Announcements
CONGRATULATIONS: to Mary Ann Albaugh at the birth of her great-granddaughter, Gioia Mia Albaugh, on Sunday, February 11, weighing 7 lbs., 11oz. and 19.3 inches long. The proud parents are Nathan & Jayanti Albaugh.
CAKE FELLOWSHIP: Next Sunday, February 25, after the evening service, we will have our church-wide cake fellowship. We ask that each family please bring a cake to share and drop it off in the kitchen before service begins.
LIVING CROSS NURSERY: We are in need of nursery workers for each night of the production. If you can help in this vital ministry, please sign up at the Welcome Desk.
From My Heart
The Holy Spirit
By: Dr. Curtis Hutson
A favorite story of A. J. Gordon was that of an American who wanted his English friend to see Niagara Falls. Taking him to the foot of the Falls, he said, “There’s the greatest unused power in the world.”
“Ah, no,” replied the Englishman, “that’s not so. The greatest unused power in the world is the Holy Spirit of the living God.”
When many people hear the minister speak about the Holy Spirit, they have only a very vague idea of what he means. Some Christians have indulged in such extreme fanaticism concerning this subject as to cause others to shy away from it altogether.
But it is precious to know that the Holy Spirit is a Person – not an influence, but a real Person. He is a Person just as Jesus is a Person. He is God just as the Heavenly Father is God. The Holy Spirit is here taking Jesus’ place on earth. He lives in the body of believers.
So, the best and simplest definition we know for the Holy Spirit is this: The Holy Spirit is God in the believer’s body.
What does the Holy Spirit do in this world? Many things. Among them are: He convicts of sin. He regenerates. He gives the new life. He seals us unto the day of redemption. He comforts in time of
sorrow. The same Holy Spirit who convicts and regenerates the unsaved, must fill and equip with power those who are saved: we cannot win men with our words or own wisdom. If we are in doubt about anything, the Holy Spirit will teach us God’s will. And He gives us power to overcome the Devil.
There is no power in us apart from the Holy Spirit.
The command to Christians, “Be filled with the Spirit,” is as much a command as repent, believe, be baptized, or any other command in the Word of God. And a once-for-all filling is not taught in the Word of God. We are leaky vessels, Moody used to say, and need to be continually replenished.
May the yearning and prayer of all Christians be that of Isaac Watts:
Come Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quick’ning powers;
Kindle a flame of sacred love
In these cold hearts of ours.
Original write-up adjusted to fit this space.