Monday, June 27, 2005

Holy Spirit - Alive or Dead?

I am discouraged beyond words. I went to "church" yesterday and sat and listened to our preacher proclaim that the Holy Spirit does NOT urge, nudge, guide by intuition, or in any other way actively work in our lives. The preacher claims that the Holy Spirit works ONLY through the written word.

So is there a Trinity or isn't there? Or is it just a Duo?

I think back to the many times the Spirit has been active in my life:

Who else whispered the verses in my ear, when I was so discouraged I despaired even of life when I found out my husband (now ex) was abusing my daughter. (i.e. "Joy cometh in the morning." "The Lord's lovingkindesses indeed never cease, His compassions never fail. They are new every morning." "I will restore the years that the locust has eaten." "I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope." "I will bind up the wounds of the broken hearted." "He is faithful and He will bring it to pass." And a host of others. I am NOT downplaying the value of the Word. The knowlege base had to be there--but just because I knew those verses did not mean I could call them to mind in those horrendous circumstances! I could barely put one foot in front of the other!!

Who else danced with me on those dark nights when I could do nothing but praise Him? And who gave me the ability to do just that even though my heart was breaking?

Who held me up when all I wanted to do was lay down and die?

Who brought people into my life at just the right time who would say just the right thing to me?

Who filled up all the other cars so that I had to be the front seat passenger in a van with the man who would become my husband--who loves me and tenderly cares for me like none other before him?

So.... He only works through the written word????

How many of you can share Holy Spirit experiences from your own lives?

As for me, I believe I will claim I Thessalonians 5:19 "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit."

My heart is breaking!! Please pray for me and my husband as we struggle through this.

5 comments:

Jenny said...

The Holy Spirit is alive. He, as mh said is a HE and not an IT. The written word could be an IT, but not the spirit of Jesus.

I pray for you and E that you remain strong in your convictions, and that your pastor does not lead others who are less strong than you into believing what is not true.

Thank you for your loving comments on my blog today. You and E are on my heart I know you will come through this OK.

Corry said...

I agree with both. The written word may explain what the Holy Spirit is and does, but the Holy Spirit is that small voice in your heart. That is my understanding and belief:-)

God's Grace.

CL said...

Joyce, Thanks for you encouraging words on my blog. I am sorry that you had to sit through what I personally would consider blasphemy. There was also a church here in town, where an elder got up during the middle of a song that read "Spirit we adore you" and he began to let everyone know "WE WILL NOT WORSHIP THE SPIRIT" God be with us! Blessings to you.

Neal said...

Heaven help us ministers, and God bless you, Joyce. You know how I feel about the matter. They just stepped out of Christianity and into their own little sect.

Paris David said...

Just in case you're still wondering and blogging and checking, yes, the Holy Spirit lives.

I experienced an amazing Holy Ghost filling -- biblically-based, mind you -- in the front of my sanctuary.

I pray the same and many more for you, so that no one can make you doubt it.