Understanding The Person and Ministry of The Holy Spirit (Part 7)

THE CHURCH

The Holy Spirit serves several purposes in the Church. He…

FORMED IT:

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord;
In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

INSPIRES ITS WORSHIP:

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3)

DIRECTS ITS MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES:

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. (Acts 8:29)

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; but the Spirit suffered them not.

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (Acts 16:6,7,10)

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:2,4)

CALLS MINISTERS:

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)

ANOINTS ITS PREACHERS:

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. (I Corinthians 2:4)

GUIDES ITS DECISIONS:

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. (Acts 15:28)

BAPTIZES IT WITH POWER:

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as a fire, and it sat upon each of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other

tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)