Acts 1:1-11 is not just about the promise of the Holy Spirit, but also his work in missions. The Apostles of Jesus Christ are to be the foundation of the early Christian church with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20); but these are men who were used by the Holy Spirit in an extraordinary way.
When Christ had completed to train them for ministry; he gave them a clear instruction not to depart from Jerusalem until they receive the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit has been promised by Christ whilst still on his earthly ministry. We read in John 14 about the coming of another Helper and Teacher - the Spirit of Truth who is here to teach the believers everything that Christ would have taught them (John 14:26). Apart from the indweling work that the Holy Spirit does in our lives (God in us), he is also involved in missions. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in missions?
(1) God the Holy Spirit is the owner of the work. The church therefore has no mission; but the God of the church has a mission. His mission is to save humanity and bring total restoration to his entire creation.
(2) The Holy Spirit uses human beings as his instruments to advance his mission; hence the instruction for the Apostles to remain in Jeruslaem until they receive the Holy Spirit.
(3) The Holy Spirit is the one who calls and sent people for mission. We will see in so many instances where people were called (set apart) by the Holy Spirit and sent out for missions (Acts 13:1-4).
(4) Those sent are empowered for service. God the Holy Spirit never leaves his church and servants alone. He is forever there to direct, guide and give strength to do work in and out of seasons.
The only comfort that we get from the foregoing is that the Spirit of Life is always by the side of his servants who are faithful in preaching the good news to others. And the Holy Spirit is also there to ensure that those who believe will have life. He works out salvation in the hearts of those who have heard the gospel and are predestined to eternal life.
When Christ had completed to train them for ministry; he gave them a clear instruction not to depart from Jerusalem until they receive the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit has been promised by Christ whilst still on his earthly ministry. We read in John 14 about the coming of another Helper and Teacher - the Spirit of Truth who is here to teach the believers everything that Christ would have taught them (John 14:26). Apart from the indweling work that the Holy Spirit does in our lives (God in us), he is also involved in missions. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in missions?
(1) God the Holy Spirit is the owner of the work. The church therefore has no mission; but the God of the church has a mission. His mission is to save humanity and bring total restoration to his entire creation.
(2) The Holy Spirit uses human beings as his instruments to advance his mission; hence the instruction for the Apostles to remain in Jeruslaem until they receive the Holy Spirit.
(3) The Holy Spirit is the one who calls and sent people for mission. We will see in so many instances where people were called (set apart) by the Holy Spirit and sent out for missions (Acts 13:1-4).
(4) Those sent are empowered for service. God the Holy Spirit never leaves his church and servants alone. He is forever there to direct, guide and give strength to do work in and out of seasons.
The only comfort that we get from the foregoing is that the Spirit of Life is always by the side of his servants who are faithful in preaching the good news to others. And the Holy Spirit is also there to ensure that those who believe will have life. He works out salvation in the hearts of those who have heard the gospel and are predestined to eternal life.
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