The Holy Spirit in the Present Age

The opening section of the sermon presents five pivotal events in Christian faith: the Incarnation, Christ's death on the cross for redemption, the Resurrection, the Ascension, and the bestowal of the Holy Spirit on the 120 disciples at Pentecost. The pastor emphasizes that the gift of the Holy Spirit to the first disciples was an extremely important event in the history of salvation. Currently, the Holy Spirit works in three domains: among humanity, within the local church, and in the life of each individual believer.

In the first part concerning the Holy Spirit's work among humanity, the pastor explains three primary functions: convicting sinners of sin, drawing sinners to Jesus Christ to move them toward redemption, and restraining sin in the world. Based on John 16:7-8, the pastor emphasizes that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin (because they do not believe), of righteousness (because Christ goes to the Father), and of judgment (because the ruler of this world has been condemned). The pastor points out that all humans are born with the seed and nature of sin and are separated from God. The Holy Spirit is the One present to help humanity recognize sin, repent, and understand that nothing can save itself.

The pastor presents the contemporary world situation filled with evil: senseless murders in America, wars in Syria and Egypt, and particularly the increasing persecution and killing of Christians. It is estimated that 100 million believers have been martyred from Roman times until now, with approximately one believer dying each year. The pastor believes we are living in the final age when the presence and influence of demons are more powerful than ever, not because the Holy Spirit lacks power, but because human hearts grow increasingly hardened against His teaching and invitation. According to 2 Timothy 3:1-4, the last days will bring difficult times when people are selfish, lovers of money, disobedient. The Holy Spirit not only convicts but also restrains sin, as 2 Thessalonians 2:7 indicates. Believers must be salt and light to restrain sin and bring positive influence to their community.

The second section addresses the Holy Spirit's role in the church. The Holy Spirit performs two primary functions: unifying believers as one to glorify God and build the church, and bestowing spiritual gifts so believers work together in God's work. According to 1 Corinthians 12:13, all believers regardless of nationality, social status, or class have been baptized with one Holy Spirit. The pastor notes that divisions and disputes in the church arise from sin—believers fail to heed the Holy Spirit's teaching. The voice of carnal desires, selfishness, and demons drowns out the Holy Spirit's gentle instruction. The pastor warns through Galatians 5:15-16 that when church members bite and devour one another, one will be destroyed by another, and the solution is to walk by the Spirit, not fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Harmony, unity, and love in the church bring life, but division leads to emptiness and death.

The pastor also criticizes believers overemphasizing denominations and traditions. He recounts John Wesley's dream: in hell there are Presbyterians, Baptists, Episcopalians, and Methodists, but in heaven there are only Christians. The Holy Spirit of God only recognizes those who believe in Christ, live by Scripture, and serve God and others. The second function of the Holy Spirit is to bestow gifts so all believers work together building the church. According to Ephesians 4, God gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry and building up the body of Christ. The purpose of spiritual gifts is not to highlight any individual but to equip all believers to mature in Christ. The Holy Spirit dwells in believers' lives, opening their minds and hearts, transforming their lives, empowering them to live in Christ, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit. As 1 Corinthians 6:19 teaches, the believer's body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.