I might have gone overkill on researching the Holy Spirit... though I can't actually regret spending that level of investigation and contemplation on this most important subject and Person.
"Overkill," because I'm not the one teaching this next Revival/Worship night, Caleb is. He and I dedicated a Kuppa Joy hangout to discussing his message, and my prior study certainly helped me to both give and receive assurance that we are stewarding God's word. However, what began as an exhaustive vision for explaining the Spirit has since been trimmed to a brief (but diverse) survey of Bible verses and encouragement-challenge to our church family to walk in His power.
Good stuff - more prudent in light of that venue and how people learn - yet something about that change and tonight's peculiar sleeplessness is now compelling me to communicate and reflect the knowledge I stored up.
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I did a word search of the word "spirit" in the ESV, examining all the passages with a capital S (or hints that it could be an upper case instance).
First, I was surprised by how active and unpredictable role He played throughout the Old Testament-- resting over chaotic waters at the dawn of creation, redirecting a pagan's mouth of curses into the praise-filled pronouncement of Israel's future ruler, and rushing in strength and strategy upon unlikely heroes who were either born of or bedding with prostitutes.
Second, I was struck by the divergent depictions of His work flowing into the New Testament. There's that same power of the miraculous occurring in Matthew, Mark, John, and Luke-Acts. Seeing the Spirit moving in thrilling and spontaneous ways, I'm inspired to expand what I consider possible (beyond a strict box of what I deem the Biblical precedent) and boldly spread the gospel. Yet, as the canon continues, these manifestations begin to give way for something else to hold primary importance...
...I'm talking about the chiefly invisible, internal, or even seemingly mundane fruit of the Spirit's labors. Paul makes a few mentions of signs accompanying his message, but in every epistle he emphasizes how the Holy Spirit brings assurance of salvation, knowledge of truth, sanctified lifestyles, unified churches, and boldness unto death. Rather than summoning evangelistic fervor alone, the apostle's letters commission steadfastness in building fellow disciples and walking honorably as temporary citizens of this world.
Now, let me clarify two important things: I'm not at all concluding that miracles have "died out" or even become the exception, nor am I arguing that these contrasting glimpses of the Spirit are contradictory. On the former point, I think we should pray at every opportunity for healings and wonders and guidance, trusting that God will in many cases graciously intervene, both for the sake of the gospel and for His children. Regarding the latter, I hold several speculations for why each work of the Spirit is to be be expected and reconciled-- ranging from how the prophets spoke of regenerated human hearts as salvation's crescendo, to the almost anticlimactic moments of Jesus' resurrection appearances and sudden ascension speaking to our daily grind during His physical absence.
What I do mean by "divergent" is that I've been among Christians who seek the miraculous for its own sake, and construct a very narrow understanding of a believer's life on earth solely from the Book of Acts. They forget that temporal signs are purposed to point to something eternal, supernatural gifts are subordinate to the aspiration of agape love, and a disciple's life in this world is comprised of both incarnation and transfiguration; Good Friday and Easter Sunday; Pentecost and persecution.
I'm trying to learn from my charismatic brothers and sisters-- because the conservative alternative is far too close to complacency and convenience, with its ethereal comfort and convenience of a Christian walk so eager for accommodating the American lifestyle. I'm going for something in-between and more aware of the overall Biblical context... although I admit I may not be there yet, and there is no formulaic way in ratios and chronological ordering to derive unbiased doctrine.
Simply put, I believe that the Spirit can do what He wants, and still suspect that's a part of why I eventually felt Him tangibly even if that isn't a uniform experience for every believer. I know there is a great dignity and empowering found as He has been poured out upon us, which such an epic span of the Scriptures and modern missions testify to. However, equally real as the mighty rushing is the more gradual effect of His inward resting-- rebel hearts softened into humble instruments, God fully and permanently present among sin-stained men and women, as well as spiritual families knitted and growing together amidst a hostile world... independent of whether you comprehend the infinite power and manifold wisdom of this spectacle you're included in as an integral member.
