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June 2007
Insight is a monthly contribution on remarkable topics dedicated for thoughts, reflection and prayers. Please feel free to contribute to this page what you would like to share with others.
AFTER PENTECOST WHAT NEXT?
Most of us, if not all, find ourselves struggling every day with the challenges of the Christian life. But this is certainly nothing new. While the living of the Christian ideal brings great joy, it has always been a challenge for those who have desired to take seriously the teachings of Jesus.
After Pentecost, what next?
Peter preached boldly and performed many miracles.
Peter's actions demonstrate vividly the source and effects of Christian power. Because of the Holy Spirit, God's people were empowered so they could accomplish their tasks. The Holy Spirit is still available to give us the strength, courage, and insight to accomplish our mission work for God today.
Paul's missionary adventures show us the progress of Christianity. The gospel could not be confined to one corner of the world. This was a faith that offered hope to all humanity. We too should venture today and share in this challenging task to witness for Christ in our local community and in all the world.
After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit's work demonstrated that Christianity was supernatural. Thus the Church became more Holy Spirit conscious than problem-conscious. By faith, any believer can claim the Holy Spirit's power to do Christ's work of mission of healing, preaching, and living as Jesus' disciples.
When the Holy Spirit works, there is movement, excitement, and growth. He gives us the motivation, energy, and ability to get the gospel to the whole world. How are you fitting into God's plan for sharing your faith? What is your place in this anointed ministry?
Modicum Okello (Rev)
The Holy Spirit and Youth Today!
There are some young people who love to wear slender golden chain around their neck. Are you the type?
"This slender golden chain of life the gift and work of Your Spirit, created by the breath of your salvation, forged in the fire of your refinement"
What, I wonder, does the Holy Spirit mean to you? Is he a real, tangible personality, but One who, more than often not, you sense as absent?
We are aware that the scripture gives us some clue what the Holt Spirit is. In John 14:15-31 we sense that the Holy Spirit is like the wind. Wind cannot be seen, but it can be felt. Our Lord tells us in the words of the above text that one of the reasons why the world cannot know the Holy Spirit is because it cannot see Him. But contrast this with what He says about His own: 'But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you' John 14:17.
The word 'know' signifies a true and close relationship between the person knowing and the person known. Hence it is more than knowing about - it is knowing in a deep and intimate way. When the Holy Spirit is received He is also perceived. To know Him is to be swayed by His truth, inspired by His love, kept by His grace, led by His hand, sustained by His presence, cheered by His promise and used in His service.
The invisibility of something does not negate its reality. Although the Spirit cannot be seen He is nevertheless real. There is something wrong with a Christian if he or she does not feel the Spirit at work within, prompting, pleading, guiding and motivating.
A sceptic once said to a Christian, 'I do not believe there is a Holy Spirit. No one has ever seen Him. I do not believe in anything I cannot see. 'The Christian replied, 'Permit me to ask you three questions: 'Have you ever seen a pain?' 'No, said the sceptic. Have you ever tasted a pain?. Again the answer was 'No.' 'Have you ever felt pain?. 'Oh yes,' admitted the sceptic, 'many times.' 'That's how it is with the Spirit,' said the Christian. 'I have never seen Him, never tasted Him, but I have felt Him at work deep within my soul. And how!
Modicum Okello (Rev)
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