was out of this “hovering” (NKJV) that
These are exciting and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word
God brought physical life to the planet. of God: praying always with all prayer
Today, it is out of the brooding of the
thrilling days. Based on the
and supplication in the Spirit, and watch-
Holy Spirit that spiritual life is being ing thereunto with all perseverance and
imparted. In 1900, there were 500 million
ministry of the Holy Spirit,
supplication for all saints” (Ephesians
Christians, with 3 million being Spirit- 6:17-18). Prayer is part of the armor of
filled—a ratio of 1 to 150. In 2002, there
believers are called to deepen
God. This is one reason prayer is the first
were 2 billion Christians, with 500 mil- of three initiatives that have been set
lion Spirit-filled—a ratio of 1 to 4. An
their relationship with God, as
forth by the International Executive
astounding move of the Spirit is taking Committee.
place! It is a Holy Spirit revival, unprece-
well as to be responsive and
These are exciting and thrilling days.
dented in human history. Based on the ministry of the Holy Spir-
2. Breathing. Genesis 2:7 records,
obedient to the leading of the
it, believers are called to deepen their
“[God] breathed into [man’s] nostrils the relationship with God, as well as to be
breath of life; and man became a living
Holy Spirit. Believers are
responsive and obedient to the leading
being” (NKJV). Here, the Hebrew word for of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to
breath also means “spirit.” Literally, God
called to partner with the
partner with the Holy Spirit in the bat-
breathed Spirit-breath into Adam. Today, tle for the souls of people.
the Holy Spirit is breathing on planet
Holy Spirit in the battle for
New converts are being swept into the
Earth again and bringing a revelation of kingdom of God every day. It is impera-
the person and work of Jesus Christ.
the souls of people.
tive that we ask, “Who will teach them if
3. Birthing. The function of the Holy we do not? And how are we going to teach
Spirit is to bring life through new birth. them if we do not spend time mining
The covering, brooding, and breathing of nuggets out of God’s Word?”
the Holy Spirit are likened to the overshadowing of Mary. Jesus With the end-times revival that is taking place, it is incumbent
was virgin-born due to the wonderful ministry of the Spirit. Today, upon all of us to not just have an experience but to have a rela-
the Holy Spirit is just as active, birthing millions of people into the tionship with God; to fully understand the truth of His Word so
kingdom of God. we can share His love as revealed in Jesus Christ through the gift
4. Battling. We are instructed, “Take the helmet of salvation, and and power of the Holy Spirit.
The Ministry of
the Holy Spirit
• He causes the individual to become a new creation in Christ
(2 Corinthians 5:17).
• He indwells believers and seals them (Romans 8:14-17;
1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 4:6-7; and Ephesians 1:13).
• He gives the believer continual access to the Father
(Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:18).
• He provides inner strength and growth resources (Ephesians 3).
• He helps the believer to grow toward practical sanctification (2 Thessalonians 2).
• He calls believers to character, ministry, and service (Ephesians 4).
• He strengthens the inner testimony regarding Christ and His lordship (John 5:26-27).
• He guides the believer into truth—a revealing of future things, always glorifying Christ Jesus
(John 16:12-15).
EVANGEL • MAY 2009 7
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