What we believe abot the Holy Spirit??? Really?

 

An Affirmation of Faith is that what we believe before it has been poked and prodded and scientifically verified s truth.  It is truth that we believe even before we experience it with our senses.  Below is an affirmation of faith that I designed based on The United Methodist Member’s Handbook. See if you agree with my adaptation of George Koehler’s work.  And then ask yourself this:  If we believe what is said, do our lives reflect such belief?

 We believe that the Holy Spirit is God's present activity in our midst. When we sense God's leading, God's challenge, or God's support or comfort, we say that it's the Holy Spirit at work.

We believe that we find evidence of the Spirit at work:

Throughout the Bible   

In both the old and new testaments from Genesis to Revelation God’s Word reveals God’s Spirit

We believe that we find evidence of the Spirit at work:

In guidance, comfort, and strength

We believe that we continue to experience God's breath.  We sense the Spirit in time alone—perhaps in prayer, in our study of the Scriptures, in reflection on a difficult decision, or in the memory of a loved one. The Spirit's touch is intensely personal.

We believe that aware of the Holy Spirit in the community of believers—the congregation, the church school class or fellowship group, the soup kitchen, the planning committee, the prayer meeting, the family. Somehow the Spirit speaks through the thoughtful and loving interaction of God's people. The Holy Spirit, who brought the church into being, is still guiding and upholding it, if we will but listen.

We believe that we find evidence of the Spirit at work:

In the gifts we receive

These fruits and gifts are not of our own achievement. They and others are the outgrowth of the Spirit's work in us, by grace, through our faith in Jesus the Christ. And they are not given for personal gain. Through these fruits and gifts, the Holy Spirit empowers us for ministry in the world. The Spirit gives to all as needs arise. 

We believe that God resources those called into ministry and we believe in the ministry of All believers.  The Spirit is with us, Always. AMEN.

Based on United Methodist Member’s Handbook, Revised by George Koehler (Discipleship Resources, 2006) pp. 84-85.