By Pastor Ryan Stockstrom

Harvest Church

Just a few weeks ago on Easter Sunday, we celebrated the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—what He accomplished through the cross and the empty tomb. We rejoiced in eternal life, in the defeat of death, and in the promise that God is not distant from us. But this is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of a new reality—God not only with us, but God with-in us.

In Acts 1, Jesus gives His disciples a clear command: wait. He tells them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the gift the Father has promised—the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This image of baptism points to a full immersion. God is not offering a partial experience of His presence, but fullness.

Still, the disciples are thinking in earthly terms. They ask if Jesus is about to restore the kingdom to Israel, expecting political deliverance. But Jesus redirects them toward something greater—a spiritual kingdom empowered by the Holy Spirit. “You will receive power,” He says, “when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.”

Then Jesus ascends to heaven.

One can imagine the disorientation of that moment. The disciples had walked with Him, talked with Him, and eaten with Him. Now He is gone. Many understand the feeling of loss and the emptiness it brings. Yet Jesus allows this temporary pain because He knows something greater is coming.

For ten days, they wait. They pray. They gather together. Then, in Acts 2, everything changes. The Holy Spirit comes like a rushing wind. Tongues of fire rest on each of them. They are filled and begin speaking in languages they have never learned, declaring the wonders of God.

It is powerful, unexpected, and even a bit unsettling.

That is precisely the point—the Holy Spirit does not fit well into our human categories.

He comes as wind and fire, as power and presence. He convicts when hearts drift and comforts when people return. He speaks in a still, small voice, yet He can move like a rushing wind. He is both gentle as a dove and refining as fire. The Holy Spirit is not one-dimensional; He meets people in multiple ways because He is fully God.

It is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force. He is a person—the third member of the Trinity. He has emotions, intellect, and a will. Scripture teaches that He can be grieved, that He reveals the deep things of God, and that He distributes spiritual gifts according to His purposes. From the very beginning, in Genesis, the Spirit of God was present, hovering over the waters. He has always been at work, and now He dwells within believers.

What does this mean for everyday life?

Three roles of the Holy Spirit stand out: He is the sustainer, the sealer, and the sender.

First, the Holy Spirit is the sustainer. Jesus said it was better for Him to go so that the Spirit could come. The Spirit continues the work of Christ within believers—strengthening, teaching, and reminding them of truth. The Word of God provides the foundation, and the Spirit of God brings that Word to life. Together, they equip believers to live with both godliness and power.

Second, the Holy Spirit is the sealer. In ancient times, a seal marked ownership and authenticity. In the same way, those who place their faith in Christ are sealed by the Holy Spirit. He is the guarantee of their inheritance. This seal signifies that they belong to God and are secure in Him. The Spirit writes God’s truth on the heart, transforming obedience from obligation into desire. It becomes less about “having to follow God” and more about wanting to walk in His ways.

Third, the Holy Spirit is the sender. Jesus gave His followers a mission: go and make disciples. Yet He did not leave them to accomplish it alone. The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to carry out an extraordinary mission. In the book of Acts, the Spirit works through everyday individuals to impact thousands. That same mission continues today.

Wherever believers go—into workplaces, homes, and communities—they carry the presence of God with them. Life is no longer lived for small purposes, but as part of a greater story: the expansion of God’s kingdom.

Each day presents an opportunity to ask, “What does the Holy Spirit want to do today?” The answer may not come through dramatic moments, but through quiet nudges—to encourage someone, to pray, to speak truth, or to show kindness. In following those promptings, believers partner with God in His ongoing work.

The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives within His people.

That truth changes everything.

My prayer is that we become more aware of His presence. Rely on Him as the sustainer. Rest in Him as the sealer. Follow Him as the sender. This is the life Jesus made possible—not just forgiven and saved, but filled, empowered, and sent.