I just got back from the Exponential Church Planting conference and got to hear from some incredibly influential speakers. The inspiration for this blog “The Heart of One” came from the conference theme. The idea was that if we are to transform the world we must first have transformed hearts. I couldn’t help but notice- the most influential main session speakers either spoke specifically on, or stressed the importance of the Holy Spirit.
Father, Son, Holy Spirit- Three in one. . . So why is it that so many of us who confess Christ as our savior marginalize the Holy Spirit? Is it because we’re afraid of the supernatural, is it because the mystery scares us, do we lack faith, or perhaps because it’s just what we’ve been taught. Whatever the reason I’m done being part of this group that treats the Holy Spirit like some kind of impersonal force that comes and goes. I confess that I cannot begin to understand the Holy Spirit, but I am at the very least ready to be open to him.
I leave you with the words of Jesus in John 14:15-17
“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
For more on the Holy Spirit check out the rest of chapter 14. Also see John 20:22, and the first and second chapter of Acts. This is a very small glimpse at the Holy Spirit, I would encourage you to do a study of the Holy Spirit, or at least keep your eyes open as you read through scripture. You’ll be surprised how much we’ve tended to overlook him; and I don’t mean just in scripture.
Love you all and may you experience the power and guidance of God through the Holy Spirit in your life.
I am curious since our church had not spoke much on this till Joel came when do you believe one comes into contact with the Holy Spirit?
ReplyDeleteXO
Neen
PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to read this response in its entirety to avoid any potential misunderstandings.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that God is actively at work to gather up humanity and redeem us to himself. As we say here at Crossings, 'God is actively working to put his family back together.' I know that the spirit resides in every believer. However, it seems that very often we do not listen or pay attention to him. Nevertheless I believe he is among/in us and through us in a very intimate way if we are willing.
As for when one comes into contact with the Holy Spirit? My gut answer is 'whenever God wants them to'. Whether it be indirectly through a believer in their life, or on a personal/communal level. It seems that many different Christian faith traditions differ and tend to land on places such as at baptism, at birth, before birth, when called, early before belief, upon belief, when it's needed, when bestowed by the laying on of hands, or even after long commitment to God. To all these different perspectives I would simply say "yes". All of these views will use different passages and arguments for support. Since I do not, nor will I ever, possess the qualifications to pronounce limitations upon when or how the Holy Spirit may choose to work in a given person's life I cave into the wonder, awe, and mystery of the Holy Spirit by gracefully dodging the question and acknowledging that I don't know. . . and perhaps go as far as to say I never should presume to. (The next paragraph is very important DO NOT STOP HERE)
HOWEVER, note that there is an important distinction between "coming in contact with" and "being filled with". I answered your question in terms of coming in contact with- So if you were to ask when one is FILLED with the Holy Spirit I would say your classical answers of "upon belief" or "at baptism" (which comes hand in hand with believing anyway) are pretty safe bets. Hope this helps!
Mr. Keifer thank you for that!
ReplyDeleteWhile I am not as much in the air as to when a person receives the Holy spirit but how one may allow the Holy spirit to actually come alive and work through someone. I do believe it is upon accepting Jesus as your personal Savior and then following through with water baptism that the Holy Spirit is present but dare I think the average person is a long way from allowing HIM to work through them.
With this horrific accident my Nieces have been in, through standing by Donna willing her one more breath interceding to God for her to live. I have felt the Holy Spirit working right through me calling on scriptures I did not even know I knew to tell Donna to fight for life. Moments that scared me to death that we would lose her and a overwhelming feeling in me of comfort, strength and complete peace. Yes the Holy spirit has been beckoning to use me and my earthly body to come along side of death and beg for life. I am humbled and overwhelmed by HIS presence during this frightening time to be in me and work through me. No doubt HE is faithful to all who are open to HIM.