Holy Spirit
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that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Galatians
6:14
. As they proclaimed the truth as it is in Jesus, hearts yielded to
the power of the message. The church beheld converts flocking to
her from all directions. Backsliders were reconverted. Sinners united
with Christians in seeking the pearl of great price. Those who had
been the bitterest opponents of the gospel became its champions. The
prophecy was fulfilled: The weak shall be “as David,” and the house
of David “as the angel of the Lord.” Every Christian saw in his brother
the divine similitude of love and benevolence. One interest prevailed.
One subject of emulation swallowed up all others. The only ambition
of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ’s character and to
labor for the enlargement of His kingdom.
To us today, as verily as to the first disciples, the promise of the
Spirit belongs. God will today endow men and women with power
from above, as He endowed those who on the Day of Pentecost heard
the word of salvation. At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are
for all who need them and will take Him at His word
[100]
The Holy Spirit Will Abide Unto the End
Christ declared that the divine influence of the Spirit was to be
with His followers unto the end. But the promise is not appreciated
as it should be; and therefore its fulfillment is not seen as it might be.
The promise of the Spirit is a matter little thought of; and the result
is only what might be expected—spiritual drought, spiritual darkness,
spiritual declension and death. Minor matters occupy the attention,
and the divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity
of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its train, is
lacking, though offered in its infinite plenitude.
It is the absence of the Spirit that makes the gospel ministry so
powerless. Learning, talent, eloquence, every natural or acquired
endowment, may be possessed; but, without the presence of the Spirit
of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner won to Christ. On the other
hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are
theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power
that will tell upon hearts. God makes them channels for the outflowing
of the highest influence in the universe.
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Testimonies for the Church 8:19, 20