“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.”
Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (KJV)
When asked if he believed that miracles and gifts of the Spirit were only for the Early Church, Reformed pastor and theologian Andrew Murray (1828-1917) replied, “Ah, no! What about the power of heathenism even today wherever the gospel seeks to combat it, even in our modern society, and in the midst of the ignorance and unbelief which reigns even in the Christian nations?”
Does 21st century Christianity need the Holy Spirit’s help? Definitely! Dependence on the Spirit is an aspect of humility. To reject Him is an aspect of rebellion and a trick of the adversary. Paganism hasn’t changed. Humanity hasn’t changed. Secularism and relativism haven’t changed. People still have serious questions. And people still reject the truth. How could the Church not need the work of the Holy Spirit?
We need the power and acts of the Holy Spirit as much as the 1st century believers did. In fact, the Church will not survive without His help.
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your Spirit. Forgive us for ever thinking that we could achieve your goals by our own power. Fill us with the Holy Spirit and power that we might do the works of God. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today by the work of the Holy Spirit,