Were individuals "indwelled" with the Spirit before Pentecost? Wasn't John the Baptist (Lk 1:15) filled with the Spirit from birth? The Spirit of God was upon Mary (Lk 1:35). No doubt these are specially called people, but I wonder if we haven't often too neatly defined the role of the Holy Spirit in many Christian fellowships, in our own lives.
I believe the Spirit is moving to touch people who have not yet confessed publically that Jesus is Lord. I pray for God's Spirit to work in, yea even dwell in my daughters and son. Will God wait until they have taken the step of faith in baptism to dwell in them? Can I pray for the Spirit to dwell in them from their birth, for God's Spirit to be upon them?
Some charasmatic fellowships want to see manifestation of the Holy Spirit through tongues. The fellowship I'm a part of--churches of Christ--often limits the role of the Spirit to post-baptism and find differences in this and other Spirit indwelling mentioned such as Mary and John the Baptist above.
The ways of God's Spirit are mysterious and unfathomable. Yet we seek them, to live the mystery. Let me hear from you...each day I'm happy to hear thoughts from many of you (many that write directly to my email and don't post to the blog), and I don't always ask but it's always implied that comments are welcome...here in particular, I'm looking for input on the ways of the Spirit of God.
8:00:21 AM 
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