In a previous post (here), I argued that the Spirit is vital to understanding the Bible. I stand by those words — if you don’t invite Him to “clear your mind, open your eyes and ears” before reading, you’re looking at the party from outside, through a window. Come inside and feast.
I didn’t say nearly enough.
You’ll remember that God is a being comprised of three very distinct persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We tend to “lump” them all together by using the name “God,” and in a sense we are very right in doing so. But don’t forget Jesus’s words to us before He left this earth to be with his Father in Heaven:
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth…. The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14 (NIV)
If you’re not daily — moment-by-moment, really, as we’re to “pray without ceasing” — in touch with the Spirit, you’re not fully “in Christ.” And — hear me on this — that goes not just for your Bible reading and prayer, but your church as well.
Does your church as a fundamental matter of principle and practice invoke the person of the Holy Spirit?
If not, find a new church. He’s that important.