5. What is your conception of the activity of the Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of believers, and in responsible living in the world?
In the Gospel of John, Jesus talks with the disciples about how the paraclete, an advocate, a comforter, a counselor, an intercessor – the Holy Spirit – would be sent to teach and to remind us of all that Jesus taught and to work within us as the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit works in the hearts of all humanity to form within us all a knowledge of who God is and what God requires of us. Jesus told the disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit into the world to “prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:7-11). The Holy Spirit has convicted everyone of sin whether they recognize it or not. Some may call it conscience, but it is the Spirit that applies the truths of God to the minds of women and men to convince them that they are sinners. In this capacity the Holy Spirit is the agent of God’s prevenient grace convicting men and women of their sins. Responding to that conviction brings us to salvation.
The Spirit takes up residence in our hearts when we are saved, confirming for us our new life in Christ. Jesus said He would send the Spirit to us to be our Helper, Comforter, and Guide. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever” (John 14:16). The Spirit’s presence within us enables us to understand and interpret God’s Word. Jesus told His disciples, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13a). The Holy Spirit reveals to us the whole counsel of God as it relates to worship, doctrine, and Christian living. The Holy Spirit goes before us, leads the way, and helps us to navigate as we journey through life. A crucial part of the truth the Holy Spirit reveals is that Jesus is who he said he is. “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf” (John 15:26).
The Holy Spirit is also the source of spiritual gifts. First Corinthians 12 describes the spiritual gifts given to believers in order that we may function as the body of Christ. All these gifts, both great and small, are given by the Spirit so that we may be Christ’s ambassadors to the world.
On a personal note, the Holy Spirit is more than just a theological proclamation. The Holy Spirit is that which enables me to “move my feet.” Without the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit of God, operating within my life I could not in any way function as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am by nature an extremely shy person, but the enabling presence of the Holy Spirit gives me the strength and courage necessary to complete the work God has placed before me. For me to serve in the roll of pastor is no less a miracle than Peter, at Christ’s call, walking on water. Just as God enabled Peter to walk upon the waves, so does the Holy Spirit of God enable me to walk above my fears. And like all other humans who struggles with the limitations imposed upon them by the human condition, I rely upon Strength outside myself, to live a life acceptable to God.
