What Does The Holy Spirit Do?

Ok, I've been deliquent about blogging our group discussions … I'll be combining our first two meetings (10/26/09 and 11/2/09) since they are covering the same topic: What Does The Holy Spirit Do?

After brainstorming many of the activities of the Holy Spirit in our first meeting, I attempted to guide us to grouping them together into some relatable buckets in our second meeting. But, you and I weren't seeing things the same. Though some may call this a "coup" or a "mutiny", in reality, this is one reason I so enjoy being a part of this small group … the differing perspectives and ways that people interpret their surroundings. This is what causes us to either become more solid or grow in our belief system. In a nutshell, most of the activities of the Holy Spirit can be grouped into the following:

• Relate: Our relationship with God and others is dependent upon the Holy Spirit - like a life support system. Without it, the relationship is dead.
• Witness: The Holy Spirit is our light and shines upon the Word of God (bible) to enable us to see it. The Holy Spirit allows us to understand the Word of God and, as a witness, confirms its Truth to us.
• Do: The Holy Spirit empowers us with skills, abilities and knowledge. He empowers us to be God's witness to others. He empowers us to live in the fruit of a changed life and operate in the gifts of His choosing to benefit others.
• Change: The Holy Spirit brings a change of mind (heart) to cause us to understand and see differently. We are transformed into the God-like character of Jesus Christ. He is the seal of redemption which is in progress now.

Also, in our first few weeks together, someone questioned the importance of understanding and differentiating God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This is a great question and one that demands an answer. Though it seems debatable in importance, it is actually a critical distinction of Christianity from other belief systems. The "who" God is relates wholly with "what" He's done in all of creation and "why" He's done it. We'll begin digging into that in our next meeting.