There is hardly any peoples or race in the world that do not believe or practice one form of religion or the other. Over the years, religion have come to shape the way people think and behave, the way people relate with each other. Religion have shaped cultures, it has remodelled traditions; it has even, in some quarters, being referred to as the opium of the people. There have been religious wars in time past and even in the present, there had been political crisis in nations fuelled by religious fundamentalists. Religion is so powerful!

There are many religions in the world today. According to Adherents, an independent, non-religiously affiliated organisation that monitors the number and size of the world's religions; there are over 4,300 religions, each having its own sets of doctrines and beliefs. Amongst the top 20 religion being practiced in the world, Christianity is rated number one, with having over 2 billion believers and adherents across the globe.

But there is something that makes Christianity different from every other kind of religion we see in the world today; it is the gift of the Holy Spirit. While many other religion may struggle to relate with this short piece, I believe those in the Christendom would have a clear picture of the message this piece is conveying. Christianity without the Holy Spirit would result to another mere religious journey with no effects. As a matter of fact, Christianity is much more than a religion, it is simply a way of life. It is a culture in which the Holy Spirit Himself gives complete meaning to.

Now, there is no such thing like "I am a Christian, but I don't believe in any Holy Spirit." Many people walk in this kind of error, but I think it is important that it be addressed so that such folks can have a clearer and better understanding.

A professed Christian without the person of the Holy Spirit indwelling such, is like an individual standing on a two-legged tripod, instead of three. The Scriptures says there are three that bear witness on earth: The Spirit, the water and the; and the blood; and these three agree [are in unison; their testimony coincides] (1 John 5:8 AMP). The question is: Agree to what? Let me briefly explain to you what these three connotes. The Spirit there; talks about the Holy Spirit, whom also is the seal of your salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).

What is the SEAL in this Scripture talking about? First of all, a seal is something that confirms, ratifies, or makes secure that what you are holding is genuine and authentic. If you walk into a store and purchased a product, the first thing you want to see is if that product is still properly sealed; which gives you guarantee that it has not been used before. Most certificates as well carries a seal, which also indicate that the certificate is original and not fake.

In the context of that Scripture, what the seal is explaining is that truly; you belong to God on the face of the earth. So, anytime God looks down from heaven and sees the seal upon you, He recognises you as His own on the face of the earth. This is how Apostle Paul explained it in 2 Timothy 2:19; it says: "Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this SEAL, The Lord knows them that are His. And, let everyone that name the name of Christ depart from iniquity."  The seal there is the Holy Spirit of God. He is the one that connects us to all the things that pertains to God. He shapes our conducts, our thoughts, our belief system and ultimately makes God visible in us and to us.

As a matter of fact, His assignment in your Christian walk is so important that you cannot go a whole day without Him. A Christian life without the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit would be boring and so ineffective. This is why you need Him. The Bible says He bears witness before God that you are His.

The water and the blood represented two vital things that came out of the side of Jesus when he was pierced on the cross of Calvary (John 19:34). The blood of Jesus was it that facilitated the remissions of our sins. With that singular act, our sins and the debt of sins that we owed was totally cancelled. Jesus took it all upon Himself, just for you and I. So, being a Christian is much more than carrying religion on one's head or just following the tides and waves of people who professes so, No!

So, going back to that Scripture in 2 Timothy 2:19, that says God knows those that are His. The question then is; how? It is through these important things that we have discussed above: The Spirit, The water and the Blood. The three agree to the fact that you are a child of God on earth, an ambassador of Christ.

Have you now seen why it is impossible for you to profess being a Christian and still doubt the workings and the person of the Holy Spirit? It cannot work. What do you then, need to do if you fall into this category? The first thing is this: You must accept the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to His Disciples: "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." (John 16:7, NIV). As believers, we are in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. His ministry began where Jesus' ministry stopped. There is no way you can totally abscond from His ministry and have a successful Christian journey. It is Him that you need to live and enjoy Christianity to the fullest.

God Bless you.

Source: [Centre for New Dimension Leadership]