Chapter 1 - Meet the Spirit

After taking the summer off our singles group was eager to get started on our 10 week study, "Meeting the Spirit - John 16: 5-15"

The group discussed what our impressions were of the Holy Spirit and described our relationship and also fears about coming into close relationship with Him. We talked about the mood of the disciples as Jesus speaks to them about His leaving and the meaning of the term "the counselor" or the Greek word "parakletos", meaning beside, along side, by, with, to call, invite, summon. Counselor was better understood by the disciples as to the purpose and roll of the Holy Spirit - called alongside to give assistance - helper - advocate - friend -comforter.

There was an advantage to the disciples that Jesus would go away and the Spirit of God would come. Christ could only be in one place at a time physically, thus limiting His presence and the disciples ministry. More people could be reached with the disciples disbursed and spreading the gospel while the Holy Spirit indwells not only them but those baptized.

The Holy Spirit could then work to convict or convince those who hear the truth and message of Christ that, they have committed personal sin, that Jesus is the only righteous one, and that judgement will come on those who refuse Christ's offer of salvation.

It was important that the Holy Spirit convince the world that their "prince" was already condemed and had lost his battle when Christ died on the cross. So to give yourself to the world would be deadly - you would loose your life. The Holy Spirit would guide you in truth, would only speak what He hears and not on His own, and would tell you what is yet to come. Read Acts 20: 22-23 and see how Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit.

The disciples would later record the message of Christ in the books and letters of the New Testament. Jesus imparted authority in those writings through the ministry of the Holy Spirit to his closest followers by reminding them of his teachings and leading them into truth. Thus approving of what they will write as it will come from the Holy Spirit. "All that belongs to the Father is mine", He says. The Holy Spirit will bring glory to Christ by taking what is His and making it known to us. The Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ by taking what is Christs, which is also the Fathers, and make it known. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is distinct in oneself, yet still equally a part of Christ and the Father.

Next Thursday we will study Chapter 2 - The Spirit Invades - Have you ever been in a worship service or prayer group and sensed the Spirit moving in a powerful way? Let's discuss what you experienced. Have you sensed God's power at work in your heart? What happened? Let's discuss it - next Thursday.

The Challenge the group left with this week was to learn how to see people as Jesus sees them. We are to practice looking people in the eye this week and as much as possible. And every time we do this, remind ourselves that this person is created in the image of God and matters to God.

Next week each person is to bring in their favorite scripture or passage and share that with the group and what importance this brings to your life.

And as Christ spoke in Mathew 18:20 "Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Thank you Lord!

Please keep in your prayers each other, our pastor, and the multitude of helpers, leaders, ministers, and administrative people serving our Lord.