AW Toser, a 20th Century American pastor said something interesting- “If the Holy Spirit left the American Church, 95% of the people wouldn’t know the difference.”
While the Moravian Church is Christ centered, for many of its people the Holy Spirit’s ministry is not taught or understood. Sister Maria Krinock, who is speaking at the Anchorage Moravian Church on January 30 – February 1, 2015, reminds me of the contrast of the Spirit empowered Church and the Church that does not recognize it’s power to move the world.
The powerless church is moved by platitudes, the good sayings of Jesus, and they make a wonderful difference. They recognize the indwelling Spirit that transforms lives, but are losing out on the power of the Holy Spirit moving upon the people through the Spiritual gifts. Do we understand and recognize a move of the Holy Spirit in our midst? Yes, we do! Are we praying to transform our world? Yes we are. And it is through people who are using their giftedness to share a song, a testimony, and to do their part in obedience to the Word of God and the Spirit of God!
We know that Jesus himself placed great emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of the believer. In fact, He went as far to say that if the Holy Spirit doesn’t fill a believer, then “they will be immobilized and impotent in their witness to the world.” (Acts 1:8)
We may not realize how desperately we need the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus does. He put out the question to the church…” Is anyone thirsty? Come to Me and drink.” He was speaking of the Holy Spirit.
On Moravian Pentecost in August 1727, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon Moravians who left Herrnhut and changed the world. They experienced the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Today, we need “Power from on High”, more than ever before. Are you thirsty? Or have you become satisfied with nominal Christianity?
At the Anchorage Moravian many of us want to go deeper into the things of God. We desire to thirst and hunger for more of God, and more of His Spirit. May God will fill us, bless each one of us, so we can change our world.
