Alive in the Spirit

1. The Holy Spirit: Essential for Christian Life and Ministry

The restoration of the Holy Spirit to His rightful place in our life and the life of the true church is by all means the most important thing that could possibly take place.

Foundation of faith. The Holy Spirit is not merely a doctrine or theological concept, but the very foundation of Christian life and ministry. He is the third person of the Trinity, equal in every way to the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in:

• Convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment
• Guiding believers into all truth
• Empowering Christians for witness and service
• Glorifying Jesus Christ in all things

Neglected presence. Many churches today have neglected the Holy Spirit's authority and presence, relying instead on human methods and strategies. This has led to a lack of power and effectiveness in ministry. To experience true revival and transformation, the church must return to a full dependence on the Holy Spirit's work.

2. Experiencing the Holy Spirit's Presence and Power

When the Holy Spirit comes on a person, the fruit of that presence will be manifest through his life.

Personal encounter. Experiencing the Holy Spirit is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative personal encounter. This experience often includes:

• A deep sense of God's presence
• Overwhelming joy and peace
• Conviction of sin and a desire for holiness
• Empowerment for service and witness

Continuous relationship. The initial encounter with the Holy Spirit is just the beginning. Believers are called to cultivate an ongoing relationship with Him, seeking His guidance, comfort, and power daily. This relationship is nurtured through:

• Prayer and meditation on Scripture
• Obedience to God's will
• Surrendering control and yielding to the Spirit's leading
• Practicing spiritual disciplines such as fasting and worship

3. Unity and Harmony in the Spirit-Filled Church

Harmony in the fellowship is the key. When there is disharmony, it keeps the Holy Spirit from doing what He wants to do.

Unified body. A Spirit-filled church is characterized by unity and harmony among its members. This unity is not based on uniformity of thought or practice, but on a shared commitment to Christ and His mission. Key aspects of this unity include:

• Mutual love and respect among believers
• Cooperation in ministry and service
• Diversity of gifts working together for the common good
• Resolving conflicts in a spirit of humility and grace

Overcoming divisions. The Holy Spirit works to break down barriers that divide believers, such as:

• Cultural and ethnic differences
• Socioeconomic disparities
• Generational gaps
• Theological disagreements on non-essential matters

4. The Fruit of the Spirit: Evidence of a Transformed Life

The Holy Spirit alone can enter and make the depth of our heart's sin real to us. Nobody can repent until he knows the depth of his own sin, and nobody can know the depth of his own sin unless the Holy Spirit shows it to him.

Character transformation. The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of a life transformed by God's grace. These qualities are not produced by human effort but are the result of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life. The fruit includes:

• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self-control

Gradual growth. Unlike spiritual gifts, which are often given suddenly, the fruit of the Spirit develops gradually as believers yield to God's work in their lives. This growth process involves:

• Ongoing repentance and surrender
• Consistent obedience to God's Word
• Regular fellowship with other believers
• Perseverance through trials and challenges

5. Spiritual Gifts: Empowering the Body of Christ

God will not do anything for a church that He would not do for any other church. He will not do anything for a people that He will not do for any other people. And He will not do anything for anybody that He will not do for you.

Divine empowerment. Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to equip believers for service in the church and ministry to the world. These gifts are diverse and include:

• Wisdom and knowledge
• Faith and healing
• Prophecy and discernment
• Teaching and leadership
• Helps and administration

Purpose and function. Spiritual gifts are not for personal glory or advancement but for the edification of the entire body of Christ. They function to:

• Build up and strengthen the church
• Equip believers for ministry
• Demonstrate God's power and presence
• Reach the lost with the gospel message

6. Discernment and Faithfulness in a Changing World

I believe the gift of discernment is number one on my list. Evangelicalism has ruled out the Holy Ghost and has gone blind in these decades, so the church has traveled over into entertainment-ism, rationalism, and worldliness.

Cultural awareness. Christians are called to live in the world but not be of the world. This requires a keen sense of discernment to navigate the challenges of contemporary culture. Areas requiring discernment include:

• Media and entertainment choices
• Ethical decisions in business and personal life
• Engagement with social and political issues
• Evaluation of religious trends and teachings

Faithfulness to truth. In a world of shifting values and beliefs, the Spirit-filled believer must remain faithful to the unchanging truth of God's Word. This faithfulness is demonstrated through:

• Unwavering commitment to biblical doctrine
• Resistance to worldly compromise
• Boldness in proclaiming the gospel
• Loving confrontation of error and sin

7. Cultivating a Deep, Personal Relationship with the Holy Spirit

Let me be clear here. I do not believe the Spirit of God ever leaves the church completely, but He can, like the Savior in the back of the ship, go to sleep and not make himself known, allowing us to get along without Him for years.

Intentional pursuit. Cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit requires intentional effort and commitment. This pursuit involves:

• Regular times of prayer and listening for God's voice
• Studying and meditating on Scripture
• Practicing the presence of God throughout the day
• Seeking to be filled with the Spirit continually

Obstacles to overcome. There are common hindrances to developing a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, including:

• Busyness and distraction
• Unconfessed sin and disobedience
• Reliance on human wisdom and methods
• Fear of the unknown or unconventional

To experience the full power and presence of the Holy Spirit, believers must be willing to surrender completely to God's will and leading, even when it challenges their comfort or understanding.

Last updated: October 24, 2024