is God's Power and Wisdom

18 The message about the cross doesn't make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God's power at work. 19 As God says in the Scriptures,

“I will destroy the wisdom

of all who claim

to be wise.

I will confuse those

who think they know

so much.”

20 What happened to those wise people? What happened to those experts in the Scriptures? What happened to the ones who think they have all the answers? Didn't God show that the wisdom of this world is foolish? 21 God was wise and decided not to let the people of this world use their wisdom to learn about him.

Instead, God chose to save only those who believe the foolish message we preach. 22 Jews ask for miracles, and Greeks want something that sounds wise. 23 But we preach that Christ was nailed to a cross. Most Jews have problems with this, and most Gentiles think it is foolish. 24 Our message is God's power and wisdom for the Jews and the Greeks that he has chosen. 25 Even when God is foolish, he is wiser than everyone else, and even when God is weak, he is stronger than everyone else.

26 My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn't think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. 27 But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame.

28 What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important. 29 God did all this to keep anyone from bragging to him. 30 You are God's children. He sent Christ Jesus to save us and to make us wise, acceptable, and holy. 31 So if you want to brag, do what the Scriptures say and brag about the Lord.