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THE CHURCH AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is a redemptive phenomenon promised to the Church. While the Word is the intelligence of the Lord revealed, the Holy Spirit is the power expressed. As there can be no substitute for the Gospel, there can be no substitute for the person, character, and power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that validates ministry; selects leaders; empowers workers; adjust prejudice; provide directions; and gives counsel and wisdom.

The Holy Spirit can be pleased and grieved. He is grieved when the objectives, priorities, and strategies of the Church deviate from the primary intention of knowing God and making Him known. He is grieved when the Church subjects the demand to preach, teach, and demonstrate to methods and strategies that do not focus upon the name and mission of the Lord Jesus. He is pleased when the Church heals, restores, delivers, illuminates, persuades, and reconciles an estranged world. He is pleased when the Church is united in word, doctrine, and spirit. The unity of the Church is still a tremendous evangelistic tool. The words of the Lord Jesus to make them one that the world may know of His coming is still foundational for the Church.