1.  IN THE BEGINNING
a. The very first book in the Bible, Genesis, speaks of the Holy Spirit of God at the very beginning of creation.  (Genesis 1:2)

b. Genesis chapter 2 tells the story of God creating man a living being by breathing into him the breath of life.  (Genesis 2:7)  It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word for God's Spirit means "breath", "wind", or "spirit".  So God's Spirit, the very breath of God, gives life to man.  In the last lesson we learned that the church is the body of Christ.  That which brings life to the body of Christ is the Holy Spirit of God.

2. JESUS PROMISES US THE HOLY SPIRIT
a. In the Old Testament, the special presence and power of the Holy Spirit was "poured out" on a person in order that they may complete a task for God.  (Judges 15:14 & 20)

b. The prophets proclaimed a time would come when God would do what with his Holy Spirit?  ( Joel 2:29,  Acts 2:17-18)

c. In John 14:16 Jesus promises his disciples, and all his followers, that when he leaves the Father will provide another counselor or comforter to be with us to help us.  The Greek word used here to describe the Holy Spirit is paraklete which means "one called alongside to help".

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS, NOT MERELY A FORCE.
a. What does the Holy Spirit do?
1.  John 16:8

2.  John 14:26

3.  Acts 13:2

4.  Luke 4:1, Romans 8:14

b. How can we affect the Holy Spirit?

1.  Acts 5:1-3

2.  Ephesians 4:30

3.  1 Thessalonians 5:19

4.  HE IS ONE OF THE THREE PERSONS OF GOD (THE TRINITY)
a. Matthew 28:19

b. Which of the three persons of God were present at the baptism of Jesus?
Luke 3:21-22

5.  WHAT ROLE DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT PLAY IN OUR SALVATION?
a.  Convicts us of sin (John 16:8)
b.  Regenerates us (John 3:3-8, Titus 3:4-7, 1 Corinthians 12:13)
c.  Dwells in us (1 Corinthians 6:19)
d.  Seals our salvation (mark of God's security) (Ephesians 1:13-14)

SUGGESTED READING:  John 16:5-15