(5-01-05)

Acts 13:1-3

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the great unfolding of Gods purposes for His Church? Jesus said he would build his Kingdom, called the church (Mat.16:18). In Jn.18:36 Jesus indicates that his kingdom is not of this world but from another place. In regard to that Kingdom Paul writes (1Cor.15:50) that "flesh and blood will not inherit it" the reason is because it is not an "of this world kingdom". Those who come into this kingdom are qualified by the Father to enter by the means of redemption, which includes our sins being forgiven. (Col.1:12-14) Not only is there a future existence in this kingdom to look forward to but a present existence. Rev.1:5b-6 "to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen."

Jesus indicated that he had to return to the father so that the Holy Spirit could be sent. (Jn.16:5-17) Jesus, in order to complete his purpose, needed to tell his disciples about the Spirits role in the Kingdom building process. Ver.7 indicates the need. Ver.8-11 speaks of some of the Spirits workings and so does Vers.13-15

Because of the magnitude of the Spirits role and because of Jesus’ insistence upon it coming, and because of the Holy Scriptures emphasis of its workings in and amongst the Church, we would be wise to gain a better understanding of its role.

In Acts 13:2, 4; Luke records that the Holy Spirit spoke to the Church, and that the Holy Spirit sent the two men. The sending seems to be in reference to the content of what the Spirit had said in vers.2+3. Several things are important for us. The Holy Spirit has a voice in the early church and has authority, but this is not a new thing as is seen in Steven’s sermon in Acts 7 (51-53) "you are just like your fathers: you always resist the Holy Spirit" The evidence for the H. S. speaking is over whelming both in old and new Testament. Acts 1:16; 4:25; 28:25.

We can see that the Holy Spirit sent Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:2,4. Another working of the H.S. seems to be involved in the selection of bishops (elders) Acts20:28 "keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God which he bought with his own blood." The evidence indicates that the Holy Spirit was an intricate part of the early churches belief structure, a vital and absolute part. Acts1:2 "…after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the Apostles he had chosen.." Peter Spoke by it, 4:8 Ananias Lied to it, 5:3 people being filled with it, 2:4; 4:31; 7:55; 11:24; church was comforted by it, 9:31 and the church was spoken to by as has already been said.

Here is our struggle today, these things so far mentioned are light things (not irrelevant) the more weighty things seem yet to be spoken. The love of God is poured into us by – "Rom.5:5 "…because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Later in the same letter he indicates that the H.S. is involved in the process of our righteousness , peace and joy. 14:17 also we find that sanctification comes from the H.S. 15:16 "…gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." We find in 1Cor.6:19 that the body is the temple for the Holy Spirit. It is communed with 2Cor13:14, Sealed by Eph.1:13, and in danger of being grieved Eph.4:30. We are even saved by Titus 3:5 –6 "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our savior," It is given by God 1Thes.4:1-8 (8) as Paul ends his argument by saying. Christians also are made partakers of Heb.6:4-6 . and we are instructed to pray in. Jude 17-21

What does the Church have if we separate ourselves from the Holy Spirit? What do we have individually if we remove the Spirit from our lives? When we look for ways to limit it, we set up in our minds reason to doubt all of its role. Satan sets up and uses that process to the ruin and destruction of many. Jude 18 –19 the last times are upon us. The Church is in great struggle and needs to know – God still gives his Holy Spirit!