Dear brothers and sisters! Happy Trinity Day! The day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles is a unique event of the birth of the church, and beginning of the ministry of the Holy Spirit which continues to this day.
The Holy Spirit convicts “the world about sin, and righteousness, and judgment”, gives the power for ministry, creates true unity within the church, gives the gifts for ministry and edification of the church, and continues the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus said the following words: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (John 14:26). This ministry takes place simultaneously in many countries, in many cultures, and at different times in lives of true disciples of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit illumines our minds to understand the Scriptures and empowers us to be obedient.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit happens at the moment of being born again, when the Holy Spirit places a person into the body of Jesus Christ, His universal church. During this time, the person becomes filled by the Holy Spirit. A true disciple of Jesus Christ experiences being filled by the Holy Spirit many times throughout their life. As we are being filled by the Holy Spirit, we are experiencing the fullness, power, wisdom, and victory over sin, His guidance and feel His presence through various circumstances of life. Because of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is able to abide with us continuously until the end of the age.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church is the best foundation for church growth, personal sanctification, and growing in the likeness of Jesus Christ! The Holy Spirit reveals to us our true condition of the heart and points out the areas where we need to change, what we need to part with, and how are we to “have a life in abundance”. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ as He reveals to us His teaching. Praise God!
President of PCSBA ECB, Ivan Mileyev
