ha. First, the Holy Spirit provides conviction of sin to all people. I think as we read about the body of Christ around the world, we often find evidences of extraordinary things occurring. And I also believe that other times, we look and look and they just don’t come because it’s not how God is at work. Holy Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death (Rom. That’s one reason I hold my current beliefs with an open hand because I trust God is always transforming us to more full truths. My views have changed over the years. That’s why He asks us to believe! I think the point is not God’s continued mercy, but our ability to receive it. Are the gifts of the Holy Spirit still active today? But it’s one that moves me when others share it. The Holy Spirit doesn't wait for people to have their lives in total order before he moves powerfully. He works in many ways in the lives of Christians as well as working to convict those who are not saved. The differences are real. If you look at the Old and the New Testament you will discover that throughout most of the history of God’s people, there were few miracles. If it once was, it still is, however, there are certain qualification that must be present in our life. The Holy Spirit speaks, He has emotions, He makes choices, He interacts with people, He gives love, wisdom and power, He guides us and teaches us, and so on. Many Christians have been influenced by the doctrine that the gifts of the Spirit are no longer for this time and age. This is a deep subject, and the Bible even tells us the following: “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12. I’ve been blinded in the past by my own disbelief in them to have seen as many as I could have (if that makes sense). The reason the miraculous gifts were given to the early church (or at least one of the reasons) was to testify to the validity of the message taught by the apostles and other inspired teachers at a time when the New Testament was not yet complete. I do believe the Holy Spirit is very active today, but personally I don’t think what we call the “sign gifts” are what He primarily uses today. But neither should we take steps to artificially induce them.”. Thanks for your personal testimony, Mary. I’m so terrible at finishing books…I have a lot of them started, though. So much to learn from each other indeed! Using the bible, the Spirit teaches and convicts us of the truth and assures us that they are saved (1Jn 3:24, 2Cor 1:22, Eph 1:13; 4:30) It is the Spirit in our lives that unites us to Christ in his death and resurrection (Rom 6:1-11, Gal 2:20). 32 thoughts on “ Holy Spirit – Still Active Today or Not? I think people are often more open to seeing and receiving from the Spirit in countries outside of the States. Perhaps that is how God is moving there or perhaps they are more likely to come to Him in childlike faith without so much thinking included. This is true for me, too: “I have seen excesses, but I have also been in quiet settings where I have seen power that was undeniable.” I’m so glad the Spirit knows how to show up regardless of the situation. Thanks for stopping in, Margaret. He works in many ways in the lives of Christians as well as working to convict those who are not saved. Because I have been blessed to have witnessed a number of miracles I can honestly say I’ve seen the Holy Spirit at work. It is not a person but is a powerful force that God causes to emanate from himself to accomplish his holy will (Reasoning from the Scriptures 1985, 81). And the primary reason God continues to heal after Pentecost is because he is a merciful, compassionate God. . He does say worship can be awakened, sustained, and energized by the Spirit. You likely have one, too. However, because we have the completed Words of God, the Spirit does … First, "receiving the Holy Spirit" is the same as "the baptism in the Holy Spirit." Sometimes it’s a good thing when you know NOT to finish a book. And I caught a couple of typos, too…. But instead, “beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” If the Word of God is God-breathed, it seems natural that it would be the primary way He speaks to people these days. For example, I don’t think we necessarily need to speak in tongues during a meeting with fellow Christians. (See here for full justification.) I particularly enjoyed Chapter 12, “The Importance of Worship in the Spirit.” Storms doesn’t say worship itself is a gift of the Spirit. When in actuality even nature shows us His awe! May you have a Blessed Holy Week! I have seen both sides of it- being in a church where I was taught that the gifts of the Holy Spirit didn’t operate today and also a church where the gifts of the Spirit were encouraged but where I think there was some wrong and dangerous teaching around them- e.g. It is not a giving up of food (or some activity) for its own sake. What is the difference between postmillenialism, premillenialism and amillenialism, and which is the more biblical view? I appreciate you sharing that. As Andrew says there are still raw miracles and moves of the Holy Spirit by seemingly ordinary people who truly follow Jesus. So chapter by chapter, gift by gift, Storms writes why he does believe that the Spirit still works through humans with special gifts. Thanks for sharing this here. Being a cessationist doesn’t mean I think the Holy Spirit is inactive or is just waiting behind the scenes quietly until the end of the world. They are not necessarily meant for believers, but for unbelievers to see and know Christ. I’m pretty fond of God in a nice neat box, but I’ve learned that there is peril in this, and am getting more and more comfortable with saying things like, “I don’t know for sure, but I’m hesitant to limit God by saying what He will or won’t do to manifest His glory.”. The Holy S pirit is the third person of the Blessed Trinity, just as active in the world today as ever. I’m always amazed at stories of missionaries in foreign countries. The Holy Spirit is quite active in our lives, and I think it’s important to see how the Holy Spirit takes action today. There are many, many testimonies of people who weren't even Christians, but have felt the incredible power of the Spirit – often it's been instrumental in their decision to follow Jesus; the Alpha course is built … He just asked me if I had ever spoken in tongues and then told me I could “prime the pump” by loosening my jaw and saying syllables over and over, and eventually it would come. Which is correct? those who mostly cultivate fear and reverence and those who aim for joy and love. That’s the here humanity has reached…. He is not some impersonal power, like energy. All rights reserved. Fruit of the Spirit is the product of faith. First, He does a work in the hearts of all people everywhere. Satan is beneath you, in Christ’s name.”, “We are to pray, ‘Come, Holy Spirit,’ and be confident that he will, whether or not manifestations follow. Were the Jews in the first century aware that the Christians claimed they were responsible for the death of Jesus? 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