12 Dec 05 113439699050406986

I hold to the position that the Holy Spirit is active and at work in the lives of God’s people today. I disagree with those who maintain that the work of the Holy Spirit is confined only to the Bible. Let me give you an example of the recent work of the Holy Spirit.

I preached (part two) of a sermon series from John 10 focusing on abundant life. My aim was to show what Jesus really had in mind with the words “I came to give life–life in all its fullness.” I tried to emphasize the idea of this passage being an abundant spiritual life not an abundant physical life.

I wrestled with the question of prosperity being a blessing from God. Physical abundance for many is more of a burden than a blessing. God’s purpose for us in this life is not that we spend our time building bigger barns. That was the general theme of the message.

Our small group lesson for last night was chosen weeks ago by our associate minister and I had not looked at the lesson for the week. I had no idea that the lesson last night was taken from Luke 12:16-21, regarding the man who had a great crop and set about to build bigger barns.

The children’s class yesterday morning is part of a curriculum series that had been chosen long ago. I had no idea that the lesson for the children that morning was also taken from Luke 12:16-21. It seems God had a message for all of us to hear.

I pray for this direction and guidance in sermon preparation. The activity of the Holy Spirit is not always evident in such coordinated fashion. It sure is encouraging when his work is so evident.