What We Believe #4 – Holy Spirit
3 Minute Video: https://fb.watch/fRUdZYwasC/
Christians seem to differ on their practical understanding of the Holy Spirit. Some describe the Holy Spirit as though they are boldly shouting. Others refer to him as though they are cautiously whispering. Still others seemingly overlook him by emphasizing Father, Son, and Holy Bible.
The Holy Spirit, however, is a person, not a force, not an it. The Holy Spirit is God.
Our Statement of Faith summarizes: “The Holy Spirit is a divine person (John 14:16-18), sent to indwell, guide, teach, gift, empower, and bear His fruit in every believer (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 11; Acts 1:8; Galatians. 5:22-23). He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:7-11).”
I remember once presenting a list of “all” the activities of the Holy Spirit. To my own embarrassment, I had neglected to include his convicting work.
Like light shining in the darkness, the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, exposing guilt and shame.
The Holy Spirit spotlights Christ’s righteousness. We are all defective and deficient. Yet the Righteous One died for the unrighteous.
The Holy Spirit shows how Satan has already been judged through Christ’s death and resurrection. Thus all will be judged.
The greatest sin of all is not believing in Jesus. Yet through simple faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit indwells us. Our hearts becomes the Holy Spirit’s home.
The Holy Spirit guides us in our praying, in shaping our character, in exercising God’s power, in showing God’s love, in speaking God’s truth, in being on Christ’s mission.
The Holy Spirit teaches us how to live the Christian life. He speaks to us. He makes the Word of God come alive to us, helping us understand what we’re reading, applying it to our lives.
The Holy Spirit endows us with spiritual gifts beyond our own abilities for building up the community of faith and reaching the unreached.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to become like Christ, to live for Christ, to love others like Christ, to do things for Christ.
The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of Christlikeness in us and the fruit of reproducing the Christian life in others.
So go into God’s world filled with the Holy Spirit. Let the fruit of the Spirit be evident to others. Walk in the Spirit of holiness. Listen to the Spirit of truth. Exercise the gifts of the Spirit. Spread the presence of the Spirit to everyone you meet. Amen.
~ Pastor Dave
