As a young Pastor, several years ago, I was privileged to be seated for a meal with a group of clerical gentry whose discussion was already under way when I arrived. “It’s dreadful,” commented one, “Dancing in the aisles. I don’t know what the Church is coming to.” “Awful,” responded another. “I think it’s high time this tomfoolery stopped and we got back to the preaching of the Word.” “Absolutely,” joined in the third. “The preaching of the Word is sadly neglected these days.” Eventually, as I was the only person present at the table who had not spoken, eyes were focused on me and a response seemed called for. “Being men of the Word,” I asked, “What would you do if the Bible said ‘Praise the Lord with dancing’?” Their response was rather flustered. “I think this is your question John,” said one, quickly passing the buck to one of his colleagues. John faced the question full on. “I think I’d … er … er … duck the issue.” During the last four decades, we have witnessed in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, a major upheaval which centres around a renewed acceptance of the gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit. Much of this change has been most obviously reflected in styles of worship, some of which are more expressive, incorporating raised hands, singing and praying in tongues, and, yes, dancing in the aisles. While it might feel easier to “duck the issue” as my colleague was tempted to do, it seems evident that this is simply not an adequate response. As Christians, and especially as Pastors and Ministers, we must face up to the questions that are being raised about the work of the Holy Spirit in individuals and in churches. As with every change which has ever been wrought in the Church throughout its history, many have counted it as a much needed blessing, whilst others have resisted such change as modernistic curse. It seems strange to me that the reformation took place, causing the most radical and necessary change in the Church in order to bring about a renewal of Biblical precept and evangelical truth. It now appears that the evangelical tradition, which was the plaster cast of healing of a major fracture, has become our walking impediment, preventing the Church from flexing its healed limbs. Whilst Jesus does not change, the Church must seek to be constantly reviewed by the Word of God. We seek to interpret the Word of God, but should the Word be allowed to interpret us? There are many areas in need of change – our tradition does not have everything right. God has. It is therefore only the working of His righteousness, His Word, His Holy Spirit, His power and love, that that will ever change us to be like His Son. Opinion amongst Christians as to whether the power of the Holy Spirit is still available today is still divided, and many books have been written, and much preached and taught in our congregations in support of one view or the other. Both Charismatics (those who exercise the gifts and ministries of the Spirit today) and Cessationists (who believe that the work of the Holy Spirit is not for today) have cited one particular passage in support of their particular argument. 1 Corinthians 13 verses 8 to10 reads: “Where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues they will be stilled; where there is knowledge it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfection disappears.” The question which is generally raised is this: If gifts cease when the perfect comes, then when is the perfect come? Here I state clearly my own convictions, in order that any ambiguity may be dispelled: I am convinced by the demonstrable Word of God That His Holy Spirit, as poured out at Pentecost, with every power and gift of God, is still being poured out today as then, and may be received by men and women now in exactly the same way. While my convictions are amply supported by my own experience, I am also convinced that they are fully supported by the Word of God, both in the fact of the continuance of the pouring out of the Spirit, and in the ways in which we can expect to see that outpouring manifested in our own churches. Acts chapter 2 still stands as one such immutable part of the Word of God. Some have sought to dismiss Acts as being a transitional book. Such dismissal does not behove the Lord’s servant. If Acts is merely transitional then such invalidation of Scripture on the grounds of temporality must be applied to the rest of the Bible. God’s Word can never be invalidated in this way. “All scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and 5training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” In Acts 2 verse 3, Peter, speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, says this: “Seated at the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” He goes on to say in verses 38 and 39: “And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is to you and your children and for all who are far off, for all those on whom the Lord will call.” Every contrary argument does not remove this Word of God. The promise of the same Holy Spirit, as seen and heard, is for you and your children, for those who are far off and all those who God will call. If we resist the Holy Spirit in Pentecost, we resist our call. So, let us look at some of the difficult arguments that arise when establishing whether the gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit are still available for Christians today. When does the perfect come?
The Promised Holy Spirit