Baroma 14 - Kalanga Bible (KBTP)

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.

Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.

After the trauma of the crucifixion, the disciples were locked away, afraid, confused, and uncertain about what the future held. But on the evening of that first Easter Sunday, everything changed when Jesus stood among them and said:

“Peace be with you!” — John 20:19 (NIV)

These words were more than a greeting. They were a divine declaration: peace had triumphed over fear, and life had conquered death.

1. Peace That Calms Fear

The disciples were hiding behind locked doors, fearing for their lives. But the presence of Jesus shattered their fear.

“Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” — John 20:20 (NIV)

The Resurrection reminds us that no matter what we face—uncertainty, loss, danger—Jesus brings peace that surpasses our fear.

2. Peace That Comes from Reconciliation

The cross was not just about suffering; it was about reconciling humanity with God. Jesus’ resurrection is the seal of that reconciliation.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1 (NIV)

We are no longer enemies of God. We are at peace with Him—fully forgiven and fully accepted.

3. Peace That Dwells Within

Jesus promised a peace that’s not dependent on circumstances but rooted in Him.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NIV)

This was a promise He fulfilled after rising from the grave. His peace becomes a permanent presence in our hearts.

4. Peace That Guards Our Minds

We are often bombarded with anxious thoughts. But resurrection peace acts like a shield.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

God’s peace doesn’t always change our situation, but it changes us in the midst of it.

5. Peace That Leads to Purpose

In John 20:21, Jesus repeats, “Peace be with you!” and then says:

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Peace isn’t just for comfort—it’s preparation for mission. We are sent out as ambassadors of this peace to a world that desperately needs it.

6. Peace Through the Holy Spirit

Jesus breathed on them and said:

“Receive the Holy Spirit.” — John 20:22 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit becomes the continual source of peace, power, and presence in our lives. It is the Spirit that produces peace as fruit within us:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” — Galatians 5:22 (NIV)

7. Peace in a Troubled World

We live in a world that is anything but peaceful. But the resurrection gives us hope beyond this life.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NIV)

The risen Christ gives us a durable peace—one that holds even in chaos, grief, or conflict.

Final Thoughts

Jesus didn’t wait for perfect conditions to bring peace. He entered a locked room, full of fear, and filled it with His presence. Today, He still does the same.

Resurrection peace is not passive, it’s powerful, purposeful, and personal.

Will you let His peace rule in your heart today?

Usisumikilise Ikamu tjitjo

1 Amutjilani nthu usakasima mu kugalamoyo, koga musikakabadzane naye ngekwe mikumbulo iye. 2 Nthu mmwe ungabe ne kugalamoyo kukulu kulu kwaanotubula kuja tjimwe ne tjimwe, koga nthu usakasima mu kugalamoyo unoja milibo koga. 3 Nthu unoja tjimwe ne tjimwe ngaasilingile pasi usingaje, usingaje asibone nlandu unoja tjimwe ne tjimwe, ngobe Ndzimu wakan'amutjila. 4 Uani iwe kubona nlandu nlanda we mmwe? Tetshi uwe ndiye unowobona kuti kene unopundula kene unokong'wa. Ngono unowopundula, ngobe Ndzimu uwe unotubula kunthama kuti apundule.

5 Nthu unotola limwe zhuba se lakayengemala kupinda limwe, koga mmwe etola kuti mazhuba wose anofanana. Mmwe ne mmwe wakafanila kube ne malebeswa azhele mu nkumbulo uwe. 6 Iye unokudza zhuba limwe unoshinga eijalo kukudza She, iye unoja tjimwe ne tjimwe unokushinga kukudza Ndzimu, ngobe unobokela Ndzimu zojiwa. Iye usingaje zwimwe zwithu unokushinga kukudza She, ngono unoboka Ndzimu. 7 Akuna wedu unozwitjilila, akuna wedu unozwifila. 8 Ha titjila totjilila She, ha tifa tofila She. Ndizo kene titjila kene tifa, ti ba She. 9 Ngobe nangwenu Kirisiti wakafa, ngono kabgwilila mu butjilo kuti abe She we banotjila ne bakafa. 10 Ini usumikilisa ikamu tjitjo kene? Kene ini ulingila ikamu tjitjo pasi kene? Tose towoma mbeli kwe Ndzimu kusumikilisiwa ndiwo. 11 Ngobe kwakakwagwa kukayi,

“Nge malebeswa ha nditjila, kojalo She,

mmwe ne mmwe unowondithigamila,

ne mmwe ne mmwe unowoleba kuti ndi Ndzimu.” 12 Mmwe ne mmwe wedu unowozwidabiligwa ku Ndzimu.

Musithamise bagalimoyo bamwe tjibi

13 Ndizo ngatimiseni kusumikilisa, koga tisitongo zwimisila kubiga mu zila ye ikamu tjedu tjimwe tjingatjikutha kene tjingandzinganyidza. 14 Ndoziba nge buzhalo muna She Jesu kuti akuna zojiwa zwakatemapala nge kwazo, koga zwakatemapalila nthu unobe ekumbula kuti zwakatemapala. 15 Ha uhwisa zogwadza ikamu tjitjo nge tjaunoja, ipapo autjashingila mu ludo. Usiti nge kuja kuko ukabulaya ikamu tjitjo itjo Kirisiti tjaakafila. 16 Usiletje kululwama kuko kukalebgwa bubi, 17 ngobe bushe gwe Ndzimu ate guli kuja ne kung'wa, koga nge gwe ndulamo ne kunyalala ne kushatha mu Meya yakayengemala. 18 Ndizo iye unoshingila Kirisiti nge zila yakajali, unoshathisa Ndzimu kakale unokudziwa nge bathu.

7 Bible Verses About Peace

The Hebrew word translated as “peace” is “shalom”. It means more than the opposite of conflict. It’s about being complete and safe. This is why we ultimately only can find peace in God. Without God we are not complete and not at peace.

19 Ngatitjisalani shule tjimwe ne tjimwe tjinothama kunyalala ne kubhatshana mu kusimisana. 20 Musikolomodze nshingo we Ndzimu nge zila ye zojiwa. Zojiwa zose zwibuyanana, koga kwakabipa kuja tjimwe tjinowothama mmwe kawila mu tjibi. 21 Akuzolulwama kuti uje nyama kene ung'we nkumbi kene uthame tjimwe koga tjingaliga ikamu tjitjo, kugalamoyo. 22 Kugalamoyo kwaunako ngakube pakati kuko ne Ndzimu. Kowoshatha iye usingazwisumikilise muna tjaanothama. 23 Koga ha edudumwa ngekwe tjaanoja, Ndzimu unombona nlandu ha etjija, ngobe tjaanothama atjizodwa mu kugalamoyo, ngono tjimwe ne tjimwe tjisingadwe mu kugalamoyo tjibi.