Daily EncouragementSample

So the book of Acts is a record of the continuing work of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. “The Acts of the Holy Spirit” has often been suggested as a more accurate title than “The Acts of the Apostles.” To go through the book and to mark the references to the Spirit is to be persuaded that his view is correct.

The Lord has not left his Church and its work in the world in the hands of men. The Ascension was not a departure in that sense - rather, it opened the way for his omnipresent Spirit to come. True, he appointed apostles, but they were not meant to work on their own - “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). The point of this promise was not mere protection and comfort, but a guarantee that he would be working with them.

He has given gifts to his Church and leaders have emerged, but none has had ultimate charge, for he alone is “the head of the body, the church” (Col. 1:18). And those who lay hands upon her, today as yesterday, find sooner or later that they are up against more than mere human power (Acts 9:4-5).

The church’s wisdom and strength is seen in the extent to which she recognizes the presence and activity of the Spirit of the Lord and operates in humble dependence upon him.