October 22, 2023
Greetings and blessings to all of you. We saints do not speak of the Holy Spirit much. We speak about God; about Jesus. But for whatever reason we do not speak on the Holy Spirit. We cannot live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit. “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (I Cor. 2:11) The Holy Spirit is a person (not a force) who knows the things of God and reveals to us what he Himself knows. Countless sincere believers are going astray by trying to get hold of some ‘divine power’ that they can use according to their will. But God has given each believer (the Holy Spirit) to be used according to His infinitely wise and loving will. In John 14:15-18 says, “If you love me keep my commandments, And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever---the Spirit of Truth, who the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans I will come to you.” Scripture clearly indicates that believers are indwelled with the Holy Spirit. At the moment of conversion, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit. After that the seal of the Holy Spirit serves as a mark that we truly belong to Christ. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “In Him you also when you heard the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it- to the praise of His glory.” Romans 8:9-10 declares, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit, you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” God’s Spirit protects us and guarantees our eternity with the Lord. The seal of the Holy Spirit shows us God’s role in His salvation for us. When we receive salvation in Christ, we are given a guarantee- an exchanged life- and are protected against forces of evil and we will have joy that the world cannot take away. “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 Do you want to live a life of peace, and joy? Surrender moment by moment to the Holy Spirit that lives in you.
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC