Things of the Spirit

RON HAMILTON, CCCC CONFERENCE MINISTER

A number of years ago I had the opportunity to speak to a gathering of people meeting to discuss ministry opportunities in our generation. My message focused on the need for reliance on the Holy Spirit and dependency on His work in our lives. Following the meeting, one man approached me and said, “Are you into the things of the Spirit?” My response was quick. “Yes, I am!”

I must confess that I am not sure what that person was probing about with his question. I know that he had some experiences with the charismatic movement that I had not shared. I also know that he was a very effective pastor and a respected ambassador for our Lord Jesus around the world. Whatever his motive for asking the question, I felt it necessary to declare my dependence on the Holy Spirit for my life and ministry.

As friends and members of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, I believe that we all share this dependence on the Holy Spirit. Our Statement of Faith includes these important words,

“We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by Whose indwelling power and fullness the Christian is enabled to live a godly life in this present evil world.”

Jesus said,

“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:5-6)

Our relationship with God flows from the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit convicts us of our sin and need for salvation. The Spirit draws us into a relationship with Jesus and renews our lives. The Spirit gives us strength for living and gifts for service. The Spirit even helps us in our prayer lives as we struggle to express our praise to God and our need for His work in our lives. I believe that any born again believer is “into the things of the Spirit.”

I also believe that Satan works to divide the church and limit our effective witness in this world. One area of division is the debate about the work of the Holy Spirit. Christians have far more in common about what they believe about the Holy Spirit than they have matters that divide them. All believers are “into the things of the Spirit.” I appreciate the words of the contemporary song, “Holy Spirit” by Bryan and Katie Torwalt,

Let us become more aware of Your Presence.
Let us experience the Glory of Your Goodness.