The gifts of the Holy Spirit that seem to pique people's interest are things like prophesy and speaking in tongues. At various times the Holy Spirit has given those gifts for the sake of His church. However, the the chief work of the Holy Spirit that Jesus wants us to know about is three things: "He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go tot he Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment because the ruler of this world is judged. This is the work of the Holy Spirit among the world which includes you and me.
To summarize briefly the work of the Holy Spirit is to bring us to faith. Take time to ponder what these things mean. I can only briefly summarize here. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin which is unbelief. We sin because we don't trust God. The Holy Spirit then convicts us of righteousness by what Christ has accomplished for us. How do you know what Christ accomplished for you is good and salvific? Because the Heavenly Father receives Jesus. Finally, the Holy Spirit convicts us concerning judgment because Satan is judged. Because Satan is judged, you who were blind to his craft and cunning, now see that that this world holds nothing for you, and that Satan can do nothing to take you from Jesus.
So it is that the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Truth leads us into all truth. He doesn't lead us to discover something new. He leads us to discover what has always been. Not only this but all good and eternal things are ours because they are God's. Everything that the Father has is given to the Son, and everything the Son has He gives to you through the working of the Holy Spirit.
To receive the Holy Spirit is to receive everything that is good. Check out the Lord's Prayer in your catechism: "How does God's kingdom come?" "God's kingdom comes when our Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit." Why? "...so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lad goldy lives here in time and there in eternity."
People sometimes say that the people had the advantage when Christ walked the earth and did miracles as is recorded in the gospel accounts. However, Jesus, who knows better. First, He never actualy leaves us, but also, He says that it is to your advantage that He goes. For now we receive His Holy Spirit who brings us to faith and keeps us there.
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