I think one of the most neglected studies in the church is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. How important is this rich body of teaching to the church today?

The Importance of the Holy Spirit for the Church

The Holy Spirit was so critical to the early church that the Lord Himself gave orders to the disciples not to do anything until the Spirit arrived. They were told to wait. Interesting in that they had everything else they needed to advance the mission the Lord gave them, the same mission we have today. They could have gone out and attempted to witness for the Lord and preach the gospel. But something was missing. The mission would have to wait until the promised Holy Spirit came.

While he was with them, he declared, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait there for what my Father promised, which you heard about from me. 5 For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Acts 1:4-5

This was what John the Baptist had prophesied at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.

I baptize you with water, for repentance, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I am—I am not worthy to carry his sandals! He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Matthew 3:11

This was fulfilled in Acts 2. In Acts chapters 2-4, the preaching of the gospel by Peter was preceded by a supernatural empowerment that got spectacular results.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven residing in Jerusalem. 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd gathered and was in confusion, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

Acts 2:4-6

With many other words he [Peter] testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!” So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added.

Acts 2:40-41

Is it still important to be filled with the Spirit today? Is it even for today? Does the Acts 2-4 manifestation of the Spirit differ from Paul’s command in Ephesians 5:18-21 to be filled with the Spirit? Does the church today teach the full doctrine of the Holy Spirit?

If you attend a Christian church, when was the last time you received teaching about some aspect of the Holy Spirit? If you are a teacher of the Word, when was the last time you taught about this topic?

In 30 years as a born again believer, I don’t recall ever having received a comprehensive teaching about the person, ministry, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. In fact it’s hardly ever a topic at all in church and yet it is He that determines success or failure in ministry. Could this explain the lack of biblical literacy and our dwindling congregations?

I’m in the middle of a multi part deep dive for my home church on this very topic and have discovered a very rich and developed doctrine. I’ll pass along some observations in several upcoming posts.