So, I took a course over the summer as part of my education. It was over the book of Acts. It wasn't an average study of the history within Acts. It actually develops discussions upon the key principles found in Acts that caused the establishment of the Church in the first century. During this course I had to write several papers (12 to be exact) dealing with these principles and how to use them in church planting today. I will have to say that my thoughts and views on missions and church planting have been challenged and severely altered because of this course.
A recommendation from some of the material in the course was to start writing a wisdom journal. Tonight, during the beginning of a new class, I decided that using my blog would be a great opportunity to lay out the wisdom I've learned from all the articles and Scripture I've studied in the past few months. I will call these posts Wisdom Journal Entries so that I can easily keep track of what I've been thinking and processing from Scripture.
My first thought has to do with the Holy Spirit in the movement of the Church. The dominant main character in the book of Acts is the Holy Spirit. It is always moving. It is always pushing the gospel forward into new geographical and cultural areas. And when the Truth goes out, it never comes back null and void. The Holy Spirit guided Paul during his missionary journeys. Many people who heard the gospel, received the Holy Spirit. They were unified because of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Holy Spirit has a plan for the Church, which is a continuation of the work of Christ. The question is: Where is the Holy Spirit in the Church today?
When I reflect from when I was little and went to church I don't ever remember hearing a sermon on the role of the Holy Spirit in the church today. In fact, I don't think I ever remember hearing a sermon on the role of the Holy Spirit in the church ever. But, the more I study the New Testament and study the history of the Church worldwide, I can't help but notice an order. I can't help but see that God has a plan and that the Holy Spirit and the Church are the two key pieces involved. The Church in India is booming. The Church in China is booming. But, my question is: Where is the Church in the United States and Europe? Have we finally entered what Francis Schaeffer termed the post Christian world? I would love to say no but I am not so sure.
I only hope that as I study more and work towards my Bachelors and potentially my Masters and Doctorate (Lord willing) that the more these questions will be cleared up. Also, I hope to develop a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit so that I can better understand the will of God for His church today. I know that the only way to do that is to submerge myself in the only piece of God's will we can know: The Bible.
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