The Source of True Spirituality

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Those who believe that true spirituality is defined exclusively by the Bible are often accused of being intolerant. I am glad to accept this false accusation as long as I am declaring the Truth of God’s Word that shows us the only source of true spirituality is the Holy Spirit.

The Bible tells us the Holy Spirit is a person (see John 14:26; 16:13-15). He is the third member of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force; He is more aptly referred to as the Holy Spirit of Almighty God.

The Hebrew word for “spirit” is ruach, which means “breath” or “wind.” One of the foremost word pictures of the Holy Spirit found in Scripture is the title Breath of God (see Job 33:4). In fact, the first word picture associated with the Spirit is that of breath—of something that makes the air move, even to the point of vigorous or violent motion (see Genesis 1:2). It is a picture of energy released, an outward moving force of power.

As we seek to gain understanding of God’s Spirit, it is important to know that the Holy Spirit desires God’s best for us. He works in us individually. He convicts us of sin, glorifies Christ, leads and guides us, teaches and commands us, intercedes for us, and provides divine help and care. The Holy Spirit prays through us that God’s perfect will might be done in our lives.

In John 14-16, Jesus made it clear that after His resurrection, the Holy Spirit would be His personal representative on earth, indwelling Jesus’ disciples.

The Holy Spirit is the full expression of God the Father and God the Son. Jesus said the Spirit would enable us to become more like Him (see John 14:12, 15-17, 26; 15:4-17; 16:8, 13-15). The Spirit is the fullness of God’s character, love, presence, plan, and purpose.

As the Spirit does His work, He transforms us into the image of Christ Jesus. The process of spiritual transformation brings tremendous healing to the person who previously had been ripped apart by sin. Only the Holy Spirit can renew our minds and bring us to the wholeness of spiritual transformation.

Will you stop for a moment and thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit? Then depend on the indwelling Spirit to work in you and through you as you go about your day’s activities.

Prayer: Lord, because of Your great love, I am being transformed into Your likeness. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Please help me to depend on Your Spirit to work in my life today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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