There was a man in NY named Gary who knew absolutely everything there was to know about the world's greatest baseball player. He studied the life of this athlete, and he "knew" the athlete; his approach to the game, his hobbies; even facts about his personal life. He was an expert on the subject of this renowned champion of America's Pastime.

The same man had a brother who moved to LA and actually met this athlete at a local Starbucks. The two had a long conversation concerning some commercial property the athlete was interested in. The brother, a real estate broker, partnered with the athlete, and they ended up becoming great friends.

Upon visiting family in NY for the holidays, the brother planned to tell Gary of his experiences with the superstar Gary was so fond of. "He'll never believe who I have befriended and partnered with", the brother exclaimed.

Arriving home in NY, the brother is greeted by Gary at the airport. While catching up, Gary tells his brother of the latest info concerning the world renowned baseball player. His brother looks at Gary with the widest grin. In the most nervous yet excited voice, the brother reveals to Gary, "man.... I have to tell you something.......... I've been hanging out with him."

 The Difference Maker 

 It seems that there is a difference between knowing someone, and knowing someone. Whereas the first brother had great knowledge of the renowned champion , the second brother was a first-hand witness and accomplice.

Concerning the Holy Spirit, Jesus says that Our Comforter, Holy Spirit, will teach us, remind us of what Christ has said to us, and testify of Jesus Himself.

Jhn 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Jhn 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

 Just as the first brother mentioned in the story above, many people admire Christ from afar. We know about Him and are well versed on the facts concerning Him. But like the second brother mentioned, actually knowing Christ first-hand transforms great information into a living epistle.

When  Holy Spirit enters our lives in all of His power and glory, the facts, or the truths we have trusted in for so long concerning our precious Messiah become a reality we can actually walk in. We are no longer just students & ardent believers of the text, but we are become eye witnesses to the Master.

A witness is a one who has seen and heard first-hand a particular event or happening caused by a person or entity. Christ promised His disciples in Acts 1:8 that the power they would recieve would cause them to be witnesses. Although we understand that they would definitely preach to the world, that's not what Christ Jesus fully meant by the term witnesses. He was speaking in context of the definition of the word. His disciples would be witnesses to what He is doing.They would have first hand experience and not just second hand testimony-

-all because of Holy Spirit.

There's a difference between knowing of and knowing, and Holy Spirit is that difference.

How do we recieve Holy Spirit?

Mat 5:6 Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

2. By faith

Luk 11:13 ".......how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

1. When we act as if [faith] we have recieved Him.

Luk 11:10 ".....For every one that asketh receiveth....."     

 Jam 2:17 " Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead...."

2. When we seek Christ in the Word.

Eph 6:17 ".....and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:..."       

Jhn 14:26   ".......he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, 

3. When we reflect on His Word

Jhn 14:26   ".......whatsoever I have said unto you."

4. When we patiently wait on Him in stillness for His Presence & His Voice

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles...."

How do we recieve His power to become witnesses?

1.By obedience

Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me.

Act 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

2.By saturation under His Presence

Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

3.By pureness of heart

Mat 5:8 Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

 Finally, again brethren, there's a difference between knowing of, about, or concerning, rather than knowing,                     and Holy Spirit is that difference.

Peace of God be with you all.