BULLETIN ARTICLE – 25 March 2018

Since the beginning of this year, our Sunday morning ministry sermons have focussed on Acts – the Acts of the Apostles. This Bible book is sometimes more affectionately described as the Acts of the Holy Spirit instead. Through it, we see how the Holy Spirit was working in the early Church. Acts is peppered with many actions and events but our passage for today, Acts 5:12-16, is one of the little summaries in the Bible book. In fact, such summary statements often occur at important stages in the growth of the church in Jerusalem (see Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37, 5:11-16, 5:42, 6:7 and 8:4).

The same Holy Spirit who was working in the early Church about 2000 years ago still empowers the Church today. While Acts is a historical account of what happened then, the Holy Spirit is not history. He still lives in every Christian and works to accomplish God’s will and work in our lives.

Think upon the testimonies of many who have shared about how God has helped them through impossible situations and you will be convinced that the Holy Spirit still works miracles in the lives of Christians and others today. Think upon the continued existence of the Universal Church through the ages, and our local church here at Bethesda (Katong) and you can see how the Holy Spirit continues to unite Christian in love and unity. Reflect upon the power of the Gospel message and how the Holy Spirit uses it to work in the lives of people and their families and we can see the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in the area of salvation through faith in Jesus.

Consider how the Holy Spirit continues to heal and restore the sick and we know that He has the authority over physical illness and even death. We do not lose hope nor do we need to fear. Think upon how the Holy Spirit sets people free from demons and curses and breaks their bondage to evil and we see the power of the Holy Spirit over the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and over the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

So my fellow Christians, the Holy Spirit continues to work in this world, and in all of us. He empowers us to live out God’s will for us, for the Church, and for the whole world. There may be moments when we feel we are losing the battle, when we are overwhelmed by ministry, and when we feel powerless in our life situations. Nevertheless, be encouraged and do not fear. The same Holy Spirit who worked so powerfully in the early Church is very much alive today. He can be fully trusted always and will empower you to great works to bring praise, honour and glory to God.