THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH

My next few blog posts will be thoughts and messages on the Holy Spirit that  I have shared with the local assembly God has placed us in.  I pray they will be a blessing to you.

Scripture reading: Acts 4:31-33

Let's consider some sad thoughts about Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus was in the world and the world was made by Him yet the world knew Him not. The Holy Spirit was in the church and the church was made by Him yet the church knew Him not

What about the Holy Spirit and the Church? What if individual members were filled with the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit want to do for us and in us?

In the church the Holy Spirit makes witnesses out of weakings. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”.

The death and the resurrection of Jesus had taken place. Ascension day was here and with it were some questions (Vs. 6). “Will the Kingdom be restored today?” “Shall we start carrying out the Great Commission today?” Jesus told them they would be witnesses after the Holy Spirit comes. This witnessing was to be done in divine power. The word then was wait, then witness. Now it is witness immediately in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised the disciples that they would receive power for witnessing. Notice the progression: They would receive the Holy Spirit; He would give them power; They would witness with extraordinary results.

We often try to reverse the order and witness on our own power and authority. Witnessing is not showing what we can do for God, but showing and telling what God has done for us! 

Let's consider the weakness of the disciples. Peter had recently denied even knowing Jesus. Philip showed his weak faithfulness. Thomas and his inability to believe in the resurrection. This same group turned the world upside down!

In the church, the Holy Spirit brings fellowship instead of factions (Acts 4:32). Consider, if you will, the possibilities of divisions among the disciples. There was Peter's denials and Thomas and his lack of belief. They all forsook the Lord and fled at the crucifixion.

Note now that they are of one heart and one mind – complete unity! Their bond is more important than their possessions. Too many churches where the Holy Spirit is named are divided. It is always the work of the Holy Spirit to bring unity among members in the local church so that outreach is unhindered. Division will hinder the effectiveness of the local church. We must stand together united for the cause of Jesus Christ!

In the church, the Holy Spirit produces growth without gimmicks (Acts 4:33). Every instance of the Holy Spirit's power at work in the church brought growth. Acts 2:41 brought 3000 converts! Acts 4:4 brought 5000 converts! In Acts 5:14 we see multitudes of converts! In Acts 6:7 we see the numbers multiplied! There are ways to increase numbers with gifts and gimmicks.  These gimmicks are used often in churches today. These gimmicks are used often to bring in money to t.v. or radio preachers. The use of gimmicks shows the lack of power.  Aren't you tired of gimmicks? Let's depend upon the Holy Spirit to grow God's church!

Ask yourself this question: Will we be a Holy Spirit filled church? Let's rely upon God to build His church! (Matthew 16:13-19). Look at the exchange between Jesus and His disciples:

Jesus: “Whom do men say that I am?”

Response: “John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets”

Jesus: “Whom say ye that I am?” - “Who am I to YOU?”

Peter: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”

Jesus: “Upon this rock (statement/reality) I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.

Will you do your part? Will you allow the Holy Spirit access into your life, your will and your thoughts? If we will all do our part and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in us, there will be no limit to what God will do...right where you meet!!!!!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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