03. Introduction
Introduction The ministry of the Holy Spirit is very important in spiritual life. In the third chapter, verses 2 Corinthians 3:6-12 of his second letter to Corinthians the apostle Paul wrote about two different ministries: the first, “ministry of the letter” in the time of the Old Testament, and the second: “ministry of the Spirit” in the time of the New Testament. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is also said to be glorious.
Why are there so many different religions in the world? Why are there so many different churches in the world? Why are there so many different teachings, so many different convictions etc? This problem can be only solved by one true answer. The answer is: people don’t follow God’s commandments and orders of Jesus Christ! It wasn’t so from the beginning. The Word of God is the only light for life, especially spiritual life. The apostles lived with Jesus for 3 and a half years. I am sure they had perfect theological teaching. He taught them and they saw His miracles. But it wasn’t enough for their future ministry of spreading the Gospel. Jesus commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which youhave heard me speak about.” (Acts 1:4) And later: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8) This command was not only given to the disciples, but also to all believers, because we read: “The promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off - for all whom theLord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39) The order “wait for my Father’s promise”, i.e. for the baptism with the Holy Spirit, is the most serious message for all who want to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is most important for all believers because Jesus said to the apostles: “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) But when we don’t receive the Holy Spirit, how can He lead us into the truth? It is impossible. Nowadays it is the greatest problem in Christianity, because there are more than 1,000 kinds of Christian believers and Christian teachings today. In the time of the apostles there were 3 types of Christians:
(1) Strong believers who obeyed Jesus’ commands: they repented, were baptized and then theyreceived the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37-39)
(2) Disciples in Samaria: they believed in Jesus and were all baptized in water, but none of them received the promise of the Holy Spirit. Therefore the apostles from Jerusalem came to Samaria and “prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (For as yet he wasfallen upon none of them, only they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 8:15-17)
(3) Disciples in Ephesus: Apostle Paul asked them: „Have you received the Holy Spirit, since you believed?” And they answered: „We have not so much as heard whether there be anyHoly Spirit!” (Acts 19:1-6) But after that, all of them received the fullness of the Gospel. The main result was: all of them started to teach only one teaching and preached the same Gospel. And therefore in those times “all the believers were one in heart and mind.” It was the workof the Holy Spirit. They shared everything they had, nobody was needy or poor, they gave testimonies with great power and great grace was upon them all etc (Acts 4:32-34). But today there are very few Christians who want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Therefore there are so many different teachings and groups of believers because they have never received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Many Christians have forgotten what Jesus said: “Nevertheless Itell you: It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the COMFORTER (the HolySpirit) will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7)! The Comforter has a great role in the life of the Christian church. He is the main builder of the Church now because he takes place of Jesus Christ on the earth. We can do nothing without Jesus – because he told us so (John 15:5). The same is valid for the Holy Spirit, because only He is therepresentative of Jesus Christ. Nobody can substitute for him. This is very important. Even the best theological school cannot substitute the Person of the Holy Spirit.