Ten Essentials for New ChristiansSample

#3: The Holy Spirit Is Jesus in You

Jesus used the vine and branches as an illustration of the way his followers are to live ( John 15:5-8). Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches - apart from him, we can’t produce spiritual fruit. Jesus further explains that the evidence of a fruit-bearing life is the love we have for others, especially those who are also branches of the true vine. Because Jesus loves us so much, he asks—no, he commands—that we love each other in the same way he loves us (John 15:12). It’s not an easy assignment, so Jesus made this amazing offer to all who follow him:

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:16-17).

Q&A

What’s the Difference Between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?

This is a question about the Trinity, a word that is never mentioned in the Bible, yet is central to everything the Bible teaches. It’s the idea that there is one God, but he is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

How can God be three persons? First of all, you don’t have three gods. There is one God, and apart from him, there is no other (Isaiah 45:5). But there is a “three-in-oneness” to God taught in Scripture. In other words, there is only one God, but within that unity are three eternal and coequal persons, each sharing the same essence and substance and each having a distinct existence. Consequently, there is both unity and diversity in God.

This is not illogical, but it is a dense idea. It takes serious thought to deal with it, but it’s an idea worth thinking about because each person is engaged in your life:

• God the Father had it in his heart to provide a way for you to be forgiven of your sins, so he authored the plan of salvation.
• Jesus the Son, while fully God, submitted to the Father’s plan. As the sacrifice for our sins, Jesus accomplished the plan of salvation.
• The Holy Spirit, just as much God as the other two persons, is at work in your life because you’ve chosen to follow God. The Holy Spirit applies the plan of salvation.

When you think about everything the three-in-one God has done for you and how much he loves you, your best response can only be one of awe, wonder, and gratitude. So go ahead and thank God for the great things he has done and continues to do in your life.