Vantage
point
The
Holy Spirit, our Guide
In Acts 15, Christian leaders were
debating issues raised by the flood of new Gentile believers who were joining
the church.
The Jerusalem Council prefaced
their decision with these words: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit
and to us….” Here is an early pattern for Christian living. When
Christians make important decisions, they must make them based upon, first
of all, what seems good to the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is our Guide. “When
he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John
16:13).
His guidance is available to every
believer. It is God’s desire that we be able to hear His voice. Then
we can say with confidence, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit is not a distant
third in the Trinity. He is the One who was given specifically to the church
when Jesus ascended into heaven. He is the other Comforter that Jesus promised.
Our relationship with Him should be close and intense.
Once as I approached
the freeway off-ramp prior to the one I intended to take, I heard
the Holy Spirit whisper, Take this one.
I practically swerved to make the
early exit, not knowing why I was doing it. Until I rounded the curve. There
on the shoulder was a young couple with a broken-down vehicle. As I helped
them get back on their way, I talked to them about the Lord. I learned they
were backslidden youngsters who had been raised in the Assemblies of God.
Before we parted, they promised
me they’d be back in church that Sunday. The Holy Spirit had given clear
direction, and confirmed it.
The Holy Spirit’s guidance
is available for large things and for small, for longstanding difficulties
and spontaneous needs. It is important that we live with spiritual ears attuned
to His voice.
Pentecost Sunday recognizes the
coming of the Holy Spirit. It is reassuring to know He is not a mysterious
force; He is a close Friend who will guide our lives on the right paths.
Ken Horn
E-mail your comments to pe@ag.org.
