The Holy Spirit
The latter half of the 20th century, the Christian teaching emphasis across the entire globe, from the continent of Africa, all the way to Asia including South Korea's huge Christian momentum, highlighted the activities of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers and in Christian community.
The Scriptures present the Holy Spirit as a part of the God-head (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and from Genesis 1 verse 2 in the creation scene we read where 'The Spirit of the Lord moved upon the face of the waters". This theme runs consistently throughout the Old Testament.
To illustrate, we read where the Spirit came upon individual people. For example, in Judges 6 verse 34 "The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon ..."
The Spirit of the Lord also indwells us (like a guide to our conscience). For example, Ezekiel 36 verse 27, "And I will pour my Spirit within you ...". In Nehemiah 9 verse 20: "You gave also Your good Spirit to instruct ...".
The Spirit of the Lord is also cautionary, in Genesis 6 verse 3, "And the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not always strive with men ..." 1 Samuel 16 verse 14, "But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul ..."
These few verses illustrate that the Spirit of the Lord is involved in both the corporate affairs of man and with individuals.
Then we see something fresh and exciting in the New Testament.
Jesus could only ever be in one place at one time, and His promise to those who believed in Him was that He would send them an all-time 'Comforter'.
John 14 verse 12 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name …." Luke 24 verse 49 "And, Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city of Jerusalem until you be filled with power from on high."
This came true on the Day of Pentecost, 40 days after Jesus' resurrection. Acts 2 tells us how this occurred on that astonishing day. As Peter stood and preached the message of Jesus death on the Cross and His resurrection, so every one heard him speaking in their mother tongue.
A new thing happened on that day, now the Holy Spirit indwells each believer as if Jesus is right there with us.
Can you imagine the change that this brought. The fearful became the fearless.
The followers of Jesus were no longer afraid, a whole new world opened and this is recorded as a promise in Acts 1 verse 8 "And you shall receive power after the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Statement: Both you and I are eye witnesses to this promise, as history reveals how missionaries have taken the Word of Jesus' offer of Salvation - to every nation and people group.
It's still happening. How remarkable is that!
In my next Letter, I'll discuss the nature of this Jesus' Salvation offer.