The Holy Spirit ABC (1)

This past weekend we were in Ludwigslust, Germany, where we gave workshops on the person and the work of the Holy Spirit during a conference. We absolutely LOVE to do this kind of work: making complicated things simple and practical.

The theme of this conference, which was being held during the Ascension Day weekend, was: Transformation. A great theme in light of the ascension of Jesus. His return to the Father marked the beginning of a new era for all believers. An era of big changes and worldwide revival, we are still in it today! Jesus talked about the reason for his return to the Father, However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you] (John 16:7, AMP). It is profitable for us that Jesus went back to the Father. Why?

Because Jesus was able to reach only a limited amount of people while He walked the earth as a man. On foot and by ship He reached thousands in the Middle East, but as far as we know He never came to Northern Europe, or the USA for that matter. That is why the Holy Spirit had to come, because He can live in millions of people at the same time. And these people can go all over the world and do what Jesus did. This is how God had ordained it. Jesus said: Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father (John 14:12). Please, read and re-read these words in the context. It is so exciting and so clear what Jesus is saying to us.

The Holy Spirit came to replace Jesus here on earth, so we would not be left alone. He is our friend, our teacher and our comforter. He is near us and in us, always. In order to get to know Him better we have to develop our fellowship or friendship with Him. I will write more about that in my next post.

For now, have a wonderful weekend. Here in Holland we celebrate Pentecost big time. It is a public holiday, a long weekend! We will be camping at the Pentecost Festival, where about 60.000 people from all churches and denominations come together over the weekend to celebrate the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.