We say we believe in God. We also believe in Jesus His only Son. And … hesitantly perhaps … we also believe in the Holy Spirit.
I say hesitantly because most people believe even though they might not know what to believe. And that’s not always their fault.
Sure, they’ve heard what happened at Pentecost, and how the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. They’ve heard of the Annunciation and the Virgin Birth, and the Holy Spirit appearing at Christ’s baptism.
But apart from these and other stories about the Holy Spirit, people are left with a void, a mystery, something or someone to believe in without question. To them, the Holy Spirit is confined to the pages of the Bible, to be believed in and not dwelt upon for too long.
The important questions are rarely asked:
Is the Holy Spirit relevant to them today? Is the Holy Spirit here now?
Of course He is. And what is more, He is here to guide us throughout our lives, through difficult times and good ones, showing us the way, and teaching us what to say and do.
Yet many people, Christians in every other respect, are unaware of this fact.
Perhaps because they don’t understand, they have not been told, they have not been taught. Perhaps too because of their confusion in accepting and comprehending the Holy Spirit in-dwelling within ourselves.
Why is the church sometimes so reticent in proclaiming this – the greatest news and central message of our Christianity?
God, Christ, is/are with us right now. Through the Holy Spirit.
I think some Christians shy away from the Holy Spirit because they equate Him with speaking in tongues or rolling around on the floor of the church as if possessed. So sad! The Holy Spirit IS God and Jesus living within us and guiding us toward a life of righteousness. He is not something to be feared, but to be embraced wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Victor!
Well said, Martha. Yes, you are right. Many people do not understand Who the Holy Spirit is. Sadly, not many churches explain Who the Holy Spirit is in their sermons.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
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ReplyDeleteYeah, sometimes the Holy Spirit feels like the forgotten part of the Trinity. I pray directly to the Holy Spirit in one of my prayers. "Come Holy Spirit, come into my heart, so that it increases my faith and be pulled closer to you."
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful prayer, Manny. The Holy Spirit guides us often, without us even realising it.
DeleteGod bless you and your family.
Hi Victor! I have always believed that the Holy Spirit is the love that comes directly from the Father and the Son. That love is powerful and healing and live-giving if we allow it into our hearts.
ReplyDeleteAs I think about it, the Holy Spirit isn't taught a lot from the pulpit, but I'm going to pay a little closer attention these days and see if I am just not being attentive enough. A sure possibility!
Happy New Year to you and yours,
Ceil
You are right, Ceil. Very rarely is the Holy Spirit mentioned from the pulpit on Sundays. Perhaps priests are cautious on how to approach this subject in case the "modern" congregation does not understand. The early Christians understood the Holy Spirit well because they had witnessed Him many times.
DeleteBest wishes for a splendid New Year to you and your family.
God bless.
The HOLY Spirit is the part of the Trinity that is constantly with us. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever-- John 14:16
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Victor!
Well said, Lulu, and too true.
DeleteGod bless you always.