Category: Be Inspired

Citizens of the kingdom believe the biblical evidence that the Holy Spirit is God in the same way that the Father is God and the Son is God. Scripture indicates that the Holy Spirit has divine attributes and works and is spoken of in the same way that the Father and Son are. The Holy Spirit is intelligent and speaks and acts like a divine Person. This is part of the scriptural evidence that led early Christians to formulate the doctrine of the Trinity.

We invite you to read an excerpt from “The Deity of the Holy Spirit” Read the full article here.

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Christianity has traditionally taught that the Holy Spirit is the third Person or Hypostasis of the Godhead. Some, however, have taught that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force used by God. Is the Holy Spirit God, or simply a power of God? Let’s examine the biblical teachings.

The deity of the Holy Spirit

Summary: Scripture speaks repeatedly of the Holy Spirit, known also as the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Scripture indicates that the Holy Spirit is of the same essence as the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is ascribed with the attributes of God, is equated with God and does work that only God does.

Attributes of God

1. 1. 1. Holiness: In more than 90 places, the Bible calls the Spirit of God “the Holy Spirit.” Holiness is a basic characteristic of the Spirit. The Spirit is so holy that blasphemy against the Spirit cannot be forgiven, although blasphemy against Jesus could be (Matthew 12:32). Insulting the Spirit is just as sinful as trampling the Son of God under foot (Hebrews 10:29). This indicates that the Spirit is inherently holy, holy in essence, rather than having an assigned or secondary holiness such as the temple had. The Spirit also has the infinite attributes of God: unlimited in time, space, power and knowledge.
      2. Eternality: The Holy Spirit, the Counselor, will be with us “forever” (John 14:16). The Spirit is “eternal” (Hebrews 9:14).
      3. Omnipresence: David, praising God’s greatness, asked, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there” (Psalm 139:7-8). God’s Spirit, which David uses as a synonym for the presence of God, is in heaven and in sheol (verse 8), in the east and in the west (verse 9). God’s Spirit can be said to be poured out on someone, to fill a person, or to descend — yet without implying that the Spirit has moved away from or vacated some other place. Thomas Oden observes that “such statements are grounded in the premises of omnipresence and eternality — attributes ascribed properly only to God” (Life in the Spirit, page 18).
      4. Omnipotence: The works that God does, such as creation, are also ascribed to the Holy Spirit (Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30). Miracles of Jesus Christ were done “by the Spirit” (Matthew 12:28). In Paul’s ministry, the work that “Christ has accomplished” was done “through the power of the Spirit” (Romans 15:18-19).
      5. Omniscience: “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10). The Spirit of God “knows the thoughts of God” (verse 11). The Spirit therefore knows all things and is able to teach all things (John 14:26).

Holiness, eternality, omnipresence, omni­potence and omniscience are attributes of God’s essence, that is, characteristic of the nature of divine existence. The Holy Spirit has the basic attributes of God.

By Michael Morrison, GCS President
Glendora, CA, US

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Transcript

Hello! Or Bula! as we say in Fiji.

To share my story, I learned to live on my own when I was just 14. That was the year I left home to attend boarding school for high school. And with that, I stepped into independence at a young age.

I was actually brought up in the church. My grandfather was also a Methodist pastor. Faith was a part of my everyday life. Every school holiday, we would gather at our grandparents’ home, and without fail, all the grandchildren were asked to read scripture during family devotion time.

From an early age, I knew of Christ. I knew the stories and the teachings. But it wasn’t until I was 14, when I left the comfort of home, that I slowly began to understand who Jesus really was — not just as someone I was taught about, but someone who was really personal and present.

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Pentecost is a celebration that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ.

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22

The Greek word for “spirit” is pneuma, which means “breath.” When we speak about the Holy Spirit, we also speak about the breath of God, breathing in us. In this way, we can use the symbol of breath to bring our attention back to God.

The symbol of breath can remind us of the movement and power of the Holy Spirit. We may not see the Spirit, but we know he is working, and we can experience him.

The spiritual practice of breath prayer can be used to position ourselves to focus on the breath of the Holy Spirit in us. Here is a simple prayer guide that we can use:

• • Get comfortable and close your eyes.
  • As you are in the rhythm of breathing, integrate these phrases:

• • • • “Breathe on me, Holy Spirit” (inhale)
      • “Holy Spirit, Breathe on me” (exhale)

• • Continue for as long as it feels comfortable and meaningful.

May you have a Spirit-filled celebration of Pentecost.

Prayer:
Pentecost reminds us of your presence and power, Holy Spirit. You are the breath of life. Amen.

By Justine Paolo G. Parcasio, Pastor
Baguio, Luzon, Philippines

Adapted from the Equipper article, “Symbols of Pentecost.” Read the full article here.

Citizens of God’s kingdom embrace Scripture as “inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We invite you to revisit this Church Hack: Praying Scripture.

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Kingdom living looks like acknowledging the source of our new life, the risen Jesus Christ. Read on to see how these congregations celebrated Easter with baptisms and by proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with their neighbors.

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River Road, Oregon US

GC River Road celebrated Easter with a baptism. What a joyous occasion!

Big Sandy, Texas, US

During Holy Week, GC Big Sandy participated in several community activities, while hosting some of their own. The week began on Palm Sunday with worship and a service dedicated to rehearsing the Passion.

On Thursday evening, the congregation gathered for a special event dedicated to celebrating the Lord’s Supper. A reception was held in the fellowship hall. Many foods that may have been eaten in Jesus’ day, including lamb, humus, bread, and dates, were served on wooden dishes, along with pomegranate juice and wine in carafes. Afterwards, everyone gathered in the sanctuary for the service. Elder Jerome Ellard and Dave Ferguson wore costumes and did readings based on the story of the two disciples who encountered Jesus Christ on their way to Emmaus. Those who desired, participated in communion and foot washing, and the evening service ended as everyone sang a final hymn.

On Friday evening, Elder Jerome Ellard, who is currently president of the Ministerial Alliance, and I participated in a Ministerial Alliance gathering for Good Friday with our neighbors. The Ministerial Alliance brings together people from many different faiths in the area and works together to help those in need, specifically through the Agape House, which provides food and clothing for locals.

GC Big Sandy member and youth group leader Carrie Campbell organized an Easter egg hunt for the community on Saturday morning. GC Big Sandy members donated eggs we had stuffed earlier in the week. Neighborhood children enjoyed the egg hunt on the Civic Center’s lawn and took pictures with Miss Big Sandy and the Easter Bunny.

On Easter Sunday, church members gathered at the city park with the community for a sunrise service hosted by the Ministerial Alliance. GC Big Sandy provided snacks and hot drinks to our neighbors.

Following this service, we enjoyed a continental breakfast in their fellowship hall. Members contributed egg casseroles, biscuits and gravy, yogurt and fruit, and various donuts and pastries for the breakfast, which were served along with coffee, hot chocolate, juice, and milk. Following the breakfast and fellowship time, the congregation gathered for the Easter celebration.

The worship service was immediately followed by a baptism ceremony. Arturo Ramirez was confirmed and participated with Pastor George in baptizing his wife Kimberly and their children, Sophia, Arthur, Katherine, Sarah, and Brynleigh, along with another young relative, Ellie Roach, whom Kimberly had been discipling. The various church members who had participated in discipling this family were also included in the baptism ceremony. This joyful end to the Easter celebration was followed by an indoor Easter Egg Hunt for the youth.

By Linda Rex, Elder and Hope Avenue Champion
Big Sandy, TX, US

Richardson, Texas, US

The first time GC Richardson organized an Easter egg hunt at the city park across from our worship location, it was embarrassing. More than 200 people showed up, and we didn’t have enough eggs! We’d planned for only 50 people because less than 20 kids had shown up in the past when we held the hunt on our church property. The second year, we were better prepared and have continued to improve, creating space for building relationships that point to Jesus through this simple, traditional Easter Sunday egg hunt.

After worship, our members had a picnic and prepared for the egg hunt. Before we kicked off the hunt, I shared briefly why we organized the event — rejoicing with our neighbors on the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. I explained that early Christians used eggs as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection to teach kids. The hard shell representing the sealed tomb, the cracking of the shell representing the resurrection, and the gifts of God in Jesus to humanity. I also encouraged the kids to be kind to each other as they picked up their eggs.

Members engaged in conversations with neighbors, which is a primary reason for the event. I was struck, now in our third year, by the more relaxed, engaging and accommodating posture of our members as they interacted with the diverse group of children and families present. Many who attended expressed their gratitude and a willingness to be informed of future events.

This year, we distributed more than 4000 eggs and 650+ people participated. About 250 people filled out our electronic connection card to register for the event, some using the QR code to register onsite. We promoted the Easter egg hunt on our website, Facebook, Nextdoor, and invited previous attendees by email. Members donated eggs and volunteered to fill them with candy, notes, and trinkets. Members also hid the eggs over two fields (one field for ages 5 and under, and the other field for ages 6 and up). Members played games with the kids before the egg hunt began.

We thank Father, Son, and Spirit for the wonderful weather, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to come together in kingdom-living neighboring!

By Gabriel Ojih, Pastor
Richardson, TX, US

 

Pictures by Naia Moya and Ronnie Boyce

Living through the devastation of the Eaton fire in Los Angeles was a harrowing experience. While the smoke and ash were suffocating, my wife, Megan, and I remained safe; however, we know dozens of people who had to evacuate and know many others who lost their homes.

The most comforting thing through all of this was seeing “community” — people coming together to check in on each other and take care of each other. I saw neighbors exchanging contact info “in case of anything,” then checking in on each other with a call or text. I witnessed people opening their homes to fire refugees, and people in evacuation zones using sprinklers and hoses to protect their and their neighbors’ homes.

The biggest display of community happened in the aftermath. The city and nonprofits showered us with resources. This demonstration of love for neighbor was never more evident than when donation and evacuation centers put out notices stating they were no longer accepting donations or volunteers because they were overflowing with both and had no space/work to take in more. What better way to live missionally? What better way to live God’s greatest commandment?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40

I urge you, reader, when in doubt to choose love.

Prayer
Lord, we live in such a divided and individualistic society that it seems as though we’ve lost the art of community. Show us how to love our neighbors as ourselves without needing a natural disaster. Amen

By Jesús Molina
Glendora, CA, US

 

 

Discipleship is a journey — and we walk it together. This month’s GCI Buzz helps us reflect on what it means to belong, believe, and become as followers of Jesus.

Click here or the image below to view the entire Buzz. Check out the printer-friendly PDF.

Citizens of God’s kingdom know that generosity is part of witness.

Bearing witness of the kingdom to our neighbors is a relational, incarnational, active, and missional proclamation. Our generous witness is a demonstration of the good news of Jesus.

The ministry of the Love Avenue is to witness to our neighbors. We invite you to revisit the following Church Hack: Love Avenue Practices

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Kingdom living looks like laying down your life for others. Read on to see how these two congregations are loving generously and seeking the flourishing of their neighbors.

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Hyderabad, Telangana, India

The Hyderabad congregation has taken a significant step to make Sunday services more accessible by introducing translations of sermons into Telugu, the local language of the city. This initiative, which began recently, aims to serve every individual who attends the church, echoing the compassion and care of Jesus for each person. To support this effort, Mr. Satyanarayana, a seasoned professional translator, joined the congregation to offer his expertise. His involvement has ensured that sermons are delivered seamlessly in both English and Telugu, enriching the worship experience for all.

Several members expressed their joy, sharing how the bilingual services have allowed them to fully connect with and enjoy the messages being preached. The congregation is hopeful that this initiative will encourage more members of the Telugu-speaking community to join in the coming days, fostering inclusivity and spiritual growth.

The church remains committed to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all, furthering its mission to reach every heart with the gospel of Jesus.

By the GCI India Newsletter editors,

Shanti Nirale

 

 

 

Praveen Kumar Chintha

 

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Twenty-five years ago, the Gold Coast congregation began providing care bags to people in personal distress. All through those years, we took no break providing to a range of organizations. Some looked after unhoused youth, women seeking refuge from domestic abuse, people dealing with substance use, and a whole range of other crises experienced by many in our urban societies.

The problems on the Gold Coast are extensive. Ultimately, we decided to focus on partnering with one organization rather than trying to spread our limited resources around many. We chose the Gold Coast Youth Services (GCYS).

On Sunday, February 2, our congregation celebrated this 25-year anniversary of service, and we were joined by a representative of GCYS, Will Aufai. Will visited, with his wife and daughter, to personally thank the congregation for its faithful and reliable service through the years.

Will gave an outline of the work that the GCYS provides in the community. His warmth and love for those in need made an impact on everyone. He also provided the personal link between the recipients of the care bags in their time of need, and those who contribute to and assemble the toiletry and food bags each month.

Will expressed his gratitude for the fact that the GCYS has been able to rely on our contribution month by month for so many years. Will presented a plaque of appreciation to the congregation, which was accepted by John and Jen Herrmann and Jan Adamson as coordinators of the food and toiletry bags, respectively. In response, the congregation donated a basket of towels to him to aid their assistance program.

Will brought us a clear reminder of the words of the king, expressed in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:14 (The Message): I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.

By Rod Matthews, Pastor
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

 

One Sunday at the worship service, we learned that one of our longtime members, who had been unable to attend church, needed assistance for treatment related to her cancer diagnosis. She had been undergoing various tests and procedures over the past two years or so. A relative came to me saying that our member requested that we visit. This caused me to wonder if she knew she was nearing the end of her life.

The church decided to offer support, and some members decided to visit her after the service. Upon seeing how weak she had become, they urged her and her husband to go to the hospital. She was admitted and received the necessary care, stabilizing her condition.

My wife and I visited her a few days later. Though still weak, her condition had improved. Her husband shared the details of the past days, while she remained quiet but aware. We prayed together, thanking God for his constant presence. We acknowledged that even in our trials, God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). I prayed for her healing and reminded her that sickness does not have the final say, reminding her of her hope in Christ. Soon after, we received news that she was back home.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:10–15

This is the kingdom culture we live by.

Prayer
Our Father, may we learn to love one another as you have loved us, trusting in your grace and goodness in every circumstance of our lives. Amen.

By Dr. Carlos M. Pizarro
Pastor, Quezon City, Philippines