For Such A Time As This
In my morning devotions in the Bible Book of Acts I ran a search on the Cultural Indwelling of Spirit. I was amazed when my Logos Bible software yielded a response of 5, 824 results in 120 resources (Multiple Translations). What does this mean and how are we to apply this amount of data? At a basic conclusion it can be stated the indwelling presence of the Spirit is embedded into the Biblical life and times of people. It was understood that SPIRIT and spirit (Holy Spirit vs. divination) can indwell humans. I have been trained to observe the frequency of or lack of word usage or phrases as this adds to the overall meaning and trajectory of the authors message.
This search as it pertains to the Book of Acts is important to understanding the birth of the church in Acts. Christ’s words are riveting in chapter 1:4-8. This is the last words of Christ as He was ascending into Heaven. Literally, gravity released its grip and Christ was taken up in a cloud out of their sight. Christ’s instruction was, do not leave Jerusalem until you are baptized with the Holy Spirit and a result of this fact, you will receive power. This is the ignition point of the New Testament Church. The function of the Church was going to be different from the religious systems that had dominated national Israel even to the utter-most reaches of civilization.
While scripture gives numerous references to spiritual indwelling, Pentecost was going to be different from cultural understanding. Christ’s words were clear, “…He ordered them to not depart Jerusalem, but wait for the promise…” The nation was experiencing layered disruptions; Religious power systems were uprooted, Rome had conquered, and Christ had descended back to Heaven. The Disciples were now alone in one sense, but now they were going to wait for the abiding Holy Spirit presence. What was the impact? Here are 17 references of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in Acts – 1:8; 2:2-4, 17-18, 33, 38; 4:31; 5:15-16; 7:54-56; 8: 15-17; 9:17-19; 10:38, 44-47; 11:15-17; 13:9; 15:8-9; 16:16-18; 19:2-7.
It is safe to say the New Testament church grew while making a massive impact upon the communities where the Gospel was being preached. Our COVID world is a great opportunity for a fresh presence of the Holy Spirit to realign our missional purpose; “….All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18b-20 NIV.
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