Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

The Spirit for All!

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out might Spirit on all people…” Acts 2v17

It was on this coming Sunday around 33AD, that Peter declared that this promise was fulfilled. God had given it to the prophet Joel around 900 years previously. From both Joel and Peter’s perspective, we are now in the last days – the days of the Holy Spirit poured out. This is our age, our time.

The scope of the pouring is clear – on all people. The Holy Spirit is not limited to the odd one or two, but is poured out regardless of age, status or gender. The only caveat Peter gives is, “Repent and be baptised every one of you  … for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (2v38)

Just now, I dropped my parents off in Tewkesbury. On the way back I listened to the biography of Charles G Finney. He had no religious background, but his study of law led him to the Bible, and his study of the Bible led him to repentance and to seek after God. His seeking of God led to the Holy Spirit coming in power. He was never the same again: the Holy Spirit in him caused revivals in the 1830s and 40s in both the US and the UK, with the impact of those arguably still with us today.

Whoever you are, whatever your status, it is time to seek more of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit today!

With love and blessing,

Roland