Does the Holy Spirit violate my hospitality?

NORSK
I have always taught that the Holy Spirit does not violate the hospitality of any human being. That means that he does not enter into my life unless I invite him in; and when I invite him in, he does only enter the rooms of my soul’s house, which I give him access to.

Is this teaching challenged by the biblical narratives where the Holy Spirit apparently comes as a surprise?

A typical example of surprise is what happened in the house of Cornelius:

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”
Acts 10:44-46

Even though the Holy Spirit may surprise, it is not the same as violating a person’s borders or ‘hospitality’. Cornelius and his “house-fellowship” had sought the Lord for some time. I am convinced that this had created a longing after something they did not have any preconditions for knowing what was.

Through obeying the angel and call for Peter, Cornelius had sanctioned the invitation of the Holy Spirit. Also his close family and friends had shown the same openness by accepting the invitation to come and listen to Peter. They even expressed that in this confession: “Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” – Acts 10:33

With such expectations and openness, the Holy Spirit does not need further invitations: He comes!

‘Manna’ for today:

Welcome, Holy Spirit, welcome!

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Spirit and angel in a common mission

NORSK
In this study of Acts I have already several times mention the combination “Spirit and angel(s)”. When I now continue reading chapter 10, the narrative contains one of the most dramatic turns in the salvation-story: 

Peter held a key-role, but his preconceived ideas about whom he considered as worthy candidates for God’s kingdom had to be broken down all together. From this day Peter, the leader among the apostles, understood that what Jesus did on the cross is valid for all men, gentiles included. To make this happen both the Holy Spirit and the angels were in action.

It is tempting to say that prayers initiated the visions, since both Cornelius and Peter each in his own place were in prayer, when it happened. But nothing is said about what they were praying for. The key is that both of them were in prayer and accessible for the Holy Spirit. God already knew what He wanted to do, but he waited for the right time when both the ‘minister’ and the receivers were ready. It tells something about the fact that prayers also can be a preparation time for something I do not really know what is.
 
It is also interesting to note that Luke has identified the times for both prayers. Peter prayed in sixth hour, which is the prayer at noon, while Cornelius prayed the afternoon prayers in the ninth hour (1).

We know that the first Christians faithful heeded to the prayers (2), and it is very likely that there were three times for prayer in the Jewish tradition (3). Further it is interesting that it seems to be through a disciplined prayer-life that such an important transformation is communicated. That tells me that I should be ready for encounters with the Holy Spirit (and even angels) in my daily devotions.

The daily prayer-life is both a preparation time and an arena that God uses for communication and revelations.

‘Manna’ for today:

The daily prayer-life creates a base for the Spirit to act on.

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(1) See also Acts 3:1
(2) Acts 2:42
(3) See Dan 6:13

A recipe for growth and strength

NORSK
I think that all followers of Jesus who take the great commission seriously, long to see growth and more of the Holy Spirit’s power at work. One of the purposes with reading Acts with ‘pneumatological’ glasses (1) is to identify the preconditions for it to come true. I think that there is such information in this verse:

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Acts 9:31 

I cannot guarantee that to live in the fear of the Lord is the only ingredients in the recipe, but I am convinced that it is important. When awe of the Lord is present, I show respect for all that belongs to the Lord – that concerns all life, but as Paul points out: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10).


This in addition to the encouragement of the Holy Spirit will create an atmosphere of peace. When there is peace in the church, it adds to the credibility of the message, which again leads to growth. 

Magna and I are far into our 39th years of marriage. In our marital covenant we promised to love and honour one another. I believe that many marriages fail because it is so easy to forget the latter part of the promise: To honour! That which we honour we treat with awe and respect. When it happens in a marriage, the relationship is strengthened and love grows. When God is honoured in the church, the church grows in love and is strengthened in the Holy Spirit. This recipe is worth a try!

‘Manna’ for today: 

Respect has a great effect! 

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(1) In this context pneumatology is the Christian doctrine ot the Holy Spirit.

The long-term consequences of obedience

NORSK
It is interesting to follow the story of Ananias. The vision the Lord gave him was very concrete. Other times a vision may need interpretation. That is very evident in the next chapter of Acts.  

There we can read Peter’s vision with the large sheet with unclean animals. I am sure that the vision was vivid enough, but it left Peter: “wondering about the meaning of the vision” (1).

For Ananias it was a different story. For him it was all about obedience. He was given the name, the address and the mission. Often when God has a mission for us, he does not ask us to do complicated things. On the contrary, it is something doable that only takes obedience. And Ananias was obedient:

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 9:17 

He went straight to the point: 

1. Brother
The fact he called Saul ‘brother’ tells me that conversion had already taken place. Ananias confirmed him as a part of God’s family (I have always admired the courage of Ananias).
2. Presentation
Ananias said who had sent him, and so that there should be no doubt, he told something that only Saul knew (word of knowledge).
3. Healing
Ananias came to heal – not to pray for healing together with Saul. It is worth noticing there are very few places in the Bible where healing is mentioned together with prayer.
4. Filled with the Spirit
His last mission to Saul was to minister the Holy Spirit to him. Ananias was not “one of the twelve, but even so, he was the one who introduced Saul to the gift of the Spirit (2).

And what was the effect of the Holy Spirit intervention in Saul’s life?
As always in Acts:

At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
Acts 9:20

‘Manna’ for today:

The consequence of a simple act of obedience can influence world history.

----------------------------------------
(1) Acts 10:17
(2) See “Apostle-focus and ordinary people”

Does God have a bench of substitutes?

NORSK
When God asked Reinhard Bonnke to do an evangelistic campaign throughout Europe, the famous preachers asked a question:

 - Why me – you have already laid Africa on my heart?

The Lord replied:

 - You are not my first choice, but the two first options answered no!

Bonnke responded:

 - Even though I am your third choice, I promise I will make a first choice effort!

I have this story from Bonnke’s 'second in charge' for the campaign, Oliver Raper, whom I interpreted when the campaign was launched in Bergen.

Yesterday I read about how the Lord revealed himself to Ananias in a vision and told him that Saul was in prayer, and then he continued:

In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.
Acts 9:12

I take for granted that the campaign “From minus to plus” (1) was not the first time that God’s first choice did not respond with a “Yes!”. 
What if Ananias had answered “No!”? 
Did God have a substitutes’ bench with several men named Ananias just in case?
I let the question stand unanswered, but for me it is a reminder to do what the Lord asks me to do.

Jesus once said: “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (2). I pray that there will be no need for stones to cry out for me if I was God’s first choice.

‘Manna’ for today:

I want to be ready when the Lord asks something from me.

----------------------------------
(1) 

(2) Luke 19:40

Behold, he is praying!

NORSK
This could have been written almost anywhere at any given time. I think I see someone praying almost every day, and I find it an encouraging sight.

The fact that one man prayed gave another man a vision. In Acts we read visons often occur and it should not be a surprise. Visions are a normal effect when the Holy Spirit’s anointing comes upon people (1).

Many become a little worried when people start to have visions. I get a little worried when there are no visions. Because there is a very clear connection between visions and prayers.

At this stage, I will not reflect on the dramatic intervention in Paul’s life on the road to Damascus, but it is very interesting that Paul straight away recognized Jesus as Lord. Still, I hurry on to Ananias and his role in Paul’s conversion-experience:

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”
And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.”
Acts 9:11

I do expect that God will speak to us when we gather in sincere prayers, and visions are one of the channels God uses to communicate with us. Some visions are like brief glimpses, others can be clear and specific. Some arrive as spontaneous picture, others are formed to prayers and conversations.

‘Manna’ for today:

I see people praying, and so does God!

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(1) See: Visions

Caught by the Spirit to catch with the Spirit

NORSK
Philip must have lived an exciting life. The first time he appears in Luke’s narrative is when he was elected as one of the deacons in Jerusalem. From then on, his life must have been very unpredictable. He had to flee to Samaria because of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, a move that led to a great revival. In the midst of the revival an angel came on a visit and sent him to Gaza. There he saw a chariot with an Ethiopian eunuch. The Spirit told Philip: ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’

The deacon was more than eager to do the Lord’s will, so he ran to the chariot instead of walking. I believe he ran because he understood that the moment was a divine appointment, which immediately was confirmed when he saw what the eunuch was reading. The interaction between Philip and the eunuch is an interesting study in itself, but the relationship between Philip and the Spirit is even more interesting.

My personal experience confirms that the more access I give the Spirit, the more the Spirit takes over my life. I recognize this in the relationship between Philip and the Spirit. Through following the Spirit’s instruction, it is as though the Spirit understands that Philip trusts him, and therefore he takes over Philip 100%. That is very evident in what happened after the eunuch’s conversion and baptism:

Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
Acts 8:39-40

I wish I could have heard Philip’s personal account about the experience of being 'caught away' by the Spirit of the Lord. The supernatural disappearance does not seem to have troubled the eunuch; he just 'went on his way rejoicing'. The effect of being moved in space and time does not seem to have effected Philip in a negative way. On the contrary, the effect of the Spirit is the same as elsewhere in Acts: Every encounter with the Spirit releases more need to share the gospel with the unsaved.

‘Manna’ for today:

I am caught by the Spirit to catch with the Spirit 

Why was it so important to send Philip out in the desert?

NORSK
I can think of more than one reason why God’s angel appointed Philip to leave the revival in Samaria and go to the desert of Gaza to meet only ‘ONE’ person. I am convinced that all the new passionate converts in Samaria could manage on their own for a while; therefore, the simplest explanation may be that God wanted to focus on the great value of every individual. Jesus’ own words come to mind:

“…there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
Luke 15:7

This explanation is satisfactory and we could conclude and rest in the true fact that every individual is important to God. But, I am convinced that the man in the desert was not a random target, he was not just an 'anyone' out of a hundred. I believe that Luke, the author of Acts, saw that the conversion of the Ethiopian was a great testimony to God’s boundless salvation of ALL men in Jesus Christ! When the Ethiopian eunuch received Christ as his Lord and Saviour, a very important prophecy reached its fulfillment.

The man was important because he was a eunuch. One of the biggest challenges the first community of believers faced, was how to understand and proclaim the boundless salvation in Jesus Christ. First it was hard for them to grasp that the word of salvation included gentiles, but even harder that it included people who were literally excluded. When Isaiah brought his prophecy:

"for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Isa 56:7b

I believe that he saw the universal effects of the sacrifice of the ”suffering servant”, whom he had prophesied about earlier, and which also was the passage the eunuch was reading when Philip met him (1). Just prior to the prophecy about 'the house of prayer for all nations', there is a promise that the foreigners will be included, but very interesting for this reflection is the special reference to the eunuch:

"to them (the eunuchs) I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that will endure for ever."
Isa 56:5 

I do not know if Philip thought about this, but the prophecy was definitely fulfilled and just a sign of the transformation of people's lives from all nations in the centuries to come. So – YES: Philip’s detour to desert was very important for more than a single official from Ethiopia.
 
‘Manna’ for today:

To me it may seem random when it happens,
but the Holy Spirit knows what he is doing!

-------------------------------------------------------
(1) Isaiah has four prophecies about the suffering servant. The most quoted is found in Isa 53

Ready for new appointment?

NORSK
I find it strange that Philip was 'disturbed' in the middle of the revival in Samaria. Once again it is an angel who is the messenger – confirming the fact that the angels became our fellow servants when the Spirit was poured out on all men. To me it seems as the Holy Spirit chooses to use angles when the person concerned needs to 'adjust dramatically', like in this incident: Philip was appointed to go to Gaza:

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert.
Acts 8:26

Several of my officer-colleagues in Norway are on the move this week. They are going to take up new appointments on the 1st of August, but most will move before the Congress, which is upcoming weekend. I have lived with The Salvation Army’s “appointment-system” since I was four years old. My first appointment was that I together with my little sister had to live with my grandparents for a year while my parents went to the battle-school to become officers.

Sometimes a new appointment has meant to leave a very vivid place, saturated with spiritual life, to go to a place that seemed unpredictable and more or less like a desert. Like going from Samaria to Gaza (1). But, also on the occasions when I reluctantly have entered into a change, there has always been an Ethiopian eunuch who needed someone to open the Scriptures.

The key is to let the Holy Spirit lead. If that is my intention, it can even bring meaning into an organization’s more or less random moves of personnel. On second thought, it was possibly an angel in the picture as well. I have always had ambivalent feelings with regard to the appointment-system. I remember when in the Officers’ Training College that I was very provoked when I heard an officer say: “Men cannot send me where God cannot use me!” More than forty years later, I must confess that I agree. Because in the end the only thing that matters, is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and me, and only I sit with the key to that relationship.

‘Manna’ for today:

Always prepared for Gaza?

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(1) This reflection in Norwegian eloborates further on this dramatic transition: 'Langt igjæn te Royal Albert Hall'

Det er alltid noe å være glad for!

I morgen setter vi oss på flyet. Jeg må hjem for å gjøre et lite inngrep i kneet igjen, og det er alltid noe å være glad for:

1. Det er en helt naturlig forklaring på de siste ukene med smerter - en av metallpinnene som skulle satt fast der, har funnet det beleilig å ta en liten avstikker helt uten å spørre. En relativt enkel affære å fikse sier kirurgen!
2. Det hindret meg ikke i å få et treffpunkt med gruppen av offiserer som er på hovedkvarteret på et kurs i ledelse, og det var et deilig møte i Guds nærhet i går kveld!
3. Jeg har hørt at det er kongress i Oslo, og det er ikke usannsynlig at jeg blir i stand til å få med meg noe av det som foregår der.
4. Vi får anledning til å treffe noen av dere og mange medlemmer av familien.

Når valget står mellom å illustrere med en røntgenbilde og en link til diakonhjemmets sykehus, og et bilde fra Kongressen  med temaet "Forvandlet!" og en link til programmet. Velger jeg det som er mest oppbyggelig, selv om jeg som sagt er takknemlig for begge deler. 

Link til kongress-programmet  - Velsignet kongress!

More than rhetoric

NORSK
I love to listen to good preaching, and in a good sermon, there must be room for rhetoric. When one utters: “Just rhetoric”, it is often meant as pure criticism. Yes, I have said it myself, so I am guilty as charged. At the same time, I must admit that good rhetoric can be very motivating, but it has of course an even greater effect when supported by the preacher’s personal lifestyle.

Peter had testified in front of the Sanhedrin and said: ‘we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’ (1) With his life he showed that this was more than rhetoric:

After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.
Acts 8:25

He lived as he preached. He did not wait for his next assignment. On the return journey he preached in many of the villages. That is a recipe for results. That is how God’s Kingdom comes.

‘Manna’ for today:

The Christian mission is not a scheduled item on a calendar
– it is living the life in the Spirit

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(1) See: “What was the motivation?”

Not for sale

NORSK
No doubt, some people will regard it as status to be able to minister the Holy Spirit to others. Simon, the sorcerer, was impressed by Philip and came to faith, but he was apparently even more excited when he saw how Peter and John ministered the Holy Spirit to people.

I feel a bit sorry for Simon. He had not been a believer for a long time. His background was that of a wizard. It is very likely that the wizards of his time held the same tradition as the magicians of today – they buy tricks from one another. Simon witnessed what he perceived as "amazing tricks." He wanted it, and was ready to pay for it. 

In the 90’s during the Toronto-blessing, it was interesting that I in a regional newspaper was accused of conducting the same kind of tricks as an illusionist. Neither had I learned it, nor had I bought it. What happened was and is solely an effect of the Holy Spirit, and it is impossible for me to duplicate it. 

Poor Simon did not understand that the transformation he was witnessing was an effect of the Holy Spirit and not of Peter and John, and he was reprimanded by Peter:

“May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
Acts 8:20-23

Simon realized his serious situation and repented. 

During the four years we lived in Gvarv in Telemark (Norway), I quite often played the church organ in the local church. Nes Church (the picture) is from app 1150 AD and is vividly decorated with frescoes devoted to Simon the sorcerer. The paintings testify to a tradition that indicate that his repentance was genuine and that he as a follower of Christ had a strong ministry. 

Although the tradition is not verifiable, four years with regular visits to the church, made me feel as though I “knew” Simon, and I still sympathize with him. If the story of his conversion and ministry is true, I know that Simon definitely received it for free, or “gratis” as we say both in Norwegian and Russian. The stem comes from the Latin word “Gratia” – meaning grace. Everything with grace is gratis – its free!

‘Manna’ for today:

The Holy Spirit and his gifts are free!

Apostle-focus versus ordinary people

NORSK
There is no doubt that the apostles played a key role in the early church - and as mentioned earlier, there are some challenges with a strong focus on apostles - cf. Acts 8:14-17. 
In a way, this disturbs the idea of the priesthood of all believers. If all believers are "priests" - 1 Peter 2:9-10 - the idea of "apostolic succession" seems like a threat.

Let us do a thought-experiment and test the following statement:

"Only apostles minister the Holy Spirit in a way that makes believers able to receive."

We have no problems with accepting that there is a variety of gifts and ministries. Therefore it should not be a problem that Peter and John came from Jerusalem to Samaria for the people to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

The problem arises when the apostle decides who will continue his ministry. It allows for human error, and it can make us more concerned about the human sanction than about a constant and complete dependence on the Holy Spirit.

It becomes even more dramatic when there are some who claim that it was only the early church that had apostles and that they ministered the Holy Spirit to the church until the church-order was established. When the church was established, the church would continue to do what the Holy Spirit taught the early church. Therefore, it was the church that started education, hospitals etc. There was nothing wrong in the Church doing this by using human skills, but the doctrine that the apostles and gifts disappeared with the early church still characterizes parts of the universal church - and that is a heresy.

Paul was clear that he was an apostle even though he was not one of the twelve. There is not doubt that he ministered the Holy Spirit to people - cf. Acts 19:6. Thus, there is biblical evidence to say that the "Apostle-ministry" at least lasted longer than the first twelve. I am convinced that there are many apostles in God's church today. And - there is also no doubt in my heart that ordinary laypeople can minister the gift of The Holy Spirit to others, if their measure of faith permits them. 


'Manna' for today: 

The Holy Spirit works through ordinary people!

Why did he not do it himself?

NORSK
I am asking a question to which I cannot find a satisfactory answer. It's about Philip and his diaconal work in Samaria. He did almost everything the apostles did, but with one exception - He did not minister the Holy Spirit to the new converts in the same way as they did:

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-17

These verses have down through the centuries been the cause of much debate - and they have given rise to several "doctrines" because a united church has not managed to reach agreement.

The simple answer to why Philip did not minister the gift of the Holy Spirit himself, is maybe because he did not believe that he could do it. Maybe he simply lacked the experience about how to do it. When it comes to the gift of healing given by the Spirit, it is the only gift that is described in plural on Paul's list in 1 Corinthians 12:9. Over the years I have met many who have used the gifts of healing. 

Diversity has been evident through the fact that some see more results when praying for one kind of illness, and then they are likely to pray more easily for people with this kind of disorder. They use the gift with the "measure of faith" they have received – cf. Romans 12:6.

Since Luke emphasizes the kinds of healings Philip performed, it tells me that he used the gifts in accordance with his measure of faith - and that is the reason why Peter and John came from Jerusalem to support the ministry so that it should not be limited by Philip's measure of faith. I hope that was the reason, and I will elaborate on why I hope that the reason was that Philip had reached his measure of faith tomorrow. 

'Manna' for today:

I do not want that my measure of faith shall limit what the Holy Spirit can do through me!

Diaconal ministry

NORSK
It is important to have a broad understanding of the term "diaconal ministry". 

As a young soldier I was a little surprised that the Army always spoke and wrote about the social work. With a strong administrative distinction between "field" and "social", it was often referred to the "evangelical-" and "social-" work. It was wrong on both parts. The field believed that they also ran social work, while the social services felt hurt that the field took monopoly on being evangelical.

It is interesting to note that most of the characteristics I associate with the Christian mission is present in the service of Philip, the deacon.

Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.
Acts 8:5-6

Philip had left Jerusalem because of persecution, but he continued his diaconal work in Samaria. It included both preaching and serving people with signs and wonders. This is a very important confirmation that although there are differences in ministries, there is only one mission. We cannot choose to be "just" a worshiping community or "just" a social ministry. 

Therefore, the focus the Salvation Army has on the concept of "ONE" mission is absolutely vital – because it is an integrated mission. In a great way this is portrayed in the ministry of Philip.

'Manna' for today:

One mission!

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To see the unseen – an effect of The Holy Spirit?

NORSK
It is challenging and moving to read Stephen’s address and the effect it had on the listeners:

When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
Acts 7:54-56

With the words ‘but he’, Luke points out the contrast between Stephen and the listeners. Again he stresses that Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit.
That makes a difference:

• The Spirit filled people ‘gaze’ into heaven. 
• They see the glory of God. 
• They see Jesus. 
• They lift their eyes and see a greater picture. 
• They see the unseen, the invisible. 

May be Stephen’s challenge “Look!” was the most provoking word in his testimony? May be the listeners wanted to see, but on their own conditions?

A life surrendered to the Holy Spirit, is also a life where He sets the conditions. That is where I long to be, now, every day!

‘Manna’ for today:

The Holy Spirit reveals the unseen.

-----------------------

Why such anger?

NORSK
I was fascinated by law-studies several years before it was clear that my youngest brother came to choose it as his "career". After he made his choice, my interest has not grown less. The case against Stephen is interesting in all its cruelty. For what was really the cause of the anger and the stoning?

Luke claims that they brought forth "false witnesses" (Acts 6:13-14). But is it possible that they just repeated the interpretation of what they had actually heard - and that it was the interpretation that was completely wrong? Nevertheless, Luke chose to give a full record of the defense-speech. I could go into detail, but I do remember the "glasses" I have on: The speech is about human resistance to the Holy Spirit and the rejection of his advocates throughout history:

You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!
Acts 7:51

When a man resists the Holy Spirit, it's easy to misinterpret a statement such as: the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands (Acts 7:48) - and say that it is an attack on Temple.

When the Holy Spirit also "characterized" by creating unrest because he convicts of sin, it is easy to conclude: "Let us get rid of the source of this unrest"- and of course the "unrest" is often identified with the person who is God's instrument.

In addition, it is important to remember that the Law allowed for the stoning of people who were found guilty of blasphemy.

Spirit-filled people are very often causing unrest even though they do not want to be provocative. It was like that in the Old Testament time. Jesus and the first community of believers experienced it and down through the history of the church we can see it very clearly. And even today it is still the case - and it does not only happen outside the church, but may be even more often inside.

When Stephen "filled with the Holy Spirit" saw "heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God". It was the 'drop that made the stones drop', and Stephen became the first martyr of the church.

'Manna' for today:

The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth.
Therefore he becomes a challenge.

A very special man - or?

NORSK
Every time I read about Stephen I am impressed by his faith and his courage, and it is easy to draw the conclusion that he was a very special man. I am convinced that it is not wrong to think so, but at the same time it's important to realize that he was an ordinary man who was characterized by a very special Spirit.

Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit ... was full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. All who were present in the Council, stared at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Acts 6:5,8,15

When reading how Luke describes Stephen, similar descriptions are linked to heros of the Old Testament, like e.g. Moses:

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.
Exodus 34:29

and Daniel:

Daniel distinguished himself ... because an excellent spirit was in him;
Dan 6:3

I have met such people in my own time as well. They do not need to talk about their faith and the Holy Spirit, for it is so integrated in them, that they cannot hide it. They are generous with grace and they use the power God has given them to transform the lives of others. There is also something with their charisma that makes me convinced that they have been with Jesus. 

Very special people? May be, but that is because of The Holy Spirit!

'Manna' for today:

The Holy Spirit makes people like Jesus

The criterions for leadership

NORSK
Back in the early 80s, I began to develop various educational programs on leadership and have continued doing so down through the years. I have an ambivalent relationship to the theme because I see the viability of the "self-growing seed" - cf. Mark 4:26-29 

- But the harvest is still a result of the fact that someone has taken part both in sowing, watering, caring and harvesting. 

The question is probably not whether we need leadership or not, but what is the most appropriate institutional and organizational structures. The debate should be kept constantly alive. A specific need was the reason for what I believe is the first sign of an "ecclesiastical structure" in the first Christian community: They needed someone to carry the responsibility for practical issues facing the Christian community!

The criteria were clear:

select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom
Acts 6:3

It is interesting that the selection of the deacons has a democratic flavour - a study of the New Testament with "democracy-glasses" would be an exciting project, but this is about criteria for leadership. Candidates need to be:

1. men of good report
2. full of the Spirit
3. full wisdom

It shows how utterly dependent the first church was on the Holy Spirit and that the believers regarded it as a prerequisite for good management.

'Manna' for today:

The Holy Spirit is and gives wisdom

An opposition under the influence of the Holy Spirit?

NORSK
There are many forces working against the word of God and his saving work in the world today. Is there hope that such opposition may be affected by the Spirit, and what then are the signs that it is actually happening?

I can testify that this has happened and that it's going to happen again, but it is even more exciting to see the effect on the council that tried to stop the first disciples evangelizing:

• The Holy Spirit makes the council-members feel guilty:

"You … are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”
Acts 5:28

As mentioned earlier, Jesus prophesied that this was the role of the Holy Spirit – Cf. Joh 16:8. In this verse Jesus does not use the word 'guilt', but 'sin'. These words are not synonyms, but sin causes guilt. All who have received salvation in Christ have also received forgiveness for sin. The Bible confirms this (1), but even so many continue to live with a feeling of guilt. This feeling disappears when a believer sees himself as a new creation in Christ (2). 

According to Jewish tradition the members of the council had received forgiveness for their sins through the sacrifices in the Temple, but now they were filled with guilt. Only Jesus can remove guilt!!!


• The presence of Holy Spirit causes them to doubt their position:
 
I first wrote; "The Holy Spirit causes them to doubt ..."  - but such a statement can be misunderstood. It is the devil who is the source of doubt. The Holy Spirit sows faith, and that same faith will always be in conflict with an opposing position. It was exactly what happened to Gamaliel – at least it was he who put the brakes on, ending a good argument with the following advice:

"Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
Acts 5:39

The Council followed the recommendation, but kept face by whipping the disciples. But in reality they whipped them on!

'Manna' for today: 

People opposed to the gosplel can be influenced by the Holy Spirit

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(1) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sinsand purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
(2) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
(2 Cor 5:17)

A new consciousness

NORSK
It's very exciting to see the new consciousness that characterizes the first disciples. After a miraculous release from prison, and without thinking that "now we have to retreat for a while to calm our nerves", they do as the Holy Spirit told them through an angel: They return to the Temple court and continue to preach and teach.

It shows that they were extremely focused and conscious of the mission - and – the result is a new meeting with the authorities.

The Council had asked them to stop evangelizing, but Peter repeats what he said at the last meeting, and now he has an even stronger consciousness:

"We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."
Acts 5:32

The consciousness that they were not alone is evident in the phrase "We … and the Holy Spirit ... are witnesses" - a phrase that is also used at the important Jerusalem-meeting – but in reverse order "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." - Acts 15:28

'Manna' for today:

I am not alone - it is the Holy Spirit and I

New confirmation

NORSK
Acts 5 is a vivid example of the fact that a life with the Holy Spirit is both exciting and serious. In an amazing way the disciples are confirmed again and again in their ministry – even in the experience of persecution. With the support of the Sadducees, who certainly were keen to stop any preaching of resurrection and eternal life, the priests again had the apostles put in jail - it's possible that this included all twelve 

– “but an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, brought them out and said, 'Go and line up in the temple, and let people hear all this message of life! '”
Acts 5:20

What are the confirming factors?

1) Persecution (see above, "... uneasy they prayed!")
2) An angel came and released them. That they are released by an angel is a confirmation on its own, but the angel also came with three further confirmations of their ministry:
3) They had chosen the right venue = temple, The Porch of Solomon
4) They had chosen the right method = preaching.
5) They had chosen the right message = the message of life.

I think that a lot of the discouragement we see among Christians today is the lack of confirmation. The disciples experienced confirmation because they lived just as radical as Jesus said. Can the choice of how we live as Christians influence the degree of confirmation?

I think the answer is a simple: "Yes!"

'Manna' for today:

Lord, give me courage to live a radical life!

Signs and wonders

NORSK
In a reflection on the effects of the Holy Spirit, signs and wonder are an obvious ingredient:

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people.
Acts 5:12

There are many powerful stories of signs and wonders in Acts. This verse is just a short "summary" – we find several similar summaries in the Gospels relating to the ministry of Jesus. The arena is still Jerusalem, but now the rumors have spread an sick people also come from the neighboring towns. Miracles happened even when the shadow of Peter fell on the sick. However, it is important that this is an effect or result, and not and end in itself. It is a consequence of following Christ:

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well”
Mark 16:17-18

It was Jesus who prophesied this. And when the Holy Spirit came - the believers were reminded of what Jesus had taught.

'Manna' for today:

Signs and wonders are a 'natural' consequence or effect of a life in the Holy Spirit 

To put the Spirit of the Lord to a test

NORSK
Over the past week I have looked at the effects of the Holy Spirit on people. The tragic effect of the Spirit we see in the story of Ananias and Sapphira falling dead because they lied to the Holy Spirit, is as I see it, one of the most dramatic events of the New Testament. 

The story is recorded in Acts 5:1-11. It is hard to understand - maybe impossible, but since it is included in Luke's account, it must have something important to say. 

It is possible to elaborate on several aspects of the story, but here is a short 

List of lessons it teaches me:

1. The disciples were free to keep or sell their property and to give all or parts of the proceeds to the fellowship (Acts 5:4)
2. The Holy Spirit reveals sin (Acts 5:3 - cf John 16:8)
3. To lie to the Holy Spirit is to put the Spirit to a test (Acts 5:9)
4. To put God to a test is satanic strategy (Acts 5:3 - cf Jesus' temptation: Matt 4:7)
5. A conscious choice of a satanic strategy is fatal (Acts 5:5,10)

'Manna' for today:

The kingdom of God is blessed with amazing grace,
with a serious undertone.

The effects of the Holy Spirit on Joseph

NORSK
It could have been an interesting theme for a study of the Old Testament's Josepf, but I am not referring to the son of Jacob, who became 'the savior of Egypt' and was elevated to a high position in the country. Nor does the headling refer to Joseph who had the role as the earthly father of Jesus, but the reference is to Joseph the Levite. 

If the context had not been Acts, I would be surprised if everyone straight away could say: "Oh yes, I know who he is!” - and I do not think it would help if I told that he was from Cyprus. But many of us will know him in by his nickname: Barnabas (1). I guess that he got the name because of the effect of the Holy Spirit on his life.

Still - we know surprisingly little about Barnabas compared to what we know about his companion Paul. He arrives on the scene early, and is one of those who sold a field he owned and brought the money to the community. In his case, I think it was an appropriate and important choice - Acts 4:36-37.

It was Barnabas who believed in Paul introduced him to the apostles - Acts 9:27. Although he was not a “man of the word” in the same way as Paul, he must have made an impression on those who met him. When they were taken to be the gods Zeus and Hermes, it was Barnabas the people took for Zeus, the supreme deity in Roman mythology - Acts 14:12.

Nevertheless, he remains relatively anonymous. But the major lesson I can learn from him is that he always took the weak party. And I firmly believe that to take the side of the weak is an effect of the Holy Spirit.

I see it in at least three episodes in the ministry of Barnabas. The first two have already been mentioned:

1. He sold the field and gave the money to the community that no one should suffer distress.
2. He supported Paul when he was newly saved, vulnerable, persecuted by Jews and suspicion among the Christians.
3. He stood up for John Mark and gave him a second chance after he had left "mission team" on the first journey - Acts 15:36-41.

So - who was Barnabas?

It was he who stood up for the weak! 

No wonder he was called 'son of encouragement'.

'Manna' for today:

 Ta stand up for the weak is an effect of the Holy Spirit

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(1) Barnabas means “son of encouragement”

Signs mere side-effects?

NORSK
Two days ago I wrote: "signs are mere “side effects”". The statement must not be interpreted as though I am averse to physical manifistations as a result of the Holy Spirit's presence. Such side effects of the Holy Spirit  often work as positive confirmations, but my point is that they should never be the goal.

Apart from immediate signs like tongues, sound, wind, fire and shaking, and the long lasting sign og effective preaching mentioned in Acts, t
here are several more effects even in this verse:

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrectionof the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.
Acts 4:32-33

The Christian unity, the experience of being "one in heart and mind", is an effect of the Holy Spirit. One of God's desires is to "gather" (1). As a young man I was fascinated that the first Christians sold their possessions and had everything in common. In a historical perspective, I'm more careful with the idea to sell "house and home", because for many this also meant selling their means of production. But the idea that everything I have belongs to God and thus his kingdom, I think is in line with what the Holy Spirit will work in me. And for some, to sell everything, is what they need to be 100% free. 

The other side effect is "great power". I think the key to the "great power" is seen in the preliminary work of unity. It is great to discover the power in unity in diversity.

But such unity requires hours of preparation and maintenance. We have to be generous towards one another and not give up, and then we will experience even another side effect, which in the quoted verse is described in this way: "God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all."  If I am to be part of the unity that builds God's Kingdom, I must be generous with grace!

'Manna' for today:

One with God, and one with his people

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(1) often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.
Matt 23:37

A holistic prayer-life - for a holistic ministry

NORSK
When I over the past days have 'taken part' in the prayer-meeting in Jerusalem at same time as I have been in a great number of prayer-meetings all over the territory, I have been reminded of the combination of praying in mind and spirit.

In Jerusalam the tense situation had triggered the prayers. But the disciples did not solely pray with their minds into the situation, they were also present in their spirits and their spirits communicated with the Spirit.

In his teaching on the spiritual gifts, Paul writes:

So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.
1 Cor 14:15 

I am convinced that this is important. I believe that God hears all prayers whether they are prayed by mind or spirit; but there is something about the full commitment as expressed in God's word that I must never forget:

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chron 16:9a

And when a teacher of the law asked which of the commandments was the most important, Jesus answered:

'The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
Mark 12:29b-30

The reference to the “oneness” of God is interesting. As He relates to me as “one”, my response to him should also be as “one” with a unity of heart, soul, mind and physical strength. When I am in the presence of the great “I am” – I need to be there with “all that ‘I am’”.

Last week we were able to go with The General to Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia. In all the countries we sang William Himes’ beautiful song, which in a great way expresses the holistic commitment to a holistic ministry, included a holistic prayer-life. I also use the chorus as

‘Manna’ for today:

All that I am, all I can be,
all that I have, all that is me,
accept and use, Lord,
as you would choose, Lord,
right now, today.
Take every passion, every skill,
take all my dreams and bend them to your will.
My all I give, Lord,
for you I’ll live, Lord,
come what may.

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