Separated Unto the Holy Ghost (Andrew Murray)
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Below is chapter 3 from the book, Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray, a South African
"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen . . . and Saul.
"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
"And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto Seleucia" (Acts 13:1-4).
In the story of our text we shall find some precious thoughts to guide us as to what God would have of us, and what God would do for us. The great lesson of the verses quoted is this: The Holy Spirit is the director of the work of God upon the earth.
This book on practical teaching about the Holy Spirit, is by J.I. Packer, the author of the modern classic, Knowing God. The title comes from the phrase in Galatians 5:25, meaning walking in a line, holding to a rule, thus proceeding under Another’s control. What does it mean to ‘be filled by’ or ‘live in’ or ‘walk in the Spirit’? Spanning various traditions, Reformed, Wesleyan, Keswick, and Charismatic, Packer parses each to find it’s strength and weakness, then blends an understanding of a credible walking in Christ.
The I Believe series, of which Rector Michael Green is the editor, illustrate basic Christian teaching in practical, understandable language.
It is doubtful if, in 1972, those attending one of Jim Cymbala's worship services in a run-down Brooklyn church imagined how generously God would pour His Spirit into their young pastor, and in the process reshape and enliven the physical and spiritual attributes of Brooklyn Tabernacle. More than a history of a church, Fresh Wind is about the dynamic power of God's Spirit to transform those who follow His leading.
