A Publication of Gospel Commission Issue 1 August 2013 Page 12
A Publication of Gospel Commission Issue 1 August 2013 Page 13
The promise of the Holy Spirit still stands
The lapse of time has wrought no change in Christ's parting promise to send the Holy Spirit as His representative. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If the fulfillment of the promise is not seen as it might be, it is because the promise is not appreciated as it should be. If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy Spirit is a matter little thought of, there is seen spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Whenever minor matters occupy the attention, the divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, though offered in infinite plenitude. (AA 50 para 2)
Our sure source of power
The presence of the Spirit with God's workers will give the proclamation of truth a power that not all the honour or glory of the world could give. (AA 51 para 1) If we plead daily for the presence of the Holy Spirit then we will live lives of power. Our Most urgent need for this time as a movement is NOT • Powerful eloquent preachers • Efficient decision making members in our church board meetings • Impressive strategic plans and campaigns • The ordination of women to positions of leadership • Successful business people in our congregations to boost our coffers • Highly educated people to explain Biblical concepts to the simpleminded • Our most urgent need is power; power; power. • Our most urgent need is the Holy Spirit. ___________________________ 1All scripture references from the King James Version. 2Acts 1 &2 3Also read The Acts of the Apostles by Ellen G. White Chapter 5: The Gift of the Spirit
Nature photography by Cheryl Edwards & ElonaNH Photography.