Yes, The Holy Spirit is real. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit, "He." He is one person of Three Persons -- part of the Trinity. Jesus told the Disciples to wait until the Holy Spirit arrived --
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:1-4
Pentecost was a day of celebration before the New Testament. It came from the Greek word -- pentecoste = 50. It was known as Shavout -- the Festival of weeks, celebrated 50 days after Passover. It was the time they celebrated God giving his people the Law -- when Moses came down the mountain with the 10 commandments -- the Words of God, which was used by God to teach his people how to live.
It is no coincidence that this is when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit -- the day the Spirit indwelled his church to teach them how to live this new life. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our advocate, our Helper.
The Benefit:
'7 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. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned." John 16:7-11
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted[a] by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry." Luke 4:1-2
Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit's power and was led by him even though Jesus himself was/is God. Shouldn't that mean we too should rely on the Spirit and follow his leading?
"For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." 1 Corinthians 12:13
Baptism and the Holy Spirit
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues[a] and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all." Acts 19:5-7
The Power of the Holy Spirit
37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached-- 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." Acts 10:37-38
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Application:
Don't ignore the Spirit. If we're walking the walk we are in the world but not of the world.
Pray in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Seal of Christ -- the seal is the mark of ownership. We should be poster children for Hope. Use the Power of the Spirit. If we aren't using the Spirit's power we aren't receiving his power. Use what you've been given. Always listen to him. Always listen to him. If you put yourself out there, if you participate, he'll be there. It's not a human thing. It's a God thing.