Creating an Atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to Manifest

We as a body of believers can create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can feel welcomed and will manifest Himself. Notice Ephesians 2: 21-22: In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Williams New Testament translation of Ephesians 2:21-22 reads: In union with Him the whole building is harmoniously fitted together and continues to grow into a temple, sacred through its union with the Lord; and you yourselves in union with Him, in fellowship with one another, are being built up into a dwelling for God through the Spirit.

The Greek word for temple in verse 21 above is naos, which refers to the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament temple. The Holy of Holies is where the Presence of God manifested! This verse reveals that we collectively form a naos, a Holy of Holies where God’s Presence can manifest.

We should see our church meetings as a place where we can go to experience the tangible Presence of a Holy God. We must understand that we have a part to play in the Father manifesting His Presence among us. If we are flippant or casual about this, He will not manifest as He desires. Here are three things that we can foster in our own lives to be the ones who help create an atmosphere together where the Holy Spirit will manifest.

First, we must walk in unity together. In the book of Acts, they we in one accord and the Holy Spirit demonstrated Himself in powerful ways. When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place (Acts 2:1). So continuing daily with one accord in the temple (Acts 2:46). Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul (Acts 4:32). And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch (Acts 5:12).

Part of walking in unity is watching what you say as well as how you say what you say to other believes. The Holy Spirit is grieved when we fail to speak encouraging words publicly and privately about one another. Refuse to be used by the enemy to foster strife. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:29-32 – NLT).

Secondly, we must walk in love. Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire this love, make it your aim, your great quest; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts)... (1 Corinthians 14:1 – Amplified). Love enables us to tolerate the differences between us and to overlook each other’s faults. Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins; forgives and disregards the offenses of others (1 Peter 4:8 - Amplified).

Thirdly, we must walk in Holiness. I did not say perfection, but holiness. Holiness is a standard of seeking to be like Jesus in thought, word, and deed. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy (1 Peter 1:15-16-NLT). Walking in holiness is judging yourself when you sin by confessing the sin, and asking the Father to help you overcome the weakness in you that causes you to yield to whatever particular sin.

As we walk in unity, in love, and in holiness, and as we hunger for Him from our hearts, the Holy Spirit will manifest the Presence of Jesus among us in a much more full way. Let’s go after Him! And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).