And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
That account is taken directly from Acts 19:1-2. Generally speaking, we do not build entire ecclesiological doctrines (doctrinal tenets regarding church life and practice) from Acts alone – as the Book of Acts records a unique period of redemptive history. But this text is illustrative for us, at the very least, of our need for the Spirit of God!
We were created for worship that is alive
of a God who is alive
based on a Word that is alive
empowered by a Christ who is alive!
It is my contention that none of this can happen, or will happen, without the Holy Spirit.
What will happen if we – in theology or practice (what we think, say, or do) – abandon any concern for, or dependence upon, God’s Spirit? We will inevitably spiral down toward lifeless, institutional intellectualism.
What will happen if we – in theology or practice (what we think, say, or do) – leave behind a deep love and commitment to the truths of Scripture? We will surely fall into superficial, entertainment-oriented, self-driven, self-absorbed emotionalism.
Neither of those options keeps Christ at the center. But I’ll bet you know professing Christians who could be described using those very terms.
Meanwhile, our world grows darker and darker. The last thing that we want to do as a church is to become more and more powerless to reach that world with the gospel. That’s where doctrinal compromise will lead us, even if it’s cleverly disguised as “spiritual power.” At the same time, the same fate awaits us if strain out intellectual gnats while swallowing the camels of religious pride.
The Holy Spirit was given to the church on the Day of Pentecost. Historical fact. We need His power in the church, and through the church, today. Present reality.
We have heard that there is a Holy Spirit. Let’s seek Him for the revival that our world needs, and that we need, for such a time as this. I’m honored beyond words that you’re on this journey with me.
Pastor Charles
Spot-on! A timely and needed message. We all need more recognition of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our Churches.
A very insightful entry. I truly believe that to be a Christian, the Holy Spirit MUST live in us. We have to remember Jacob & Isaac. God was in complete control as now. His plan is better–maybe not as timely as out choice, but HE IS OUR MOST AWESOME CREATOR. Will live like we believe that? Do you initiate a real conversation with a tattoed man or woman? Will you speak to a gay person honestly, hear their story, promise to pray for then, then at the right time either invite them to church and take them all around to meet fellow Christions, or give them the Gospel
From the heart of Love. COME ON CHURCH, LET’S GET OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONE AND MEET THIS CHALLENGE! Their Eternity depends on it