The Way It Works
Several things happened in the first century church that are not happening today (in the same way) and are, sometimes, mistakenly thought to be replicable. That was a singular period of time. Scripture was not complete, but the Messiah had come. Jesus had gone back to heaven, and the early church was finding its feet. A number of spiritual gifts were in wider use than is seen currently, and certain spiritual offices were enjoying their final days. While some things are never to be seen again, it is still true that we can learn lessons for today from yesteryear.
Under the Old Covenant, believers were not indwelt by the Holy Spirit. There was a different type relationship. Today, the Holy Spirit sets up residence in the life of each one who trusts Christ at the moment of conversion. It is the seal of salvation and the validation of faith. But, there was a time period in which the Holy Spirit was passed from believer to believer by the laying on of hands. It may not have been universal in application, but Scripture is clear that it happened. This method was useful in the transitional and formative period of the early church.
The practice of transferring the Holy Spirit from person to person was and is symbolic of the relationship between believers. It symbolizes interdependence and the parts we play in the successful spiritual lives of other. This is a central theme in many of Paul’s writings as he characterized believers as individual members of a collective building and body. Every Christian can testify that we “rub off” on one another. This is a great reason that believers need to go to church. It is easier to live for Christ having received the positive input of others into our lives.
Allow me to share what, I believe, is one of the greatest applications of the truth that we pass spirituality from person to person. This summer, two children of a new family in our church received Christ. The whole family is very active, and the parents have been involved in evangelistic outreach this fall. Just this week, our ministry teams were making home visits. As my team was racking up the big goose egg, the wife and mother in the aforementioned household said, “I know someone we can visit.” She had called ahead, so off we went.
As we drove up to the house, my compatriot mentioned, “She doesn’t know you’re with me.” The lady of the house was expecting the visit, but may have been a little startled to see our team of four (one more than we’re s’pose to have). After getting acquainted, the woman expressed that she was a believer. This good news was followed soon after by her teenage daughter giving her life to Christ. What a sweet and joyful time it was. We didn’t plan it, but God did. The door to the kingdom of heaven opened as we put our hands to the task. One person leads to another.
Some friends of this same family had been attending our church for nearly a month. As a matter of fact, we had hoped to visit with them that very evening but were unable. Two days later, the husband in the family called me and said, “My daughter and I want to be saved.” What a thrill it was to pray with this man for salvation, and how I am anticipating seeing his daughter accept Christ this weekend! When people see God working in their lives, their joy begins to touch other lives and salvation becomes a thing that we seek and share. Person leads to person.
Each of these was in church midweek and finding connectedness with other believers. (There is no other way for a Christian to survive.) The light of Christ that overcomes the darkness of the world is catching and warming, spreading from life to life as we touch one another in His Name. God intended it to be that way. Believers have the ministry of reconciliation, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It’s the greatest endeavor in the universe and the crowning achievement of every life. You can be part of it. Once you’ve experienced it, you want to pass it on.
Sterl
« Go back