Lately I've been blogging on or around holidays. But something was bugging me this weekend when a guest speaker spoke at church this weekend. For those who go to Bayside (the church I am a member and attend), you'll know who I'm referring to. Otherwise, he will remain nameless.
One of his main points was: The Holy Spirit came to change our life, not fix it. This statement, at first disturbed me. I mean, if our lives can't be fixed, then WHO can fix it? One of my Facebook friends then posted on their wall: Jesus Christ came to change our life, not "fix" it. Then I replied, if He can't fix our lives, then WHO can fix it?
Then I noticed the discrepancy. Do you see the difference?
So many times as Christians, we equate the three persons of the Trinity, we often blur each of their unique purpose. Sure, Jesus Christ is equated with God the Father (John 10:30), but from there, their roles become more specific.
Jesus is called The Christ (or The Anointed One, John 5:23); the Bread of Life (John 6:35-40); the Light (John 3:19-21); Savior (John 4:42); the Lamb of God (John 1;29, 36; 1 Cor. 5:7; 1 Pet. 1:19); the Door (John 10:9); the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14-15); the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6); the True Vine (John 15:1,5); Friend (John 15:15); Master (Luke 17:13); Healer (James 5:15); the Rock (Ps. 18:2, 19:14); along with My Protection (Ps. 31:2-3); and Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8, 21:6, 22:13).
Those are the names and functions of Jesus, also my Lord (Acts 2:36, 1 Cor. 8:6, Phil. 2:11, 1 Pet. 3:15). I think you get the idea.
The function and purposes of the Holy Spirit are different. He was sent to us as our helper (John 14:16-17) in-dwelling in believers (Rom. 8:26) and is our guide (John 16:21). The Holy Spirit tells us the Truth about sin, being right with God and judgement (John 16:8). Basically, the Holy Spirit leads us (Gal. 5:18). That is why the Holy Spirit cannot fix us! That's not the purpose of the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is often misunderstood because we can see the attributes of God the Father and Jesus Christ throughout the Bible. The Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost, in Catholic terms) seems a bit more ominous because He is living today within believers of The Christ.
I know in my circumstances, and I'm sure a lot of other people, we cannot fix our problems on our own. That is why I was confused. If God can't help me, who can? Father God, Creator and Sustainer of Life is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. If Almighty God cannot help me, I'm in deep doo-doo!
The Truth is, we do not have to worry with God in control. But often we do worry. What if the creditor messes up my credit rating? What do I do if (and when) I'm foreclosed? What if that lump is a cancerous tumor?
God is still in control. We cannot change our circumstances. But then I hear stories of miracles happening. That's the "God stories" we need to tell. Like in the speaker's final point, His (the Holy Spirit's) primary purpose is to make GOD look good, not us. Now, that makes sense.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is different from Jesus Christ's ministry, in that we are inhabited with the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus as our Holy Savior. Jesus did the saving (His sacrifice). The Holy Spirit guides our lives to live for Him. We cannot mix up their purposes.
Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Until then, you haven't been infused with the sweetness of the Holy Spirit.
Dear Lord, I need you in my life. Forgive me for I have sinned against you. I trust that You will cleanse me from my sins and help me to live my life for You. Please grant me Your Holy Spirit so I can walk with you daily and learn to love You more, and to love Your people more. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
If you just prayed that prayer, welcome into the Family of God! Also ask God to guide you through the Holy Spirit in you. Amen.
Blessings,
Garret
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