Focal Passages: Gen. 1:2; John 7:37-39; Acts 4:29-31; 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 12:4-7
In her book, The Hat on the Hall Tree, a minister’s wife discussed her dealing with church members.
She wrote, “I keep a hat on the hall tree. When the doorbell rings, I put on my hat before opening the door. If I like the person, I say, ‘You’ve caught me at a good time; I was just coming in.’ If I don’t want to be bothered, I say, ‘You’ve caught me at a bad time; I was just going out.’”
One thing is clear: the Holy Spirit did not control her life.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
He is God, the third person of the Trinity.
Genesis 1 says that He was active in creation.
He is neither an “it” nor an impersonal being.
He is God with all the attributes of Jesus.
Before He died, Jesus promised, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17).
“When He comes, He will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:7-8).
I experienced His attributes while driving out West. Entering Arizona, I noted a “Welcome to Arizona” sign.
Soon a patrolman stopped me.
“Lady,” he said, “you were traveling ten miles over the speed limit” (Conviction).
“Before you crossed the line, there was a sign noting the correct speed” (Righteousness).
“I didn’t see it,” I said. “I was admiring your welcome sign.”
Unimpressed, he replied, “Here’s your ticket” (Judgment).
Imagine with me that an unrepentant sinner dies.
God charges, “You broke my laws” (Sin), but “I provided a sign, the Cross, whereby you might be saved” (Righteousness).
The sinner might plead, “I didn’t see the cross. My eyes were on the world.”
Jesus will answer (John 14:6), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Judgment).
Years ago, a startling news headline read: Princess Diana and companion dead.
Her intoxicated driver was traveling ninety miles an hour through a Paris tunnel, and Diana was not wearing a seatbelt.
I cried, “Lord, I pray that Diana was not traveling so fast that she missed seeing the cross.”
Let’s survey the cross — while we have time.
Eternity depends on it.