The Gift of Pentecost
Do we still have the Holy Spirit?
In a church Bible class I attended many years ago, someone asked, “Do we still have the Holy Spirit?” It’s a little like the situation in the Book of Acts, where Paul was talking to some new believers:
He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’” Acts 19:2
What about the Holy Spirit, then? On the last Sunday of May, we celebrated Pentecost, often considered the birthday of the Christian Church. It’s the day when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ disciples. But is the Holy Spirit still being given to Christians? At the end of the story of Pentecost, Peter clears that up for us:
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off– for all whom the Lord our God will call.’” Acts 2:38-39
OK, so the gift of the Holy Spirit is still being given to Christians. And the Bible promises many things to those who have the Spirit within us. There are several lists of spiritual gifts in the Bible, including everyday gifts and supernatural ones – here are a few: healing, encouraging, teaching, prophesy, and hospitality. The Church has been equipped marvelously for our work in the world.
Unfortunately, we have also been told a lie by our culture. We have been told that God is no longer speaking, no longer healing, no longer equipping, no longer saving. But the truth is that the Holy Spirit is still moving at Trinity. We recently saw some demonstrations of physical healing. I have seen how God is speaking to people in our church – and God speaks to me too. Things that “should not” be possible by conventional wisdom are happening. It’s very exciting. I look forward to seeing what God is going to do!
God makes so much more possible than we usually allow for. What would it be like to live life under the power and direction of the Holy Spirit? I’ve had glimpses of it, and from what I’ve experienced, I know that it’s exciting. It’s definitely fulfilling. And a life led God’s way under God’s power is filled to
overflowing with blessing – even in the tough times.
So I encourage you to pray about what “Living in the Spirit” might mean in your life. Then, one of the big advantages of being part of a church – a community – is that we can move ahead together, and as we do it, we’ll experience more and more of God’s blessings.
Striving to Live in the Holy Spirit,
Pastor Steve