In preparation for celebrating Pentecost as a faith community, we have commenced a Bible Message series entitled, "A Spirit for all time and all seasons".
A study of the Old Testament reveals that the Spirit of God is usually contained to encounters with a specific time frame or set purpose. Having acted in creation (Gen 1:2) the Spirit is continually mentioned in the carrying forward of God’s successful purposes. His ‘timely and seasonal’ Presence proved that success is assured through obedience to the Spirit, and that failure is inevitable when the Spirit departs.
Throughout the OT, we come to understand that the Spirit is always invisible but known by His effectiveness. We are never told of people experiencing particular feelings. His presence is made known by success, through the proclamation of God’s true message.
Interestingly, sometimes the Spirit came on people temporarily and sometimes more permanently. People did not seek the Spirit, but rather He came upon them at God’s will.
The Spirit was, is and always will be, the invisible, powerful presence of God carrying forward His purposes in history.
"A Timely, Seasonal Spirit"
1. The Spirit was ever-present before time began (Gen 1:2, Ps 33:6)
2. The Spirit strives with mankind (Gen 6:3)
3. The Spirit empowers God's servants for service (Num 27:18)
4. The Spirit inspires deliverance (1 Sam 16)
5. The Spirit encourages future hope (Isa 11:1-2, Micah 3)
Doctrine #3 - We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead - the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.
