Worth the Risk

During my teenage years I heard about the baptism of the Holy Spirit from relatives whose lives had been miraculously transformed. They invited me to Bible studies where I enjoyed watching the gifts of the Spirit flow freely. Shortly after, I visited a “Pentecostal” church to learn more about this intriguing subject. Imagine my disappointment to find a service no different than those in the traditional church in which I was raised. None of the gifts was visible.

It was a more comfortable setting to me, however, than a service I attended a few years later where, it seemed to me, any semblance of order was non-existent. I was confused by what I saw and heard. Still lacking teaching on the subject, I determined either these people were “crazy” or I was not a very good Christian since the Holy Spirit had not overtaken me in such fashion. In fact, the whole scenario contributed to my questioning my faith entirely.

Others have had similar experiences. No wonder we are confused about what role the gifts of the Spirit should play in our church services. Often we take the “safe route,” stifling or ignoring the Holy Spirit completely. Nonetheless, if used properly and in order, the gifts can be a sign for unbelievers and those without the gifts – not a hindrance (1 Corinthians 14:23-40). They also serve to build up the body of Christ so that God may be glorified (1 Peter 4:10-11). Check out our feature section, “Gifts of the Spirit: Are They Welcome in Your Church?” for insight into this important element of ministry.

The gifts of the Spirit have most assuredly been operating in Ukraine. You won’t want to miss the description of heaven by a senior police lieutenant and former soldier who had been declared dead. This man, who is very much alive today, cannot stop testifying of God’s glory, power, and love (page 6).

Also be sure to note the composite of our international missionaries and field directors (pages 8-9). Choose at least one family to pray for each day. Or use it alongside the World Prayer Alert, a daily prayer guide published by the International Ministries department, to help you picture those for whom you are praying. Be faithful to intercede for our missionaries. The battle to free people from the tyranny of sin is “not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

This fact is evident when you hear news reports from around the world. Let the same Spirit who gives gifts to the Church help you pray. That’s another one of His specialties.

Andrea Johnson,
Managing Editor
Message of the Open Bible
Message@openbible.org