There are hundreds of Scriptures that tell us about the work of the Holy Spirit in Bible times. On the day of Pentecost, around 33 AD (Acts 2:1-4), the Holy Spirit had a significant role in the birth to the Church as a body of living members where the risen Christ serves as Head (Romans 12:4-5, I Corinthians 12:12, 27, Ephesians 1:22, 4:4, 5:23, Colossians 1:18, 24). The foundation of the Church is the death and resurrection of Christ (I Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 1:20-23, 2:15-16). In a way, one might say the "new man" is the Church. Jesus, Himself, told His disciples the kingdom of heaven was within them (Luke 17:21). However, what does that mean for us today? What is the application of all we have learned?
The Holy Spirit was sent to possess and indwell the church of the living God as the temple of God. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would NEVER leave His people and the Bible teaches that He indwells the whole church and individual believers simultaneously (John 14:17, Romans 8:1, 11, I Corinthians 6:19 -20, II Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 2:19-22). Why? As we previously noted, the Holy Spirit blesses and gives gifts for Christians to experience spiritual life, fruitfulness and service. True spiritual life is brought to us by the spirit of God (John 15:1-8, Romans 8, Galatians 5:22-23). I heard a preacher once say, “The life of Christ is the law of the Spirit but it makes the Holy Spirit the fruit-bearer, and makes us a fruit-wearer, because our spiritual life is in Him.”
Jesus was clear in His command to the apostles when He said: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4-5) Everything they were trained for was about to make sense. They would be filled with the Holy Spirit and, therefore, become witnesses in “Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We often talk about the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16), but this was where it all began!
The Bible says, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.” (Acts 2:1-5) Can you imagine what it would have been like to be in that place?
The Holy Spirit of God moved the early church to do amazing things. He empowered them, indwells them, anointed them, gifted them, and blessed them to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. If the Holy Spirit is God (which He is)… And, God is unchanging (which He is)… And, the foundation and the future of the kingdom was/is dependent upon His work (which it was, and is)… Why would anyone seek to dismiss, dispel, dispense, or destroy His effort(s)? Who would do such a thing? None who are submissive the will of God!
From Pentecost to present, the Holy Spirit is still at work! We need to study what He is doing, why He is doing it, and how it affects the kingdom. Keep your mind and your Bible open. God is hoping to grab your attention!
You are loved.
Dr. Ray Reynolds
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